MLB’s 7 Matinees Mean Short Night’s Sleep for Pirates and Cubs

There are likely to be some tired players on the field this afternoon in Pittsburgh, where the Pirates and Cubs close out their season-opening series.

It took 16 innings and nearly six hours to decide last night's game. Pinch-hitter Tony Sanchez singled in the winning run off Carlos Villanueva at about 1 in the morning, for a 4-3 Pirates victory. Wandy Rodriguez gets the start for the Bucs this afternoon against the Cubs' Jason Hammel.

The Major League Baseball schedule features seven day-games. Things get underway at 12:35 in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, where the Reds are entertaining the Cardinals.

The Marlins and Rockies finish off their series in Miami, while the Washington Nationals are in New York to finish their series with the Mets. The Giants and Diamondbacks complete the National League schedule in Arizona.

The American League has a pair of matinees. Kansas City is at Detroit, while the Minnesota Twins are in Chicago to play the White Sox.

There are four night games in the AL. The Red Sox are in Baltimore, Tampa Bay hosts the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Yankees complete their visit to Houston. Meanwhile, the Mariners are in Oakland to start their series with the Athletics.