Sunday 4-22-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Members post your personal plays in the various sports forums @ IWS and our betting trackers!

NFL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...3-NFL-Football (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?53-NFL-Football)

College Football
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...-NCAA-Football (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?54-NCAA-Football)

Baseball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...57-ML-Baseball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?57-ML-Baseball)

College Basketball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...CAA-Basketball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?55-NCAA-Basketball)

NBA
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...NBA-Basketball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?56-NBA-Basketball)

NHL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...?58-NHL-Hockey (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?58-NHL-Hockey)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

21st April 2018 by Gracenote
the milwaukee bucks clamped down defensively to get back into their first-round series with the boston celtics, and they'll try to even the best-of-seven matchup at two wins apiece when the teams play game 4 in milwaukee on sunday. after allowing an average of 116.5 points in the first two games at boston - one of which did go to overtime - the seventh-seeded bucks held the celtics to 40 percent shooting and forced 18 turnovers in friday's 116-92 game 3 win.

"the activity, if you take the stat sheet out of it, the activity and the energy that we brought ... as you go through the game, that's what you need, is the energy first," interim coach joe prunty told reporters. the bucks were no slouch at the other end of the floor while shooting 57 percent and making 16-of-33 3-pointers. the halftime score was 58-35 in favor of the hosts and second-seeded boston knows it needs a better start to avoid going back home tied 2-2. "we got into a hole. this is new for our group," forward al horford - who scored a team-high 16 points - told the media. "they had it going ... and we really didn't have an answer for them tonight."
tv: 1 p.m. et, abc
about the celtics: with three young players - jaylen brown, jayson tatum and terry rozier - making their first career starts in a road playoff game, jitters and anxiety seemed to play a role as boston fell behind 27-12 after the first quarter. "i think that we learned that the level - the intensity - that is playing in the playoffs on the road (is heightened)," horford said. "i feel like it was just a different level of intensity and we all saw it. we felt it." the trio combined to go 11-for-27 from the floor in the loss but they committed just one turnover combined after the opening quarter.
about the bucks: jabari parker managed only two points on 1-of-7 shooting in the two losses at boston, but he recovered in a big way back home with 17 points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal off the bench in game 3. "jabari's a special talent, man," point guard eric bledsoe told the media. "all he's got to do is stick with it. not get too high, not get too low. he played phenomenal tonight. we need him to play like that from here on out." giannis antetokounmpo had his streak of consecutive 30-point playoff games snapped at four but he was 8-of-13 from the floor and is shooting 62.7 percent while averaging 28 points in the series.
buzzer beaters

1. milwaukee is shooting 54.8 percent in the series, compared to 45.1 percent for boston.

2. bucks backup c thon maker had 14 points and five blocked shots in game 3 while starting c john henson sat with a sore back.

3. horford is averaging 18.7 points in the series while making 3-of-5 3-pointers and 15-of-17 free throws.

prediction: bucks 111, celtics 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

21st April 2018 by Gracenote
the golden state warriors cruised to wins in each of the first three games in the first round of the western conference playoffs and will look to sweep the san antonio spurs out of the postseason for the second straight year on sunday. the warriors, who visit san antonio for game 4, knocked the spurs out in the western conference finals last spring and are trying to do the same two rounds earlier this time around.

golden state watched kevin durant and shaun livingston exit late in game 3 after rolling ankles - neither injury is considered serious - and is still missing all-star stephen curry (knee), so taking care of business in game 4 is the priority. "we want to not come back, limit our road travel and expand our time to rest so we can get our best guys healthy, like steph (curry), kd and shaun," shooting guard klay thompson told reporters. "that's our motivation." the spurs were without head coach gregg popovich in game 3 and he is expected to miss game 4 as well following the death of his wife, erin, but the team was not about to use the emotional situation as an excuse for the 110-97 game 3 setback. "as a team, this is my answer," interim head coach ettore messina told reporters. "individually, i guess any different individual is going through his own personal things, and it's impossible for me to evaluate that. i think everybody did a fantastic job as players, as people working in the organization, the staff, of really trying to support each other and face this moment like it should be faced -- to support a friend."

tv: 3:30 p.m. et, abc

about the warriors: golden state is limiting san antonio to an average of 96.7 points in the series, and the defensive effort of all-star forward draymond green is the key. "he's been fantastic, defensively," warriors coach steve kerr told reporters of green. "he's been all over the place. this is a team that you have to disrupt. they're excellent with their execution ... and draymond is as good as anybody i've ever seen in terms of recognizing a play and blowing it up." offensively, golden state is leaning on durant (an average of 27.3 points in the series) and thompson, who is shooting 63.3 percent from the floor and 65 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 25.7 points through the first three games.

about the spurs: all-star lamarcus aldridge is trying to carry the team in the continued absence of superstar small forward kawhi leonard, who is away from the team while rehabbing a quad injury, and he turned in his second straight double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds in game 3. aldridge is trying to find some help on the offensive end, and veteran point guard tony parker came off the bench and enjoyed his best game of the series with 16 points in 17 minutes on thursday. fellow point guard patty mills is stepping up as well and averaged 17.5 points in the last two games after scoring five points in game 1.

buzzer beaters

1. curry began participating in limited practice with the team on saturday and will be reevaluated in a week.

2. san antonio sg manu ginobili went scoreless on 0-of-5 shooting in game 3 after averaging 9.5 points in the first two contests.

3. green recorded four blocks in game 3 - his most since swatting four at portland on feb. 14.

prediction: warriors 106, spurs 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

21st April 2018 by Gracenote
the washington wizards decided to get physical with the toronto raptors in game 3 and it worked, giving the wizards a chance to even their best-of-seven first-round series when the teams meet for game 4 in the nation's capital on sunday. in a game that featured five technical fouls and plenty of chippy action, the eighth-seeded wizards routed the raptors 122-103 on friday to pull within 2-1 in the series.

"they came out and punched us," toronto coach dwane casey - whose team averaged 122 points in two victories at home to start the series - told reporters. "and we allowed them to." john wall and bradley beal scored 28 points apiece for washington, which shot 55.3 percent overall and scored at least 30 points in each of the first three quarters. the top-seeded raptors received 23 points from demar derozan and 19 points and eight assists from kyle lowry but their vaunted bench struggled to shoot 10-for-29 with none of the seven reserves scoring in double figures. that unit is usually led by backup guard fred vanvleet, but he missed his second game in the series due to a bruised shoulder and is considered day-to-day.

tv: 6 p.m. et, tnt, sportsnet one (toronto), nbcs washington

about the raptors: derozan and lowry combined for eight of toronto's 18 turnovers and they know that taking care of the basketball is paramount against a team that likes to run. "we didn't take care of the ball at all. that was the game," derozan said. "they fed off that. they got out in transition, where they're at their best, and it killed us." serge ibaka, who scored 23 points in game 1, was held to three points on 1-of-4 shooting in the loss while committing three turnovers, his highest total in that category in a span of 14 games.
about the wizards: beal, who averaged 28.8 points in four meetings with the raptors during the regular season, produced a total of 28 through the first two games of the series before breaking out friday. "brad came in and played well," coach scott brooks told the media. "we needed him. i took a lot of the blame talking to him that i needed to get him involved more, and we did that early in the game, and it paid off." wall added 14 assists in the rout and he is averaging 26.7 points, 12.7 assists and 2.7 steals in the series.

buzzer beaters

1. wizards pf mike scott is 18-of-24 from the field in the series, including 6-of-7 from 3-point range.

