Sunday 4-29-18 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]

Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

28th April 2018 by Gracenote
the momentum boost provided by lebron james with a last-second shot in a game 5 win did not carry over for the cleveland cavaliers, and now they are facing a do-or-die game 7. the three-time defending eastern conference champion cavaliers will try to avoid a first-round exit when they host the indiana pacers in game 7 on sunday.

cleveland went into indiana on friday and got rocked 121-87 with a chance to close out the series but is excited about a game 7 on its home court. "game 7, i always said, is the two greatest words in sports," james told reporters. "but, i don't know, i played a game 7 in the finals and there's no move on after that. so, us having a game 7 on our floor, our fans are going to be truly excited to be a part of that. and hope our guys are excited about that as well and understand that just don't take those moments for granted. i've been a part of game 7s for quite a while now and it's just something that you wish you can get back when you're done playing the game." the pacers enjoyed their most complete game of the series in game 6 while shooting 56.3 percent from the floor and forcing 15 turnovers. "we were better connected on both ends of the floor," indiana coach nate mcmillan told the media. "i thought the defense was connected. we were solid offensively. we moved the ball, attacked the basket and pretty much played that way for the 48 minutes."

tv: 1 p.m. et, abc

about the pacers: all-star guard victor oladipo went 12-of-50 from the field in games 3, 4 and 5 combined but brushed his shooting troubles away in game 6 while recording a triple-double with 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. "i just got out of my own way and made shots," oladipo told reporters. "i was shooting the shots i've been shooting all year, just shot them with confidence. ... just went out there and played. did everything with confidence. didn't overthink it. just play, read, and react." oladipo was one of seven pacers players to score in double figures in the win and went 6-of-8 from beyond the arc to lead the team's 15-of-30 effort.

about the cavaliers: james was the only starter to score in double figures with 22 points on friday as fellow all-star kevin love managed seven points on 3-of-10 shooting. love is averaging 11 points on 32.4 percent shooting in the series after posting 17.6 points on 45.8 percent during the regular season. "he's a huge part of our success or our non-success," james told reporters of love. "obviously, we try to go to him, we want to go to him. obviously, we can't make the shots for him. he has to step up and knock those down. those things you can't control."
buzzer beaters

1. cavaliers pg george hill (back) sat out the last three games and is questionable for sunday.

2. pacers c domantas sabonis is averaging 20 points on 26-of-35 shooting over the last three games.

3. cleveland sg kyle korver is 11-of-22 from 3-point range over the last three games.

prediction: cavaliers 106, pacers 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

28th April 2018 by Gracenote
the houston rockets dominated utah in four meetings during the regular season, but most of the encounters came before the jazz turned their campaign around. utah continued its late-season run with a six-game triumph over oklahoma city in the first round of the playoffs and they will try to give the top-seeded rockets a test in the western conference semifinals, beginning with game 1 on sunday in houston.

rookie donovan mitchell scored 38 points to lift the fifth-seeded jazz to the 96-91 win in the clincher on friday at home and he appears ready to stand up to the rockets' dominant backcourt of james harden and chris paul, which will be critical with the loss of fellow guard ricky rubio. "the things that donovan did tonight, the team needed," coach quin snyder told reporters of mitchell, who provided 22 of his points in a pivotal third quarter. "that's who he's been. he's been a team-first guy, and sometimes the team needs a guy to take things on his shoulders. in that third quarter, obviously, he was dynamic." houston needed five games to get past the minnesota timberwolves in the first round and it found its offense by averaging 120.5 points in the final two games. harden averaged 29 points and 7.4 assists while paul posted 19 points and 6.6 assists per contest in the series for the rockets, who lost the last four times they faced utah in the playoffs - the most recent encounter coming in 2008.

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

about the jazz: utah did not escape the first round unscathed as point guard rubio left friday's win with a hamstring injury in the first quarter. reports surfaced saturday that suggested rubio - who averaged 14 points, 7.3 rebounds and seven assists in the series - could miss up to 10 days. joe ingles averaged 14.2 points while making 46.7 percent of his 3-point attempts in the series with oklahoma city and he stepped up his play-making when rubio departed to produce a team-high five assists friday.
about the rockets: veteran forward luc mbah a moute missed the first round due to a dislocated right shoulder but the key reserve hopes to return for game 1 against the jazz. "luc is a huge part of what we're trying to do," harden told reporters. "we've been missing him. luckily we got past the first round, but in order to get where we want to go, he's going to be a big part of that." a big part of houston's success in the first round was center clint capela, who averaged 15.8 points on 67.3 percent shooting, 14.2 rebounds and two blocked shots against minnesota.

buzzer beaters

1. the rockets won the four regular-season meetings by an average of 17.5 points.

2. harden averaged 34.3 points against the jazz in the regular season, while mitchell was held to 16.3.

3. including the first round, houston has won 23 of its last 24 home games.

prediction: rockets 107, jazz 100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

28th April 2018 by Gracenote
the washington capitals have frittered away a two-goal lead four times in seven postseason games, including three of their four at home this postseason. after yielding three third-period goals during a span of 4:49 in the opener, the host capitals aim to rebound and even their eastern conference semifinal series against the pittsburgh penguins at one victory apiece when the rivals play game 2 on sunday afternoon.

"it was a little bit of a kick in the stomach," washington coach barry trotz said. "we had a couple kicks in the stomach in the first round with columbus and you saw the response that we had. i know our group, i know the strength of our group, i know the resiliency. this group will battle back." the capitals need a stronger response at home considering they are 1-3 at capital one arena while the penguins are a perfect 4-0 on the road. evgeni malkin shed the non-contact jersey for a more traditional yellow one in practice on saturday and will be a game-time decision for game 2 after sitting out two contests with a lower-body injury following a collision with philadelphia's jori lehtera. "i feel so much better and we'll see what i feel tonight overnight," said the former hart trophy winner, who had five points (three goals, two assists) in five games in the first round and six (two goals, four assists) in four regular-season contests versus washington.

