Sunday 5-27-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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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)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

26th May 2018 by Gracenote
the boston celtics have yet to lose at home in the playoffs, but a game 7 against lebron james and the cleveland cavaliers is different from every other test the young team has faced in the postseason. the celtics will try to hold homecourt advantage and turn away james and company when they host the cavaliers in game 7 of the eastern conference finals on sunday.

james stepped up with his team facing elimination in game 6 on friday, collecting 46 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in 46 minutes to push cleveland to a 109-99 win and put himself one win away from an eighth consecutive trip to the nba finals. "i have a drive. i have a love of the game. i have a passion for the game," james told reporters. "while i have the opportunity to lace my shoes up and put a uniform on, then i try to go out and do my job to the best of my ability. ... i haven't always played great in my career. but i just always want to try to maximize when i'm on the floor, and i've been able to." boston is trying to maximize its own potential and is prepared for a fight in game 7. "it's about just winning the game now," celtics guard marcus smart told reporters. "it's not going to be pretty. you got to be able to get down and get dirty. you can't go out and try to look pretty. you have to be ready for a dogfight. we got to be ready to come up with our nose bloodied, we got to be ready to come out with our mouth bloodied, we have to come out ready to fight."

tv: 8:30 p.m. et, espn
about the cavaliers: cleveland will spend the off day and the hours leading up to game 7 monitoring the health of james, who was forced to play through a knee injury in the fourth quarter on friday, and the team is expected to be without power forward kevin love in game 7 after he was placed in the concussion protocol. the cavaliers used a combination of players in the second half on friday to fill the gap caused by the exit of love, who has a history of concussions and did not play after the break. jeff green (14 points) and larry nance jr. (10 points on 5-of-5 shooting) stepped up in love's absence and will be counted on again in game 7.

about the celtics: boston took the first three home games in the series by an average of 17 points and already has one game 7 home win under its belt in the postseason after knocking off the milwaukee bucks in the first round. "it's going to be a lot of fun, first and foremost," celtics point guard terry rozier told reporters of playing game 7 at home. "...we need the whole city of boston to be behind us. we know lebron is different than a lot of other guys, but we've got to get the job done. that's no excuse, so we're looking forward to it." rozier scored a series-high 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting in game 6 after slumping to eight points on 3-of-15 in game 5.
buzzer beaters
1. cavaliers pg george hill scored a postseason-best 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting in game 6.
2. celtics sg jaylen brown is averaging 20.8 points in the series.
3. cleveland sg kyle korver is 10-of-17 from 3-point range over the last four games.

prediction: celtics 106, cavaliers 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Wynn

Free Play: Free Minnesota w/Berrios -110 Over Seattle

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Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Sunday, May 27, 2018

MLB (957) CINCINNATI REDS VS (958) COLORADO ROCKIES

Take: over

Reason: Your free play for Sunday, May 27, 2018 is in the MLB scheduled contest between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies. Your free play is on the OVER

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Razor Sharp

YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR SUNDAY: Take CINCINNATI/COLORADO UNDER the total of 11½ runs

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Totals4U

Sunday's Free Selection: Minnesota Twins/Seattle Mariners over 8 1/2

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Atlantic Sports

Sunday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Texas - 160

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#1 Sports

Sunday's Free Selection: Oakland Athletics

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Platinum Plays

Free Pick the Baltimore Orioles w/Gausman Pk over Tampa Bay

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Nevada Sharpshooter

Your free winner for Sunday: Take MILWAUKEE (Chacin) -160 over NY Mets

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Golden Dragon Sports

Free Pick Pittsburgh Tailon +105

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Hawkeye Sports

Sunday's Free Pick: Texas Rangers - 160

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Huddle Up Sports

Free Play: Milwaukee Chacin -132

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Arthur Ralph Sports

SUN LA ANgels +135 w/ Richards

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The Vegas Steam Line

Your free winner for Sunday: Take KANSAS CITY/TEXAS UNDER the total of 9½ runs

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High Stakes Syndicate

Free Selection for Sunday: Los Angeles Dodgers

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John Anthony Sports

Sunday's Free Selection: Texas Rangers - 160

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BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Sunday, May 27 is:

NY Mets (Wheeler) over Milw Brewers (Chacin).

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CAPPERS ACCESS

Celtics
Tigers
D'Backs

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Randy Chambers

CELTICS

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Chris Ruffolo

GIANTS

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MARK WILSON
MLB | May 27, 2018
Mets vs. Brewers
Free Play on Mets +145

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SAL MICHAELS
MLB | May 27, 2018
Orioles vs. Rays
Free Play on Orioles vs Rays under 8 +100

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MARC LAWRENCE

Play - NY Yankees w/Tanaka vs Richards (Game 964).

Edges - Yankees: Tanaka 5-0 career team starts vs the Halos… Angels: Richards 0-5 career team starts vs the Pinstripes… With Tanka 6-2 home in his career team starts during the month of May, look for the Bronx Bombers to improve to 6-1 at home in Game Three of a series this season here today. We recommend a 1* play on the Yankees. Thank you and good luck as always.

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DUSTIN HAWKINS
MLB | May 27, 2018
Reds vs. Rockies
Free Play on Reds +140

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RED DOG SPORTS
Soccer | May 27, 2018
Columbus Crew vs. Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City-0½ -118

The free soccer play takes place Sunday in MLS action.

Columbus 1

KC 2

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CALVIN KING
MLB | May 27, 2018
Reds vs. Rockies
[1%] Free Play on Reds +140

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ROSS BENJAMIN

Toronto (Happ) @ Philadelphia (Pivetta) 1:35 PM ET

Game# 977-978

Play On: Under 8.0 (-107)

Neither one of these teams have been able to hit their way out of a paper bag in recent games. Following Saturday’s 2-1 win, Philadelphia is now 10-3 under the total in their last 13 games. The Phillies starting pitcher Nick Pivetta has displayed exceptional form during his previous 3 starts by posting a microscopic 0.47 ERA. Pivetta is 5-1 under the total in 6 home starts with a stellar 2.00 ERA and 0.94 WHIP. The Phillies hurler is also 3-0 under the total during day games while gathering a 1.42 ERA and 0.74 WHIP.

Toronto starter J.A. Happ has made 4 career starts against Philadelphia and collected a dominating 1.11 ERA during those outings. Happ has gone at least 7.0 innings in 4 of his last 6 starts and that’s significant considering the shaky state of Toronto’s bullpen. Happ has also posted an excellent 1.93 ERA during 3 road starts in 2018. Bet on this game to go under the total for Sunday 5/27 free pick.