2. derozan is averaging 25.7 points in the series and has made 6-of-14 3-pointers.

3. washington c marcin gortat had 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting in game 3 after being held scoreless in 12 minutes of game 2.

prediction: raptors 110, wizards 108

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

21st April 2018 by Gracenote
the indiana pacers battled back from a 17-point deficit to win game 3 of their first-round, eastern conference playoff series over the cleveland cavaliers, and the momentum is entirely in their locker room moving forward. the pacers will try to take advantage of that momentum and push the advantage to 3-1 when they host the cavaliers in game 4 on sunday.

indiana, led by small forward bojan bogdanovic, stunned cleveland at both ends of the floor in the second half of friday's game 3 and held the cavaliers to 33 points after the break. "i just thought their physicality," cleveland coach tyronn lue told reporters. "denying the basketball, getting into us so when we catch the ball we're back on our heels. the pressure. i thought it just hurt us." the cavaliers were 40-0 when taking a lead into the fourth quarter this season prior to friday, and pacers coach nate mcmillan was not surprised that his team was able to battle back. "there's been a lot of fight in these guys all season long," mcmillan told reporters. "we've been in that situation at half where we've been down or we haven't played our best basketball and they come out and just continue to fight, continue to scrap."

tv: 8:30 p.m. et, tnt, fs ohio (cleveland), fs indiana

about the cavaliers: superstar lebron james often finds himself on an island with inconsistent production from his teammates, and he was one of three cleveland players to score in double figures in game 3 while finishing with 28 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. james is 12-0 in his career in first-round playoff series and is trying to instill a sense of urgency in the cavaliers. "it's the postseason," james told reporters. "every game is a must win. you want to come in and play well and win no matter what. no matter if you have homecourt advantage or if you're starting on the road, that's the mindset you have to have."
about the pacers: bogdanovic scored a season-high 30 points on 11-of-15 shooting and went 7-of-9 from beyond the arc, including a four-point play late in the fourth quarter, while playing solid defense against james. "he did an excellent job," indiana swingman lance stephenson, who often finds himself matched up against james, told reporters of bogdanovic. "i'll give him a 100 on the test. he did a good job on lebron and hit open shots. attacked. we've seen he could do that throughout the season, but for him to do that in the playoffs is amazing. bogey manned up." indiana held the cavaliers to an average of 90 points in the first three games.

buzzer beaters

1. pacers all-star sg victor oladipo is 3-of-16 from 3-point range in the last two games after going 6-of-9 in game 1.

2. cleveland pg george hill scored 13 points in game 3, matching his total from the first two contests.

3. indiana pf thaddeus young is shooting 65 percent from the floor in the series and totaled six steals in the last two games.

prediction: cavaliers 105, pacers 96

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

21st April 2018 by Gracenote
the philadelphia flyers extended their eastern conference first-round series by defeating the penguins in pittsburgh for the second time in three games. the flyers, who find themselves trailing 3-2 in the series, aim to once again stave off elimination in game 6 on sunday afternoon against a penguins club that has outscored the hosts 20-4 at wells fargo center this season.

"the crowd plays a big role, especially in the playoffs," said philadelphia center and selke trophy finalist sean couturier, who returned from a one-game absence due to a lower-body injury to score the go-ahead goal with 1:15 remaining in the third period of friday's 3-2 win. the flyers aim to avert an 0-3 postseason performance for the second time in 20 years against pittsburgh, which has posted wins in philadelphia with lopsided scores of 5-1, 5-2, 5-1 and 5-0 - with the latter two coming in game 3 and 4 of this series. penguins superstar captain sidney crosby has tuned out flyers fans and the team itself in philadelphia, erupting for 10 points (two goals, eight assists) and a plus-8 rating in four games this season at wells fargo center. "you have to have that urgency, that desperation level. maybe you find that's easier to get when you're on the road more," said the 30-year-old crosby, who was held reasonably in check with one assist and a minus-2 rating on friday.

tv: 3 p.m. et, nbc, cbc, tvas

about the penguins: forwards evgeni malkin and patric hornqvist will be "game-time decisions" in game 6, per coach mike sullivan, with the former laboring after jori lehtera fell on his left leg in the first period while the latter has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury. malkin returned to the second period and logged 20:22 of ice time, but derick brassard likely would be elevated from the third line to second should the former hart trophy recipient's injury be too much after the adrenaline wears off. "(brassard) is an important player for us, regardless of who's in the lineup. he's a good player. i thought (friday) night was his best performance as a penguin," sullivan said of brassard, who notched an assist in game 5 and has three points (one goal, two assists) in the series.

about the flyers: valtteri filppula turned in his most impressive performance as a member of the flyers on friday, netting a short-handed goal to forge a tie late in the second period while setting up two others after failing to dent the scoresheet in his nine previous outings. "fil's just a really good, two-way veteran. very sound up and down the middle of the rink," coach dave hakstol said of the 34-year-old finn. michal neuvirth, a surprise starter in game 5, turned aside 30 shots - including a diving stop on crosby with 50 seconds remaining in the third period - to increase his postseason save percentage to a sterling .930 in 15 career tilts.

overtime

1. pittsburgh g matt murray sports a sizzling 9-1 record in his career in the next game after a postseason loss.

2. philadelphia is 0-for-11 on the power play in the last three contests.

3. penguins c jake guentzel has two goals, six assists and a plus-5 rating in the series.

prediction: penguins 3, flyers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

21st April 2018 by Gracenote
the colorado avalanche weren't given much of a chance by many prognosticators heading into their western conference first-round series with the nashville predators, but a late surge helped them fend off elimination in their last outing. the upstart avalanche aim to fluster the presidents' trophy-winning predators once again in game 6 on sunday when the series shifts to the pepsi center.

nathan mackinnon deftly weaved his way around defenders before setting up captain gabriel landeskog for the tying goal before sven andrighetto cleaned up a rebound with 1:28 left as colorado snapped a seven-game skid in nashville with a 2-1 win on friday. "we've got a series again going home, and it's going to be exciting," said landeskog, who leads the team in goals (four) and points (seven) in this series - with one more than mackinnon in both categories. nashville was unable to advance and set up a conference semifinal date with patrik laine and winnipeg despite unleashing 19 of its 45 shots in the third period at andrew hammond (career-high 44 saves), but coach peter laviolette wasn't going to put too much stock into the latest setback. "that's what the playoffs are all about, it's about picking yourself up when something doesn't go your way and going back out and trying to make things right," laviolette said. "there's a lot of confidence in the room the guys will go out to colorado and get this done."

tv: 7 p.m. et, nbc sports network, sportsnet, tvas, fs tennessee (nashville), altitude (colorado)

about the predators: austin watson recorded his club-best sixth point while extending his point streak to six games (four goals, three assists) after setting up nick bonino midway into the third period on friday. while watson is having a strong series, nashville's second line of craig smith, kevin fiala and kyle turris have struggled mightily at times against colorado. smith has saved face with two goals, but fiala committed both of the predators' penalties in game 5 and turris has registered only five shots while notching just one assist and a minus-1 rating in the series.
about the avalanche: hammond had all of one regular-season game with colorado under his belt, but that lack of familiarity didn't prevent him from turning in a sterling performance in game 5. "for the most part, i thought guys did a good job letting me see pucks through lanes and boxing out," the 30-year-old said. "when it wasn't, you go back to your roots. i'm more of a battler as a goalie than necessarily technically perfect, but you'll take it however it comes." defenseman tyson barrie set up a goal for the second straight game and fourth time in four outings to pull even with mikko rantanen for the team lead in assists.

overtime

1. nashville has won three of four meetings with colorado at pepsi center, including a 3-2 victory in game 4.