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

about the penguins: while superstar captain sidney crosby, malkin, phil kessel and matt murray tend to dominate the headlines, jake guentzel routinely sees his name in big bold letters when the postseason comes along. the 23-year-old capped the late goal surge by linemates crosby and patric hornqvist to extend his point streak to five games (four goals, eight assists) and boost his league-leading total in scoring with 16 (seven goals, nine assists). "i just think we're complementing each other well when we get in on the forecheck and we're all around each other," guentzel said. "when you play with sid, he makes it pretty easy for you, and he opens up a lot of space for us. we're just trying to take advantage of it."

about the capitals: although alex ovechkin scored and set up a goal in the series opener, the superstar captain and his linemates -- evgeny kuznetsov and tom wilson -- were on the ice for all three of pittsburgh's tallies in the third period. "for the most part, if you look at it analytically, it was not bad," trotz said of matching the teams' top lines against one another. "but at the same time, the only thing that matters is what's one the board -- the big scoreboard." wilson notched a pair of assists to boost his point total to five (two goals, three assists) in seven games.
overtime

1. pittsburgh lw carl hagelin did not participate in practice and is expected to miss his second straight game with an upper-body injury.

2. washington has thwarted 18 consecutive short-handed situations in the playoffs.

3. murray has surrendered eight goals on the road in the playoffs, with five coming in the series clincher versus the flyers.

prediction: penguins 4, capitals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #8 - BELMONT PARK - 5:13 PM EASTERN POST
The License Fee Stakes
6.0 FURLONGS INNER TURF FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#1 STORMY VICTORIA
#4 PRETTY PERFECTION
#2 JENNIFER LYNNETTE
#5 ALWAYS THINKING

This race honors the career of the versatile License Fee, who earned more then $1.2 million in a career that saw her win graded stakes races on both the dirt and the turf. She won on both surfaces at Belmont Park, and for different connections. The only constant in both wins was patient Pat Day, who rode her to victory first for Stanley Hough and later in the G3 Just a Game for Elliot Walden. Here in just the 5th running of "The Fee," #1 STORMY VICTORIA, a French-bred entry and the pace profile leader in this field sprinting at 6.0 furlongs on the grass, has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in four straight, hitting the board in three of those "adventures," including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 2nd race back. Jockey Joel Rosario has been in her irons of 5 previous occasions, hitting the board in each, winning three times, and is back this afternoon here in Ozone Park for his 6th ride, gunning for a "Grand Slam Win!"

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Belmont Park - Race #2 - Post: 2:04pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $30,000 Class Rating: 73

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 OPERATOR (ML=6/5)


OPERATOR - The Apr 8th race at Aqueduct was at a class level of (87). Dropping to a lower level drastically, so he should be in a good position. He has the highest earnings per start (EPS). Check out this one.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1A MAIMO (ML=6/5), #6 CHAMPAGNE PAPI (ML=5/2), #3 LATIN LOVE BUG (ML=5/1),

MAIMO - 6/5 is not enough of a price to take on this participant. CHAMPAGNE PAPI - You think this horse is going to win just because he's always close. Just doesn't finish on top often. LATIN LOVE BUG - This rallier will probably be rolling fast from far back much too late to make an impact in this affair. I'd like to see better recent showings with morning line of 5/1.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #1 Entry on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 1 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $6800 Class Rating: 74

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 MINERSINGSTHEBLUES 5/2

# 5 BLUSHING ANN 7/2

# 6 MY WAY OR ELWAY 3/1

MINERSINGSTHEBLUES is my choice. Will most likely come out strong - I have liked the way this filly has moved promptly to the front end recently. Could beat this group of horses in this race given the 66 Equibase Speed Figure garnered in her last outing. Exhibits the look of a profitable play, averaging a solid 56 speed rating which is one of the strongest in this group of horses. BLUSHING ANN - Must be considered for this event if only for the formidable speed figure put up in the last affair. With a nice Equibase class rating average of 77, has one of the best class advantages in this group. MY WAY OR ELWAY - Is worth looking at and may be a wager - strong speed figs (65 average) at today's distance and surface as of late. Going in a dirt sprint race gives this mare a very good shot.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Golden Gate Fields
Golden Gate Fields - Race 9

$1 Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $1 Superfecta (.10 min) $2 Rolling Double / $1 Rolling Super High Five


Allowance • 1 Mile • All-Weather • Ages 3 and up • CR: 109 • Purse: $33,000 • Post: 4:33P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF $25,000 AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE MARCH 1 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE JANUARY 1 ALLOWED 4 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 1, 2017 ALLOWED 6 LBS. (MAIDEN, CLAIMING AND STARTER RACES NOT CONSIDERED).
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 * FORCE (IRE): Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and trainer's win percentage with horses coming off a layoff is at least 25. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. MANY ROSES: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. CONQUEST COBRA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
7
FORCE (IRE)
3/1

9/2
1
MANY ROSES
4/1

5/1
6
CONQUEST COBRA
9/5

6/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
MANY ROSES
1

4/1
Front-runner
110

110

123.4

102.6

98.6
2
SUNSET DRAGUNN
2

12/1
Front-runner
103

103

99.2

99.2

88.7
4
MY FRIEND EMMA
4

12/1
Front-runner
112

108

93.3

93.3

83.3
6
CONQUEST COBRA
6

9/5
Alternator/Front-runner
113

107

104.5

107.8

103.3
3
GRECIAN FIRE
3

9/2
Stalker
105

103

99.1

88.0

79.5
5
AQUA FRIO
5

6/1
Stalker
104

105

91.2

98.2

88.7
7
FORCE (IRE)
7

3/1
Trailer
112

107

90.8

106.4

99.4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park - Race 6

$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta /$1 Super Hi 5 $.50 Bet 3 (Races 6-7-8) $.20 Rainbow Pick 6 (Races 6-11)


