Interleague Play - Geographical Matchups / Natural Rivals

Geographical Matchups / Natural Rivals

See also: Major League Baseball rivalries

Several interleague matchups are especially anticipated because of the relative proximity of the teams involved. In the case of each of these "rivalry" matchups, the two teams play four games (two home games and two away games) against each other every year:

  • Baltimore Orioles v. Washington Nationals (Beltway Series)
    • The two teams began playing each other in 2006 and created a geographic rivalry. Prior to this, a geographical rivalry existed between the Expos and the Toronto Blue Jays, as well as the Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies. (see below)
  • Chicago Cubs v. Chicago White Sox (Windy City Series, Crosstown Classic, BP Cup, or Red Line Series)
  • Cincinnati Reds v. Cleveland Indians (Ohio Cup)
  • Kansas City Royals v. St. Louis Cardinals (I-70 Series or Show-Me Series)
  • Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v. Los Angeles Dodgers (Freeway Series)
  • Miami Marlins v. Tampa Bay Rays (Citrus Series) (also the "Marine Biologist" and "Sunshine" Series)
  • Milwaukee Brewers v. Minnesota Twins
    • The Twins and the Brewers were formerly regional rivals in the American League, dating from the Brewers' relocation from Seattle after the 1969 season until the team's realignment into the NL Central for the 1998 season. The two metro areas are connected by Interstate 94. However, the term "I-94 Series" is used almost exclusively to refer to the games played between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs, and interleague contests with the also-former rival Chicago White Sox.
  • New York Mets v. New York Yankees (Subway Series)
  • Oakland Athletics v. San Francisco Giants (Bay Bridge Series or Battle of the Bay)
  • San Diego Padres v. Seattle Mariners
  • Detroit Tigers v. Pittsburgh Pirates

Read more about this topic:  Interleague Play

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