Looking for new ways to spice up the MLB All-Star Game? How about instead of including the National League, just having a split-squad American League scrimmage?The AL's 4-3 triumph extended their 13-game unbeaten streak which dates back to 1996. The losing pitcher for the American League the last time the NL won an All-Star game? Charles Nagy.
In the spirit of the American League's dominance over their National League counterparts, I took a look at the most lopsided rivalries in recent history:
USC vs. Notre Dame (football)
The Irish haven’t won since Pete Carroll’s first year at the helm in 2001. Outside of a 34-31 USC win in 2005, the scores have been 44-13, 45-14, 41-10, 44-24, 38-0, 38-3 - that's a composite score of 42-11 in favor of the Trojans.
Ohio State vs. Michigan (football)
Since Jim Tressel took over, the Buckeyes have dominated the series, winning five straight and 7 of the last 9. This has especially been magnified in the last two meetings, where Michigan has been outscored 56-10.
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Steelers vs. Browns
One of the fiercest rivalries in sports has been very one-sided over the past decade. Since coming back into existence in 1999, the Browns are just 3-18 against Pittsburgh. The Steelers have won 11 straight in the series, and eight straight in Cleveland.
Roger Federer vs. Andy Roddick
Federer has been dominant over just about everybody except Rafael Nadal, but no player has felt his wrath more than Roddick. Federer has beaten A-Rod in 19 of their 21 career meetings, including all four Grand Slam Final meetings and all eight matchups in Grand Slam play overall. Both of Roddick’s wins have come in lower-level tournaments in Montreal and Miami.
North Carolina vs. Duke (basketball)
Carolina has won 7 of the last 9 meetings and four straight at Cameron Indoor, where Tyler Hansbrough never lost. Adding insult to injury, Carolina has also won two titles and gone to three Final Fours in that time, while Duke hasn’t advanced past the Sweet 16.
Nothing like a good old UNC/Duke slap fight
Kentucky vs. Indiana (basketball)
As much as it pains me to say, UK has taken full advantage of IU's decline from powerhouse program in the early 90's to what it is today. The Wildcats have taken 14 of the last 18 meetings and beaten some very good IU teams along the way including Calbert Cheaney's 1992-93 team that was #1 throughout the season, and the 2001-02 National Finalist squad.
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Honorable mention: Purdue vs. Indiana (football), Pistons vs. Pacers, Florida vs. Florida State (football), Oklahoma vs. Nebraska (football), Tiger vs. everybody.
The recent lopsided nature of these series doesn't take anything away from the rivalries. As we've seen from the past, these things go in cycles. For instance, from 1988-2000 Michigan was 10-2-1 against Ohio State (entire John Cooper era). The Irish were unbeaten against the Trojans from 1983-1996, and Lou Holtz lost just once to USC during his tenure. Duke had won 13 of 15 against Carolina before their recent struggles.
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Is there hope for the National League? Probably not. But, hey at least playing in
It was interesting to see how Lincecum, arguably one of the best pitchers in baseball at the moment, fared against the AL All-Star line-up. Sure his nerves probably had something to do with it as well, but it was a completely different guy than everyone has become accustomed to seeing. It really is like 2 separate leagues.
ReplyDeleteTo be fair to Lincecum, one of those runs scored because Pujols booted a ground ball. But, I find it hard to believe that as good as Lincecum is, he'd have a 2.33 ERA facing American League lineups each game.
ReplyDeleteThe NL has been inferior for years, but like I said, it goes in cycles.