Maiden Claiming $50,000 • 7 1/2 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 89 • Purse: $34,000 • Post: 3:49P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $50,000, FOR EACH $5,000 TO $40,000 1 LB. (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT SEVEN FURLONGS).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Stalker. MONEY TREND is the Lone Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * LITTLE TOE: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. NUNC PRO TUNC: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layo ff. GEMOLOGISTER: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. SENSATIONAL SAM: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation.
8
LITTLE TOE
15/1

6/1
7
NUNC PRO TUNC
9/2

6/1
10
GEMOLOGISTER
8/1

6/1
9
MONEY TREND
6/1

9/1
5
SENSATIONAL SAM
5/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
NUNC PRO TUNC
7

9/2
Front-runner
75

76

103.3

72.0

62.5
8
LITTLE TOE
8

15/1
Front-runner
86

78

98.7

68.5

59.5
10
GEMOLOGISTER
10

8/1
Front-runner
86

73

68.0

76.0

68.5
9
MONEY TREND
9

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
74

74

63.9

66.3

56.8
3
GRAYDAR'S RESOLVE
3

7/2
Trailer
70

61

37.0

57.8

52.8
4
CHRISTMAS TREAT
4

12/1
Trailer
80

72

34.6

66.3

53.3
2
ANGELINO
2

6/1
Trailer
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0
5
SENSATIONAL SAM
5

5/1
Alternator/Trailer
85

60

36.0

71.1

64.1








Unknown Running Style: GEMONTEER (10/1) [Jockey: Vasquez Miguel Angel - Trainer: Antonucci Jena M], FRIEND ZONE (12/1) [Jockey: Reyes Luis R - Trainer: Summers Chad].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 6 - Claiming - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 78

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 28 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,200


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 TIME TOGET AHEAD 2/1

# 6 WHERE'S BUBBA 3/1

# 4 YODELERS WAY 7/2

I've got to go with TIME TOGET AHEAD. Looks very good to be on the front end at the first call. Could beat this field given the 73 speed fig garnered in his last outing. His 67 average has this gelding with among the best speed figures in this event. WHERE'S BUBBA - With a +5 return on investment, this rider and conditioner combo has produced quite good gains lately for players. The average class rating of 69 makes this entrant difficult to beat. YODELERS WAY - Is a strong contender based on numbers earned as of late under today's conditions. Had one of the best speed figures of this group of horses in this race in his last affair.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Santa Anita - Race #2 - Post: 12:02pm - Maiden Special - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $54,000 Class Rating: 92

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 WILD LANDO (ML=3/1)


WILD LANDO - I like a racer that manages to be on the board as often as this colt. Almost always in the money so don't leave him out of your exotic bets. This horse brings in a lot of money per race. I believe he will add to the lifetime bankroll in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 BABY GRONK (ML=8/5), #4 OLDER BROTHER (ML=4/1), #5 SOUL OWNER (ML=4/1),

BABY GRONK - Would have to get quite a bit more than the morning line odds of 8/5 to invest in this horse. OLDER BROTHER - If he goes off near the morning line odds of 4/1, I'll have to pass. SOUL OWNER - Tough for this closer horse to get up today. Without a hot pace to stir things up, the lone early speed is going to make it awfully hard to get the job done.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#2 WILD LANDO to win at post-time odds of 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

28th April 2018 by Gracenote
the tampa bay rays can tie the second-longest winning streak in franchise history and return to .500 when they go for a three-game sweep of the host boston red sox on sunday afternoon. the rays (12-13) have outscored opponents 63-34 during an eight-game winning streak after pounding out a season-high 18 hits, including four home runs, in a 12-6 victory saturday.

catcher wilson ramos went deep in his third straight game for tampa bay, but left in the seventh inning with a groin injury and is considered day-to-day, while matt duffy had a double and three singles to extend his hitting streak to six contests. matt andriese will get the start in a "bullpen day" for the rays on sunday and fellow right-hander rick porcello tries to win for the third time in the season series and remain unbeaten overall for the red sox. boston has dropped five of seven after a historic 17-2 start to the season, but finished with 12 hits and hanley ramirez registered a pair for his fourth multi-hit game in his last seven outings. xander bogaerts had a hit and knocked in a pair of runs for the red sox, improving to 16-for-35 with 11 rbis on the season against tampa bay.
tv: 1:05 p.m. et, fs sun (tampa bay), nesn (boston)
pitching matchup: rays rh matt andriese (0-0, 5.40 era) vs. red sox rh rick porcello (4-0, 1.93)

andriese makes his first start of the season after coming out of the bullpen seven times, including 4 2/3 innings of scoreless ball over his last two trips to the mound. the 28-year-old california native made 17 starts in 2017 and is 14-14 with a 4.55 era overall with 189 strikeouts across 223 1/3 innings in that role during his career. mitch moreland is 4-for-11 with two homers versus andriese, who is 2-2 with a 5.95 era in 11 appearances (seven starts) against the red sox after giving up four runs in two-thirds of an inning april 8.
porcello posted his fourth straight quality start last time out by limiting toronto to three runs on three hits over seven innings but settled for a no-decision after winning his first four outings of 2018. the 29-year-old new jersey native gave up four runs on 20 hits across 25 2/3 innings with 23 strikeouts and one walk in his first four starts, including two wins against the rays. brad miller is 12-for-43 with five doubles and five homers versus porcello, who is 14-8 with a 3.22 era in 25 games against tampa bay.
walk-offs

1. boston 3b rafael devers snapped out of a 3-for-22 slump with three hits saturday, including his fourth homer of the season.

