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Top Five Live: Baseball Heats Up in the Summer & the British Open is Back

July 20, 2017 by Nate Leave a Comment

There is no question that baseball is the sport of the summer. With the MLB season’s second half underway, every game means so much more. Rivalries get more intense, and playoff races get tighter by the day. Two classic rivalries are featured in this week’s Top Five Live.

Although the UFC is taking over the combat sports scene, boxing is attempting to make a comeback. However, over the past couple decades WWE has remained a constant in the fighting and entertainment industry. The UFC is on a roll that will continue through the rest of July, but Monday night belongs to the WWE.

Lastly, the British Open takes over the weekend from Thursday to Sunday. Every course that hosts the British Open is steeped in golf history, and this week will no different. Let’s cross the pond and get started at Royal Birkdale.

British Open – Royal Birkdale – 7/20 to 7/23

For as much as golf has grown in popularity in the U.S., its most avid fan base can be found in Europe. Scotland is credited as the birthplace of golf, so any time the British Open comes around, fans from the United Kingdom flock to the course to see the best in the world compete. This year, the historic Royal Birkdale in Southport, England will host the year’s third major. Royal Birkdale is a challenging course, and the list of British Open champions here are some of the best players in the history of the sport. Winners include: Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson and Padraig Harrington.

In Europe, the most popular style of golf is played on a links course. This means that there is no surrounding woods or forest areas and the course is relatively flat. This makes the course sound easy; however, the flat course combined with the location close to the Atlantic Ocean allows for the elements to come in to play. Additionally, rain and wind are usually always part of the British Open whether they are invited or not. Bunkers also come in to play on every hole on this course.

The players that are likely to contend are Henrik Stenson, defending British Open Champion, and Brooks Koepka, winner of the U.S. Open back in June. Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth are other contenders that will be looking to turn their season’s around after a lack luster first half. At tournaments such as these, it seems that history is made every year. The British Open is one tournament you won’t want to miss.

Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays – Fenway Park – 7/20

The Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays have been putting on a show for fans at Fenway Park this week. The teams have had two intense match ups on Monday and Tuesday of this week, with Toronto winning the opener 4-3 and the Red Sox striking back 5-4 the night after. Hanley Ramirez’s remarkable home run flew out of the ball park in the 15th inning for a walk off win.

As leaders in the AL East, the Red Sox have come out in the second half and just played okay. There seems to be no rhythm, and the wins they have been able to put together have been by slim margins. With the Yankees making a blockbuster trade to acquire thirdbaseman Todd Frazier, the pressure is on the Red Sox to start producing or make a move. Their offense has a few cornerstones, but has been unable to maintain their consistency. A big start from newcomer Doug Fister would give the team a boost and the opportunity for the bats to start producing.

Toronto is just focused on the next game at this point in the season. They have some work to do, but are still well within reach of a Wild Card playoff spot. The Blue Jays offense suffers from a similar problem as the Red Sox. Inconsistent play has frustrated the fan base, and they are in the bottom third of most important offensive categories in the league.

In other words, both teams need sparks heading in to the later parts of the season, and winning the finale of this four game series could be the answer.

UFC Fight Night: Chris Weidman vs. Kelvin Gastelum – Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum – 7/22

This summer, the UFC is putting on event after event. The list of enticing match ups has fans of the sport excited, especially the upcoming UFC Fight Night this Saturday night in Long Island. Hometown favorite Chris Weidman is headlining the main event along with rising star Kelvin Gastelum. Both fighters are at crossroads in their career, only adding to the hype surrounding the bout.

Chris Weidman, once the king of the middleweight division, has been beaten decisively in his last three bouts. After winning 13 straight to start his career, Weidman has been knocked out by Luke Rockhold, Yoel Romero and Gegard Mousasi. He is still the #5 contender in the division, but will have to prove he still belongs in the top flight of the division with a much needed win against Kelvin Gastelum.

