Ellington

Thursday, June 22
Pro soccer, World Cup, United States vs. Ghana (9 a.m., ESPN): The scenario for the Americans to advance to the second round is simple: The United States must beat Ghana, and France must defeat the Czech Republic. Fortunately, the French and Czechs can't advance by just playing to a tie. … Pro basketball, NBA Finals, Miami at Dallas (8 p.m., Ch. 16): Will this series get to Game 7?

Friday, June 23
Pro baseball, Atlanta at Tampa Bay (6 p.m., TBS/620 AM): If the Braves can't beat the Devil Rays, they can't beat anybody.

Saturday, June 24
Pro baseball, Birmingham at Mississippi (7 p.m., Pearl, 930 AM): The M-Braves open their first home series of the second half.

Sunday, June 25
Pro baseball, Houston at Chicago White Sox (7 p.m., ESPN): It's a rematch of the 2005 World Series.

Monday, June 26
Pro soccer, World Cup, Brazil vs. TBD (2 p.m., ESPN): If the United States advances to the second round, this is when they will play … against the defending World Cup champion and favorite. Oh dear.

Tuesday, June 27
Cotton State League baseball, Capital City at Raymond (3 p.m., 1240 AM): College players try to collect more hits than splinters in this summer wood bat league.

Wednesday, June 28
Pro baseball, Birmingham at Mississippi (7 p.m., Pearl, 930 AM): The M-Braves wrap up their home series with the Barons and get on a bus to Alabama.

The Slate is compiled by Doctor S, who hates slimy European soccer intrigue.