Wednesday 9-20-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 7 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 57

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 20 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JULY 20 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 SUGAR PI SQUARED 4/1

# 2 MARAKOVITS 5/2

# 3 RUBY ONE 3/1

SUGAR PI SQUARED looks to be a decent contender. Don't let this filly slip past you. Could score at high odds. Has put up solid Equibase Speed Figs in dirt sprint races in the past. Displays the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 52 speed rating which is one of the strongest in this group of horses in this race. MARAKOVITS - Baker has a strong 23 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface. Is hard not to look at given the company run in lately. RUBY ONE - Could best this field based on the speed rating - 52 - of her last contest. Horses who have been prepared to race at this distance and surface by Conway have shown sharp results as of late.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park - Race #10 - Post: 6:04pm - Claiming - 7.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $17,000 Class Rating: 93

Rating: 4

#5 ZHUKOV (ML=8/1)
#6 ALBERT CHARLES (ML=15/1)
#8 TERO (ML=5/1)


ZHUKOV - Gelding won on May 13th at this class and distance. Be loyal to this horse. Coming off the pace, I think he'll be in a fantastic spot to crush them in the stretch. ALBERT CHARLES - Last ran at Gulfstream Park and finished fourth. Reviewing his past performance data, I see he was close at the wire, within five of the winner. This horse has increased his speed ratings from a fig of 45 to 85 to 89 in succession. TERO - Gelding is a few starts into a return here. Should give a top effort today. Don't throw this horse out due to his last event at Gulfstream Park where he finished fourth on a sloppy track. I look for an improvement today. He has the uppermost earnings per start. Give the once over to this horse.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 GIANT'S VOICE (ML=7/2), #11 LEMON ROYAL (ML=4/1), #7 HOPETOWN (ML=4/1),

GIANT'S VOICE - The Brain always cautions me to keep away from horses in sprint contests that haven't finished in the money in short distance races of late. LEMON ROYAL - Finished fourth last time out of the box. Would have to improve to be there at the wire in today's race. If you keep choosing these kind of 'hanger' types, you're going to be disillusioned often. HOPETOWN - Nice race on August 12th at Gulfstream Park, but the fact that there are no workouts since has to make one a little worried.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #5 ZHUKOV on top if we're getting at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
5 with [6,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[5,6,8] with [5,6,8] with [5,6,7,8,10] with [5,6,7,8,10] Total Cost: $36

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
[5,6,8] with [5,6,8] with [5,6,8,10] with [5,6,7,8,10,11] with [5,6,7,8,10,11] Total Cost: $72

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Woodbine

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 6 - Maiden Optional Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $34000 Class Rating: 81

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD ONTARIO SIRED MAIDENS OR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD MAIDEN CLAIMING PRICE $40,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $40,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 TIMEISEVERYTHING 3/1

# 5 AMI'S EXCHANGE 5/2

# 1 U S ACADEMY 2/1

My choice here is TIMEISEVERYTHING. Should definitely be given a shot for this event if only for the very strong speed figure put up in the last race. No strangers to the winner's circle, Casse and Boulanger should have this gelding breaking away from the field. In this field, this one is in the upper half of earnings per start in dirt sprint races. AMI'S EXCHANGE - Reason to like this colt as he has in the saddle one of the best jocks using winning percentages over the last 30 days. With Contreras in the saddle guiding him, this colt will almost certainly be able to break out quickly for this event. U S ACADEMY - Is tough not to consider based on Equibase Speed Figures which have been solid - 81 avg - of late. The Equibase Speed Figure of 80 from his last race looks very strong in here.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: Minnesota Twins (78-73) at New York Yankees (84-67)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 20 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Preview: Twins at Yankees

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

Brett Gardner has mauled the Minnesota Twins throughout the season, and the first two contests of the three-game series at Yankee Stadium have been no exception. After recording back-to-back three-hit performances, Gardner will look to extend his hitting streak to 11 games on Wednesday afternoon as the New York Yankees vie for a sweep of the Twins.

Gardner collected a double, two singles and two RBIs in Tuesday's 5-2 triumph, improving to 10-for-20 versus Minnesota this season. New York has won 14 of its last 19 to build a six-game lead over the Twins for the first wild card while remaining three games behind the Boston Red Sox in the American League East. Minnesota has answered winning six of eight by losing four of its last five to sit 1 1/2 games ahead of the Los Angeles Angels for the second wild-card spot. Joe Mauer had a pair of hits Tuesday to improve to 26-for-68 this month, but the veteran will be getting his first look at right-hander Luis Severino.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN North (Minnesota), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Bartolo Colon (6-13, 6.39 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (13-6, 2.93)

Colon has fallen flat this month by posting an 0-3 mark with a 7.53 ERA in three starts, with Friday's four-run, two-homer performance doing nothing for his morale. The 44-year-old Dominican struggled in his first start for the Twins against New York, permitting four runs on eight hits in four innings of a 6-3 setback on July 18. The loss dropped his career mark to 6-8 with a 5.81 ERA in 20 career appearances versus the Yankees.

Severino was moved up two days to start the series finale against Minnesota, a move made by manager Joe Girardi as a means to give the 23-year-old an addition regular-season start. Severino has not permitted more than one earned run in nine of 12 outings since the All-Star break. Severino, who has yet to face the Twins in his career, allowed two runs on three hits over eight innings in an 8-2 victory over Baltimore on Friday.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York RF Aaron Judge has reached base in 15 straight games and has scored at least one run in each of his last 10.

2. Minnesota DH Robbie Grossman is 0-for-6 in the series and 1-for-18 in his last six outings.

3. Yankees 2B Starlin Castro is 6-for-11 with two RBIs and as many runs scored in his last three games after a 2-for-26 stretch in his previous six contests.

PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Twins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Minnesota at NY Yankees

W/L Trends

Minnesota

Twins are 5-1 in their last 6 Wednesday games. Twins are 4-1 in their last 5 games after losing the first 2 games of a series. Twins are 6-2 in their last 8 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Twins are 8-3 in their last 11 during game 3 of a series. Twins are 7-3 in their last 10 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Twins are 2-6 in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning record. Twins are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. American League East. Twins are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Twins are 1-4 in their last 5 games on grass. Twins are 0-4 in their last 4 road games. Twins are 0-5 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Twins are 1-4 in Colons last 5 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Twins are 0-5 in Colons last 5 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.

NY Yankees

Yankees are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Yankees are 5-0 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series. Yankees are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. a team with a winning record. Yankees are 4-0 in their last 4 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Yankees are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Yankees are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Yankees are 9-1 in their last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter. Yankees are 7-1 in their last 8 home games. Yankees are 6-1 in their last 7 overall. Yankees are 6-1 in their last 7 games on grass. Yankees are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Yankees are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win. Yankees are 19-9 in their last 28 Wednesday games. Yankees are 4-0 in Severinos last 4 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Yankees are 5-0 in Severinos last 5 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Yankees are 5-0 in Severinos last 5 Wednesday starts. Yankees are 11-2 in Severinos last 13 starts. Yankees are 11-2 in Severinos last 13 starts on grass. Yankees are 5-1 in Severinos last 6 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Yankees are 8-2 in Severinos last 10 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Yankees are 4-1 in Severinos last 5 starts during game 3 of a series. Yankees are 4-1 in Severinos last 5 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Yankees are 11-3 in Severinos last 14 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Yankees are 6-2 in Severinos last 8 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Yankees are 8-3 in Severinos last 11 home starts. Yankees are 5-11 in Severinos last 16 starts with 4 days of rest.