2. the avalanche are just 2-for-20 on the power play in the series while the predators have failed to score on all six opportunities with the man advantage in the last two games.

3. nashville c colton sissons scored in each game in colorado this series and had two goals and an assist in two regular-season encounters.

prediction: predators 3, avalanche 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #7 - AQUEDUCT - 4:25 PM EASTERN POST
The New York Stallion Stakes - Times Square Division
6½ FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEAR OLDS STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#5 A TRUE GIANT
#7 RETONOVA
#6 AQUA BEL SAR
#1 GIANT BOO BOO

As you probably know, Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment center and neighborhood in the Midtown Manhattan section of New York City at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. Here in the 25th running of this stakes event, #5 A TRUE GIANT is both the overall speed and pace profile leader in this stakes field sprinting at, or about today's distance of 6½ furlongs on the dirt, has nice early speed for this sprint, and comes off a maiden-breaking, "POWER RUN WIN" in his "first asking." #7 RETONOVA also has a great pace profile, and like my top pick, also scored a "POWER RUN WIN" to break his maiden in his respective, "first asking."

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 4 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $6500 Class Rating: 95

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 121 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE APRIL 4 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE MARCH 22 ALLOWED 3 LBS. A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 22 ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 LITTLE DISTORTED 2/1

# 6 PUTTINONASHOW 7/2

# 1 TROLOBUS 5/2

LITTLE DISTORTED looks strong to best this field. He should definitely be carefully examined given the quite good speed numbers. Is tough not to look at given the company run in lately. Has to be given consideration against this group displaying very strong figs lately and an average speed figure of 95 under similar conditions. PUTTINONASHOW - With Castro aboard him, this gelding ought to be able to break out early for this event. Could beat this field given the 86 speed figure earned in his last outing. TROLOBUS - Should hit the board without any trouble. The speed rating of 89 from his latest contest looks respectable in here.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Hastings
Hastings - Race 2

Exactor / Triactor / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 2-3-4) / Pick 6 (Races 2-7)


Maiden Special • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 73 • Purse: $25,000 • Post: 2:20P
FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. (IF WINNER IS A BC BRED THE OWNER AND BREEDER OF THE WINNING HORSE WILL EACH RECEIVE A $5,000 INCENTIVE AWARD. (PREFERENCE TO HORSES THAT HAVE NOT STARTED FOR LESS THAN $20,000 IN THEIR LAST 3 STARTS).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Stalker. BOMBAY is the Lone Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * BOMBAY: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse has the highest average Eq uibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
5
BOMBAY
5/2

1/2




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
KATY'S A DANCER
2

7/2
Front-runner
0

0

56.9

40.8

36.3
6
RAINE OR SHINE
6

3/1
Alternator/Front-runner
57

55

41.3

49.5

46.0
5
BOMBAY
5

5/2
Alternator/Stalker
73

65

53.1

68.1

66.1








Unknown Running Style: TIPTOE (9/2) [Jockey: Perez Amadeo - Trainer: Condilenios Dino K], U S S CORAL SEA (8/1) [Jockey: Burningham Jeffery - Trainer: Forster David], B QUICK B GONE (4/1) [Jockey: Seecharan Lenny A - Trainer: Krasner Cindy].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Keeneland - Race #2 - Post: 1:39pm - Maiden Special - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $74,000 Class Rating: 87

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 FOCUSED (ML=4/1)
#4 ABSOLUTE LOVE (ML=9/5)


FOCUSED - Generally, I don't like to see a filly run against the opposite sex like she did January 7th. Good to see she's back with her own sex today. A wise man taught me to wager on the lone speed horse. Take a look at this one. Coming off a fifth place finish at Tampa Bay Downs, some may skip this horse. I'm not. She just missed hitting the show spot, and has decent odds today. Have to forget about that last turf race. This filly should do better hitting the main track in today's race. Recent speed ratings show powerful pattern of improvement. ABSOLUTE LOVE - I like to play this handicapping theory, a campaigner coming back off a nice race within the last month. Based on drills, I look for this filly to run a big race. I like this filly. Has the highest EPS (earnings per start) in here today. Searching through the information for this race, I noted right away this horse's last effort was more than meets the eye. Showed good early speed, fell back, and then ran evenly.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 TELL YOUR MAMA (ML=2/1), #2 THE GIRL FACTOR (ML=4/1), #1 SARACOSA (ML=6/1),

TELL YOUR MAMA - Didn't hit the board on Mar 23rd at Santa Anita. Followed it up with another lackluster effort. When examining today's Equibase class figure, she will have to record a much better speed fig than last time around the track to be competitive in this dirt route. THE GIRL FACTOR - The rating in the last race doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's race. Mark this thoroughbred as a likely underpriced contender. SARACOSA - This horse will almost certainly be at the back of the pack as this field crosses the finish.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #5 FOCUSED to win if you can get at least 2/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Laurel
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 9 - Optional Claiming - 8.5f on the Turf. Purse: $45000 Class Rating: 101

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, WAIVER CLAIMING, STATE SIRED RACES OR STATE BRED RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $25,000-$20,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE FEBRUARY 22 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE JANUARY


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 14 SUPER DUDE 4/1

# 9 KABANG 5/1

# 6 DOTHAT DANCE 7/2

I think SUPER DUDE is a solid choice. Has very good Speed Figures and has to be considered for a bet for this race. Should be given a shot based on the very good speed figure posted in the last contest. Has earned solid Equibase Speed Figures in turf route races in the past. DOTHAT DANCE - Should definitely be given a chance in this race if only for the respectable speed fig posted in the last contest. He has recorded respectable figures under today's conditions and will probably fare well versus this field.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park - Race 1

Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $.50 Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3) Daily Double


Starter Allowance $7,500 • 4 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 95 • Purse: $16,000 • Post: 2:35P
(PLUS UP TO $2,080 OPEN ATB) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $7,500 OR LESS IN 2017-2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 22, 2018 ALLOWED 3 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $6,250 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY MANAGEMENT TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT FOUR AND ONE HALF FURLONGS.).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * SKYLAS GOLD: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equiba se Speed Figure at the distance/surface. PROUD ITALIAN: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs. DR. CLARK: Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs.
8
SKYLAS GOLD
7/5