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ROB VINCILETTI
MLB | May 27, 2018
Braves vs. Red Sox
Red Sox-1½ -110

The MLB Run line comp play is on Boston on the run line at -1.5 at 1:10 eastern. Boston fits 2 different systems today a long term system that is 283-108 and also a 31-6 system base on yesterdays win. The Sox are 23-4 as a home favorite in this range and have Sale on the mound. Sale is 8-0 in game 3 of a series. The Sox 7-0 home vs N.L. Teams. The Braves are 3-13 on the road vs A.L Teams. Foltynewicz makes the start and he is 1-8 on 5 days rest, 2-10 vs winning teams and 2-8 on the road. Look for Boston to coast in this one.

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SEAN MURPHY
MLB | May 27, 2018
Blue Jays vs. Phillies
Phillies-110

Sunday MLB Free play. My selection is on Philadelphia over Toronto at 1:35 pm et on Sunday.

The Phillies got back at the Jays after dropping the opener of this series on Friday night, and I look for them to take the series behind one of their best young pitchers in Nick Pivetta on Sunday afternoon.

Philadelphia has gone 8-2 in Pivetta's 10 starts this season, including a 5-1 mark at home. Pivetta has allowed just six hits and one earned run while striking out 18 and walking only two in his last two starts, spanning 14 innings of work.

J.A. Happ has posted a 6-3 record this season but his ERA is approaching four. He has strung together back-to-back solid starts, but delivering a third effective outing in a row is unlikely based on his track record this season.

The Phillies are one of the best home teams in baseball this season, having gone 19-8 at Citizens Bank Park. While the Jays have had plenty of success against Philadelphia in recent years, I believe the tide turns in this series.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Team Underground

NBA BOSTON CELTICS ‑2.5

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David Hess

MLB NEW YORK METS/MILWAUKEE BREWERS over 8

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BRAD WILTON

Sunday night comp play is the Celtics to advance to the NBA Final with another home win, and more importantly another home cover over the Cavaliers.

Hey, LeBron James is the best player in the game, and you know, I know, and the whole hoops world knows he is going to get his tonight on the parquet floor.

What is unknown is whether his supporting cast can help the cause? It's a supporting cast that is now minus one Kevin Love who is out with concussion-symptoms.

I will trust in the C's to seize the moment tonight.

The home team in this series is a perfect 6-0 both straight up and against the spread, and as you are probably well aware, Boston has not lost a home game either straight up or against the spread in this year's postseason.

Boston taking all 4 in the opening round against the Bucks, then taking all 3 in the conference semifinals over the 76ers, and finally going 3-for-3 here in the conference finals over the Cavaliers.

This is going to be an instant classic, and my money is on the Celtics to eliminate the Cavs in a thrilling Game 7 from Beantown.

Lay the points.

2* BOSTON

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JACK BRAYMAN

While goaltending and quickness are the strength of the Golden Knights, there is plenty of playoff experience on Washington's side. And Ovechkin, of all people, has been waiting a long time for this.

Ovie looks like a man on a mission right now - just watch the first 1:02 of Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning, as he wasted no time in getting the scoring underway.

And we can talk all we want about Fleury, but when you combine the explosiveness of Ovechkin and his linemates, with the play of Capitals goalie Braden Holtby - who hasn't allowed a goal since Game 5 of the conference final - and you get a team on the brink of a championship.

The Golden Knights are a fairy tale for the NHL, and all of sports, but Vegas is also facing a team of destiny in the Capitals, who have put their past playoff disappointments behind them to get this far. It's the second time in their history and first time since 1998 the Caps are in the Stanley Cup Final.

The x-factor for this series is special teams. The Capitals have proven to be much better on the power play, than Vegas. They've proven they can capitalize with the man advantage, while the Golden Knights are relying on too Fleury too much.

Ovechkin has shown he is a true leader and is very much still a dominant offensive force, and Holtby has re-established himself as a stellar netminder at the right time.

I also think Washington has gotten here after tougher competition, and will be battled tested, more so than Vegas.

Take the Caps, and look for them to wrap this up in 6.

3* CAPITALS (series)

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Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #5 - BELMONT PARK 3:36 PM EASTERN POST
6½ FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD OPTIONAL CLAIMING $70,000.00 PURSE

#5 LADY BERGEN
#4 MIZZEN MAX
#3 LITTLE BEAR CAT
#2 HAY FIELD

#5 LADY BERGEN qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," drops in class (-4), has excellent early speed abilities to compliment for this sprint, and has hit the board in four of her last five outings, winning twice, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 3rd race back. Jockey Irad Oriz, and Trainer Jason Servis send her "postward" this afternoon, they've hit the board with an impressive 73% of more than 100 entries saddled as a team to date, winning at an equally impressive 36% clip, producing a +41% return on investment in the process. #4 MIZZEN MAX, the pace profile leader in this field, has it the board in five straight winning twice.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 9 - Stakes - 8.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $200000 Class Rating: 115

LONE STAR PARK H. - GRADE 3 FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. NO NOMINATION FEE. $1,500 TO PASS THE ENTRY BOX AND AN ADDITIONAL $1,500 TO START WITH $200,000 GUARANTEED OF WHICH $110,000 TO THE OWNER OF THE WINNER, $38,000 TO SECOND, $20,000 TO THIRD, $11,500 TO FOURTH,


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 MUBTAAHIJ (IRE) 1/1

# 4 FEAR THE COWBOY 5/2

# 2 FULL OF LUCK (CHI) 7/2

I've got to go with MUBTAAHIJ (IRE). Has run solidly when travelling a dirt route race. Must be given a shot based on the competitive speed fig recorded in the last affair. Have to look at solely on class, with some of the top class figures of this group. FEAR THE COWBOY - Has to be considered versus this field displaying formidable numbers recently and an average speed figure of 106 under similar conditions. Had one of the best Speed Figures of this field in his last outing. FULL OF LUCK (CHI) - Don't overlook this horse in your propositions - very dangerous with Prat aboard. With a reliable rider who has won at a competitive 28 percent clip over the last 30 days. This has to be one of the top selections.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 10 - Maiden Claiming - 5.0f on the Turf. Purse: $33000 Class Rating: 76

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $40,000, FOR EACH $2,500 TO $35,000 2 LBS. MD-BRED AND/OR MD-SIRED HORSES MAY WAIVE CLAIMING PRICE IN THIS RACE.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 MY BROTHERSLEDGE 5/2

# 7 ME DARLIN KARA 9/2

# 1 SEATTLE RIC 12/1

MY BROTHERSLEDGE looks strong to best this field. Is a solid choice - given the 77 speed figure from his most recent race. Has to be considered versus this group displaying very strong numbers recently and an average speed figure of 77 under similar conditions. Overall, has one of the best earnings per start in turf sprint races in this lot. ME DARLIN KARA - He has been running well lately while recording strong Speed Figures. Formidable average Equibase Speed Figs in turf sprint races make this pony a solid choice. SEATTLE RIC - Has been racing very well and has among the most respectable speed in the race for today's distance.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Pocatello Downs
Pocatello Downs - Race 8