2. tampa bay 1b c.j. cron has hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games, improving his batting average from .156 to .271 in that span.
3.the red sox bullpen had allowed two runs over a stretch of 32 1/3 innings before permitting six in 3 1/3 on saturday.

prediction: red sox 6, rays 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

28th April 2018 by Gracenote
miguel cabrera is showing plenty of signs of rediscovering his dominant form at the plate and will try to follow up a five-rbi performance while leading the detroit tigers to a series win when they take on the host baltimore orioles in the rubber match of a three-game set sunday afternoon. the 35-year-old was coming off a disappointing 2017 campaign in which he hit below .300 for the first time since 2008, but he has started strong this year.

cabrera homered, doubled and singled in saturday's 9-5 win over the orioles to give him 21 rbis in 24 games and boost his average to .333. detroit hammered out 13 hits - four for extra bases - in the triumph after it was shut out in consecutive games. the orioles received two more rbis from red-hot manny machado on saturday while falling for the 12th time in their last 14 games. the three-time all-star has hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games and owns six home runs - three against detroit - along with 12 rbis over his last nine games.
tv: 1:05 p.m. et, fs detroit, masn2 (baltimore)
pitching matchup: tigers lh daniel norris (0-1, 4.85 era) vs. orioles rh kevin gausman (1-2, 4.66)

norris has made three relief appearances and one start thus far while recording 16 strikeouts in 13 innings. he let up one run and three hits while fanning five in 4 2/3 innings in his lone start april 20 against kansas city at home. the 25-year-old has a 1.93 era in 9 1/3 innings in his career against baltimore, all of which have come at camden yards.

gausman has three straight quality starts and lasted a season-high eight innings while allowing two runs in a hard-luck loss against cleveland on monday. home runs have been an issue for the 27-year-old, who has allowed seven of them in 29 innings on the season. victor martinez is hitless in 19 at-bats against gausman, who is 1-1 with a 3.95 era in seven career starts against detroit.
walk-offs

1. orioles lf trey mancini his batting .308 as a leadoff hitter this year after going 2-for-5 on saturday.

2. tigers rf nicholas castellanos had an rbi in saturday's win and has driven in 11 over his last seven games.
3. detroit is 9-5 in day games and 2-9 at night.

prediction: orioles 6, tigers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Texas Rangers vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

29th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Texas Rangers will try to secure their first series sweep of the season when they wrap up a three-game set against the host Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. The Rangers have won a season-best three straight contests after taking the first two games from the Blue Jays.

Texas' bats have heated up even with offensive stars Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre on the disabled list. The Rangers belted three home runs in Saturday's 7-4 win, including their first back-to-back blasts of the season from Jurickson Profar and Robinson Chirinos. The Blue Jays have dropped four straight contests and six of their last seven. Toronto has lost the last three games despite scoring four or more runs after starting 13-0 when crossing the plate at least four times.
TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), Sportsnet One (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (2-2, 9.82 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (3-1, 3.72)

Perez's season had a rocky beginning, but he put together a quality start to beat Seattle last time out. The 27-year-old Venezuelan struck out four while allowing two runs and seven hits over six innings to lower his season ERA more than three runs. Perez is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA in three career starts against the Blue Jays and threw five scoreless innings in his only previous outing in Toronto.
Happ put together his best performance of the season Tuesday against Boston, striking out 10 while allowing one run and four hits over seven innings in a no-decision. The 35-year-old is missing bats at a career-best rate, averaging 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings and generating swinging strikes at a rate of 14 percent. Happ is 3-2 with a 3.07 ERA in five career starts against the Rangers.
WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays OF Teoscar Hernandez has reached base in 12 of his 13 games this season.

2. Profar has registered five RBIs in his last seven games after driving in just two runs in his first 15 contests.

3. Toronto 3B Josh Donaldson (shoulder) began a rehab assignment at Single-A Dunedin on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 7, Rangers 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

29th April 2018 by Gracenote
the miami marlins can win back-to-back series for the first time this season when they host the colorado rockies on sunday afternoon for the rubber match of a three-game set. veteran martin prado knocked in his first two runs of the year in his second game since returning from knee and hamstring injuries as miami earned a 4-1 victory on saturday after dropping a 1-0 decision in the series opener.

j.t. realmuto and starlin castro take seven-game hitting streaks into the series finale for the marlins, who took the last two of a three-game set at the los angeles dodgers earlier in the week. caleb smith goes after his first major-league win when he takes the mound for miami on sunday against unbeaten chad bettis, who is coming off his worst start of the campaign. the rockies have managed just 11 hits in the series, including four saturday, as they wrap up the first leg of a nine-game road trip that takes them to chicago and new york for two more national league series matchups. colorado shortstop trevor story extended his hitting streak to seven games saturday as he is 9-for-25 with two homers and 10 rbis during the run.
tv: 1:10 p.m. et, at&t sportsnet - rocky mountain (colorado), fs florida (miami)
pitching matchup: rockies rh chad bettis (3-0, 2.40 era) vs. marlins lh caleb smith (0-3, 5.82)

bettis allowed four runs on five hits and two walks over five innings in a no-decision against san diego on monday after two straight outstanding performances. the 29-year-old texas tech product yielded one run on eight hits across 14 1/3 innings in those two outings to improve to 3-0 with a 1.40 era on the road in 2018. castro is 2-for-7 versus bettis, who is 1-0 with a 7.71 era in two appearances (one start) in his career against the marlins.
smith was pushed back a day with the return of wei-yin chen on saturday and hopes to post back-to-back quality starts after yielding two runs over a career-high six innings last sunday at milwaukee. the 26-year-old, acquired from the new york yankees in the offseason, had allowed 11 runs over 10 1/3 innings in his previous three starts. smith, who has struck out 32 and walked 15 in 21 2/3 innings overall this season, meets colorado for the first time.
walk-offs

1. colorado 2b dj lemahieu (hamstring tightness) sat out saturday and could return for the series finale.

2. miami designated c tomas telis for assignment to make room for chen on the roster.

