The Lineup: Friday, June 14
If someone's going to the trouble of broadcasting these events, it would be courteous of you to watch them. (All times Eastern.)
Starter
GOLF U.S. Open Second Round, 8:30 a.m. (ESPN 8:30-3, ESPN3 All Day, NBC Sports Live Extra 3-8)
The NBA and NHL are taking the night off to save themselves for those sweet, sweet weekend ratings. Be prepared to get home from work with a DVR full of Stephen A. Smith if ESPN is forced to fill more delays with SportsCenter reruns.
Reserves
MLB San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves, 7:30 p.m. (MLB Network)
Last time out, Braves starting pitcher Kris Medlen did this for the first time ever in his pro career:
It seems only logical that he'll crack another one tonight against the struggling Madison Bumgarner, who has given up four, five and three runs in his last three outings, respectively.
BOXING Friday Night Fights: Juan Carlos Payano vs. Jundy Maraon, 9:00 p.m. (ESPN2)
Nobody that you know knows how good Maraon is, as he's only fought outside of the Philippines once in his career. Both of the fighters are undefeated, so this bout could be dominated by one of the guys, or the other, or fall somewhere in between those outcomes. Exhilarating stuff.
MMAWorld Series of Fighting 3, 11:00 p.m. (NBC Sports & NBC Sports Live Extra)
NBC Sports lost to Fox in a bidding war for the UFC in 2011; their consolation prize was the WSOF, which airs its third-ever event tonight. The favorite in the headliner, Jon Fitch, was unceremoniously booted from the UFC in Feb. Now Fitch faces the well-traveled Josh Burkman, who he beat with a rear naked choke in 2006:
It's a classic grappler vs. striker bout. Strategy versus brute force. Guile versus aggression. All metaphors for life.
Deep Bench:
CRICKET ICC Cricket Trophy: South Africa vs. West Indies, 5:a.m. (ESPN3)