Gastelum had a productive 2016, going 2-0 and establishing himself in the division. However, a no contest and a suspension in 2017 has left fans and experts in doubt of what the next step for Gastelum is. He has all the tools to be a successful fighter in the UFC, and is much younger and fresher than Weidman. Experience is always huge factor in the UFC, but we’ll see if raw talent can overcome that in this upcoming fight. Gastelum is currently ranked 8th in the Middleweight division. A win for either of these fighters most likely positions them one more win away from the title conversation.

The other fight drawing attention is in the Featherweight division. Dennis Bermudez versus Darren Elkins will be a match up that pits two experience veterans against each other. Elkins comes in with the better form, but Bermudez has all the tools to win the match. Another classic night in the UFC is expected.

Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals – Wrigley Field – 7/23

One of the longest standing rivalries in baseball is the is getting renewed this week. The upcoming series for the Cubs and Cardinals should be particularly potent. Both teams are firmly entrenched in the race for a wild card play off spot and the division lead. The Cubs currently have the upper hand on the Cardinals, but both teams are looking up at the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.

The Chicago Cubs have seem to have righted the ship since they started this season with an understandable World Series hangover. Their current six game win streak has help considerably, as they seemed to have flipped the switch midway through the season. One aspect that would increase their playoff chances is an improved from their starting pitchers. Currently Jon Lester leads the starters with an incredibly average ERA of 4.07. Jake Arrieta leads the team with 9 wins. Most clubs have a pitcher or two in double digits at this point in the season. The Cubs realized their shortcomings and acquired Jose Quintana from their crosstown rivals, the Chicago White Sox. His debut did not disappoint.

On the other hand, the pitching staff for the Cardinals is their strong suit. With Adam Wainwright, Michael Wacha, Lance Lynn and Carlos Martinez, the Cardinals feel great about their starting pitching every night. Wainwright is a gamer with incredible stuff, and has tallied 11 wins this season. Carlos Martinez is an eccentric flamethrower that leads the with 133 strikeouts.

In the upcoming series, each team’s best pitchers will take the hill. Martinez vs. Arrieta, Wainwright vs. Lester and Wacha vs. Quintana are the projected starters for this pivotal NL Central showdown.

WWE: Monday Night Raw – Verizon Center – 7/24

Are you ready to rumble? Monday Night Raw in Washington, D.C. promises to be one of the best nights of the summer. A huge arena with greats fans coupled with a star-studded line up has fans excited.

Champions will be in the arena to showcase their skills, as well as some of the biggest names in Raw. Alexa Bliss and Bayley are slated to square off for the women’s division in Raw. Bliss is the current champion, but Bayley is a former champion looking to reclaim her belt.

WWE Raw fans will also be able to witness one of the biggest rivalries that has developed in recent years. The Miz vs. Dean Ambrose is a match that every Raw fan can’t wait to see. They have been trading the Intercontinental Championship belt, with The Miz being the current owner. Dean Ambrose won’t stop until he gets back.

An epic fight from Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman is likely to ensue as well at the Verizon Center on Monday night as well. Appearances from Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt, Samoa Joe and the Hardy Bros are also expected. Find your cheap WWE tickets here for this must-see performance on Monday night.

International Champions Cup: The Five Fixtures Soccer Fans Need to See

July 19, 2017 by Nate Leave a Comment

For soccer fans in North America, the International Champions Cup is one of the most exciting events of the year. All of the best talent in the world heads to the states for a week and a half to put on as show as they warm up for their upcoming seasons.

The exhibition style of play lends itself to a less serious game, but also serves as an opportunity for players to bring a flare to the game that is rarely seen when the games get more intense.

With some of the best players in the world heading to the biggest cities in the U.S., it is a win-win for all parties involved. View the complete ICC schedule here to see if these world-class players and teams are heading to a city near you. Here are the five best fixtures that everyone is trying to get tickets for.

Manchester United vs. Manchester City – NRG Stadium in Houston, TX – 7/20

To kick things off in the ICC this summer, a rivalry between two of the best in the English Premier League is exactly what soccer fans wanted to see. A rivalry that is comparable to the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees will have fans exited to head to NRG Stadium for this classic clash. Both teams made changes to their roster in an effort to reclaim the EPL crown claimed by Chelsea this past season.