3. rockies 3b nolan arenado is 1-for-11 in his last four games after going 9-for-16 with three homers in the previous four.

prediction: rockies 6, marlins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seattle Mariners vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

28th April 2018 by Gracenote
already assured of a winning record on their 10-game road trip, the seattle mariners look to make it two series wins over the cleveland indians in the finale of a four-game set sunday afternoon. the mariners have erupted for 22 runs in taking two of the first three after racing to a seven-run lead through four innings of saturday's 12-4 romp at progressive field.

jean segura homered and tied a career high with four rbis and nelson cruz went deep as part of a four-hit day saturday as seattle's top four batters combined for 10 hits, eight rbis and eight runs scored. the mariners hit four homers and set a season high for runs scored to improve to 6-3 on their trek and 10-6 away from home. american league central-leading cleveland, which entered the series with the second-best era in baseball, has been unable to cool off seattle and will rely on josh tomlin with an era north of nine to help salvage a series split. indians 1b yonder alonso has homered in each of the three games in the series and has four blasts and 10 rbis in seven meetings versus the mariners this season.
tv: 1:10 p.m. et, root sports northwest (seattle), sportstime ohio (cleveland)
pitching matchup: mariners lh marco gonzales (2-2, 5.56 era) vs. indians rh josh tomlin (0-3, 9.24)

after three consecutive abbreviated outings in which he failed to get through the fifth inning, gonzales turned in his second quality start by striking out eight and blanking the chicago white sox on five hits over six frames in a 1-0 victory. he was 0-2 in his previous three turns, allowing 11 runs on 18 hits over 10 1/3 innings. gonzales surrendered two homers in his season debut but has not allowed one since.
tomlin had another horrendous performance last time out against the visiting chicago cubs, giving up four home runs for the second time this season while lasting only 3 2/3 innings to absorb his third loss. he went 14 days between starts, with a one-inning relief appearance following five scoreless innings against detroit on april 10. robinson cano is 8-for-20 with a pair of homers off tomlin.
walk-offs

1. indians lf michael brantley is 6-for-11 in the series and has hit safely in four straight and 11 of 12 games.

2. segura has 13 rbis over the last 10 games, driving in at least one run in eight of them.

3. cleveland's mike napoli will undergo season-ending knee surgery on friday.

prediction: mariners 6, indians 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

28th April 2018 by Gracenote
the arizona diamondbacks are tied for the best record in baseball for a reason, becoming the first team in 17 years to win their first nine series of a season. the diamondbacks made it two straight one-run decisions over washington on saturday to clinch their latest series win and go for a three-game sweep of the nationals in sunday afternoon's finale of the three-game set.

david peralta clubbed a pair of solo homers as part of a 3-for-4 day to help arizona erase an early two-run deficit en route to improving to 19-7, tied with the boston red sox for the best mark in the majors. a.j. pollock drove in the tying and go-ahead run in saturday's 4-3 victory and is 4-for-8 with a home run, four rbis and three runs scored in the series. the nationals fell to 3-9 at home despite the second homer in as many days from howie kendrick, who is riding a six-game hitting streak. washington will try to avert the sweep when it sends gio gonzalez to the mound to face fellow left-hander robbie ray, who has lost all four career starts against the nationals.
tv: 1:35 p.m. et, mlb network, fs arizona, masn (washington)
pitching matchup: diamondbacks lh robbie ray (2-0, 5.13 era) vs. nationals lh gio gonzalez (2-2, 3.04)

ray is still piling up some impressive strikeout numbers but he failed to go past five innings for the third time in five starts last time out, taking his third straight no-decision after fanning 11 in 4 2/3 frames at philadelphia. he struck out nine in his previous start, permitting two runs on six hits while matching his season high with six innings. ray did pitch well at washington last may, striking out 10 in a 2-1 defeat.
gonzalez yielded more than two earned runs for the first time in five starts this season and took the loss last time out at san francisco, giving up three runs on four hits over five innings. it marked the fourth straight time he has failed to pitch beyond 5 1/3 innings since working six frames in his season debut at cincinnati. paul goldschmidt is 9-for-14 versus gonzalez, who is 2-1 with a 3.23 era against the diamondbacks.
walk-offs

1. nationals rf bryce harper drew another walk on the sixth anniversary of his major league debut and is four shy of tying barry bonds' record (39) for the most in april.

2. arizona's bullpen has tossed 7 1/3 scoreless innings in the first two games of the series.

3. nationals 1b ryan zimmerman homered among two hits saturday to lift his batting average to .200 for the first time this season.

prediction: diamondbacks 4, nationals 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

28th April 2018 by Gracenote
there is plenty of buzz surrounding the atlanta braves' young core of talent, but entering sunday's series finale at the philadelphia phillies it warrants mentioning that two veterans are helping drive one of baseball's best offenses. first baseman freddie freeman tripled home a run in saturday's 4-1 victory and brings a seven-game hitting streak into sunday, while right fielder nick markakis homered and walked three times in extending his hitting streak to six contests.

atlanta, which started saturday leading the national league in runs, hits, doubles, batting average and slugging percentage, saw its shaky bullpen walk three hitters in three innings but escape to beat the phillies for the fifth time in eight matchups this season. phillies third baseman maikel franco finished with two hits, including a solo homer, and is batting .357 with three homers in 12 home games this season. philadelphia center fielder odubel herrera, who homered twice in friday's victory in the series opener, extended his streak of reaching base to 28 games and also robbed freeman of a two-run homer with an outstanding catch in the third inning. as has been the case in the first two games of the series, sunday's pitching matchup is a rematch of the final contest of the two previous series with brandon mccarthy going for the braves against vince velasquez.
tv: 1:35 p.m. et, fs south (atlanta), nbcs philadelphia
pitching matchup: braves rh brandon mccarthy (3-0, 3.38 era) vs. phillies rh vince velasquez (1-3, 4.50)
mccarthy is 2-0 with a 2.53 era in his two starts against the phillies this season, giving up three runs on 11 hits over 10 2/3 innings. the 34-year-old received a no-decision in his last start tuesday against cincinnati, surrendering five runs (three earned) with a season-low one strikeout in five innings and two homers allowed. mccarthy has given up four homers in 26 2/3 innings, three coming by left-handed batters.

velasquez has lost both starts to atlanta this season, posting a 7.27 era and allowing 16 hits in 8 2/3 innings. his other defeat came in his last start tuesday against arizona, in which he allowed four runs on four hits in 4 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and two homers allowed. the 25-year-old has held right-handed batters to a .214 average, but left-handers are hitting .311 with three homers and six extra-base hits in 61 at-bats.
walk-offs

1. philadelphia ss j.p. crawford left saturday's game in the fifth with a right elbow strain, two innings after making an awkward throw on an infield single.
2. atlanta cf ender inciarte stole two bases saturday to give him 12 for the season through 25 games, the most steals before may 1 in franchise history.