$2 Exacta / $2 Quinella / $2 Trifecta ($1 Box)


Allowance • 870 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 85 • Purse: $5,600 • Post: 4:30P
QUARTER HORSE 870Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND OLDER. $150 TO ENTER, WEIGHTS: 124 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * GENERATIONS (T): Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation. MRSHAKEY (T): Quarte r horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. ZONIC ZOOM: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. PURE MOMENT (T): Horse has a TrackMaster "B" designation. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
4
GENERATIONS (T)
1/1

4/1
1
MRSHAKEY (T)
3/1

4/1
3
ZONIC ZOOM
5/1

9/2
2
PURE MOMENT (T)
4/1

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
MRSHAKEY (T)
1

3/1
Average
86

82

5.4

0.0

0.0
2
PURE MOMENT (T)
2

4/1
Average
74

72

4.3

0.0

0.0
3
ZONIC ZOOM
3

5/1
Fast
80

80

2.4

0.0

0.0
4
GENERATIONS (T)
4

1/1
Fast
78

82

2.1

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Prairie Meadows - Race #8 - Post: 4:07pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,065 Class Rating: 49

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 A DAY EARLY (ML=5/1)
#4 WALKING SOLO (ML=2/1)


A DAY EARLY - Lets try to beat the morning-line choices with this gelding. Just missed last out, but ran a decent race. 39-41-44 are last 3 speed figs. Improving each time out is something he should do again in this event. WALKING SOLO - Was beaten as the public choice in his last start. Ran well considering the figure recorded was good enough to make him one of the contenders in today's race. The most recent figure of 49 is the highest last race speed rating in the bunch. This gelding is in exceptional physical condition right now. Finished third last time out and comes back quickly. PP lines show this thoroughbred with 3 improving speed figs. Cabrera should be on a live horse right here.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 AWESOME MAX (ML=4/1), #3 SMOKY DREAMS (ML=9/2), #5 HOWARD STREET (ML=6/1),

AWESOME MAX - Not probable that this steed can get it done in this sprint after showing no early speed in that last route affair. Not likely that the speed rating he earned on May 10th will hold up in this race. SMOKY DREAMS - The Brain always cautions me to keep my distance from ponies in sprint contests that haven't hit the board in sprint races of late. HOWARD STREET - This gelding has already tasted defeat as the public's choice twice. Hard to give him another chance. This gelding is always in the money, but just doesn't finish first. Difficult to wager on him on the front end.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - WALKING SOLO - Put a bet on this gelding. At the top in earnings per start and has a lot more to offer as well.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 A DAY EARLY is the play if we get odds of 5/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Ruidoso Downs
Ruidoso Downs - Race 3

Exacta / Trifecta / .10 Superfecta / 3rd Leg Pick 4 /2nd Leg Pick 3


Trial • 400 Yards • Dirt • Age 3 • CR: 89 • Purse: $8,000 • Post: 1:52P
QUARTER HORSE 400Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS THAT WERE NOMINATED AND REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR THE 2018 RUIDOSO QUARTER HORSE DERBY (G1). WEIGHT: 122, LBS. ALL HORSES MUST ENTER FOR THE TRIALS ON SUNDAY MAY 20, 2018 BY 10:00 A.M. AND PAY THE $1,200 ENTRY FEE. LATE NOMINATIONS OF $30,000 (INCLUDES ALL FEES) WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE TIME OF ENTRY INTO THE TRIALS. THE TEN FASTEST QUALIFIERS WILL ADVANCE TO THE FINALS. THERE WILL BE NO ALSO ELIGIBLE LIST FOR THE FINAL.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * RAY DONOVAN: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. FLASH CANNON: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. PAINT ON CANVAS: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. MIGHTY PYC 123: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" desi gnation. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
1
RAY DONOVAN
9/5

4/1
7
FLASH CANNON
7/2

9/2
9
PAINT ON CANVAS
12/1

8/1
4
MIGHTY PYC 123
10/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
RAY DONOVAN
1

9/5
Average
92

89

4.2

0.0

0.0
3
SWEET SEVA
3

8/1
Average
80

71

5.0

0.0

0.0
4
MIGHTY PYC 123
4

10/1
Average
92

72

5.5

0.0

0.0
5
OLIVERS TRAVELS
5

5/1
Average
82

70

3.8

0.0

0.0
6
JESS YOUR FIRST MOON
6

15/1
Slow
0

0

8.8

0.0

0.0
7
FLASH CANNON
7

7/2
Average
95

88

3.8

0.0

0.0
8
CORLEONNI
8

8/1
Average
75

68

4.9

0.0

0.0
9
PAINT ON CANVAS
9

12/1
Average
90

83

4.2

0.0

0.0








Unknown Running Style: TEMPTING BEAU (12/1) [Jockey: Ramirez Esgar - Trainer: Valeriano Jr Joel].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Santa Anita - Race #9 - Post: 4:50pm - Maiden Special - 6.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $54,000 Class Rating: 96

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 JIMMY CHILA (ML=7/2)
#8 PADDOCK PICK (ML=3/1)


JIMMY CHILA - That last effort must not have been too hard on this colt for him to be able to race again so quickly. Although I sometimes have doubts about a campaigner who was beaten as the public choice in his last race, this colt got a solid rating and fits well here. Don't look any further. This horse has my dough. Way too much pace. This colt has the top turf figure in his last race. It doesn't take a college grad like The Brain to figure this here thoroughbred has a good chance. I'm focusing on the class of this thoroughbred, and this one is the 'classiest' of the bunch. PADDOCK PICK - This first time turf runner is going to give these ponies a run for their money. He came in third in his try on a sluggish track on Feb 18th. Should like the turf.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 DATA CENTRAL (ML=4/1), #9 BRIGHTON BOY (ML=6/1), #6 I AM THE DANGER (ML=6/1),

DATA CENTRAL - Didn't let me see any speed in the route event for me to back him in today's sprint race. This entrant ran a mediocre speed fig last time around the track. He shouldn't show signs of improvement and will likely suffer defeat in today's event running that number. BRIGHTON BOY - Don't think this questionable contender is worth 6/1 in this race. I AM THE DANGER - In any contest of 6 1/2 furlongs, I like to bet on a contender that has been on the board in sprint contests recently.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Turf Man - JIMMY CHILA - In today's sprint on the grass this mount has the best speed rating at the distance.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #4 JIMMY CHILA to win if we can get at least 3/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