For Manchester City the goal was to get younger. Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz and England’s Kyle Walker will fill a need at right back. Both players are young, talented and quick. All essential assets to have when playing for Pep Guardiola, the Man City manager. Man City is mostly known for their style of play which includes finesse and quick ball movement. These two players will fit right in with the already star-studded line up.

On the other hand, Manchester United has made the biggest signing of the transfer window thus far. Ex-Chelsea and Everton star Romelu Lukaku was the top forward on the market, and many teams made a run at signing him. It seemed that he would return to Chelsea, the team that gave him his first shot, but the Belgian International star chose Manchester United.

Only 24 years of age, Lukaku is ready to enter his prime. He netted 25 goals for Everton last season, proving that he warrants the big money that Man U paid him. It only took him 38 minutes to showcase why he was brought in.

However, Manchester United’s fan base is one of the most critical in the sport. With many Americans following Manchester United, the bright lights and speculation will begin during the International Champions Cup.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Tottenham Hotspur – Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL – 7/22

The next match on tap will feature some of the most talented rosters in all of Europe. Paris Saint-Germain has dominated in recent years in France. Tottenham is on track for their first title in over 50 years if they can continue their impressive play in 2017.

The biggest headline in this match will be whether or not Neymar is suiting up for PSG or if he will stay at Barcelona. Recent reports have linked the Brazilian superstar and the French club. The deal would be for a record fee, and Neymar is ready to step out of Messi’s shadow. There is no bad blood between player and club. Neymar is just ready to be the star of the team rather than be on a team full of all-stars. On PSG, he will be in the discussion for the Ballon d’Or, something he was unlikely to accomplish with Messi, a five-time winner, on his team.

Neymar would be joining Dani Alves, his Brazilian teammate, who also made the move from Barcelona to PSG this summer. This could be Neymar’s debut based on how quickly the move gets done. This is still all speculation at this point, but if true, this game just got a lot more interesting.

Neymar and Tottenham’s Harry Kane have cemented themselves as premiere players in soccer on a global scale. A match up between the two would be a treat for soccer fans in America.

Barcelona vs. Manchester United – FedEx Field in Landover, MD – 7/26

For fans across the world, Barcelona and Manchester United are the two most recognizable football clubs. With legions of fans everywhere, this will be one of the most passionately played games in the International Champions Cup. Both teams are prepping for a big season, and would love to prove they are the most prolific soccer team on American soil.

The expected crowd for this match up is massive, and is the main reason why this game is being played at the one of the largest ICC venues in 2017. It will be hard for players to act like this is a preseason match up with prestige and bragging rights on the line.

The potential match ups on the field are the most enticing factor about this particular fixture. On offense for Manchester United, they will be feeding new man Romelu Lukaku as much as possible. His size, speed and nose for goal is hard to top. Gerard Pique is a cunning veteran that will use every trick in the book to stay with Lukaku. In the midfield, diminutive Andres Iniesta will look even smaller next to Paul Pogba. However, what Iniesta lacks in size he makes up for in creativity. Expect the best passes in the game to come from these two.

Lastly, Lionel Messi versus the entire Man U defense will be a match up to watch. It always takes more than one man to stop Messi, so Man U will have to keep an eye on him throughout the entire match.

Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur – Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN – 7/29

With the hype surrounding the “El Clasico” match up as well Manchester United, this game is slightly going under the radar. After an impressive 93 point season, there was no need for the champions Chelsea to overspend in the transfer window. With that in mind, Tottenham (runners-up) and Man City finishing third, these two teams have looked to improve and close the gap.

Harry Kane and Dele Alli have quickly become one of the best on-field duo’s in all of soccer. Their wizardry on the ball and in the box led Tottenham to a second place finish for the first since 1963. They will be looking to continue their chemistry and finally win the first Premier League title for Spurs since 1961.

Although, surrounding teams have made big splashes, Tottenham is keen on not overspending. If any moves are on the horizon, it will be creative wing players or young defenders.

As mentioned earlier, Kyle Walker was persuaded to join Manchester City rather than stay at Tottenham. Tensions will rise during the EPL season, but expect a mild reunion in the International Champions Cup. Walker will still try to keep his old teammates off of the score sheet. However, he knows first hand just how dynamic Tottenham’s offense is.