3. philadelphia hitters, which were third in the majors in strikeouts entering saturday, fanned 11 times in the loss and with 262 strikeouts are averaging 10.1 per game.

prediction: braves 5, phillies 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

29th April 2018 by Gracenote
after about 1 1/2 weeks of being able to seemingly do nothing right, the pittsburgh pirates are in the middle of a stretch during which they can seemingly can do no wrong. the pirates eye a fifth straight victory and their first home sweep of the season on sunday, when they complete a three-game weekend series against the st. louis cardinals.

pittsburgh lost seven of eight to ruin an 11-4 start, mustering more than two runs only twice during its dismal stretch. the offense has been clicking recently, however, as the pirates have pushed across six runs four times during their 4-1 homestand - including saturday's 6-2 victory in which francisco cervelli hit a solo homer and drove in another run with a sacrifice fly to continue his hot start. conversely, st. louis entered pittsburgh with wins in 10 of its previous 12 and on the brink of taking a lead atop the national league central before watching the pirates do so instead. the cardinals could manage only five hits on saturday, although marcell ozuna and tommy pham both were able to keep alive modest hitting and rbi streaks.
tv: 1:35 p.m. et, mlb network, fs midwest (st. louis), at&t sportsnet-pittsburgh
pitching matchup: cardinals rh luke weaver (2-1, 4.85 era) vs. pirates rh nick kingham (nr)

weaver struggled again in tuesday's no-decision against the new york mets, issuing a career-high six walks while yielding four runs and two hits across 4 2/3 innings. the florida state product was tagged for six runs over four frames five days earlier, ruining a solid three-game start to the season during which he went 2-0 with a 2.08 era. josh bell and jordy mercer are both 2-for-4 against weaver, who is 1-0 with a 1.54 era in three career outings (two starts) versus the pirates.
kingham is expected to make his major-league debut sunday to keep the rest of pittsburgh's rotation on schedule after the team played a doubleheader on wednesday. considered the organization's no. 13 prospect by mlb.com, the 26-year-old has lived up to his advanced billing so far this season at triple-a indianapolis, going 2-1 with a 1.59 era in four turns. kingham is 43-41 with a 3.37 era in 138 appearances (133 starts) during his minor-league career.
walk-offs

1. with his fourth homer of the season on saturday, cervelli has two fewer blasts in 22 contests this year than he did in 182 games over his last two injury-plagued seasons combined.

2. st. louis clubbed 31 homers over its first 22 games but has been held to two over its last four - both from 3b jedd gyorko.
3. mercer went 1-for-4 on saturday and has hit safely in all 12 of his home games this season.

prediction: cardinals 4, pirates 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oakland Athletics vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

29th April 2018 by Gracenote
the oakland athletics attempt to bounce back from a thorough trouncing and win their fourth straight series when they visit the houston astros on sunday for the finale of their three-game set. oakland won nine of its previous 11 contests before suffering an 11-0 defeat on saturday, evening this series at one victory apiece.

the athletics were unable to solve lance mccullers jr., who was perfect through five innings before mark canha led off the sixth with one of the team's three singles. marcus semien's six-game hitting streak came to an end as he went 0-for-4, while oakland dropped to 3-2 on its nine-game road trip. three-time american league batting champion jose altuve continued his wizardry at the plate in saturday's triumph, going 4-for-5 with a double, a homer and two rbis. the reigning al mvp has been held without a hit in only four of his 28 games this year.
tv: 2:10 p.m. et, nbcs california (oakland), at&t sportsnet-southwest (houston)

pitching matchup: athletics rh trevor cahill (1-0, 2.25 era) vs. astros rh gerrit cole (2-1, 1.29)
after recording a victory with a stellar effort in his season debut, cahill was not as sharp at texas on monday and settled for a no-decision. the 30-year-old californian, who scattered five hits over seven scoreless innings against the chicago white sox on april 17, yielded three runs and four hits over five frames versus the rangers. cahill has notched a victory while giving up six runs (five earned) and 12 hits over 7 1/3 innings in two career appearances against houston, including one start.
cole is coming off his first loss of the season, a setback against the los angeles angels on monday in which he gave up only two runs and four hits over seven innings. the 27-year-old, who also hails from the golden state, has worked exactly seven frames and allowed fewer than three runs in each of his first five turns this year. cole made his only career start against oakland while with pittsburgh on july 9, 2013, when he suffered a loss despite yielding only two runs and five hits in seven innings.
walk-offs

1. astros ss carlos correa has gone 18-for-43 during his 12-game hitting streak.

2. canha has hit safely in 12 of his 15 contests this season.

3. houston of george springer has recorded at least one hit in nine of his last 10 games and has yet to be held without one in back-to-back contests this year.

prediction: astros 6, athletics 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

28th April 2018 by Gracenote
with an eight-game losing streak a thing of the past, the minnesota twins can get behind their ace when they aim for a series win over the cincinnati reds on sunday. mitch garver homered to back jake odorizzi and the bullpen in the twins' 3-1 victory over the reds on saturday, their first win since april 18.

