The summer is heating up, which means that the divisional races in both leagues are hotly contested, and the games are becoming a little more important as we draw into the second half of the season.
Two of baseball’s best teams, the Boston Red Sox (53-39) and Chicago Cubs (57-37), find themselves on the short list of top games this weekend. After winning eight of their last ten games (and getting some help from the Yankees), the Red Sox have moved into first place in the AL East. Hanley Ramirez, who clubbed three home runs on Wednesday, has been on a tear, while newcomer Drew Pomeranz disappointed in his start with Boston, although the club did win in his outing. The Cubs hold a seven-game lead in the NL Central despite going 5-5 over the their last ten games, but must beware of the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals, who are always hovering around. An overview of this weekend’s top games, in terms of ticket pricing, is presented below.
7/24 Mariners at Blue Jays I Wade LeBlanc vs JA Happ I Avg. Price: $213.46 I Get-In: $26
The most expensive average ticket price this weekend features a game between the Mariners and Blue Jays. The higher ticket price can be attributed the Kevin Pillar bobblehead giveaway and also, a likely high scoring affair between two powerful lines. LeBlanc (1-0, 3.63 ERA) and Happ (12-3, 3.43 ERA) will square off in this match-up. Happ, who has not lost since June 6th, has won six out of his last starts. Fans that want to go to this game can find tickets on Razorgator, where Mariners vs. Blue Jays tickets have an average ticket price of $213.46, which is the highest average ticket price this weekend.
7/23 Mariners at Blue Jays I Hisashi Iwakuma vs RA Dickey I Avg. Price: $198.46 I Get-In: $24
The second highest average ticket price this weekend features another match-up between Seattle and Toronto. Iwakuma (10-6, 4.01 ERA) will get the ball for Seattle while Dickey (7-10, 4.11 ERA) will look to bounce back after a tough outing in Oakland. Things will not be easy for Dickey since Iwakuma has won four straight starts. Tickets for this game start at $24 on Razorgator, presenting a good value and the lowest get-in price this weekend among this game slate..
7/24 Twins at Red Sox I Tom Milone vs. Rick Porcello I Avg. Price: $191.99 I Get-In: $50
The Twins and Red Sox will square off in a game featuring the third highest average weekend ticket price on Sunday, July 24th. Milone (3-2, 4.71 ERA) will face off against the steady Porcello (12-2, 3.47 ERA). Porcello, who has been one of Boston’s best starters, hasn’t lost a decision since May 17th! The get-in ticket price for this game is $50, which is the third highest get-in ticket price this weekend. Fans driving to the game can find parking options for Fenway Park parking on Parkwhiz.
7/23 Twins at Red Sox I Ricky Nolasco vs. David Price I Avg. Price: $179.91 I Get-In: $51
Another Twins-Red Sox battle makes the list of top ticket prices this weekend. Nolasco (4-8, 5.02 ERA) is starting to pitch better after a tough start to his regular season. Price (9-7, 4.36 ERA) hasn’t had the type of season that fans have hoped for, but pitching the Red Sox to the playoffs will clear all ill-wills. The average ticket price for this game is $179.91, which is the fourth highest average ticket price this weekend.
7/23 Cubs at Brewers I John Lackey vs. Zach Davies I Avg. Price: $161.89 I Get-In: $58
The Chicago Cubs tend to be a big draw wherever they travel. In fact, the Cubs train rolls into Milwaukee for a weekend series against the Brewers. All fans in attendance will receive a Brewers coupon book as part of the promotional schedule. Saturday’s pitching match-up features Lackey (7-6, 3.57 ERA) and Davies (6-4, 3.75 ERA). Lackey hasn’t won a decision since June 8th while Davies has posted even splits on the home and road. The get-in price for this game is $58, which is the highest get-in price this weekend. Fans driving to the game can find parking options for Miller Park parking on ParkWhiz.com.