OU Trends

Minnesota

Under is 6-1 in Twins last 7 overall. Under is 6-1 in Twins last 7 on grass. Under is 6-1 in Twins last 7 during game 3 of a series. Under is 5-1 in Twins last 6 vs. American League East. Over is 11-3 in Twins last 14 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 3-1-1 in Twins last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Under is 9-3 in Twins last 12 Wednesday games. Under is 24-9-1 in Twins last 34 road games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 5-2-1 in Twins last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 5-2 in Twins last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 7-3 in Twins last 10 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 9-4-1 in Twins last 14 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Colons last 4 starts vs. American League East. Under is 4-1 in Colons last 5 starts overall.

NY Yankees

Under is 5-1 in Yankees last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 5-1 in Yankees last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Yankees last 5 games following a win. Over is 6-2 in Yankees last 8 during game 3 of a series. Over is 8-3 in Yankees last 11 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Yankees last 7 home games. Over is 7-3 in Yankees last 10 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-0 in Severinos last 5 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Severinos last 4 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 6-0 in Severinos last 6 home starts. Over is 4-0 in Severinos last 4 starts vs. American League Central. Over is 9-1 in Severinos last 10 starts on grass. Over is 9-1 in Severinos last 10 starts overall. Over is 7-1 in Severinos last 8 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Over is 7-1 in Severinos last 8 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 6-1 in Severinos last 7 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Severinos last 6 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Severinos last 5 starts with 4 days of rest. Over is 4-1 in Severinos last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

Head to Head

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in New York. Under is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings. Twins are 17-49 in the last 66 meetings. Twins are 14-41 in the last 55 meetings in New York.

Umpire Trends - Gary Cederstrom

• Home team is 6-0 in Cederstroms last 6 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Under is 6-0 in Cederstroms last 6 games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Over is 5-1 in Cederstroms last 6 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Yankees are 5-1 in their last 6 Wednesday games with Cederstrom behind home plate.
• Under is 5-1 in Cederstroms last 6 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Home team is 4-1 in Cederstroms last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Home team is 6-2 in Cederstroms last 8 games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Twins are 6-2 in their last 8 games with Cederstrom behind home plate.
• Road team is 9-3 in Cederstroms last 12 games behind home plate vs. Minnesota.
• Home team is 43-15 in Cederstroms last 58 games behind home plate.
• Over is 5-2 in Cederstroms last 7 games behind home plate.
• Under is 5-2 in Cederstroms last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Minnesota.
• Over is 9-4-2 in Cederstroms last 15 games behind home plate vs. Minnesota.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: New York Mets (65-86) at Miami Marlins (71-80)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 20 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Preview: Mets at Marlins

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

The Miami Marlins are hoping to produce a few more memorable moments to end another disappointing season and can finish off a three-game sweep of the visiting New York Mets when the National League East rivals meet Wednesday afternoon. While Giancarlo Stanton remained at 55 homers after going 0-for-1 with four walks Tuesday, teammate J.T. Realmuto hit a walk-off blast in the 10th inning to give Miami a 5-4 victory.

Realmuto is 13-for-36 with seven RBIs in the last eight games and Justin Bour boasts two hits in each of the last four contests for the Marlins, who have won three of four since a season-high six-game slide. Jose Urena looks to increase his career-best win total to 14 when he takes the mound for Miami in the finale against fellow right-hander Rafael Montero of the Mets, who have dropped 11 of 18 in the season series. New York appears destined for fourth place in the NL East after losing seven of its past nine games, but veteran Jose Reyes continues to shine while going 20-for-62 with five homers and 15 RBIs in September. Catcher Travis d’Arnaud has also lifted his level of play with 11 hits in 32 at-bats with three homers and eight RBIs over the past nine games for the Mets.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Rafael Montero (5-10, 5.08 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (13-6, 3.62)

Montero saw his three-game winning streak come to an end last time out when he allowed three runs and seven hits over 4 2/3 innings at Atlanta last Friday. The 26-year-old Dominican Republic native found a way to limit opponents to five runs despite giving up 12 hits and 14 walks during his win streak. Marcell Ozuna is 6-for-11 and Miguel Rojas 4-for-6 versus Montero, who is 1-0 with a 5.02 ERA in six games (two starts) against Miami this year.

Urena has permitted two runs or fewer in six of his last nine outings, including each of the last three in which he went 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA. The 26-year-old Dominican earned nine of his wins on the road, but he owns a better ERA at Marlins Park (3.17) in 15 games (12 starts) than on the road (4.08). Urena, who has struggled with the home run ball while giving up 22 in 31 games, is 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in four appearances (two starts) against the Mets this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets OF Norichika Aoki is 9-for-19 over the last four games and has reached base in all 16 contests since signing with the team.

2. Miami 2B Dee Gordon went 0-for-1 as a pinch hitter Tuesday, but is 8-for-15 over the last four games overall.

3. New York’s rookie SS Amed Rosario is expected to miss his third straight game Wednesday due to gastroenteritis.

PREDICTION: Marlins 6, Mets 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Mets at Miami

W/L Trends

NY Mets

Mets are 6-14 in their last 20 during game 3 of a series. Mets are 7-19 in their last 26 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Mets are 8-23 in their last 31 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Mets are 2-6 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Mets are 2-7 in their last 9 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Mets are 2-7 in their last 9 overall. Mets are 2-7 in their last 9 games on grass. Mets are 2-8 in their last 10 games after losing the first 2 games of a series. Mets are 2-10 in their last 12 road games. Mets are 1-5 in their last 6 games following a loss. Mets are 4-1 in Monteros last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Mets are 4-1 in Monteros last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Mets are 4-1 in Monteros last 5 road starts vs. a team with a losing record. Mets are 1-6 in Monteros last 7 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.

Miami

Marlins are 7-3 in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Marlins are 7-3 in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Marlins are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Marlins are 4-11 in their last 15 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Marlins are 5-14 in their last 19 games vs. a right-handed starter. Marlins are 5-16 in their last 21 vs. National League East. Marlins are 5-17 in their last 22 overall. Marlins are 5-17 in their last 22 games on grass. Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win. Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Marlins are 1-5 in their last 6 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Marlins are 0-4 in their last 4 during game 3 of a series. Marlins are 0-4 in their last 4 Wednesday games. Marlins are 4-0 in Urenas last 4 starts during game 3 of a series. Marlins are 8-1 in Urenas last 9 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Marlins are 7-1 in Urenas last 8 starts with 4 days of rest. Marlins are 5-1 in Urenas last 6 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Marlins are 4-1 in Urenas last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Marlins are 15-7 in Urenas last 22 starts. Marlins are 15-7 in Urenas last 22 starts on grass. Marlins are 4-9 in Urenas last 13 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Marlins are 4-10 in Urenas last 14 starts vs. National League East. Marlins are 2-5 in Urenas last 7 home starts. Marlins are 2-7 in Urenas last 9 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.