Both of these teams see each other as their biggest competition. Expect a lot of back-and-forth offense in this one. Each team will look to head in to the season with the upper hand on the other.

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid – Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL – 7/29

We had to save the best for last. Fans from all corners of North America will be heading to Miami to witness history. Known as “El Clasico,” the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is unparalleled. The game could feature Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, soccer’s biggest stars over the last decade, and fans could not be more excited. The two dribbling magicians will effortlessly put on a show for the fans.

Additionally, each team will bring their talented rosters overseas to satisfy their fans that cheer them on from across the Atlantic Ocean. Stars from Barcelona making the trip include Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta. Real Madrid will also let Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos loose during this exhibition tournament.

The last aspect that makes this game so exciting is that is taking place in Miami, FL at the beautiful Hard Rock Stadium. With a large Latin population and an affinity for the culture throughout the area, the city has definitely embraced these two clubs that are based out of Spain. The atmosphere will be unmatched by any other fixture in the International Champions Cup, and tickets are must-have.

This could be the last chance for soccer fans in North America to witness Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo square off while still playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid. You won’t want to miss this one or the rest of the 2017 ICC action!

Top Five Live: Red, White & Blue…and Green Highlight This Week’s Action

July 13, 2017 by Nate Leave a Comment

As summer heats up, so does the intensity of every major sport across the world. In New England, baseball’s biggest rivalry gets renewed as the Red Sox host the Yankees in a pivotal series after the All-Star Break.

Meanwhile, in England, Wimbledon is shaping up to be an extremely memorable tournament as usual. The men’s and women’s champ could both be over the age of 35, speaking to the fact that Roger Federer and Venus Williams are aging like wine.

USA soccer’s quest for the Gold Cup is still in tact, while Big3 basketball and International Champions Cup soccer are ready to get under way.

Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees – Fenway Park, 7/15

Night and day. That is the difference that Red Sox and Yankees players will be feeling this weekend. A few days ago they were teammates on the American League All-Star Roster, and right after the break these two heated rivals are back at it.

For the Boston Red Sox, the All-Star Game was a success. Chris Sale started the game and pitched two scoreless innings. Mookie Betts flashed the leather and strong arm by making a double play from deep center field. Closer Craig Kimbrel pitched an interesting ninth inning, but it was enough to get the win.

The Yankees’ All-Stars didn’t make the biggest impact during the game, but their presence was felt during the Home Run Derby on Monday Night. Gary Sanchez ousted Giancarlo Stanton, the favorite heading in to the competition. If you haven’t heard about Aaron Judge’s performance in the Home Run Derby then you came to the right spot. After 23 home runs in Round 1, Judge mashed his way to the title, becoming the first rookie to win the competition.

Both teams need to snap out of the All-Star Break mentality as quick as possible. With such a tight race for the lead in the AL East, this upcoming four game series is pivotal. Chris Sale will take the mound for the Red Sox and look to build on his Cy Young case. Aaron Judge will bring the gavel to Fenway Park and look to help the Yanks close the gap on the Red Sox as they currently trail the division leaders by 3 1/2 games.

United States vs. Nicaragua – CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Stage – First Energy Stadium, 7/15

After a roller coaster win against Martinique, the United States Men’s National Team can rest a little bit easier. There is still work to do but the pressure is considerably lower heading in to their final group stage match against Nicaragua. Nicaragua has yet to win a point in this competition, so the United States will seemingly have their easiest game for last.

Without their veteran leaders on the squad, this young United States roster is proving they belong. Players such as Gyasi Zardes, Alejandro Bedoya, Omar Gonzalez and Brad Guzan have been pivotal elements of the USMNT squad. The star of the show, and the likely reason that the USA team is advancing is Jordan Morris. Morris was a college star and former MLS Rookie of the Year. He is now beginning to find his footing for his national team, and the timing is impeccable.