26th May 2018 by Gracenote
the boston red sox designated first baseman hanley ramirez on friday in part to open up more playing time for mitch moreland, and the latter is quickly proving he belongs in that spot. moreland will try to stay hot and lead the red sox to a three-game interleague sweep when they host the atlanta braves in the series finale on sunday afternoon.

moreland slotted into the no. 4 spot in the lineup behind j.d. martinez and is 4-for-9 with a home run, a double, a triple, three rbis and two runs scored in the first two games of the series. moreland is batting .321 with a .652 slugging percentage in 112 at-bats for the red sox, who own the best record in the majors at 36-16 and are winners of six of their last seven games. the braves, who dropped their last three contests, entered the series with the best offense in the national league but are struggling to keep up with boston thanks to a pitching staff that surrendered 17 hits and allowed eight two-out rbis in the first two games of the series. atlanta will try to stop the bleeding with right-hander mike foltynewicz on sunday but faces a tough test while going up against boston ace chris sale.

tv: 1:05 p.m. et, fs south (atlanta), nesn (boston)
pitching matchup: braves rh mike foltynewicz (3-3, 2.72 era) vs. red sox lh chris sale (5-1, 2.17)
foltynewicz allowed two or fewer earned runs in nine of his 10 starts but completed six innings in just three of those turns. the 26-year-old, who struggles with his control at times and owns 26 walks in 53 total innings, surrendered a total of one earned run in his last three outings and struck out 19 in 16 innings in that span. foltynewicz made two relief appearances against boston previously in his career, yielding a total of one run and six hits in 3 1/3 frames.
sale is 4-0 in his last six starts and breezed through 7 2/3 innings at tampa bay on tuesday, striking out nine while allowing one earned run and four hits. the florida native notched a total of 45 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings over his last four turns, bumping his season total to 96 punchouts. sale is 6-5 with a 2.84 era in 26 career interleague games - 18 starts - but lost his only previous turn against atlanta while getting knocked around for eight runs and 10 hits in five innings as a member of the chicago white sox on july 8, 2016.
walk-offs

1. red sox 2b dustin pedroia (knee) made his season debut on saturday and went 0-for-4 with a walk and a run scored.

2. braves rf nick markakis is 3-of-7 with three doubles and three rbis in the series.
3. atlanta rhp anibal sanchez (hamstring) came through a rehab start on friday with no issues and is expected to be activated off the 10-day dl next week.

prediction: red sox 3, braves 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

27th May 2018 by Gracenote
there are some who believe 26-year-old mike trout has done enough to make the hall of fame despite playing the equivalent of roughly 6 1/2 seasons, but every so often he proves he can take his game to yet another level. following a mammoth performance from the two-time mvp in their last contest, the los angeles angels attempt to steal a three-game set from the host new york yankees when the teams conclude their season series sunday.

trout was a one-man wrecking crew in saturday's 11-4 victory over the yankees, clubbing a two-run homer to go along with two rbi doubles as part of an effort in which he set career highs in hits (five), extra-base hits (four) and total bases (11). the six-time all-star's offensive onslaught carried the angels to their first win in five meetings with the yankees this season while also keeping them unbeaten in series play on the road (6-0-1). one day after watching its club-record, five-game streak of hitting at least three home runs come to an end, new york connected on three more to run its major-league leading total to 83. gleyber torres' remarkable four-game run in which he amassed seven hits - including a homer in four straight - to go along with nine rbis for the yankees finally came to an end, however, as he finished 0-for-3 with a walk.
tv: 1:05 p.m. et, mlb network, fs west (los angeles), yes (new york)
pitching matchup: angels rh garrett richards (4-3, 3.31 era) vs. yankees rh masahiro tanaka (5-2, 4.95)

with los angeles skipping shohei ohtani's turn through the rotation to manage his workload, richards will make the start after allowing five runs (one earned) across five frames in a loss at toronto on tuesday. the oklahoma product, who will pitch on his 30th birthday, is 1-2 despite a 1.50 era in four turns this month. richards was pounded for nine runs (five earned) over 1 2/3 innings versus the yankees on april 28 and is 0-4 with an 8.10 era in six appearances (five starts) against them.
tanaka labored through five innings monday in texas but was still able to extend his unbeaten streak to six games despite permitting four runs on three hits - including two homers and four walks. the 2014 all-star has surrendered at least one home run in eight of his 10 starts and 11 for the season, placing him in a tie for the ninth-highest total in the majors. tanaka cruised to a victory on april 28 in los angeles, permitting one run while fanning a season-high nine across six innings.
walk-offs

1. trout, who moved into a tie with boston's mookie betts for the league lead in homers (17), is the eighth angel to drive in at least 600 career runs in his career.
2. new york 1b greg bird went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in his season debut saturday after he was activated from the disabled list earlier in the day.

3. los angeles c jose briceno went 2-for-4 with a home run in his big-league debut saturday.

prediction: angels 7, yankees 6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

26th May 2018 by Gracenote
the baltimore orioles are last in the american league east in runs scored, and consequently occupy the basement in the division. the orioles managed three runs in the first two games of their series against the tampa bay rays and will try to manufacture more offense and earn a series win when they visit for the rubber match and close out an 11-game road trip on sunday.

baltimore scored three or fewer runs in nine of its last 11 games, including a 2-0 win in friday's series opener and a 5-1 setback on saturday. the biggest culprit in the offensive drought is first baseman chris davis, who is making $23 million this season but is batting .159 with a .247 on-base percentage and 68 strikeouts in 47 games while going homerless in his last 14 contests. the rays aren't an offensive juggernaut but are getting solid performances from an unconventional pitching staff that continues to use relievers as starting pitchers. tampa bay will send former closer sergio romo, who also started the series opener on friday, to the mound for the first pitch on sunday against orioles righty kevin gausman.

tv: 1:10 p.m. et, masn (baltimore), fs sun (tampa bay)
pitching matchup: orioles rh kevin gausman (3-3, 3.48 era) vs. rays rh sergio romo (1-1, 4.66)
gausman allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of his 10 starts and is coming off one of his strongest performances after striking out a season-high 10 in 6 1/3 scoreless innings at the chicago white sox on tuesday. the lsu product could not get any run support and did not factor in the decision in a game the orioles went on to lose 3-2. gausman's last win came over tampa bay on may 11, when he scattered two runs and 11 hits over 7 1/3 innings.
romo had a string of six straight scoreless appearances come to an end on friday, when he was reached for one run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning and absorbed the loss. the 35-year-old started back-to-back games at the los angeles angels last weekend and struck out six without allowing a hit in 2 1/3 scoreless frames. romo's lone win on the season came in relief against baltimore on may 12, when he worked 1 1/3 perfect frames.
walk-offs

1. orioles lhp zach britton (achilles) threw a two-inning simulated game on saturday and is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment on wednesday.