5/1
1
PROUD ITALIAN
7/2

5/1
7
DR. CLARK
8/1

6/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
8
SKYLAS GOLD
8

7/5
Front-runner
91

102

92.5

68.9

65.4
4
ASSEMBLED LADY
4

15/1
Front-runner
80

71

90.2

72.2

57.2
5
MONEYMAN JOHN
5

5/1
Front-runner
89

79

73.0

68.7

60.2
10
COLOUR MY WORLD
10

15/1
Front-runner
83

86

72.2

62.4

49.9
3
DARING ARTAX
3

15/1
Front-runner
90

85

71.6

81.7

67.7
7
DR. CLARK
7

8/1
Alternator/Front-runner
92

88

87.4

79.8

74.3
2
ILLUMINATINGAPPEAL
2

8/1
Alternator/Front-runner
94

93

80.8

70.8

60.3
1
PROUD ITALIAN
1

7/2
Stalker
88

84

79.6

83.2

78.7
6
SCORPIAN JACK
6

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
82

70

51.8

62.4

45.9
9
MATTY'S TRIBAL
9

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
82

78

49.7

65.2

48.7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #3 - Post: 2:30pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $8,500 Class Rating: 81

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 SHEZAMOVER (ML=15/1)
#5 SHALONDA (ML=5/1)
#1 DON'T TELL JUDY (ML=2/1)
#6 MIDNIGHT SEEKER (ML=10/1)


SHEZAMOVER - Cruz comes to get aboard after getting to know the mare in the last race. Don't often see a lucrative return on investment like +48. This rider/conditioner duet has done well together over the last twelve months. SHALONDA - Running 1 mile on the grass, you've have to look at horse's turf figures. This thoroughbred has the tops in the bunch. Arrieta is right back for another contest today after getting on board this equine for the first try on March 21st and ought to know the ropes to this one a little better. Just check out her last speed rating, 75. That one fits well in this bunch. DON'T TELL JUDY - Johnson brings her back again. I propose you stay with this hot mare. Just check out her most recent figure, 75. That one fits in this field. MIDNIGHT SEEKER - You'll be making money right and left by turning your cash onto this jockey/trainer combination. Lindsay rode this horse for the first time last out and comes right back today. Have to give this mare a shot. Ran a good contest last time out within the last month.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 AMY JEAN (ML=9/5), #7 THURSDAYS ANGEL (ML=3/1),

AMY JEAN - This mount has been disappointing the public as the favorite time and time again. Shouldn't invest in this one as the favorite with little to offer for the risk involved. Will be tough for this thoroughbred to beat this bunch off of that last speed figure. Improbable to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's class rating, so put her on the questionable challengers list. THURSDAYS ANGEL - This young horse isn't going to beat the older ones today, maybe another time.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #3 SHEZAMOVER to win if we can get at least 9/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,5] Box [3,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

21st April 2018 by Gracenote
giancarlo stanton can take all the time he needs to find consistency at the plate as long as aaron judge keeps raking. judge will try to lead the new york yankees to a series win when they host the toronto blue jays in the finale of a four-game series on sunday.

judge bashed his sixth home run to highlight a 2-for-4 outing with three rbis and two runs scored in saturday's 9-1 triumph - his second homer of the series and the fifth time in the last 10 games that he recorded multiple hits. stanton snapped an 11-game homer drought with a blast on friday but could not keep the momentum going as he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts on saturday to drop his batting average to .195. the blue jays managed only four hits on saturday in a rare poor performance offensively as first baseman justin smoak, who leads the team with 12 rbis, received his first day off after starting the first 19 contests. toronto could find hits hard to come by again on sunday against new york ace luis severino, who opposes lefty jaime garcia.

tv: 1:05 p.m. et, mlb network, sportsnet (toronto), yes (new york)

pitching matchup: blue jays lh jaime garcia (2-0, 3.86 era) vs. yankees rh luis severino (3-1, 2.63)

garcia got eight full days off between starts due to weather issues before finally toeing the rubber against kansas city on tuesday, and he earned a win by limiting the royals to three runs on eight hits and a walk over five innings. the mexico native has yet to allow more than three runs in an outing and owns 17 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings. garcia, who made eight starts for new york last season and was with the team in the playoffs, is making his first career start against the yankees.
severino bounced back from his first loss with a dominating effort against the miami marlins on monday, when he struck out eight and yielded one hit across six scoreless innings. the dominican republic native was ripped for five runs in as many innings and eight hits in boston on april 10 but yielded a total of two runs and seven hits over 19 innings in his other three turns. severino started at toronto on opening day and struck out seven while allowing one hit in 5 2/3 frames to earn the win.

walk-offs

1. blue jays 2b devon travis (foot) sat out his second consecutive game on saturday and is day-to-day.

2. new york 3b miguel andujar is 9-for-20 with six runs scored and six rbis over the last five games.

3. toronto of teoscar hernandez went 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts on saturday after driving in seven runs over the previous three contests.

prediction: yankees 5, blue jays 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

21st April 2018 by Gracenote
corey kluber won his second american league cy young award in four years in 2017 and is off to an outstanding start this season, but he'll have a tough time matching saturday's performance by teammate mike clevinger. kluber takes the mound for the rubber match of the three-game series at the baltimore orioles on sunday trying to duplicate clevinger's two-hit shutout.

kluber has surrendered only five earned run through his first four starts, striking out 33 and walking only six in 29 2/3 innings. after scoring one run in each of its last two games, cleveland halted the mini-skid by clubbing three solo home runs in saturday's 4-0 win, including one by jose ramirez as part of a 3-for-4 day. baltimore lost for the seventh time in eight games and was without left fielder trey mancini, who had a two-run double before hurting his knee in the series opener. "i'm hoping the next day or two he's moving toward getting back in the lineup," orioles manager buck showalter told reporters. "we'll see. he's pretty sore today."

tv: 1:05 p.m. et, mlb network, sportstime ohio (cleveland), masn (baltimore)

pitching matchup: indians rh corey kluber (2-1, 1.52 era) vs. orioles rh andrew cashner (1-2, 3.00)

kluber made it 4-for-4 in quality starts last time out against the minnesota twins in puerto rico, allowing just one run and five hits while striking out six over 6 2/3 innings. he was dominant in his previous turn, overpowering the detroit with 13 strikeouts over eight scoreless innings of two-hit ball. kluber faced the orioles once last year and breezed through the lineup with a three-hit shutout, striking out 11.
cashner lost his season opener at minnesota, giving up five runs -- four earned -- over five innings, but he has rattled off three straight quality starts since, beginning with six innings of one-run ball at yankee stadium on april 5. he tossed seven scoreless innings in a no-decision versus toronto and yielded three runs in six innings in a loss at detroit last time out. yonder alonso is 3-for-7 with three rbis against cashner.

walk-offs

1. orioles ss manny machado had one of the team's two hits to extend his hitting streak to nine.

2. indians lf michael brantley has hit safely in six in a row, though his string of multiple-hit games ended at five.

3. orioles closer zach britton (torn achilles) went through fielding drills saturday for the first time since the injury.

prediction: indians 3, orioles 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

22nd April 2018 by Gracenote
the tampa bay rays are starting to warm up with the bats and the victories are piling up as they go for a three-game sweep of the visiting minnesota twins on sunday afternoon after scoring 18 times in the first two contests. veteran denard span boasts six rbis during the series and 17 in 17 games this season for the rays while c.j. cron belted a pair of two-run homers on saturday in a 10-1 victory - their third straight and fourth in the last five outings.