Morris scored the second and third goal for the United States Wednesday night, and both proved to be pivotal. Martinique proved to be a feisty opponent. USA built a two goal lead, but within fifteen minutes, Martinique leveled the score. A beautiful give-and-go between Gyasi Zardes and Jordan Morris led to the third, and game-winning goal for the stars and stripes.

The team will need to ride this confidence in the final group stage against a weaker opponent. The USA team let Martinique hang around, build confidence, and as a result the game was much tougher than it needed to be. Make that same mistake twice, and it could haunt the U.S.

Big3 Basketball – Wells Fargo Center, 7/16

Big3 Basketball is…bigger than I expected. The retired NBA players are putting on a show that fans in cities across the country are appreciating. The half-court, first to 50 format keeps the game short, close and exciting.

The bullies in the Big3 thus far are embodying the style of play displayed by their coach in his prime. During the lates 80s and early 90s no one wanted to mess with Rick Mahorn. Now he is leading the team Trilogy, and they have a trio of players that are hard to deal with in this league. Rashad McCants, Al Harrington and Kenyon Martin have led Trilogy to 3-0, good enough for first place in the league. Three teams are hot on their heels, and are also playing with past NBA stars who still have something left in the tank.

Power is 2-1, and with a scoring punch from Corey Maggette and Cuttino Mobley they are never out of the game. Mike Bibby is running the show for the Ghost Ballers while Rashard Lewis’ jumper is the catalyst for the 3-Headed Monsters.

Ghost Ballers will square off against Power this upcoming weekend. A good test for both teams who are currently in the playoff race. Trilogy will take on the last place team Tri-State at the Wells Fargo Center this weekend as well. Tri-State is looking for their first win while Trilogy wants to stay undefeated.

The Championships at Wimbledon – Finals Weekend, 7/16

There are fewer lawns that are more iconic than the ones that are closely mown at the All England Club. The host of the Wimbledon Championships in London, England, this venue has seen some of the most iconic moments in tennis.

In the women’s draw the storylines are riveting even without Serena Williams being in the tournament. Her older sister Venus has returned to her winning ways at Wimbledon and has made a deep run in the tournament. The five-time champ is handling personal strife and professional stress with grace. The Wimbledon crowd is getting behind their homegrown talent Johanna Konta. These two talented ladies squared off in the semifinals, but Venus was able to display her world class ability even at age 37. The win in straight sets will give her confidence heading in to the final.

Garbine Muguruza, a former French Open champion and Wimbledon finalist, is looking to add to her legacy as well. She easily breezed through her side of the draw capped off by an impressive 6-1, 6-1 win in the semifinals.

On the other hand, the men’s draw is just as interesting. The greatest tennis player of all-time is still swinging. Roger Federer outlasted his peers, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal, and is the only member of “The Big Four” to advance to the semifinals. Fed will take on journeyman Tomas Berdych, a talented player who has yet to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

This will be one of the best opportunities in Berdych’s career, but he will have the GOAT in his way. Berdych made the finals in 2010, and beat Federer and Djokovic on the way there, but lost to Nadal in the finals.

On the other side of the men’s draw, Marin Cilic is blasting his serves past all opponents, while Sam Querrey is the first American male to reach a major semifinal since Andy Roddick in 2009. Federer is the clear favorite but this tournament has been so unpredictable to this point.

International Champions Cup – Paris St. Germain vs. AS Roma – Comerica Park, 7/19

The wait is finally over! The International Champions Cup is one of the most anticipated events of every summer for soccer fans in the U.S. Only the best clubs in the world make the trip to American soil as they prepare for their upcoming domestic seasons. The initial match up features two teams that will look to start the season strong as they were both runners-up in their respective leagues. Paris St. Germain placed second in the top division in France while AS Roma finished behind Juventus in Italy last season.

The game will have a relaxed vibe due to the preseason aspect, but the talent will still be on display. The beautiful Comerica Park in Detroit, MI. will host the event, and the stadium should be packed with excited fans.

Paris St. Germain’s star on display will Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan striker is quietly one of the best finisher’s in Europe. His supporting cast includes French International star Blaise Matuidi and one of the best up-and-coming playmakers, Julian Draxler of Germany.