2. tampa bay c wilson ramos is 6-for-12 over the last three games and hit safely in seven straight.

3. orioles of/dh mark trumbo (knee), who sat out his fourth straight game on saturday, is expected to avoid the dl and could return on monday.

prediction: orioles 3, rays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

26th May 2018 by Gracenote
mark reynolds has shown little rust since joining his eighth major-league team and the washington nationals have enjoyed quite the run of success since the 34-year-old came aboard. the nationals (28-22) bid to record their 11th straight win over the miami marlins (19-32) on sunday afternoon when the national league east rivals conclude their three-game series in south florida.

coming off a season in which he belted 30 homers and drove in 97 runs, reynolds went deep for the fifth time in nine outings as his go-ahead blast in the ninth inning lifted washington to a 4-1 triumph on saturday. reynolds is 12-for-27 with seven rbis and as many runs scored since joining the nationals, who have won 17 of 23 overall and nine of their last 10 on the road. brian anderson drove in a run for the second straight contest and has six multi-hit performances in his last 11 games for cellar-dwelling miami, which has dropped five of seven overall. anderson and the marlins have a tall task on their hands on sunday versus stephen strasburg, who has tossed 18 consecutive scoreless innings in his last three starts against the club to boost his career mark to 15-7 versus miami.
tv: 1:10 p.m. et, masn2 (washington), fs florida (miami)
pitching matchup: nationals rh stephen strasburg (5-4, 3.36 era) vs. marlins rh elieser hernandez (0-1, 2.08)

strasburg saw his three-start winning streak end with a thud, courtesy of a pair of homers as well as a season-high four walks in sunday's 7-2 setback to the los angeles dodgers. the 29-year-old saw his pitch count elevate to a campaign-high 115 despite working just 6 2/3 innings. j.t. realmuto (7-for-19) has flustered strasburg, but the right-hander has kept derek dietrich (2-for-22) under wraps.
hernandez sustained a hard-luck setback while making his second start and fourth career appearance on monday, as he pitched through a sore throat and allowed just one run in five innings of a 2-0 loss at the new york mets. "he attacks," manager don mattingly said of the 23-year-old venezuelan. "he's always coming after you. doesn't matter really who you are, he's coming to get you." hernandez has permitted 14 hits and struck out six against just one walk in 13 innings since making his major-league debut on may 10.
walk-offs

1. washington has outscored miami by a 66-18 margin during its 10-game winning streak.

2. realmuto is 9-for-19 with three rbis and two runs scored in his last four contests.

3. nationals rf bryce harper fanned four times on saturday to drop to 2-for-13 with nine strikeouts in his last three games.

prediction: nationals 6, marlins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

26th May 2018 by Gracenote
jose abreu is on a tear for the chicago white sox, who will try to ride their hot-hitting first baseman to a series win when they play the rubber match of a three-game set at the detroit tigers on sunday. abreu homered, doubled twice and singled in four at-bats to power the white sox to an 8-4 win in saturday's meeting - his seventh multi-hit effort in the last nine games.

the veteran slugger has 12 extra-base hits and nine rbis in those nine contests, and shortstop tim anderson has gotten into the act with three homers over the last two days. tigers rookie jeimer candelario matched anderson with a pair of long balls in saturday's loss and he has four rbis in two games since coming off the disabled list. detroit may get two-time mvp miguel cabrera, out since may 4 with a hamstring injury, back for the series finale. the timing would be nice for the tigers, as cabrera is 27-for-71 with four homers in his career against james shields, who gets the start sunday for the white sox.
tv: 1:10 p.m. et, nbcs chicago, fs detroit
pitching matchup: white sox rh james shields (1-4, 4.62 era) vs. tigers lh blaine hardy (0-0, 3.46)

shields has four quality starts in five turns this month and held baltimore to two runs in seven innings his last time out. he has finished at least six frames in six consecutive outings, allowing 25 hits in 39 innings during that span. the 36-year-old, who despite his solid stretch hasn't picked up a win since march 29, is 9-8 with a 4.46 era in 26 career starts against detroit.
hardy has made four relief appearances and two starts with the tigers, including five innings of two-run ball at minnesota on monday. he has issued only one walk in 9 2/3 frames over his last three outings. matt davidson has a home run and a double in three career at-bats against hardy, who owns a 5.06 era in 18 career relief appearances against the white sox.

walk-offs

1. davidson has missed four straight games with back tightness.

2. abreu is hitting .343 with 16 home runs in 78 career games against detroit.

3. candelario reached base in each of his last 20 games.

prediction: white sox 5, tigers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

27th May 2018 by Gracenote
it will be a battle of former college teammates and top-three draft picks on the mound when the houston astros visit the cleveland indians on sunday afternoon for the finale of a four-game series. houston's gerrit cole was selected first overall by pittsburgh in 2011, while cleveland's trevor bauer went to arizona two picks later and the former ucla bruins meet for the first time in the majors.

cole won his only start against the indians in 2015 and bauer has been victorious in all seven career meetings against the astros, but he missed them in the first series between the teams earlier this month. cole will try to cool off a cleveland lineup that launched four homers in the 8-6 victory saturday night after the indians dropped the first two games of the series and four of the first five versus houston this season. michael brantley hit one of the homers for cleveland - his fifth during a 15-game hitting streak in which he is 23-for-66 with 16 rbis - while edwin encarnacion connected on a two-run shot and is 5-for-7 in the last two contests. the astros lost for just the second time in 10 outings, but reigning american league mvp jose altuve had four hits in saturday's setback and is 6-for-9 in the past two contests with five multi-hit games in his last seven.
tv: 1:10 p.m. et, mlb network, at&t sportsnet southwest (houston), sportstime ohio (cleveland)
pitching matchup: astros rh gerrit cole (5-1, 1.86 era) vs. indians rh trevor bauer (4-3, 2.35)

cole is unbeaten in his last five appearances after allowing two runs on four hits and three walks over six innings with eight strikeouts to beat san francisco on tuesday. the 27-year-old, who boasts 101 strikeouts and 17 walks in 67 2/3 innings this year, has not given up more than three runs in any start and surrendered two or fewer in eight of 10. yonder alonso is 3-for-5 with three rbis versus cole, who gave up three runs in eight innings against cleveland in 2015.
bauer has not permitted a run in his last two outings, yielding 11 hits versus two walks to go along with 16 strikeouts over 14 combined innings. the 27-year-old has struck out 73 in 65 innings overall, giving up three homers and allowing opponents to bat just .214 against him. yuli gurriel is 4-for-8 with a home run while evan gattis and brian mccann have each gone deep twice versus bauer, who owns a 2.89 era in his career against the astros.
walk-offs

1. gurriel has hit safely in seven of the last eight games overall and is 20-for-59 in his career against cleveland.
2. the indians placed lhp andrew miller on the 10-day disabled list saturday with right knee inflammation.