"we're not going to score 10 runs every game. nobody does. ... but we've got guys that can hit the ball out of the ballpark, we've got guys who can hit doubles and we should - in theory - have some guys that complement them and spray the ball all over the diamond," tampa bay manager kevin cash told reporters. rookie yonny chirinos, who was officially named the team's no. 4 starter saturday, will get the ball sunday, while fellow right-hander phil hughes makes his season debut for the twins. minnesota, which gave up eight runs in the seventh and eighth innings saturday while going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position overall, has lost back-to-back games for just the second time this season. brian dozier has hit safely in all 15 games for the twins, tying the franchise record for a hitting streak to start a season set by hall of famer kirby puckett (1994) and josh willingham (2012).

tv: 1:10 p.m. et, fs north (minnesota), fs sun (tampa bay)

pitching matchup: twins rh phil hughes (2017: 4-3, 5.87 era) vs. rays rh yonny chirinos (0-1,
2.70)
hughes was placed on the disabled list to start the season with a strained left oblique and returns to the rotation after two strong rehab appearances, allowing three runs over 10 innings. the california native, who was limited to 20 starts and 26 outings the previous two years due to injuries, struck out nine and walked just one in the two starts for single-a fort myers earlier this month. carlos gomez is 2-for-6 with a double against hughes, who is 5-6 with a 4.83 era in 20 appearances (13 starts) versus the rays.
chirinos did not give up a run in his first three major-league appearances (two starts) this season before getting rocked in his fourth against texas on tuesday night. the 24-year-old venezuelan yielded six runs on seven hits and three walks over 5 2/3 innings versus the rangers, but he has 15 strikeouts versus five free passes in 20 frames overall. chirinos, who went 12-5 with a 2.74 era with triple-a durham last season, allowed just seven hits combined in his first two starts with the rays.

walk-offs

1. twins of eddie rosario has hit safely in 14 of 16 career contests against the rays (20-for-53) and is 8-for-26 during a current six-game hitting streak overall.

2. tampa bay ss adeiny hechavarria has not committed an error in 69 straight contests and is 9-for-18 during a current five-game hitting streak.

3. minnesota 1b joe mauer is 0-for-8 in the series after hitting .364 with 12 walks in his first 12 games this season.

prediction: rays 6, twins 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

21st April 2018 by Gracenote
after watching their lineup held in check during a series-opening doubleheader against the kansas city royals, the detroit tigers' boom-or-bust offense broke out in a 12-4 rout saturday. already assured of no worst than a split in the four-game set, the resurgent tigers go for their sixth win in seven games against the visiting royals in sunday's series finale.

nicholas castellanos was a triple shy of the cycle and drove in three runs saturday for detroit, which has scored at least six runs nine times but has been limited to one run or fewer on six occasions. shortstop josé iglesias matched castellanos by going 3-for-5 as the tigers piled up 16 hits after they were limited to 11 in the doubleheader. the royals failed in their bid to win back-to-back games for the first time after snapping a nine-game losing streak in the nightcap of friday's twin bill. kansas city's bullpen entered the series with a major league-worst 7.94 era and showed why by allowing six runs on six hits and six walks in 3 1/3 innings saturday.

tv: 1:10 p.m. et, fs kansas city, fs detroit

pitching matchup: royals lh eric skoglund (0-2, 9.31 era) vs. tigers lh francisco liriano (2-1, 2.55)

skoglund has labored through his first two starts, primarily due to his lack of success against right-handed hitters, who are batting a robust .382 against him. he was tagged for five runs and six hits over 4 2/3 innings in his season debut against seattle before allowing five runs and eight hits over five innings at toronto on tuesday. skoglund won his only start against detroit with 6 1/3 scoreless innings last season.
liriano makes his fourth start of the season and his second against the royals, having beaten them in his season debut with 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball. he turned in another quality start in his next outing but took the loss despite six innings of two-run ball before beating baltimore last time out by yielding two runs in five innings. liriano is 8-5 with a 4.16 era in 20 career appearances (17 starts) versus the royals.

walk-offs

1. tigers 1b miguel cabrera is 8-for-16 in his last five games.

2. royals cf abraham almonte is 5-for-10 during a three-game hitting streak.

3. tigers rhp warwick saupold earned his first career save saturday with 2 1/3 perfect innings.

prediction: tigers 5, royals 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

21st April 2018 by Gracenote
it is only 20 games, but the atlanta braves are making quite the impression in the national league east entering the finale of a four-game home series sunday against the new york mets. the braves, who have suffered three consecutive 90-loss seasons, rallied from a 3-0 eighth-inning deficit on saturday by scoring a pair of runs in each of the final two frames to topple their division rival 4-3 and boost their record to 12-8.

atlanta, which started the day leading the nl in runs scored and batting average, finished with just eight hits - four coming in the final two innings, including ender inciarte's bunt single to score johan camargo with the game-winning run. the mets received two hits and two rbis from second baseman asdrubal cabrera, raising his average to .354 and giving him nine rbis in 12 career games at atlanta's suntrust park. the mets have dropped five of their past eight games after starting the season 11-1. new york closer jeurys familia, who is second in the majors with eight saves, could not close out the four-out save.

tv: 1:35 p.m. et, wpix (new york), fs south (atlanta)

pitching matchup: mets rh zack wheeler (1-1, 2.77 era) vs. braves rh mike foltynewicz (1-1, 2.53)

wheeler has touched 97 mph with his fastball while reporting no health issues through two starts, an encouraging sign given he struggled with injuries last season and he missed all of 2015 and 2016 after tommy john surgery. the 27-year-old held miami to two hits and one run with seven strikeouts in seven outstanding innings april 11, then followed six days later with a loss to washington after giving up three runs on seven this with three walks across six innings. wheeler is 4-2 lifetime against atlanta with a 2.94 era, but has not faced the braves since 2014.
foltynewicz has increased usage of his slider through four starts (26.3 percent, compared to 21.2 percent a season ago) and the results have been positive, as he has not allowed more than two earned runs in a start while striking out seven or more in three of four outings. the 26-year-old walked a season-high four hitters in six innings tuesday against philadelphia, but surrendered just one run on four hits with eight strikeouts in a no-decision. foltynewicz, who has topped 100 pitches in each of his past two outings, is 0-1 in three career appearances against the mets with a 10.45 era and six homers allowed in 10 1/3 innings.

walk-offs

1. braves lhp jesse biddle earned the victory in his major league debut saturday, pitching a scoreless ninth.

2. new york optioned rhp gerson bautista to double-a binghamton before saturday's game, recalling rhp corey oswalt from triple-a las vegas.