OU Trends

NY Mets

Over is 4-1-1 in Mets last 6 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 8-2 in Mets last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 7-2 in Mets last 9 games following a loss. Over is 6-2 in Mets last 8 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 8-3 in Mets last 11 vs. National League East. Over is 8-3-1 in Mets last 12 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 5-2 in Mets last 7 during game 3 of a series. Over is 12-5 in Mets last 17 road games. Over is 16-7-1 in Mets last 24 overall. Over is 16-7-1 in Mets last 24 on grass. Over is 9-4 in Mets last 13 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 4-0 in Monteros last 4 Wednesday starts. Under is 4-0 in Monteros last 4 starts during game 3 of a series. Under is 4-0 in Monteros last 4 road starts. Under is 7-0 in Monteros last 7 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Monteros last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-1 in Monteros last 5 starts with 4 days of rest. Under is 8-2 in Monteros last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Under is 7-2 in Monteros last 9 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 20-6 in Monteros last 26 starts on grass. Under is 20-6 in Monteros last 26 starts overall. Under is 6-2 in Monteros last 8 starts vs. National League East.

Miami

Under is 3-0-2 in Marlins last 5 Wednesday games. Over is 3-0-2 in Marlins last 5 during game 3 of a series. Over is 7-1-2 in Marlins last 10 overall. Over is 7-1-2 in Marlins last 10 on grass. Over is 6-1-2 in Marlins last 9 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Over is 6-1-2 in Marlins last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 4-1-2 in Marlins last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 4-1 in Marlins last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 4-1-1 in Marlins last 6 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1-1 in Marlins last 6 home games. Over is 4-1-2 in Marlins last 7 vs. National League East. Over is 3-1-1 in Marlins last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Marlins last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 6-2 in Marlins last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 2-0-2 in Urenas last 4 home starts vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-1 in Urenas last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 12-4-1 in Urenas last 17 starts during game 3 of a series. Under is 9-3-2 in Urenas last 14 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Under is 8-3-3 in Urenas last 14 starts vs. National League East. Under is 5-2-1 in Urenas last 8 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2-2 in Urenas last 9 home starts.

Head to Head

Under is 3-1-2 in the last 6 meetings in Miami. Under is 3-1-1 in Urenas last 5 starts vs. Mets. Under is 5-2-2 in the last 9 meetings. Mets are 2-6 in the last 8 meetings in Miami. Mets are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings.

Umpire Trends - David Rackley

• Over is 4-0 in Rackleys last 4 games behind home plate vs. Miami.
• Over is 4-0 in Rackleys last 4 games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Home team is 5-0 in Rackleys last 5 games behind home plate vs. New York.
• Home team is 6-1 in Rackleys last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Over is 4-1 in Rackleys last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Home team is 4-1 in Rackleys last 5 games behind home plate vs. Miami.
• Over is 8-3 in Rackleys last 11 games behind home plate.
• Mets are 1-8 in their last 9 games with Rackley behind home plate.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: Oakland Athletics (68-83) at Detroit Tigers (62-89)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 20 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Preview: Athletics at Tigers

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

Rookie Matt Olson will try to keep his power surge going as his Oakland Athletics aim for a three-game series sweep against the host Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. Behind Olson's 15th homer in his last 21 contests - including five straight - and a five-RBI night for Jed Lowrie, the Athletics picked up a 9-8 win in the second game of the set Tuesday.

It was the third straight win and the 10th in the last 13 for Oakland, which has also claimed four in a row over Detroit. Ian Kinsler went deep in the loss for the Tigers and he has reached the 20-homer mark for the fifth time, while Nick Castellanos also homered while extending his career-best hitting streak to 16 games. Athletics right-hander Daniel Mengden is coming off his first career shutout in a dominant performance at Philadelphia on Friday. He will seek an encore against veteran Anibal Sanchez for the Tigers on Wednesday.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (1-1, 4.30 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Anibal Sanchez (3-4, 7.03)

Mengden was 2-10 with a 6.59 ERA in 17 career starts before he held the Phillies to two hits and no walks with seven strikeouts in last week's shutout. It marked the 24-year-old's second straight quality start after he gave up nine runs in eight innings over his first two outings for Oakland this season. Mengden has never faced the Tigers.

Sanchez allowed 25 runs in 16 innings over a span of five starts before he dominated the Chicago White Sox in his last turn. He limited the White Sox to a run and six hits over six innings while striking out 11, matching his best total since Aug. 3, 2014. The Venezuela native is 2-2 with a 3.74 ERA in seven career starts versus Oakland.

WALK-OFFS

1. Castellanos is batting .420 during his hitting streak.

2. Lowrie has produced nine RBIs over a three-game span.

3. Detroit has dropped 15 of its last 19 in September.

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Tigers 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Oakland at Detroit

W/L Trends

Oakland

Athletics are 5-0 in their last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Athletics are 7-0 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Athletics are 7-1 in their last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter. Athletics are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Athletics are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Athletics are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing record. Athletics are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Athletics are 4-1 in their last 5 overall. Athletics are 4-1 in their last 5 games on grass. Athletics are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Athletics are 10-3 in their last 13 vs. American League Central. Athletics are 6-2 in their last 8 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Athletics are 23-48 in their last 71 road games. Athletics are 1-4 in Mengdens last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.

Detroit

Tigers are 20-42 in their last 62 games vs. a right-handed starter. Tigers are 17-37 in their last 54 overall. Tigers are 16-35 in their last 51 games on grass. Tigers are 2-5 in their last 7 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Tigers are 3-8 in their last 11 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Tigers are 7-19 in their last 26 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Tigers are 7-20 in their last 27 vs. a team with a losing record. Tigers are 7-21 in their last 28 vs. American League West. Tigers are 2-6 in their last 8 games following a loss. Tigers are 3-10 in their last 13 home games. Tigers are 2-7 in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Tigers are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Tigers are 1-4 in their last 5 Wednesday games. Tigers are 3-13 in their last 16 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Tigers are 3-14 in their last 17 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Tigers are 0-5 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series. Tigers are 4-0 in Sanchezs last 4 home starts vs. a team with a losing record. Tigers are 5-0 in Sanchezs last 5 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Tigers are 6-1 in Sanchezs last 7 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Tigers are 6-2 in Sanchezs last 8 home starts. Tigers are 3-10 in Sanchezs last 13 starts during game 3 of a series. Tigers are 6-20 in Sanchezs last 26 starts with 4 days of rest. Tigers are 1-6 in Sanchezs last 7 Wednesday starts. Tigers are 0-5 in Sanchezs last 5 starts vs. American League West.

