SPAIN – The surprising Valencia Astros will take to the road this weekend to challenge unbeaten FC Barcelona  in the BaseballdeWorld Spanish League Matchup of the Week.

The Astros (4-2) have rebounded this season after two dismal campaigns in which the squad won a combined one game. Kevin Malone (.440) is the top hitter for an offensive attack that is third in the league with a .303 batting mark.

Other capable hitters for Valencia includes Alberto Orti (.333), Sandel Cuevas (.333), Eric Cowes (.316) and Antonio Salazar (.304). American John Dunn showed last weekend he was much more than just a staff ace with a 2-for-3 effort with the lumber including a home run.

Dunn (3-0, 2.35) has been a workhorse for a team in dire need of a second starting pitcher. However, the Astros’ decision to use the talented American at third base in Game 2 after tossing eight frames in the twinbill opener last weekend is worrisome.

Valencia’s No. 2 starter Jordi Valles (1-1, 4.85) has been inconsistent in both starting nods, while Jorge Gomez (0-1, 10.12) has allowed 12 runs in just eight innings of work.

FC Barcelona (4-0) made a huge statement in Week 3 with a sweep over the Tenerife Marlins, and Aldo Tarife’s squad has all the weapons in place to win a league championship.

Hard-hitting catcher Orlando Diaz (.500) and 40-year-old Felix Isasi (.412) are the leading hitters for a Barcelona offense that is hitting .301. Albert Diaz (.364), Rafael Llames (.353), Jesus Golindano (.313) and Oscar Angula (.300) are also swinging the stick well.

Jason Friedman is quickly emerging as the staff ace with a pair of sparkling outings to open the season. The right-hander, who tossed seven innings of no-hit ball last week, is 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA.

Another veteran, 38-year-old Pedro Belmonte, is also 2-0 and sporting a 3.94 ERA. Newcomers Delio Miguel Martinez (4.50) and Oscar Jimenez (3.00) are both quality arms that give Barcelona one of the deepest pitching groups in the league.

SPANISH LEAGUE MATCHUPS – WEEK 3:

TENERIFE MARLINS (4-2) at NAVARRA (3-3)
The Marlins will have to regroup quickly against a solid Navarra nine after dropping both games to FC Barcelona. Coach Nestor Perez Jr. and his troops will not panic, but early signs point to the heavy workload of Leslie Nacar (2-1, 2.70) and Ivan Granados (2-1, 4.74) over the past two years finally catching up to the once dominating duo. Victor Martinez (.524) is the top hitter for Navarra while Juan Jose Lopez (2-1, 1.50) is the ace of a strong pitching staff boasting an impressive 2.11 ERA.

SANT BOI (6-0) at VILADECANS (2-4)
Unbeaten Sant Boi will be looking to avoid an upset against an improved Viladecans squad. The league’s best offense boast four of the top 10 hitters, while Jose E. Cruz (2-0, 0.60), Junior Guerra (2-0, 1.80) and Pedro Peraza (1-0, 0.00) headline a deep and talented pitching cast.  Viladecans has one of the league’s top hitters in Camilo Gonzalez (.462) and pitcher Marc Jodar (1-0, 1.80) has started the season on a strong note.

PAMPLONA (3-3) at SAN INAZIO BILBAO (1-5)
Pamplona is led by Juan Latienda (.333) on offense while Juan Redin (2-0, 4.97) remains unbeaten on the hill. Alberto Magallon (1-2, 4.50) is the best pitcher for San Inazio with former minor leaguer Tony Granadillo enjoying a solid year at the plate with a .500 batting mark and two homers.

VIGO HALCONES (1-3) at EL LLANO (0-6)
The Halcones have struggled at the plate with a .154 batting mark and just eight runs in four games. But, Vigo has an above-average pitching unit with a third-best 2.31 ERA that features Rafael Gomera (1-1, 1.38) and Diego Corvalan (0-2, 2.92). Elvis Polanco (.350) and Yasiel Pino (.313) have been two of the lone bright spots for winless El Llano.

Photo courtesy of Diego Lazaro

Tags: Spain