3. astros ss carlos correa is 6-for-17 with four rbis and three runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.

prediction: astros 3, indians 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

26th May 2018 by Gracenote
the st. louis cardinals seek their first series win in three weeks when they visit the pittsburgh pirates for the rubber match of a three-game set sunday afternoon. jack flaherty threw six solid innings and matt carpenter slugged a home run in the cardinals' 4-1 win in saturday's contest, which snapped their three-game slide.

jose martinez added three hits for st. louis, which is 0-2-3 over its last five series. the win did not come without issue, however, as cardinals outfielder dexter fowler left saturday's game in the fourth inning after being hit on the knee with a pitch and he will be re-evaluated sunday. miles mikolas gets the nod in the finale for the cardinals looking to follow up his first career shutout last monday against kansas city. jameson taillon goes for the hosts as he aims to snap an eight-start streak without a win.
tv: 1:35 p.m. et, fs midwest (st. louis), at&t sportsnet pittsburgh

pitching matchup: cardinals rh miles mikolas (6-0, 2.24 era) vs. pirates rh jameson taillon (2-4, 4.56)
mikolas threw 109 pitches and struck out a career-high nine in the 6-0 win over the royals in his last turn. it marked the seventh straight start in which he has allowed two runs or fewer and left the 29-year-old with the best record in the national league. mikolas received a no-decision after tossing seven innings of two-run ball at pittsburgh on april 27.

after opening 2-0 with a 0.89 era through his first three starts, taillon is 0-4 with a 6.97 era in his last seven. he gave up six runs in six innings in a loss at cincinnati on tuesday, although he did strike out eight and walk just one. the former first-round pick is 1-1 with a 4.50 era in five career starts against the cardinals.
walk-offs

1. pirates rhp ivan nova, who is scheduled to start tuesday, has a sprained left index finger and could be placed on the 10-day disabled list.

2. the cardinals placed rhp greg holland (hip) on the dl.

3. pirates cf starling marte is batting .425 during his 10-game hitting streak.

prediction: cardinals 5, pirates 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

26th May 2018 by Gracenote
the philadelphia phillies find themselves atop the national league east this "late" in the season for the first time since they won the division in 2011, and they can thank their stellar play at home for their accomplishment. a winner of an nl-best 19 home contests, philadelphia (29-20) bids to continue that trend against former phillie j.a. happ and the visiting toronto blue jays (24-28) on sunday afternoon.

aaron nola took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning and nick williams belted his third pinch-hit homer of the season in the eighth in saturday's 2-1 win for philadelphia, which has alternated wins and losses over its last eight games on the heels of a 7-1 stretch. maikel franco has answered an 0-for-11 run by going 5-for-13 in his last four games, highlighted by his solo homer saturday. versatile russell martin, who made his first career start at shortstop, ended nola's bid for a no-hitter with an rbi single in the seventh. the 35-year-old has answered an 0-for-14 stretch with a hit in three straight while plating a run in back-to-back contests for the blue jays, who have dropped 10 of their last 13.
tv: 1:35 p.m. et, sportsnet (toronto), tva sports, nbcs philadelphia
pitching matchup: blue jays lh j.a. happ (6-3, 3.97) vs. phillies rh nick pivetta (4-2, 3.23)

happ has dominated the team with which he spent parts of three seasons, posting a 4-0 career mark with a 1.11 era while limiting philadelphia to a .174 batting average. the 35-year-old recorded his second straight victory on tuesday after permitting two runs on three hits in seven innings of a 5-3 triumph over the los angeles angels. happ fanned just five batters in that contest but is averaging a career-high 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings this season.
pivetta has answered a disastrous start on may 4 with three straight victories, highlighted by monday's performance in which he scattered four hits over seven innings in a 3-0 triumph versus atlanta. the 25-year-old british columbia native has allowed just one run on 10 hits while striking out 25 batters against two walks during his winning streak. pivetta, who will make his first career appearance versus toronto, flustered current blue jays curtis granderson (0-for-4) and yangervis solarte (0-for-3) in a small sample size.
walk-offs

1. toronto cf kevin pillar has hits in back-to-back games after going 0-for-17 in his previous six contests.

2. philadelphia rf aaron altherr is 0-for-7 with four strikeouts in his last three games.

3. blue jays 3b josh donaldson has four doubles and scored three runs during his five-game hitting streak.

prediction: blue jays 4, phillies 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

26th May 2018 by Gracenote
The Milwaukee Brewers hope to ride the momentum after their best offensive performance of the season when they go for the series victory Sunday afternoon against the visiting New York Mets. The Brewers recorded season highs in hits (19), winning margin and runs scored during their 17-6 destruction of the Mets on Saturday as they won for the second straight game after being shut out in the series opener Thursday.

Lorenzo Cain had three hits and scored three times Saturday to extend his hitting streak to six games (10-for-24) for Milwaukee, while Travis Shaw posted two more hits and is 6-for-12 with a pair of homers, three walks and seven RBIs in the past three contests. Jhoulys Chacin looks to continue his solid pitching when he takes the mound for the Brewers in the series finale and Zack Wheeler hopes to get some reward for another strong outing when he starts for the Mets. New York posted 12 hits Saturday and had a 5-3 lead early on before getting pounded in the middle innings to lose for the fourth time in five contests. Mets outfielder Michael Conforto has homered in back-to-back games and is 4-for-12 in the series, while infielder Wilmer Flores is 5-for-13 the last three games with three RBIs.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (2-4, 5.32 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (3-1, 3.32)

Wheeler is winless in four straight games despite allowing one earned run in two of them, including Tuesday when he a suffered a 5-1 loss to Miami. The 27-year-old Georgia native owns four quality starts over his eight outings in 2018 but just two in his last six trips to the mound. Hernan Perez is 2-for-3 with a double versus Wheeler, who is 1-1 with a 2.00 ERA in three turns against Milwaukee.

Chacin gave up two hits, four walks and struck out six across five scoreless innings Tuesday for his second straight no-decision. The 30-year-old Venezuelan has permitted two or fewer runs in seven of his last eight outings after struggling in the first three of 2018. Conforto is 5-for-12 with a homer against Chacin, who is 2-5 with a 5.76 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts) versus the Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York OF Brandon Nimmo belted his fourth homer Saturday, added a walk and boasts a team-best .429 on-base percentage.