3. the braves made a pitching transaction for the third consecutive day, designating for assignment rhp josh ravin - who took the loss friday - and promoting rhp miguel socolovich from triple-a gwinnett.

prediction: braves 4, mets 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

21st April 2018 by Gracenote
the pittsburgh pirates began the season 11-4 but have since seen their offense go very cold during a stretch of five losses in six games. the pirates will try to string together some hits and avoid a four-game sweep when they visit the philadelphia phillies for the series finale on sunday.

pittsburgh scored two or fewer runs in each of its last five losses and totaled three runs in dropping the first three games to the phillies. the pirates finally got some production from the top third of the lineup on saturday as sean rodriguez, gregory polanco and starling marte combined to go 4-for-12, but those three also accounted for five of the team's 11 strikeouts. the phillies improved to 8-1 at home with saturday's 6-2 triumph, moving six games over .500 behind a thriving pitching staff and a young offense led by rhys hoskins - who homered and drove in four runs on saturday. philadelphia will try to polish off the sweep behind right-hander nick pivetta while the pirates counter with trevor williams.

tv: 1:35 p.m. et, at&t sportsnet pittsburgh, nbcs philadelphia

pitching matchup: pirates rh trevor williams (3-1, 1.93 era) vs. phillies rh nick pivetta (1-0, 2.49)

williams absorbed his first loss last time out, when he was reached for two runs on four hits and three walks over six innings against the colorado rockies in a 2-0 setback. the 25-year-old, who worked six hitless innings in his first start on april 1 at detroit, has yet to allow more than two earned runs in an outing. williams lost his only start against philadelphia last season, surrendering three runs and four hits in 5 2/3 frames.
pivetta is rolling along as well and allowed two or fewer runs in each of his last three turns. the canada native did not factor in the decision in either of his last two turns despite holding the cincinnati reds and atlanta braves to a total of three runs in 12 frames and owns 21 strikeouts with just two walks in 21 2/3 total innings. pivetta is making his first career start against the phillies.

walk-offs

1. phillies cf odubel herrera reached base safely in 22 straight games dating back to last season.

2. pittsburgh rhp kyle crick has yet to allow a run in four appearances covering 3 2/3 innings.

3. philadelphia 1b carlos santana scored a pair of runs on saturday but is batting .159.

prediction: phillies 5, pirates 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

22nd April 2018 by Gracenote
less than 24 hours after rallying from a deficit to post their fifth consecutive victory, the milwaukee brewers attempt to complete a sweep of their four-game series against the visiting miami marlins on sunday. milwaukee trailed by as many as four runs early on saturday evening but scored in the fifth and eighth innings to forge a tie before jesus aguilar capped a 13-pitch at-bat by belting a leadoff homer off junichi tazawa in the ninth.

the 6-5 triumph was a bit of a departure for the brewers, who allowed a total of three runs over the first four games of a winning streak that features three shutouts. travis shaw has gone 5-for-8 in the series, scoring five runs and going deep in each of the last two contests. starlin castro collected three hits while lewis brinson launched a three-run shot for the marlins, who have lost 13 of their last 16 games. brinson also homered twice in the series opener against the team from which he was acquired in the deal for christian yelich in january.

tv: 2:10 p.m. et, fs florida (miami), fs wisconsin (milwaukee)

pitching matchup: marlins lh caleb smith (0-2, 6.89 era) vs. brewers rh junior guerra (1-0, 0.82)

smith is hoping to solve his problems on the road, where he has surrendered eight runs on seven hits and a whopping 11 walks over only 5 1/3 innings in two starts - both losses. the sam houston state product lasted on 2 1/3 frames against the yankees in new york on monday as he was tagged for five runs on five hits and as many walks. smith, who remains in search of his first major-league victory despite making 13 appearances (six starts), will be facing milwaukee for the first time in his career.
guerra has been superb in two starts since being recalled from the minors, allowing one run and five hits with 11 strikeouts across 11 innings. the 33-year-old venezuelan settled for a no-decision against cincinnati on tuesday despite giving up just one hit over 5 2/3 scoreless frames. guerra, who already has matched his win total over 21 games last season, is 0-1 with a 7.71 era in one start and one relief appearance against miami.

walk-offs

1. brewers ss orlando arcia missed saturday's game after rolling his ankle the previous night and is day-to-day.

2. miami rhp dan straily (forearm) is expected to make the third start of his rehab assignment - and first for double-a jacksonville - on tuesday.

3. milwaukee, which is 5-1 on its seven-game homestand, has scored a total of 26 runs over the first three games of the series.

prediction: brewers 7, marlins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

22nd April 2018 by Gracenote
the houston astros ended last season as world series champions, but they struggled to figure out the riddle of the 67-win chicago white sox along the way. the astros are having no such problem with the white sox in 2018, however, and attempt to keep rolling sunday as they attempt to complete a three-game sweep in chicago.

houston dropped four of its six meetings with chicago last year, managing a total of only 16 runs against a pitching staff that finished third-to-last in the american league in era. the astros opened this series against the white sox on friday with a 10-0 rout and cruised to a 10-1 victory a day later as josh reddick homered twice and drove in five runs to back a strong six-inning effort from dallas keuchel. while houston has outscored the opposition 40-5 during its five-game winning streak, chicago has been pummeled 54-15 (11 of which came in one game) during its six-game slide and has dropped 11 of 12 overall. the recently acquired trayce thompson proved to be the only bright spot of another dismal offensive performance for the white sox, belting a solo homer in the fifth inning to avoid what would have been their fourth shutout loss of the season.

tv: 2:10 p.m. et, at&t sportsnet-southwest (houston), wgn (chicago)

pitching matchup: astros rh lance mccullers jr. (2-1, 5.57 era) vs. white sox rh reynaldo lopez (0-2, 1.42)

mccullers recorded a season-high 11 strikeouts in a victory on tuesday, as robinson cano's first-inning solo homer was the only offense seattle could muster against him in seven frames. the former all-star, who has fanned 34 across 21 innings, was coming off a rough outing at minnesota in which he was pounded for eight runs in 3 2/3 frames. mccullers hasn't faced chicago since doing so twice as a rookie in 2015, when he went 0-1 despite posting a 3.18 era.
lopez's mostly dominant start to the season continued to go unrewarded monday in oakland, as he took the loss despite giving up two runs and four hits while striking out 10 across six innings. the 24-year-old dominican has given up only three runs and eight hits while fanning 21 over 19 frames, but his 11 walks rank as the second-highest total in the al for any pitcher with three or fewer starts. right-handed batters are hitting .071 versus lopez, who will face houston for the first time in his career.

walk-offs

1. white sox rhp danny farquhar, who was rushed to the hospital after passing out in the dugout on friday, is in stable but critical condition after being diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage.

2. reddick is the first astro to hit two grand slams in the same calendar month since hall-of-famer jeff bagwell accomplished the feat in may 2001.