"it's a tough stretch, definitely. i've been in worse, but it's still april," odorizzi told reporters of the team's eight-game slide. "when you have these stretches in april, it's a lot better than having them in august or september." the twins aim for their first winning streak since a three-gamer april 10-12 behind jose berrios, the 23-year-old who entered saturday leading all qualified major leaguers with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 12. he will face a cincinnati lineup that produced 15 runs in a series-opening win before being limited to six hits in saturday's loss. scott schebler provided the only run for the reds with his third homer of the season and he is 9-for-26 with two home runs and eight rbis over his last seven games.
tv: 2:10 p.m. et, fs ohio (cincinnati), fs north (minnesota)
pitching matchup: reds rh tyler mahle (1-3, 5.00 era) vs. twins rh jose berrios (2-2, 2.84)

mahle struck out a career-high 11 batters and allowed three runs on three hits in six innings against atlanta on tuesday. the 23-year-old has given up seven home runs, one triple and four doubles through his first five starts. mahle, who will be making his first career interleague appearance, has a 3.65 era in five career road starts.
berrios has three scoreless outings thus far - including his first career shutout at baltimore on april 1 - but he's been knocked around in his other two outings. he was pounded for five runs in four innings at yankee stadium on tuesday, serving up two home runs after giving up just one through his first four starts. the puerto rico native is 3-3 with a 2.31 era in six career interleague starts and will be facing the reds for the first time.

walk-offs

1. twins 3b miguel sano (hamstring) was out of the lineup saturday and is day-to-day.
2. reds 1b joey votto saw his six-game hitting streak come to an end saturday but drew his 14th walk in the past 11 contests.

3. minnesota ss eduardo escobar doubled saturday and has seven extra-base hits (two homers, five doubles) over an eight-game stretch.

prediction: twins 6, reds 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

29th April 2018 by Gracenote
the kansas city royals decided they had finally had enough of tim anderson having fun at their expense and halted their struggles against the chicago white sox in the process. the american league-worst royals attempt to win consecutive games for the first time this season when they wrap up their five-game home series against the white sox on sunday.

following chicago's 8-0 victory in the first game of saturday's doubleheader, things got a bit heated between the two worst teams in the al central in the nightcap when royals catcher salvador perez took exception with anderson's celebration around the bases following his leadoff home run, prompting both benches to clear. "i don't have a problem when a guy hits a homer and takes a step or two and keeps running. but when you start to get loud and say some words, i don't like that," perez told reporters afterward. the royals (6-20) countered with three runs in the bottom of the first inning en route to a 5-2 triumph over the white sox (8-17), who are 5-1 versus kansas city and 3-16 against every other opponent. anderson has been a thorn in kansas city's side in 2018, as three of his four home runs have come against the royals.
tv: 2:15 p.m. et, wgn (chicago), fs kansas city
pitching matchup: white sox lh hector santiago (0-0, 3.38 era) vs. royals rh ian kennedy (1-3, 3.46)

after making seven appearances out of the bullpen, santiago is expected to get the nod versus the team he hasn't faced since july while with minnesota. the native of new jersey threw a season-high 59 pitches in long relief tuesday versus seattle, permitting two hits and a walk across 3 1/3 scoreless innings. alcides escobar is 10-for-28 against santiago, who went 1-1 with a 5.40 era in three starts versus the royals in 2017.
kennedy has been cleared to return after his shortest outing of the season on tuesday, yielding four runs in three frames against milwaukee before departing in part because he took a line drive off his right foot. the 33-year-old opened the season allowing a total of two runs over his first three turns spanning 18 innings but has since given up eight earned runs over eight frames. jose abreu is 9-for-21 with three home runs against kennedy, who held chicago to one run in six innings of a no-decision on march 31.
walk-offs

1. the royals have allowed an average of 1.5 runs in their six wins and 6.9 in their 20 losses.

2. chicago's starting pitchers own a 2.53 era over the last eight games after posting a 22.24 era in their previous four contests.
3. kansas city of jorge soler has drawn a walk in nine consecutive games, which is the longest such streak in the majors this season and the longest by a royal since 2000.

prediction: royals 4, white sox 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

28th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs seem to have found the solution to their spotty offensive production - playing the Milwaukee Brewers. After winning two straight low-scoring affairs, the Cubs will try to continue their dominance of the visiting Brewers in the third of a four-game series Saturday.

Chicago's pitching has been outstanding in six games against Milwaukee, allowing only eight earned runs and posting a 1.35 ERA, after limiting the Brewers to four hits in a 3-2 win Friday. Left-hander Jose Quintana will try to shut down Milwaukee again after throwing six innings of three-hit ball in a 3-0 win April 8 in Milwaukee. The Brewers had won eight straight entering the series, but they're 1-5 against Chicago and 15-6 against everyone else. The Cubs are still awaiting the return of star third baseman Kris Bryant, who has missed four straight games since being hit in the helmet with a pitch Sunday at Colorado.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), ABC 7 (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Junior Guerra (2-0, 0.56 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jose Quintana (2-1, 7.78)
Guerra began the season in the minors but has given the Brewers three solid outings since being recalled. The 33-year-old Venezuelan has allowed only two runs (one earned) in 16 innings, but he has yet to get through six innings. Guerra is 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA in six games (three starts) against the Cubs but is making his first start at Wrigley Field.

Quintana has put together only one strong performance in his first four outings of the season, but the Cubs have won three of his four starts. The 29-year-old Colombian commanded the strike zone better than he has all season Sunday, issuing only one walk after allowing 10 in his first three starts, but he gave up four runs over 5 1/3 innings in a win at Colorado. Quintana is 3-1 with a 0.75 ERA in five starts against the Brewers.
WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 2B Javier Baez (19-for-46) and CF Albert Almora Jr. (16-for-43) are riding career-high 10-game hitting streaks - the first Cubs teammates with simultaneous double-digit streaks since Aramis Ramirez and Starlin Castro in 2011.
2. Milwaukee relievers have not allowed an earned run in 32 innings.