2. Milwaukee C Erik Kratz had a single and a solo homer in five at-bats during his first game with the team Saturday.

3. Mets 1B Adrian Gonzalez is just 2-for-12 in the series but is batting .390 in his career at Miller Park in Milwaukee.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Brewers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kansas City Royals vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

26th May 2018 by Gracenote
given how well shin-soo choo has been seeing the ball lately, it is more than a bit ironic he put his name in the record book on what was little more than an educated guess. one day after hitting a milestone home run, choo looks to lead the texas rangers to their second straight series victory sunday when they wrap up a four-game home set with the kansas city royals.

choo is 9-for-27 with 14 walks over the last nine contests and has clubbed solo homers in each of his past two games, including his third career walk-off blast in the 10th inning in saturday's 4-3 victory to give him 176 for his career and pass hideki matsui for the most home runs by an asian-born player in major-league history. "it was tough seeing the ball. ... the ball was really dark (because of shadows covering the infield) and i couldn't see the spin. but it was a 3-1 count so i looked in just one area and swung hard," choo told reporters. while texas has won four of five, kansas city dropped back-to-back contests after a three-game winning streak to fall back into last place in the american league central. the royals went 3-for-8 with runners in scoring position in the setback, but they are still only batting .197 in such situations over the last eight contests.
tv: 3:05 p.m. et, fs kansas city, fs southwest (texas)
pitching matchup: royals rh jason hammel (1-5, 5.70 era) vs. rangers lh cole hamels (3-4, 3.38)

hammel ended a run in which he dropped his last eight decisions dating back to last season with tuesday's victory in st. louis, yielding one run on nine hits while striking out six in seven frames. the outing ended a brutal five-game stretch in which he went 0-4 and surrendered a total of 29 runs (28 earned) over 27 2/3 innings. choo (5-for-14) and nomar mazara (2-for-6) are hitting at least .333 against hammel, who is 1-3 with a 4.66 era in eight appearances (six starts) versus texas.
hamels extended his unbeaten streak to four starts after opening the season 1-4 with tuesday's win over the new york yankees, striking out seven over as many innings while giving up a pair of solo homers among the four hits he allowed. the four-time all-star has permitted two earned runs or fewer in each of his last five turns, posting a 2.08 era over that span. salvador perez (0-for-11) is one of several royals who have struggled versus hamels, who is 3-1 with a 2.86 era in five starts against kansas city.
walk-offs

1. royals 2b whit merrifield is 5-for-13 with three doubles - one in each game - and four rbis in this series.
2. three of the rangers' four wins over the last five contests have come when the opposing team scored first. they went 2-22 over their first 24 such games.

3. kansas city placed lhp eric skoglund (left ulnar collateral ligament sprain) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled lhp eric stout from triple-a omaha on saturday.

prediction: rangers 5, royals 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

27th May 2018 by Gracenote
with scooter gennett's campaign for national league player of the month in its final push, the second baseman is starting to pull away from the field. the 28-year-old is hitting .392 with eight home runs and 22 rbis this month for the cincinnati reds, who visit the colorado rockies on sunday for the rubber match of their three-game series.

gennett bolstered his candidacy saturday with five hits, including a solo homer, as the reds held on for a 6-5 victory. jared hughes, filling in for injured closer raisel iglesias, worked out of a no-out, bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning for his third save this season and the seventh of his career. colorado has lost five of its last seven games but received a spark on saturday from rookie second baseman ryan mcmahon, who was recalled from triple-a albuquerque prior to the contest and went 2-for-4 from the seventh spot in the order. mcmahon is expected to start again sunday in place of dj lemahieu, who has missed the last 11 games due to a sprained left thumb but hit in the batting cage saturday and hopes to return in the next 2-3 weeks.
tv: 3:10 p.m. et, fs ohio (cincinnati), at&t sportsnet-rocky mountain (colorado)
pitching matchup: reds rh matt harvey (1-2, 5.49 era) vs. rockies rh german marquez (3-5, 4.62)

harvey earned his first victory in three starts with his new team on tuesday, allowing one run and three hits over six innings against pittsburgh. "it was a good step for me," harvey told reporters. "i think there were times this year when i didn't think i was going to get another win in the big leagues. it was good to get one on the board." ian desmond is 6-for-22 with a home run against harvey, who is 2-1 with a 1.88 era in four career starts versus colorado.
marquez turned in his best outing of the season on monday, holding the los angeles dodgers to one run and two hits over seven frames in a 2-1 victory. "it was my tempo, my aggressiveness," marquez told reporters. "i was able to stay in the moment, one pitch at a time." the 23-year-old venezuelan owns a 2.06 era in six starts on the road this season but has struggled at coors field, going 0-3 with a 10.34 era in four turns.
walk-offs

1. colorado 3b nolan arenado has reached base safely in 33 of his last 34 games.

2. the reds opened the season with a 3-15 record but are 16-19 under interim mgr jim riggleman.

3. the rockies optioned inf pat valaika to albuquerque to make room for mcmahon.

prediction: rockies 7, reds 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

26th May 2018 by Gracenote
after receiving a brief glimmer of hope, the arizona diamondbacks are back to looking for answers on how to win on the road. arizona attempts to bounce back from a futile performance as it concludes a dismal nine-game trek sunday against the oakland athletics.

the diamondbacks lost seven straight both overall and on the road before recording a dominant victory in the series opener but were silenced by daniel mengden on saturday, notching only a pair of singles in a 3-0 setback. arizona is 1-7 on the road trip and has lost 14 of its last 16 overall contests. mengden tossed his second career complete game - and shutout - as he improved to 2-11 lifetime at oakland coliseum while the athletics raised their record to 2-3 on their 10-game homestand. oakland managed only five hits saturday, but all went for extra bases - including solo homers by matt joyce, matt olson and chad pinder.
tv: 4:05 p.m. et, fs arizona, nbcs california (oakland)

pitching matchup: diamondbacks rh zack greinke (3-3, 3.71 era) vs. athletics rh frankie montas (2017: 1-1, 7.03)
greinke had his four-start unbeaten streak halted last time out, as he served up a season-high three homers en route to yielding four runs over six innings in a loss at milwaukee on monday. the 34-year-old floridian did register nine strikeouts, marking the fourth time he has reached that total in 10 turns this season. greinke has had success against oakland in his career, going 6-1 with a 3.12 era in 15 appearances (11 starts).

montas is expected to be recalled from triple-a nashville to make his third major-league start - and first for oakland - in order to give trevor cahill an extra day of rest. the 25-year-old montas came out of the bullpen for the athletics last season after going 0-2 in two starts and five relief appearances for the chicago white sox in 2015. the dominican, who never has faced arizona, has gone 1-5 with one complete game and a 4.39 era in nine turns for the sounds this year.
walk-offs

1. athletics ss marcus semien doubled on saturday to avoid going hitless in back-to-back contests for the first time this season.
2. arizona has scored fewer than three runs six times over the first eight games of its road trip.