OU Trends

Oakland

Over is 6-1 in Athletics last 7 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Athletics last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Athletics last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 4-1 in Athletics last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Athletics last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 26-8 in Athletics last 34 games following a win. Over is 18-7-2 in Athletics last 27 vs. American League Central. Under is 5-2 in Athletics last 7 overall. Under is 5-2 in Athletics last 7 road games. Under is 5-2 in Athletics last 7 on grass. Under is 7-3 in Athletics last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Over is 4-1 in Mengdens last 5 starts with 4 days of rest. Over is 11-4 in Mengdens last 15 starts on grass. Over is 11-4 in Mengdens last 15 starts overall. Over is 5-2 in Mengdens last 7 road starts.

Detroit

Under is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 overall. Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 on grass. Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 vs. American League West. Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 11-1 in Tigers last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 9-2 in Tigers last 11 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 8-2 in Tigers last 10 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 22-6 in Tigers last 28 home games. Over is 9-3 in Tigers last 12 games following a loss. Over is 19-7 in Tigers last 26 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 4-0 in Sanchezs last 4 Wednesday starts. Over is 5-1 in Sanchezs last 6 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Sanchezs last 6 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 14-3-2 in Sanchezs last 19 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 13-3-2 in Sanchezs last 18 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Sanchezs last 5 home starts. Over is 15-5-3 in Sanchezs last 23 starts vs. American League West. Over is 19-7-1 in Sanchezs last 27 starts during game 3 of a series. Over is 27-10-3 in Sanchezs last 40 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 34-13-4 in Sanchezs last 51 starts overall. Over is 18-7-3 in Sanchezs last 28 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Over is 36-15-4 in Sanchezs last 55 starts on grass. Over is 32-15-6 in Sanchezs last 53 starts with 4 days of rest.

Head to Head

Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings. Athletics are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Over is 4-0-2 in Sanchezs last 6 home starts vs. Athletics. Over is 4-1-2 in Sanchezs last 7 starts vs. Athletics. Over is 37-16-3 in the last 56 meetings in Detroit.

Umpire Trends - Jerry Meals

• Home team is 5-0 in Meals' last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Detroit.
• Under is 4-0 in Meals' last 4 games behind home plate vs. Oakland.
• Home team is 8-1 in Meals' last 9 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Oakland.
• Home team is 6-1 in Meals' last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Road team is 5-1 in Meals' last 6 games behind home plate vs. Oakland.
• Under is 4-1 in Meals' last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Over is 12-3-1 in Meals' last 16 games behind home plate vs. Detroit.
• Road team is 4-1 in Meals' last 5 games behind home plate vs. Detroit.
• Under is 4-1 in Meals' last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Detroit.
• Athletics are 4-1 in their last 5 games with Meals behind home plate.
• Under is 7-3-1 in Meals' last 11 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Oakland.
• Tigers are 0-6 in their last 6 games with Meals behind home plate.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: Colorado Rockies (82-69) at San Francisco Giants (59-93)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 20 - 3:45 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Preview: Rockies at Giants

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

The Colorado Rockies have been unable to take advantage of Arizona's three-game slide and hope to avoid a third consecutive loss of their own when they visit the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday afternoon for the finale of their brief two-game set. Colorado dropped a 4-3 decision in Tuesday's series opener for its second straight setback, putting its hold on a playoff berth in danger.

The Rockies remain 4 1/2 games behind the Diamondbacks for the first wild card in the National League and are only one ahead of Milwaukee - which has won three in a row - for the second spot. Charlie Blackmon delivered a two-run double in Tuesday's loss to raise his RBI total to 95 and become the first player in the major leagues this season - and first Rockie since Matt Holliday in 2007 - to reach the 200-hit plateau. Tuesday's win was the second straight for San Francisco, which salvaged the finale of its three-game home series against Arizona on Sunday. Hunter Pence homered and drove in three runs, including the winner with a walk-off sacrifice fly, while Pablo Sandoval improved to 5-for-7 with four RBIs over his last two games by recording three hits and plating a run.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Tyler Chatwood (8-12, 4.57 ERA) vs Giants LH Matt Moore (5-14, 5.39)

Despite their brevity, Chatwood has been superb in three outings since rejoining the rotation, going 2-0 while allowing a total of one run over 13 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old Californian, who has worked more than six frames just once in 11 turns since an eight-inning effort on June 3 at San Diego, is coming off a win over the Padres on Friday in which he gave up a solo homer among four hits over 5 2/3 frames. Chatwood is 7-3 with a 2.73 ERA in 15 career starts against the Giants and 2-0 with a 2.25 mark in four outings this year, including a two-hit shutout - the first of his career - on April 15 at San Francisco.

Moore's nightmarish season continued last Wednesday, when he surrendered four runs on six hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings of a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 28-year-old Floridian had been pitching well of late, however, allowing fewer than three runs in four of his previous five turns. Moore has struggled mightily against Colorado, going 1-3 with a 9.64 ERA in six career starts - including an 0-2 record and a ghastly 13.51 ERA in three turns this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies OF Gerardo Parra recorded his second straight two-hit performance on Tuesday and has not gone two consecutive games without a hit since Aug. 6 and 8 against Philadelphia and Cleveland, respectively.

2. Pence is riding a five-game hitting streak during which he has gone 11-for-21 with six RBIs.

3. Colorado begins a four-game series at San Diego on Thursday before finishing the regular season with three-game home sets against Miami and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Giants 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Colorado at San Francisco

W/L Trends

Colorado

Rockies are 4-0 in their last 4 during game 2 of a series. Rockies are 5-1 in their last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter. Rockies are 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Rockies are 21-9 in their last 30 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Rockies are 43-91 in their last 134 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Rockies are 3-8 in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Rockies are 0-4 in their last 4 Wednesday games. Rockies are 5-2 in Chatwoods last 7 starts vs. National League West. Rockies are 5-2 in Chatwoods last 7 starts with 4 days of rest. Rockies are 4-9 in Chatwoods last 13 Wednesday starts. Rockies are 1-4 in Chatwoods last 5 road starts. Rockies are 1-5 in Chatwoods last 6 starts during game 2 of a series.

San Francisco

Giants are 5-11 in their last 16 vs. a team with a winning record. Giants are 19-42 in their last 61 games following a win. Giants are 7-16 in their last 23 overall. Giants are 7-16 in their last 23 games on grass. Giants are 8-20 in their last 28 vs. National League West. Giants are 2-9 in their last 11 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Giants are 0-8 in their last 8 during game 2 of a series. Giants are 3-7 in Moores last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Giants are 8-19 in Moores last 27 starts. Giants are 8-19 in Moores last 27 starts on grass. Giants are 3-8 in Moores last 11 home starts. Giants are 1-5 in Moores last 6 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Giants are 1-5 in Moores last 6 Wednesday starts. Giants are 1-8 in Moores last 9 starts vs. National League West. Giants are 1-9 in Moores last 10 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

OU Trends

Colorado

Over is 5-0 in Rockies last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 5-1 in Rockies last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 overall. Under is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 on grass. Over is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 Wednesday games. Under is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 vs. National League West. Under is 3-1-1 in Rockies last 5 road games. Under is 33-15-3 in Rockies last 51 games following a loss. Under is 21-10 in Rockies last 31 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Under is 4-1-1 in Chatwoods last 6 starts with 4 days of rest. Over is 4-1 in Chatwoods last 5 starts on grass. Over is 4-1 in Chatwoods last 5 starts overall. Over is 3-1-1 in Chatwoods last 5 road starts vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-2-1 in Chatwoods last 8 Wednesday starts.