3. chicago is in danger of becoming the first team since the 1929 philadelphia phillies to give up double-digit run totals in five consecutive games.

prediction: astros 5, white sox 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

21st April 2018 by Gracenote
the st. louis cardinals have taken advantage of the dismal cincinnati reds in the first month of the season en route to the early lead in the national league central. the cardinals will aim for their second sweep of the reds in the past 11 days - the first being a four-gamer - when the teams finish a three-game set in st. louis on sunday.

yadier molina's solo homer in the seventh inning snapped a tie and the cardinals escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth in saturday's 4-3 triumph, their 10th straight victory between the divisional foes. six of those wins have come in 2018 and the reds are averaging just 2.5 runs in their matchups this season. cincinnati slugger joey votto drew four walks in saturday's loss but is 1-for-15 against st. louis pitching this year after hitting .418 with six homers and 17 rbis versus the cardinals last season. votto is hitless in three career at-bats against st. louis right-hander miles mikolas, who gets the start in the series finale opposite luis castillo for the reds.

tv: 2:15 p.m. et, fs ohio (cincinnati), fs midwest (st. louis)

pitching matchup: reds rh luis castillo (1-2, 6.75 era) vs. cardinals rh miles mikolas (2-0, 4.26)

castillo helped cincinnati snap an eight-game slide by allowing four runs over 6 2/3 innings in monday's 10-4 victory at milwaukee. he struck out eight batters and has 119 punchouts in 112 innings in the majors. the 25-year-old faced st. louis once last season, limiting the cardinals to four runs (three earned) in 6 1/3 frames despite five walks.
after giving up four runs in each of his first two starts, mikolas buzzed through the reds' lineup in a 6-1 victory on april 14, allowing a run and four hits across seven innings. "it's nice to kind of put that in your back pocket," mikolas told reporters after the win. "i'll be in a good mood the next couple of days." the florida native has an era of 8.00 in 19 career games (five starts) while pitching at home for san diego, texas and st. louis.

walk-offs

1. cardinals of tommy pham was left out of the starting lineup saturday due to a groin issue.
2. reds rf jesse winker has five hits and five walks over his last five games.

3. st. louis ss paul dejong also homered saturday and six of his 16 hits in april have left the yard.

prediction: cardinals 4, reds 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

22nd April 2018 by Gracenote
the seattle mariners were stuck in neutral offensively for the better part of their recent seven-game homestand, but a trip to texas appears to be all they need to round back into form. riding high after a pair of late-inning surges this weekend, the mariners seek their first sweep of the season on sunday, when they conclude a three-game set with the host rangers.

seattle scored fewer than three runs in every contest during a 1-4 stretch prior to hitting the road for the first leg of a three-city, 10-game trek. however, the mariners used a four-run surge in the ninth inning on friday to break open a tie game en route to a 6-2 victory before receiving homers from robinson cano and mitch haniger during a five-run seventh to grab the lead on saturday and hold on for a 9-7 win. texas has lost four of five since taking two of three from the astros in houston last weekend, causing it to drop into last place in the american league west. the rangers find themselves in that position mostly due to their inability to win at home, where they are 2-10 overall and have dropped six straight.

tv: 3:05 p.m. et, root northwest (seattle), fs southwest (texas)

pitching matchup: mariners rh erasmo ramirez (2017: 5-6, 4.39 era) vs. rangers rh martin perez (1-2, 13.14)

ramirez will make his season debut after going 1-3 with a 3.92 era in 11 starts with the club last year after being acquired from tampa bay in late july. the 27-year-old nicaraguan, who has been on the disabled list since march due to a lat injury, went 0-1 with a 2.13 era in two minor-league stops during his rehab assignment. joey gallo is 2-for-3 with a pair of solo homers against ramirez, who is 0-1 with a 6.00 era in 15 career appearances (six starts) versus the rangers.
perez's spot in the rotation figures to be in jeopardy after his last two outings, including monday's loss in tampa bay during which he surrendered eight runs (seven earned) on 10 hits and three walks in four frames. the 27-year-old venezuelan, who is allowing opponents to bat .455 with runners in scoring position, was even less effective six days earlier as he permitted eight runs over three innings versus the los angeles angels. perez has fared well against the mariners in 17 career games (15 starts), however, going 6-4 with a 3.28 era.

walk-offs

1. mariners dh nelson cruz, who played for texas from 2006-13, homered for the 100th time at globe life park on saturday.

2. the rangers' home era is a league-worst 6.64, while its 3.10 mark on the road ranks seventh in the majors.

3. seattle has registered at least 10 hits in 11 of its last 19 meetings with texas.

prediction: mariners 7, rangers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

22nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Colorado Rockies will try to earn their first series win at home this season when they host the Chicago Cubs on Sunday for the finale of their three-game set. The Rockies are 3-5 at Coors Field following Saturday's 5-2 victory that evened the series.

Colorado used a five-run inning and a strong pitching effort to even the series, as Chicago was unable to maintain the momentum on offense after posting a 16-5 victory in the opener. The Cubs continued their boom-or-bust trend at the plate - they're averaging 9.4 runs in their nine wins and 1.8 in their nine losses. Chicago will have to try to solve German Marquez, who faced the club twice last season and recorded one victory while allowing two runs - one earned - over 11 innings. Chicago's Jose Quintana will make his third career start at Coors Field, where he is 1-0 with a 3.65 ERA.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jose Quintana (1-1, 8.16 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (1-1, 4.34)
Quintana has been hit hard in two of his first three outings of the season, with a dominant start mixed in between. The 29-year-old Colombian lasted just 2 1/3 innings last time out against Atlanta, allowing seven runs and seven hits. He has struggled with his command, issuing 10 walks in 14 1/3 frames.

Marquez has allowed fewer than three runs in three of his four outings to begin the season. The 23-year-old Venezuelan recorded a season-high six strikeouts over six innings in a win at Pittsburgh on Monday, as he yielded two runs and two hits. Marquez walked 10 batters in his first two starts but has issued only two free passes over nine frames in his last two turns.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs placed INF-OF Ben Zobrist on the 10-day disabled list Saturday with tightness in his back and recalled INF David Bote, who doubled in his first major-league at-bat, from Triple-A Iowa.

2. Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado is 5-for-8 with a homer and three RBIs since returning from his five-game suspension.

3. Chicago CF Albert Almora Jr. is 11-for-21 during his five-game hitting streak and 13-for-31 in seven contests in which he hit in the leadoff position.

PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Cubs 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

22nd April 2018 by Gracenote
considering their outstanding start this season, it was only fitting that the boston red sox had their eight-game winning streak end in historic fashion. boston looks to bounce back from being on the wrong end of a no-hitter when it visits the oakland athletics on sunday for the rubber match of their three-game series.

the red sox struck out 10 times against sean manaea in saturday's 3-0 loss as they were victims of a no-hitter for the first time since april 22, 1993, when seattle's chris bosio mastered them. boston is 4-1 on its nine-game road trip, scoring a total of 34 runs while belting 13 homers in the victories, while oakland improved to 5-1 in its last six contests thanks to manaea's masterpiece - the 12th no-hitter in franchise history and first since dallas braden tossed a perfect game on may 9, 2010 against tampa bay. jed lowrie is on a tear as he has gone 15-for-32 during his seven-game hitting streak. the 34-year-old has driven in at least one run (12 total) during the string and has collected 16 rbis over his last nine contests.

tv: 4:05 p.m. et, nesn (boston), nbcs california (oakland)

pitching matchup: red sox lh david price (2-1, 2.25 era) vs. athletics rh daniel mengden (2-2, 4.50)

price limited the los angeles angels to one run despite giving up three hits and four walks in five innings on tuesday after working just one frame against the new york yankees in his previous turn due to a "sensation" he felt in his left hand. the 32-year-old native of tennessee has been superb on the road this year, going 2-0 while allowing one run and striking out 11 over 12 innings in two outings. price has made nine career starts against oakland, going 4-2 with a 3.13 era.
mengden finally broke through at home on monday, as he held the chicago white sox to one run over eight innings to record his first win in 11 career decisions at oakland coliseum. it was the longest outing of the season for the 25-year-old texan, who has issued only three walks in 24 frames this year. mengden made his only career start against boston on sept. 3, 2016, when he was battered for seven runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 innings en route to a loss.

walk-offs

1. athletics of stephen piscotty delivered an rbi double on saturday after having his eight-game hitting streak snapped in the series opener.