AS Roma is led by Italian hero Daniele De Rossi and striker Eden Dzeko. With so much talent on one field this game will be must-see. There should be plenty of skillful play and beautiful goals.

The complete ICC schedule is available now at TicketNetwork as this match up is the first of many classics in the International Champions Cup.

All videos courtesy of YouTube.

Top Five Live: MLB All-Star Game Shines Brightest This Week in Sports

July 6, 2017 by Nate Leave a Comment

Although some of the major sports have been winding down in recent weeks, there is a still a variety of events going down this weekend. Baseball, soccer, martial arts and wrestling are all taking the spotlight. The MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby will end an exciting week in sports, but let’s see what’s on tap ahead of that.

WWE: Live – SummerSlam Heatwave Tour – Madison Square Garden, 7/7

As the SummerSlam Heatwave Tour progresses, the matches only continue to get bigger. WWE super stars take to the ring to display their skills. Fans could not be more excited to head to Madison Square Garden. Some of the promotion’s best wrestlers are heading to MSG for the first time in their careers, so fans and wrestlers alike are ready for a great show.

As of now, there are four title fights scheduled to take place at MSG including the WWE Intercontinental Championship Match and the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship Match.

In addition to that, Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt will take center stage at MSG for the first time in their careers. Seth Rollins, another big star in the WWE, will have his work cut out for him against the mammoth Samoa Joe.

However, one match that everyone is looking forward to is the tag team match with the title on the line. Cesaro and Sheamus are the current champions in Raw, but the belt is in jeopardy on Friday night. The high-flying Hardy Bros. – a fan favorite – will look to secure the belt in epic fashion in front of fans at MSG.

The main event will be the WWE Intercontinental Championship Match between Dean Ambrose and The Miz. Both men have been champions before, so they know what it takes to get the job done. Can Ambrose pull off the upset or will The Miz retain his title? Find out by securing WWE tickets to this must-see event.

CONCACAF Gold Cup – United States vs. Panama – Nissan Stadium, 7/8

All is right in the world for the United States Men’s National Team…for now. The roller coaster year that has been 2017 is currently seeing USMNT on the rise. After letting go of Jurgen Klinsmann and rehiring Bruce Arena, a spark has been ignited for the entire squad.

The team’s World Cup Qualifying got a shot in the arm with a recent win and tie. Also, a win over their new rival Ghana in an International Friendly has given young players confidence. All this adds up to a confident squad heading in to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Christian Pulisic has soccer fans excited as he is clearly the next star for the United States. The 18-year-old currently has the Midas touch whenever he takes the field. Whether it be goals or assists, Pulisic comes up with the magic when the US team needs it the most.

On top of that, Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey are veterans nearing the end of their careers. However, based on their recent form you would never know it. Bradley is the offense’s orchestrator and the first line of defense. Dempsey and Altidore are some of the best goal scorers this nation has ever seen.

Their first round match up in the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Panama will be a stern test, but one they are ready for. Panama’s team is young and energetic although they do lack a bit of experience. The United States will be playing in front of a raucous crowd at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN., and will need to take care of business in their first match.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Kansas City Royals – Dodger Stadium, 7/9

Baseball in the summer in L.A.?! Doesn’t get much better than that. On top of that, Dodgers fans will get to see one of the best pitchers of all-time take the mound as the team heads to the All-Star break.

Clayton Kershaw will be keen on sending the Dodger fans home happy with another superb start. Kershaw is 13-2 this season, with an impressive 2.19 ERA. He has been the one constant for the Dodgers over the last five seasons, and if there’s anything that L.A. can count on, it’s Kershaw.

There is some new talent bursting on to the scene out West that has helped the Dodgers take the division lead in the NL West. Shortstop Corey Seager is easily the team’s most well-rounded player. Also, Rookie of the Year Candidate Cody Bellinger is only 21, but can’t stop hitting home runs for the Dodgers. This three-headed monster might be the answer for the Dodgers to finally start tasting some postseason success.