San Francisco

Under is 7-1 in Giants last 8 Wednesday games. Over is 5-1 in Giants last 6 games following a win. Over is 5-1 in Giants last 6 during game 2 of a series. Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 overall. Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 on grass. Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 home games. Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 vs. National League West. Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 5-2-1 in Giants last 8 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Under is 9-4 in Giants last 13 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 7-0-2 in Moores last 9 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 2-0-2 in Moores last 4 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 5-1 in Moores last 6 starts vs. National League West. Under is 10-3-2 in Moores last 15 home starts. Under is 3-1-1 in Moores last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Moores last 7 starts during game 2 of a series.

Head to Head

Rockies are 7-0 in Chatwoods last 7 starts vs. Giants. Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in San Francisco. Rockies are 4-1 in Chatwoods last 5 road starts vs. Giants. Rockies are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings. Giants are 1-4 in Moores last 5 starts vs. Rockies. Rockies are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings in San Francisco.

Umpire Trends - Dana DeMuth

• Road team is 7-0 in DeMuths last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
• Over is 4-0 in DeMuths last 4 games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
• Over is 5-1 in DeMuths last 6 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Home team is 14-3 in DeMuths last 17 games behind home plate.
• Home team is 4-1 in DeMuths last 5 games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: Boston Red Sox (87-64) at Baltimore Orioles (73-79)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 20 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Preview: Red Sox at Orioles

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

The Boston Red Sox have no qualms about working overtime this season, as they've won seven straight such contests and a majors-best 15 extra-inning games this season. After recording back-to-back 11-inning victories, the Red Sox look to inch closer to securing a postseason berth on Wednesday when they turn to Chris Sale in a bid for a three-game series sweep of the host Baltimore Orioles.

Boston slugged its way to a 10-8 triumph in the series opener before Jackie Bradley Jr. ended a defensive stalemate by following up his homer-robbing catch of Chris Davis with scoring Wednesday's lone run on a wild pitch. The American League East-leading Red Sox (87-64), who reside three games ahead of the New York Yankees, have won 10 of its last 13 games overall to emerge a season-best 23 games over .500. While Boston is ascending, the Orioles have flown south with losses in 11 of their last 13 to sit 5 1/2 games back of Minnesota for the second wild-card spot. Trey Mancini has five extra-base hits (three doubles, triple, home run) during his nine-game hitting streak and is 2-for-6 in a small sample size versus Sale.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, NESN (Boston), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Chris Sale (16-7 2.86 ERA) vs. Orioles LH Wade Miley (8-13, 5.32)

Sale surrendered multiple home runs for the second time in three outings on Friday, but exited with a no-decision despite yielding four runs in 5 2/3 innings at Tampa Bay. The 28-year-old has limited Baltimore to a .176 batting average en route to winning both encounters this season. Sale, who is seeking to match his career high in wins, has flustered Tim Beckham (0-for-11), Davis (2-for-15) and Adam Jones (4-for-20).

Miley suffered his third straight loss in horrific fashion, allowing six runs on as many hits while retiring a career-low one batter in a 13-5 shellacking by the Yankees. "You can't go out there and lay an egg like that," the 30-year-old Miley said after his 19-pitch performance. "You have to go out there and I have to give us a chance, and I didn't." Miley pitched significantly better in his two outings versus his former team this season, picking up a pair of wins after permitting just one run in each trip to the mound.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston 3B Rafael Devers has collected back-to-back two-hit performances in the series and is 7-for-21 versus Baltimore this season.

2. Orioles DH Mark Trumbo is 0-for-10 in his last three contests.

3. Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia (nasal contusion) and DH Hanley Ramirez (left arm soreness) are likely to return to the starting lineup in the series finale, according to manager John Farrell.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 2, Orioles 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Boston at Baltimore

W/L Trends

Boston

Red Sox are 7-1 in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing record. Red Sox are 7-1 in their last 8 Wednesday games. Red Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Red Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Red Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 road games. Red Sox are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. American League East. Red Sox are 8-2 in their last 10 games on grass. Red Sox are 7-2 in their last 9 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Red Sox are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Red Sox are 14-6 in their last 20 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Red Sox are 4-0 in Sales last 4 starts during game 3 of a series. Red Sox are 6-0 in Sales last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Red Sox are 5-0 in Sales last 5 road starts vs. a team with a losing record. Red Sox are 5-1 in Sales last 6 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Red Sox are 5-1 in Sales last 6 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Red Sox are 4-1 in Sales last 5 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Red Sox are 6-2 in Sales last 8 road starts. Red Sox are 11-4 in Sales last 15 starts with 4 days of rest. Red Sox are 5-2 in Sales last 7 starts vs. American League East. Red Sox are 20-8 in Sales last 28 starts. Red Sox are 14-6 in Sales last 20 starts on grass.

Baltimore

Orioles are 9-3 in their last 12 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Orioles are 13-6 in their last 19 games vs. a left-handed starter. Orioles are 1-4 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Orioles are 2-8 in their last 10 games following a loss. Orioles are 1-4 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series. Orioles are 1-4 in their last 5 home games. Orioles are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. American League East. Orioles are 2-11 in their last 13 overall. Orioles are 1-6 in their last 7 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Orioles are 1-6 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Orioles are 1-7 in their last 8 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Orioles are 1-9 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record. Orioles are 1-9 in their last 10 games on grass. Orioles are 4-1 in Mileys last 5 starts during game 3 of a series. Orioles are 2-5 in Mileys last 7 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Orioles are 2-5 in Mileys last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Orioles are 1-4 in Mileys last 5 starts vs. American League East.

OU Trends

Boston

Over is 4-0 in Red Sox last 4 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Red Sox last 4 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 6-1 in Red Sox last 7 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 7-2 in Red Sox last 9 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 8-3 in Red Sox last 11 road games. Under is 18-7-1 in Red Sox last 26 Wednesday games. Under is 18-7-2 in Red Sox last 27 games following a win. Under is 5-2 in Red Sox last 7 overall. Under is 5-2 in Red Sox last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-2 in Red Sox last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 5-2 in Red Sox last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 35-14-2 in Red Sox last 51 during game 3 of a series. Under is 32-15-4 in Red Sox last 51 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Over is 5-0 in Sales last 5 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Sales last 6 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Sales last 5 starts overall. Under is 5-2 in Sales last 7 starts with 4 days of rest. Under is 5-2 in Sales last 7 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 7-3 in Sales last 10 starts vs. American League East.

