In the Italian Baseball League week ten will be played this weekend. The pole position is on the line, as T&A San Marino and Unipol Bologna will meet for a three-game series between the two teams, which are currently tied for first place in the standings.
According to the preview on FIBS.it the Titans are a bit banged up, as Henry Bonilla will be skipped on Thursday with Luca Martignoni receiving the start instead with former big leaguer Darwin Cubilan waiting in the bullpen. Ivan Granados and Tiago Da Silva are expected to start games two and three. Additionally catcher Simone Albanese could miss the series. Carlos Duran and Giovanni Pantaleoni cannot play the field and could split designated hitter duties.
Jesus Matos, Cody Cillo and Fabio Betto are the probable starting pitchers for Fortitudo. They will be without Fabio Milano (Tommy John surgery). Edgar Clemente could be limited to the designated hitter spot. Livinston Santaniello however is expected back at second base.
Besides the duel for first place Montepaschi Grosseto hosts Danesi Nettuno, hoping to crack the top four. Cariparma Parma against the North East Knights and Telemarket Rimini versus Novara United will try to sweep their opponents to solidify their playoff spots. Four teams are currently only separated by three games in the battle for third and fourth in the standings.
{mrb-schedule:2011-06-23|2011-06-25|IT}
{mrb-standing:italy-2011}