3. The Cubs have scored multiple runs in the first inning in five of their last eight games.

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Cubs 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

29th April 2018 by Gracenote
christian villanueva was part of a crowded mix at third base for the san diego padres in spring training, but he's quickly emerged as the unquestioned starter. villanueva leads all rookies with eight home runs and is riding an 11-game hitting streak for the padres, who host the new york mets on sunday for the rubber match of their three-game series.

villanueva and franchy cordero each homered while austin hedges drove in a career-high five runs in saturday's 12-2 victory, but the win may have come at a cost. wil myers, who missed 15 games earlier this month with an irritated nerve in his right arm, exited the contest in the fifth inning with a left oblique strain and is listed as day-to-day. the mets lost for the fourth time in six games and need more production from their first basemen, especially with adrian gonzalez hitting .200 with two homers and 12 rbis. right fielder jay bruce could start receiving occasional starts at first base as soon as this week, which would allow manager mickey callaway to get hot-hitting outfielder brandon nimmo into the lineup more frequently.
tv: 4:10 p.m. et, wpix (new york), fs san diego
pitching matchup: mets rh zack wheeler (1-1, 4.24 era) vs. padres rh bryan mitchell (0-2, 5.76)

wheeler lasted a season-low four innings on tuesday as he gave up four runs and six hits against st. louis. the 27-year-old native of georgia began the season with triple-a las vegas before earning a promotion to new york, where he recorded quality starts in each of his first two outings. wheeler is 0-1 with a 3.18 era in three career starts against san diego, including a 1.50 era in two outings at petco park.
mitchell still is seeking his first win with the padres after allowing five runs and eight hits over 5 1/3 innings against colorado on monday. san diego remains committed to keeping the 27-year-old in the rotation despite his early struggles, as he has registered nine strikeouts and 19 walks over 25 frames in five starts. acquired from the new york yankees during the offseason, mitchell is making his first career start against the mets.
walk-offs

1. mets starting pitchers other than noah syndergaard or jacob degrom have a collective 6.11 era.

2. cordero has homered four times in his last seven games.

3. mets rhp jeurys familia will not be with the team sunday as he attends a memorial service for his recently deceased father-in-law.

prediction: mets 7, padres 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

29th April 2018 by Gracenote
this weekend's series between the los angeles dodgers and host san francisco giants might be just as newsworthy for its injury list as it is for the actual results. giants second baseman joe panik landed on the disabled list saturday with an injured left thumb that could require surgery, and both teams could be without several starters sunday, when the dodgers look to salvage a split of the four-game set.

playing without panik and left fielder mac williamson (concussion), the giants opened saturday's doubleheader with a 15-6 loss before bouncing back with an 8-3 victory in the nightcap. san francisco's austin jackson has struggled since joining his new team but provided a spark in the second game by going 2-for-4 with a three-run double. los angeles outfielder yasiel puig left the opener with a sore left foot after crashing into a wall and sat out the nightcap, but x-rays were negative and he could return sunday. outfielder matt kemp left friday's game with a tight left quadriceps but appeared as a pinch-hitter in saturday's nightcap, as alex verdugo started in his place and went 2-for-3 in his major-league debut.

tv: 5:05 p.m. et, sportsnet la (los angeles), nbcs bay area (san francisco)
pitching matchup: dodgers rh kenta maeda (2-1, 3.10 era) vs. giants lh ty blach (1-3, 4.31)
maeda settled for a no-decision against miami on tuesday despite allowing one run and four hits with seven strikeouts over six innings. the 30-year-old made his season debut against the giants on march 31 and earned the victory after registering 10 strikeouts over five scoreless frames. andrew mccutchen is 3-for-11 with two home runs against maeda, who is 4-1 with a 4.40 era in seven career games (six starts) versus san francisco.
blach recovered from a case of food poisoning in time to face washington on tuesday and gave up three runs in four innings. the 27-year-old native of colorado is seeking his first victory since opening day, when he worked five scoreless frames in a 1-0 win over the dodgers. puig is 4-for-18 with no extra-base hits versus blach, who owns a 3-2 record and 1.90 era in nine career games (six starts) against los angeles.
walk-offs

1. dodgers inf-of enrique hernandez missed saturday's games with flu-like symptoms and is listed as day-to-day.

2. san francisco purchased the contract of inf alen hanson from triple-a sacramento.
3. los angeles optioned lhp scott alexander to triple-a oklahoma city and rhp walker buehler to single-a rancho cucamonga.

prediction: dodgers 6, giants 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 04-29-2018

29th April 2018 by Gracenote
it's been more than a week since the new york yankees lost a game, and they hope to keep the victories coming as they attempt to complete a three-game sweep when they visit the los angeles angels on sunday. new york scored five runs in each of the first two innings on saturday en route to an 11-1 triumph that extended its winning streak to eight games.

aaron judge and miguel andujar recorded three hits apiece while aaron hicks drove in three runs for the yankees, who haven't lost since dropping an 8-5 decision in toronto on april 20. new york has pounded its opponents during the winning streak, outscoring the competition 62-17 while allowing one run on four occasions. zack cosart homered and luis valbuena recorded two of the seven hits registered saturday by the angels, who have lost seven of eight at home and eight of 11 overall. the 32-year-old valbuena matched his hit total from the previous nine contests.
tv: 8:07 p.m. et, espn

pitching matchup: yankees lh cc sabathia (1-0, 1.86 era) vs. angels lh tyler skaggs (3-1, 2.96)
sabathia is coming off his longest outing of the season that resulted in his first victory as he limited minnesota to an unearned run and two hits over six innings on tuesday. only half of the eight runs the 37-year-old californian has allowed this year have been earned, with three of them coming on three solo homers by baltimore on april 6. sabathia has made 21 career starts against the angels, going 9-9 with two complete games and a 3.91 era.

skaggs answered his worst start of the season with one of his best on monday as he scattered four hits over seven scoreless innings in a victory at houston. the 26-year-old, who also hails from the golden state, was tagged for six runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 frames by boston at home in his previous turn on april 18. skaggs has made 62 starts in his career but will be facing new york for the first time.
walk-offs

1. angels dh albert pujols remains five hits shy of 5,000 for his career after going 0-for-4 on saturday.
2. new york c gary sanchez has crossed the plate in seven consecutive games after scoring three times on saturday.

3. los angeles ss andrelton simmons was scratched from saturday's lineup with a sore right forearm and is questionable for the series finale.

prediction: angels 7, yankees 4