Baltimore

Over is 3-0-1 in Orioles last 4 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Orioles last 6 overall. Over is 5-1 in Orioles last 6 on grass. Over is 5-1 in Orioles last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 5-1 in Orioles last 6 vs. American League East. Over is 5-1 in Orioles last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Orioles last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 4-1 in Orioles last 5 home games. Under is 19-5-2 in Orioles last 26 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in Orioles last 8 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 15-5-1 in Orioles last 21 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 8-3-1 in Orioles last 12 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Orioles last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 14-6 in Orioles last 20 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Under is 7-3 in Orioles last 10 games following a loss. Under is 4-0 in Mileys last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Under is 6-1-1 in Mileys last 8 starts on grass. Under is 6-1-1 in Mileys last 8 starts overall. Under is 5-1-1 in Mileys last 7 starts with 5 days of rest. Under is 4-1-1 in Mileys last 6 starts during game 3 of a series. Under is 4-1-1 in Mileys last 6 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Mileys last 5 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1-1 in Mileys last 6 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1-1 in Mileys last 6 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Mileys last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Mileys last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

Head to Head

Red Sox are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Baltimore. Under is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings in Baltimore. Under is 16-6-2 in the last 24 meetings.

Umpire Trends - Todd Tichenor

• Home team is 17-5 in Tichenors last 22 games behind home plate vs. Boston.
• Under is 10-4 in Tichenors last 14 games behind home plate vs. Boston.
• Home team is 7-3 in Tichenors last 10 games behind home plate.
• Over is 17-8 in Tichenors last 25 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Orioles are 1-5 in their last 6 games with Tichenor behind home plate.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (81-70) at Pittsburgh Pirates (68-84)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 20 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Preview: Brewers at Pirates

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

Trying to keep pace with red-hot Chicago with a four-game showdown looming, the visiting Milwaukee Brewers will try to complete a three-game sweep of the reeling Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night. Milwaukee's pitching has dominated the series, combining for 18 scoreless innings to remain 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Cubs.

Domingo Santana provided the lone run with a solo homer in the Brewers' 1-0 win on Tuesday, extending his hitting streak to seven games and giving him nine RBIs in his last five contests. Milwaukee has won three straight and nine of its last 11 to close within one game of the Colorado Rockies for the second wild card. Brewers right-hander Aaron Wilkerson will make his first major league start against Pirates lefty Steven Brault, the International League pitcher of the year. The wheels have come off for Pittsburgh, which has scored a paltry nine runs during a seven-game losing streak and dropped 12 of 13.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Aaron Wilkerson (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Steven Brault (1-0, 4.38)

Wilkerson tossed a scoreless inning versus Miami on Sunday in his major league debut, setting down the side in order and striking out two. Acquired from Boston in July 2016, he struggled with Milwaukee's Triple-A affiliate at Colorado Springs, posting a 6.42 ERA in 11 starts. He rebounded with a strong season at Double-A Biloxi, going 11-4 with a 3.16 ERA and 143 strikeouts in 142 1/3 innings.

Making his second start following six appearances out of the bullpen, Brault turned in a superb effort at Milwaukee on Monday, giving up one hit and striking out six over six scoreless innings. It was the first major league victory for the 25-year-old, who was 0-3 with a 4.86 ERA in eight appearances (seven starts) last year. Brault faced the Brewers three times in 2016 and posted an 0-2 mark with a 4.20 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Santana is 6-for-12 in three games versus Pittsburgh this month.

2. Pirates LF Starling Marte collected two hits Tuesday in his return from a four-game absence.

3. Brewers RHP Corey Knebel has converted 21 straight saves, giving him 37 for the season.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Brewers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Milwaukee at Pittsburgh

W/L Trends

Milwaukee

Brewers are 4-0 in their last 4 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Brewers are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. National League Central. Brewers are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Brewers are 7-1 in their last 8 road games. Brewers are 6-1 in their last 7 overall. Brewers are 6-1 in their last 7 games on grass. Brewers are 6-1 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Brewers are 13-3 in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Brewers are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing record. Brewers are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win. Brewers are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Brewers are 5-2 in their last 7 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Brewers are 6-17 in their last 23 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.

Pittsburgh

Pirates are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Pirates are 20-41 in their last 61 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Pirates are 8-20 in their last 28 games on grass. Pirates are 10-26 in their last 36 overall. Pirates are 5-16 in their last 21 vs. National League Central. Pirates are 6-20 in their last 26 games following a loss. Pirates are 6-21 in their last 27 vs. a team with a winning record. Pirates are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Pirates are 3-13 in their last 16 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Pirates are 1-7 in their last 8 Wednesday games. Pirates are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Pirates are 0-4 in their last 4 during game 3 of a series. Pirates are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Pirates are 0-5 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. Pirates are 0-4 in their last 4 home games. Pirates are 0-5 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.

OU Trends

Milwaukee

Under is 5-1 in Brewers last 6 vs. National League Central. Under is 15-4 in Brewers last 19 during game 3 of a series. Under is 27-9-1 in Brewers last 37 road games. Over is 3-1-1 in Brewers last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 19-7 in Brewers last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 24-9-3 in Brewers last 36 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 40-16-3 in Brewers last 59 overall. Under is 20-8-2 in Brewers last 30 games following a win. Under is 17-7-1 in Brewers last 25 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 37-16-3 in Brewers last 56 on grass. Over is 36-16-1 in Brewers last 53 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 33-15-3 in Brewers last 51 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 13-6-1 in Brewers last 20 road games vs. a team with a losing record.

Pittsburgh

Under is 5-0 in Pirates last 5 games following a loss. Under is 7-1 in Pirates last 8 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-1 in Pirates last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 4-1 in Pirates last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-1 in Pirates last 5 home games. Under is 8-2 in Pirates last 10 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Pirates last 5 during game 3 of a series. Under is 25-7 in Pirates last 32 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 22-8 in Pirates last 30 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 37-14-1 in Pirates last 52 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 21-8-1 in Pirates last 30 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Pirates last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Under is 20-8 in Pirates last 28 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 40-16-1 in Pirates last 57 vs. National League Central. Under is 9-4 in Pirates last 13 Wednesday games. Under is 60-28-2 in Pirates last 90 overall. Under is 57-28-2 in Pirates last 87 on grass. Under is 4-0-1 in Braults last 5 starts on grass. Under is 4-0-1 in Braults last 5 starts overall. Under is 3-0-1 in Braults last 4 starts vs. National League Central. Under is 4-1 in Braults last 5 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.

Head to Head

Under is 8-0-1 in the last 9 meetings in Pittsburgh. Brewers are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Under is 24-6-2 in the last 32 meetings.