The Kansas City Royals are still proving the naysayers wrong. After their Cinderella season in 2014 that finished in a loss to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series, many people expected their success to be one and done. However, they stuck to that formula and ended up becoming World Series Champions just a season later. Now in 2017, the same core is still kicking and the Royals are making a playoff push once again. Led by Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain and a dynamite bullpen, the Royals are a tough opponent for any team.

UFC 213: Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko – T-Mobile Arena, 7/8

The summer of 2017 will have a huge impact on the UFC promotion going forward. Title rematches, stars returning to fight and new fighters looking to make a name for themselves every fight will all be staples of the upcoming summer. After the wild success of UFC 212, UFC 213 will have epic fights to live up to. Fortunately, the card is stacked. With both men and women well represented on this card, let’s break down some of the biggest fights.

The first enticing match up is the trilogy between Heavyweight contenders Fabricio Werdum and Alistair Overeem. However, this will be the first time these two heavyweight legends will square off in the UFC. After splitting the first two bouts, both will be looking for a decisive win in this series. This fight will be monumental for both of their careers as they near the end of their MMA days. Werdum will be looking to secure his #1 contender spot for a shot at the belt, while #3 Overeem will look to a get rematch with Stipe Miocic for the title.

The co-main event is where things start to get even more interesting. Robert Whittaker is the upstart in the division that will take on the tough Yoel Romero. The bout is officially being labeled as an interim title fight. Simply put the winner of this fight will take on the winner of champion Tyron Woodley and contender Demian Maia. Whittaker is a powerful fighter, striking and defense are areas of strength. Romero, is a human rubber band. The former Olympic gold medalist is amazing on the ground, and is physique is that of a 20-year-old not a 40-year-old.

The night is capped off by another Women’s Bantamweight title fight between Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko. 16 months ago, Nunes retained her belt against Shevchenko in a very close fight that went three rounds. They are clearly the most talented fighters in this division, so this might not be the last time we see these two fighters square off.

MLB All-Star Game Festivities – Marlins Ballpark, 7/10, 7/11

Now the fun begins. The MLB All-Star Game has a rich tradition in the sport, and this year promises to be another special event. In conjunction with the Home Run Derby, the MLB All-Star Game is always an exciting time for the game’s best players to showcase their skills. This year, the MLB All-Star Game will head to Marlins Ballpark in the beautiful Miami, FL.

In the National League one story is grabbing headlines. Giancarlo Stanton will be representing the hometown team, as the slugger has had a superb year for the Miami Marlins. He will play in the game as well as try to defend his title in the Home Run Derby. He has dedicated this whole season to former Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, who died this off season after crashing his boat. Stanton has done a stellar job honoring his late friend, and the trend should continue this week.

For the American League’s MLB All-Star Game lineup, the showstoppers include a couple of young rivals. Mookie Betts of the Red Sox and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees both earned starting spots in the outfield. Betts is a five-tool player. So close to winning the AL MVP last season, he is picking up right where he left off with another impressive season both offensively and defensively. Judge is nearly leading in all three categories of the Triple Crown – average, home runs and RBI – one of the hardest accomplishments in the sport.

Both MLB All-Star Game rosters have plenty of pitching as well. Strike out savant Chris Sale will represent the Red Sox for the A.L. Max Scherzer will be looking to do the same while representing the Nationals for the N.L.

College World Series: Stars of the Future Fight for a Championship Now

June 14, 2017 by Nate

The road to Omaha is a rigorous one. After a lengthy regular season, college baseball’s best players gear up for an opportunity to be crowned champion at the College World Series. Like every season, the final eight teams head to Omaha, Nebraska, the mecca of college baseball.

This year in particular, there will be an interesting mix of national powerhouses and underdogs looking to make a run at the title. Three of the eight teams would be considered college baseball royalty, as they of the teams have combined to win 12 national championships. Oregon State, Cal State Fullerton and LSU will be the favorites due to their championship pedigree. However, there will plenty of other challengers that can take home the title.

Florida State has made the tournament more than any other team in the field (22) while Louisville is only making their fourth appearance in Omaha. With that being said, both will be striving to win their first national championship. Florida, TCU and Texas A&M round out the field of teams that qualified for the College World Series in Omaha.