2. boston ss xander bogaerts (ankle) is expected to begin a two-game rehab assignment with triple-a pawtucket on tuesday.

3. oakland activated c josh phegley (fingers) from the disabled list and optioned him - along with rhp josh lucas - to triple-a nashville on saturday while reinstating rhp yusmeiro petit from the family medical emergency list.

prediction: red sox 6, athletics 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

22nd April 2018 by Gracenote
after tying a franchise record by giving up eight or more runs in four consecutive games, the los angeles angels settled things down to halt their losing streak. the angels look to put together another complete performance on sunday, when they host the san francisco giants for the rubber match of their three-game series.

albert pujols, mike trout and jefry marte each homered in saturday's 4-3 win for the angels, who were outscored 35-4 during their four-game slide. trout has been happily overshadowed early on by his new teammate, japanese two-way sensation shohei ohtani, but the two-time mvp is quickly heating up with six home runs in his last 12 games. the giants have not won consecutive contests since beginning the season with two victories but have received a much-needed spark from mac williamson, who homered in his season debut on friday and went 1-for-4 the following day. buster posey was a late scratch on saturday with back stiffness but was available for pinch-hitting duty and is expected to start the series finale.

tv: 4:07 p.m. et, nbcs bay area (san francisco), fs west (los angeles)

pitching matchup: giants rh johnny cueto (1-0, 0.45 era) vs. angels rh jaime barria (1-0, 1.80)

cueto came off the disabled list on tuesday and turned in a dominant performance against arizona, allowing two hits while registering 11 strikeouts over seven scoreless innings. the two-time all-star has given up one earned run over 20 frames in his first three starts of the year. justin upton is 6-for-20 with two home runs against cueto, who is 1-0 with a 1.20 era in two career turns versus the angels.
barria will be recalled from triple-a salt lake to make his second career start and first at angel stadium. the panamanian made his major-league debut on april 11 at texas and recorded the win after allowing one run on one hit - a solo homer by ryan rua - in five innings. barria has made two starts for salt lake this season, surrendering two runs and five hits with three walks and six strikeouts over 6 2/3 frames.

walk-offs

1. the angels are 4-7 at home and 9-1 on the road.

2. giants 1b brandon belt has homered in three consecutive games, collecting five rbis during that stretch.

3. the angels designated luke bard for assignment and recalled fellow rhp eduardo paredes from salt lake.

prediction: giants 6, angels 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego Padres vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

22nd April 2018 by Gracenote
an intriguing pitching matchup highlights the rubber game of a three-game series between the visiting san diego padres and the arizona diamondbacks on sunday. the padres will turn to rookie standout joey lucchesi, who has been scintillating over his first four career starts, while the diamondbacks aim for the series win behind fellow southpaw patrick corbin, who is coming off his first career shutout.

the padres took the series opener before falling 6-2 on saturday, as a.j. pollock homered and added an rbi single to pace a 10-hit attack for arizona. the diamondbacks have won a team-record six straight series to begin the campaign and sunday offers up an opportunity for another from a team that has gone 32-13 against divisional foes since aug. 25, 2017. the padres have dropped four of five since winning a season-high three in a row and scored four runs or fewer in every game during the 1-4 swoon. signed to a $144-million deal this offseason, eric hosmer was 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in saturday's loss and is 3-for-29 over a seven-game stretch.

tv: 4:10 p.m. et, fs san diego, fs arizona

pitching matchup: padres lh joey lucchesi (2-0, 1.66 era) vs. diamondbacks lh patrick corbin (3-0, 1.65)

lucchesi has 25 strikeouts and four walks in 21 2/3 innings after punching out nine batters over six solid innings of a win over san francisco last sunday. the 24-year-old has surrendered only one home run so far in his first taste of the majors and it came at coors field two starts ago. opponents are batting .221 with a .253 on-base percentage against lucchesi.
corbin struck out eight and yielded one hit in his shutout of the giants on tuesday, improving to 3-0 with a 0.82 era at home this year. he has 28 strikeouts and nine hits allowed in 22 innings at chase field after going 9-4 with a 3.15 era in 17 home starts last year. wil myers is 9-for-19 with a home run and jose pirela is 4-for-5 with two doubles against corbin, who has a 4.48 era in 16 career games (11 starts) against san diego.

walk-offs

1. hosmer struck out 104 times in 162 games last season with kansas city but is on pace for over 200 strikeouts this year.

2. pollock is batting .342 with six homers and 16 rbis over his last 20 games against the padres.

3. san diego cf franchy cordero has a home run, a double, a single and a walk through the first two games of the series.

prediction: diamondbacks 4, padres 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Nationals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 04-22-2018

22nd April 2018 by Gracenote
los angeles dodgers outfielder joc pederson has been a forgotten man early this season, but manager dave roberts remains a believer. one night after rewarding his skipper's faith with a solo homer, pederson could be in the lineup again on sunday as the dodgers host the washington nationals for the rubber match of their three-game series.

pederson has lost playing time to matt kemp while struggling at the plate, but the 25-year-old started his third consecutive game and went 2-for-4 in saturday's 4-0 victory. "we're trying to get him going a little bit," roberts told reporters. "he's a big part of what we're trying to do. i still want to be mindful of joc staying current and getting those at-bats, because we're going to need him." the dodgers have won five of their last six contests while washington is 3-2 on its nine-game road trip and hoping to have third baseman anthony rendon back in the starting lineup as soon as sunday. rendon has missed seven straight games with a toe injury but was available for pinch-hitting duty on saturday.

tv: 8:05 p.m. et, espn

pitching matchup: nationals rh jeremy hellickson (0-0, 3.86 era) vs. dodgers lh alex wood (0-2, 3.91)

hellickson made his nationals debut on monday against the new york mets but did not factor in the decision after giving up two runs over 4 2/3 innings. the 31-year-old native of iowa was signed to a minor-league contract in march after pitching for both baltimore and philadelphia last season. kemp is 7-for-22 with a home run against hellickson, who is 0-1 with a 6.88 era in four career starts versus the dodgers.
wood bounced back from a rocky outing against oakland by giving up an unearned run and two hits over 5 1/3 innings versus san diego on tuesday. the 27-year-old still is seeking his first victory despite limiting batters to a .186 average and recording 22 strikeouts against one walk. wood has gone 4-3 with a 2.51 era in 10 career starts against washington, including six scoreless innings at nationals park on sept. 15.

walk-offs

1. the nationals are 7-13 against the dodgers since the start of the 2015 season.

2. los angeles 3b justin turner (wrist) hit off a tee for the first time on friday and remains on schedule to return in mid-may.

3. washington placed lhp matt grace (groin) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled rhp trevor gott from triple-a syracuse.

prediction: dodgers 7, nationals 3