Umpire Trends - Gerry Davis

• Home team is 4-0 in Davis' last 4 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Pirates are 10-2 in their last 12 games with Davis behind home plate.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Davis' last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Home team is 20-6 in Davis' last 26 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Under is 18-7-1 in Davis' last 26 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
• Under is 5-2 in Davis' last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Under is 16-7-1 in Davis' last 24 games behind home plate.
• Brewers are 2-7 in their last 9 games with Davis behind home plate.
• Brewers are 1-4 in their last 5 Wednesday games with Davis behind home plate.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (96-55) at Philadelphia Phillies (60-91)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 20 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Preview: Dodgers at Phillies

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

The Los Angeles Dodgers haven't played much like a team that bullied its way to the top record in the majors while the Philadelphia Phillies appear to have grown tired of getting sand kicked in their face. The Dodgers aim to stop a three-game slide on Wednesday when they play the third contest of a four-game series against the host Phillies, who have won six of their last eight.

Justin Turner continued to fluster Philadelphia with a pair of hits in Tuesday's 6-2 setback, improving to 10-for-17 with two homers, five RBIs and two runs scored this season. Rookie Cody Bellinger recorded his fourth two-hit performance in seven games to up his season mark to 8-for-19 versus the Phillies. While National League West-leading Los Angeles already has clinched a postseason berth, beleaguered Philadelphia has gained a bit of a confidence boost with its youth movement paying dividends. Aaron Altherr followed up his grand slam in a 4-3 win in the series opener with a solo shot on Tuesday, while rookie Rhys Hoskins continued to introduce himself to the league by driving in four runs in the latter contest.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SportsNet Los Angeles, CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Alex Wood (15-3, 2.69 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jake Thompson (2-2, 4.46)

Wood recorded his first victory since Aug. 9 on Friday after scattering three hits and striking out eight in a 7-0 rout at Washington. "We got ahead and we attacked and it went pretty well,” said the 26-year-old, who won his first 11 decisions of the season. "I thought my stuff was pretty good. I am pretty close. Still a little bit to go ... where I need to be for the playoffs." Wood has kept Odubel Herrera (2-for-12, four strikeouts) under wraps, although Freddy Galvis (7-for-13) has gotten the better of the left-hander.

Like Wood, Thompson posted his first victory in quite some time as he scattered six hits over 5 1/3 innings of a 10-0 rout versus Miami on Thursday. The 23-year-old worked around four walks for the second time in four outings to notch his first win since July 28. Thompson struggled in his lone career outing versus Los Angeles, yielding five runs on as many hits - including two homers - while issuing four walks in a 7-2 loss on Aug. 17, 2016.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles LF Curtis Granderson drove in a run in each game of the series after failing to notch an RBI in any of his previous 14 games.

2. Philadelphia 2B Cesar Hernandez has scored 12 times in his last 16 contests.

3. Dodgers SS Corey Seager is 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in the series and 2-for-11 versus the Phillies this season.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 4, Phillies 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - LA Dodgers at Philadelphia

W/L Trends

LA Dodgers

Dodgers are 8-3 in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Dodgers are 41-16 in their last 57 vs. National League East. Dodgers are 48-21 in their last 69 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Dodgers are 9-4 in their last 13 games after losing the first 2 games of a series. Dodgers are 11-5 in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Dodgers are 61-30 in their last 91 overall. Dodgers are 61-30 in their last 91 games on grass. Dodgers are 5-16 in their last 21 games following a loss. Dodgers are 5-16 in their last 21 games vs. a right-handed starter. Dodgers are 3-11 in their last 14 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Dodgers are 2-12 in their last 14 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Dodgers are 1-6 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Dodgers are 1-8 in their last 9 during game 3 of a series. Dodgers are 1-10 in their last 11 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Dodgers are 8-1 in Woods last 9 road starts. Dodgers are 11-2 in Woods last 13 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Dodgers are 10-2 in Woods last 12 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Dodgers are 5-1 in Woods last 6 starts vs. National League East. Dodgers are 5-1 in Woods last 6 road starts vs. a team with a losing record. Dodgers are 17-4 in Woods last 21 starts. Dodgers are 17-4 in Woods last 21 starts on grass. Dodgers are 4-1 in Woods last 5 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Dodgers are 5-2 in Woods last 7 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Dodgers are 2-5 in Woods last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.

Philadelphia

Phillies are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. National League West. Phillies are 7-1 in their last 8 games vs. a left-handed starter. Phillies are 6-1 in their last 7 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Phillies are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Phillies are 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Phillies are 6-2 in their last 8 overall. Phillies are 6-2 in their last 8 games on grass. Phillies are 6-2 in their last 8 home games. Phillies are 13-6 in their last 19 during game 3 of a series. Phillies are 18-37 in their last 55 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Phillies are 18-41 in their last 59 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Phillies are 7-18 in their last 25 Wednesday games. Phillies are 4-1 in Thompsons last 5 home starts. Phillies are 0-5 in Thompsons last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

OU Trends

LA Dodgers

Under is 4-0 in Dodgers last 4 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Over is 7-1 in Dodgers last 8 games following a loss. Over is 5-1 in Dodgers last 6 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 8-3 in Dodgers last 11 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 5-2 in Dodgers last 7 Wednesday games. Over is 15-7 in Dodgers last 22 overall. Over is 15-7 in Dodgers last 22 on grass. Over is 6-1 in Woods last 7 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Woods last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 4-1 in Woods last 5 road starts vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-1 in Woods last 5 starts with 4 days of rest. Under is 5-2 in Woods last 7 Wednesday starts. Over is 5-2 in Woods last 7 starts during game 3 of a series.

Philadelphia

Under is 3-0-2 in Phillies last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 3-0-3 in Phillies last 6 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 6-1 in Phillies last 7 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 6-1 in Phillies last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 4-1-2 in Phillies last 7 overall. Under is 4-1-2 in Phillies last 7 on grass. Under is 4-1-2 in Phillies last 7 home games. Under is 3-1-2 in Phillies last 6 games following a win. Under is 13-5-1 in Phillies last 19 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Under is 13-5-6 in Phillies last 24 during game 3 of a series. Under is 5-2-1 in Phillies last 8 Wednesday games. Over is 32-15-5 in Phillies last 52 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 2-0-2 in Thompsons last 4 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 3-0-1 in Thompsons last 4 home starts. Over is 4-1-1 in Thompsons last 6 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Thompsons last 5 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-2-1 in Thompsons last 8 starts on grass. Over is 5-2-1 in Thompsons last 8 starts overall.

Head to Head

Over is 8-2-2 in the last 12 meetings. Over is 3-1-2 in the last 6 meetings in Philadelphia. Dodgers are 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.

Umpire Trends - Chad Whitson

• Home team is 4-1 in Whitsons last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Home team is 19-7 in Whitsons last 26 games behind home plate.
• Over is 5-2 in Whitsons last 7 games behind home plate.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: Kansas City Royals (73-77) at Toronto Blue Jays (71-80)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 20 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Preview: Royals at Blue Jays

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

The Kansas City Royals remain in striking distance of the final wild card in the American League but are showing no signs of being able to make up ground with only 12 games left in the season. The sliding Royals have dropped three in a row and five of six games entering the second of a three-game set at the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night.