The double elimination format allows teams to lose a game, but still be alive in this tournament. The winner’s bracket is clearly smoother sailing, but only when two teams qualify for the championship does the match up become a three game series.

Oregon State Beavers vs. Cal State Fullerton Titans

Oregon State will feel like the championship is their’s to lose. After going 54-4 in the regular season, you’d be hard-pressed to find a team that can compete with the pitching staff of Oregon State. They have an arsenal of future MLB talent, and will be hard to handle for Cal State Fullerton.

Drew Rasmussen was a first round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays and Jake Thompson has logged over 100 inning with a tremendous ERA of 1.52. These two will likely combine to shut down a number of opponents in Omaha.

The Titans will have to ride the wave of momentum they have conjured up heading in to this tournament. They lost their first game of the Super Regional, but rallied to win the next two games over Long Beach State. Cal State Fullerton will need to manufacture runs early to have any chance against Oregon State. They are 25-9 when scoring first and their closer is a perfect 15/15 on save opportunities.

Louisville Cardinals vs. Texas A&M Aggies

In this first round match up, all eyes will be on Player of the Year candidate Brendan McKay. A truly remarkable talent, college baseball hasn’t seen a player like McKay in a long time. The ace of the pitching staff as well as the power bat in the line up, McKay goes out and performs everyday.

Brendan McKay the pitcher is 10-3 with a 2.34 ERA. The lefty is clearly tough to hit, with a powerful heater to go along with the rest of his arsenal. Brendan McKay the hitter is hitting for an impressive .343 average with 17 homers. Texas A&M will have their hands full with the fourth overall pick in the MLB draft.

The one thing A&M can lean on is their impressive attitude late in games. Throughout the season and Super Regional the team never gave up. Their impressive wins include a 15-inning marathon win and erasing a 6-run deficit in another. Louisville will likely jump out to a lead in this one, but they can’t relax until the final out.

Florida State Seminoles vs. Louisiana State Tigers

FSU vs. LSU will be one of the most intriguing match ups in the first round. With a combined 40 appearances in the CWS, neither of these programs are strangers to Omaha. Coming through in the clutch when it matters most might be a different story.

Florida State has yet to capitalize on any of their 22 appearances. The locker room might be feeling the pressure of season’s past and their team’s inability to deliver a championship. Head coach Mike Martin will do his best to keep his team focused. Martin is in his 38th season with almost 2,000 wins to his credit. Star shortstop Taylor Walls will lead the Seminoles attack to get this legendary coach his first national title.

As for LSU, they are playing some of the best baseball in the country. Riding a 16-game winning streak, the Tigers like their chances to win the whole thing. With five players batting over .300, this line up is potent. They are led by Greg Deichmann, an Oakland Athletics draft pick, who smacked 19 home runs this season. Also, Antoine Duplantis and Kramer Roberston paced the team with 83 hits a piece. This is a hard to team to get out, and Deichmann usually capitalizes with runners on.

Florida Gators vs. Texas Christian University Horned Frogs

On paper, this looks like the most evenly matched game in the first round. Both schools have high draft picks on their team that will likely be future pros. Both teams have tallied 47 wins this season. Finally, both teams made the trip to Omaha last season and will be looking to improve upon last year’s finish at the College World Series. Not to mention, TCU has made it four years in a row now, so their seniors are hungry.

In this game, there is one particular match up that sticks out that will likely decide the game. Two futures pros will square off a few times in this one, and whichever one can capitalize might be the key to his team’s victory.

Alex Faedo of Florida (7-2 this season), was drafted 18th overall by the Detroit Tigers. Skoug, the TCU catcher, was a selected a few rounds later by the Chicago White Sox. Both will hope to be future pro’s one day, but they want to take care of business in Omaha first. Skoug will look to demolish a few balls in to the bleachers while Faedo will try to work his way around Skoug to prevent or extinguish any TCU rally.

Upsets, home runs, dominant pitching, late rallies and lots of drama, the College World Series usually has it all! Head to Omaha this summer to see the next generation of stars leave it all out on the field for the college team one last time.