Kansas City dropped three of four in Cleveland to open its 11-game road trip before dropping the series opener to Toronto 5-2 to remain 4 1/2 games behind Minnesota for the second wild card. Alex Gordon provided the highlight with a solo home run that was noteworthy only because it was the 5,694th of the 2017 season, setting a major league record for most homers in a year. Darwin Barney homered and drove in three runs to register his fifth multiple-hit game in the last 10 for the Blue Jays, who are 2 1/2 games behind the Royals. Josh Donaldson, who homered five times in his previous three contests, is 13-for-28 during a seven-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jake Junis (7-2, 4.15 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Brett Anderson (3-3, 5.73)

Junis did not factor in the decision last time out but slowed the Cleveland Indians, giving up one run on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings to remain unbeaten since June 29. The 25-year-old has not permitted more than three runs in each of his last seven starts, logging a 4-0 record in that span. Junis has avoided the big mistake during his unbeaten streak, giving up three homers in his last nine outings.

Anderson had his shortest stint in four starts since moving into Toronto's rotation, allowing two runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings at Minnesota. He was 1-1 in his previous three turns, giving up a total of six runs in 17 2/3 innings, and owns a 3.27 ERA with the Blue Jays. Melky Cabrera is 4-for-7 with a home run against the 29-year-old Anderson, who has won both career starts against Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays RHP Roberto Osuna set a career best with his 37th save, eclipsing his previous high from a year ago.

2. Royals 2B Whit Merrifield owns a five-game hitting streak and a 16-game on-base streak.

3. Blue Jays RF Jose Bautista struck out for the 159th time, tying the franchise mark held by Jose Canseco and Kelly Johnson.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Royals 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Kansas City at Toronto

W/L Trends

Kansas City

Royals are 10-4 in their last 14 Wednesday games. Royals are 7-3 in their last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Royals are 15-31 in their last 46 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Royals are 15-36 in their last 51 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Royals are 1-4 in their last 5 road games. Royals are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Royals are 3-13 in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Royals are 1-5 in their last 6 overall. Royals are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. American League East. Royals are 6-1 in Junis' last 7 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Royals are 6-1 in Junis' last 7 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Royals are 5-1 in Junis' last 6 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Royals are 4-1 in Junis' last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Royals are 5-2 in Junis' last 7 starts.

Toronto

Blue Jays are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Blue Jays are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Blue Jays are 5-1 in their last 6 games on astroturf. Blue Jays are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Blue Jays are 5-1 in their last 6 home games. Blue Jays are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Blue Jays are 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Blue Jays are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. American League Central. Blue Jays are 7-3 in their last 10 overall. Blue Jays are 11-5 in their last 16 Wednesday games. Blue Jays are 3-7 in their last 10 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Blue Jays are 3-9 in their last 12 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Blue Jays are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.

OU Trends

Kansas City

Under is 4-0 in Royals last 4 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 6-0 in Royals last 6 games following a loss. Under is 4-0 in Royals last 4 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 6-1 in Royals last 7 overall. Over is 5-1 in Royals last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-1 in Royals last 5 road games. Under is 4-1 in Royals last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 11-4 in Royals last 15 Wednesday games. Under is 19-7 in Royals last 26 vs. American League East. Under is 4-0 in Junis' last 4 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Junis' last 4 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Junis' last 6 starts overall. Over is 3-1-1 in Junis' last 5 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.

Toronto

Under is 4-0 in Blue Jays last 4 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-0 in Blue Jays last 4 on astroturf. Under is 4-0 in Blue Jays last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 6-0 in Blue Jays last 6 during game 2 of a series. Under is 7-1 in Blue Jays last 8 overall. Under is 6-1-1 in Blue Jays last 8 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 6-1 in Blue Jays last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 5-1 in Blue Jays last 6 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Under is 9-2 in Blue Jays last 11 games following a win. Over is 4-1 in Blue Jays last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Blue Jays last 5 Wednesday games. Under is 8-2 in Blue Jays last 10 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Blue Jays last 5 vs. American League Central. Under is 16-5 in Blue Jays last 21 home games. Under is 21-8 in Blue Jays last 29 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 18-7-1 in Blue Jays last 26 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 4-0 in Andersons last 4 starts overall.

Head to Head

Under is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Toronto. Royals are 16-35 in the last 51 meetings in Toronto.

Umpire Trends - Mark Wegner

• Road team is 4-0 in Wegners last 4 games behind home plate.
• Home team is 4-0 in Wegners last 4 games behind home plate vs. Toronto.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Wegners last 6 games behind home plate vs. Toronto.
• Over is 7-2-1 in Wegners last 10 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Wegners last 5 games behind home plate.
• Home team is 5-2 in Wegners last 7 games behind home plate vs. Kansas City.
• Under is 7-3 in Wegners last 10 games behind home plate vs. Kansas City.
• Royals are 4-9 in their last 13 games with Wegner behind home plate.
• Blue Jays are 1-4 in their last 5 games with Wegner behind home plate.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (78-72) at Cincinnati Reds (66-85)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 20 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Preview: Cardinals at Reds

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

St. Louis activated ace Adam Wainwright off the disabled list, but the pitcher who took his place in the rotation will be in the spotlight as the Cardinals continue a three-game series at the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night. Rookie Luke Weaver has been magnificent in Wainwright's place and will be bidding to win his sixth consecutive start.

Not only has Weaver been perfect since taking Wainwright's spot, but he appears immune to the pressure of a pennant race -- each of the past five wins have followed a St. Louis loss. The Cardinals halted a three-game skid by outlasting the Reds 8-7 in 10 innings to remain six games behind first-place Chicago in the National League Central and 3 1/2 back of Colorado for the second wild card. Dexter Fowler belted a tying homer in the eighth before delivering a go-ahead RBI double in the 10th to improve to 7-for-12 with five RBIs in the past three games. Shortstop Zack Cozart has five homers and nine RBIs over the last five games for Cincinnati, which had a three-game winning streak halted.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Luke Weaver (6-1, 1.89 ERA) vs. Reds RH Rookie Davis (1-2, 7.71)

Weaver was masterful once again in limiting the Reds to one unearned run on two hits over six innings, although his six strikeouts marked a low since he rejoined the rotation. A first-round draft pick of St. Louis in 2014, he has yielded just four earned runs while striking out 42 and walking only four in 31 1/3 innings. Weaver is limiting left-handed hitters to a meager .171 batting average.

Despite the name that implies otherwise, it has not been a rookie season to remember for Davis, who was 1-2 with a 7.58 ERA in five starts over the first month before he was sent back to the minors. He made his first appearance since May 8 in relief at St. Louis on Tuesday and was reached for two runs on four hits over two innings. In 21 innings spanning six appearances, he has 17 strikeouts and 14 walks.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals 1B Jose Martinez is 7-for-16 against the Reds this month.

2. Cardinals C Yadier Molina swatted a three-run homer Tuesday and has 13 RBIs in the past nine games.

3. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez missed Tuesday's game to be with his wife while awaiting the birth of their first child.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Reds 3