3. oakland placed santiago casilla (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list, optioned josh lucas to nashville and recalled fellow rhps chris bassitt and carlos ramirez from the sounds.

prediction: diamondbacks 11, athletics 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

27th May 2018 by Gracenote
the seattle mariners attempt to extend their home winning streak to six games when they host the minnesota twins on sunday for the finale of their three-game series. seattle won the final three contests of its four-game home set against detroit last weekend and has taken the first two of this matchup, including a 4-3 triumph in 12 innings on saturday.

jean segura belted a solo homer and nelson cruz added a two-run shot in the sixth inning to erase a 2-0 deficit, but minnesota forged a tie before mike zunino went deep with two outs in the 12th to give the mariners their seventh victory in eight overall contests. seattle has played six consecutive one-run games, going 5-1 while scoring a total of only 16 runs, and have recorded a major league-high 15 wins in such contests (15-8) this season. minnesota has lost three straight following a three-game winning streak, producing a total of five runs during the slide. max kepler recorded two hits and an rbi in saturday's setback and is 4-for-8 with a homer and two rbis over the first two games of the series.
tv: 4:10 p.m. et, fs north (minnesota), root northwest (seattle)
pitching matchup: twins rh jose berrios (5-4, 3.82 era) vs. mariners rh mike leake (4-3, 5.46)

berrios is coming off back-to-back home victories in which he allowed three runs and five hits while registering 19 strikeouts over 15 1/3 innings. the 24-year-old puerto rican struggled in his last turn away from home, yielding five runs over 5 1/3 frames in a loss to the los angeles angels that raised his road era to 5.18. berrios is 1-1 with a 4.97 era in two career starts against seattle after surrendering five runs over 4 2/3 innings in a home setback on april 7.
leake notched the victory opposite berrios in that matchup but has won only two of his eight starts since, as he settled for a no-decision at oakland on tuesday after giving up two runs - one earned - and six hits in 6 2/3 innings. the 30-year-old californian has gone 0-2 in four turns at home after defeating cleveland at safeco field in his season debut on april 1. leake is 1-0 with a 5.82 era in three career starts against the twins.
walk-offs

1. mariners rhp nick vincent left saturday's contest in the eighth inning with a groin strain while segura exited a frame later after being kicked in the helmet while sliding into second base.

2. minnesota could be without of byron buxton, who exited saturday's game in the sixth inning after crashing into the outfield wall while trying to make a catch.

3. seattle rhp alex colome will be available for the series finale while of denard span is expected to be in monday's lineup against texas after both were acquired from tampa bay on friday.

prediction: twins 5, mariners 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

27th May 2018 by Gracenote
The San Diego Padres aren't exactly sure what they have in rookie third baseman Christian Villanueva, but they have every reason to be optimistic. The 26-year-old Villanueva looks to build on his impressive start when the Padres visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday for the rubber match of their three-game series.

Villanueva's average fell to .226 following an extended slump earlier this month, but he's rebounded by going 10-for-34 with five home runs in his last 10 games, including two blasts and three RBIs in Saturday's 7-5 victory. San Diego has won eight of its last 13 contests and appears to have found a critical piece of its rebuilding plan in Villanueva, who leads all rookies in home runs (14) and RBIs (31). The Dodgers saw their three-game winning streak come to end Saturday despite solo homers by Chris Taylor and Justin Turner, who belted his first of the season. Los Angeles continues to exercise patience with Yasiel Puig, who is 6-for-32 with runners in scoring position and batting .215 overall after striking out as a pinch-hitter on Saturday.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Matt Strahm (0-2, 4.91 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Walker Buehler (2-1, 2.38)

Strahm is set to make his first start as a member of the Padres, who are planning on using multiple relievers to fill in for Joey Lucchesi (right hip strain). "We're probably going to use the whole staff on Sunday," manager Andy Green told reporters. "We think this is the way to go, to leverage off the strength of the bullpen." The 26-year-old Strahm appeared in 24 games (three starts) for Kansas City last season but has struggled out of the bullpen with the Padres, issuing eight walks over 7 1/3 innings in six relief appearances.

Buehler bounced back from a shaky outing against Miami by holding Colorado to one run and two hits in a 2-1 victory on Monday. "They couldn't touch his fastball," Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal told reporters. "He ran through that lineup like not too many people can do." The 23-year-old rookie has been as good as advertised in his first six starts, working at least five innings in every outing while recording 40 strikeouts against nine walks over 34 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers OF Matt Kemp is 14-for-31 with one homer and eight RBIs in his last nine games.

2. San Diego LHP Brad Hand has held opponents scoreless in 18 of his last 20 appearances.

3. Los Angeles LHP Clayton Kershaw (biceps) threw four innings in a simulated game on Saturday and could rejoin the team as soon as Thursday.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Padres 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 05-27-2018

27th May 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs' major offseason signing hasn't yet paid many dividends, and he won't be on the mound as scheduled for the finale of their three-game series against the visiting San Francisco Giants on Sunday night. The Cubs had to shuffle their rotation for the rubber match of the set, as Tyler Chatwood will move up a day after prized free agent Yu Darvish was placed on the 10-day disabled list Saturday with triceps tendinitis.

Chatwood will oppose Ty Blach in the finale after the Giants evened the series with Saturday's 5-4 triumph. Brandon Crawford stayed red-hot for San Francisco, going 2-for-3 with a double and a homer, and is batting .446 with four blasts and 20 RBIs in 23 games this month. The Giants won for just the second time in their last 11 road contests, putting them in position to win their first series at Wrigley Field since 2014. The Cubs have lost five of their last six home games.
TV: 8:08 p.m. ET, ESPN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Ty Blach (3-4, 4.37 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (3-4, 3.74)
Blach has failed to get through the fifth inning in each of his last three starts. The 27-year-old gave up four runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings of a no-decision against Colorado last time out. Blach is 2-0 with a 3.21 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs, both of which occurred last season.

Chatwood's control woes continued in his last start, as he issued six free passes while giving up four runs in just 2 2/3 innings of a loss to Cleveland. The 28-year-old has racked up 40 walks in 45 2/3 frames this season. Chatwood is 7-4 with a 2.84 ERA in 17 career games (16 starts) against the Giants.
Video: Condensed Game: SF@CHC - 5/26/18



WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is 9-for-32 during his eight-game hitting streak.

2. San Francisco OF Gorkys Hernandez is 13-for-31 during his career high-tying eight-game hitting streak.

3. Chicago recalled LHP Randy Rosario from Triple-A Iowa to take Darvish's spot on the roster but are expected to make another move to fill a spot in the rotation on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Giants 7, Cubs 6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JEFF BENTON

Your Sunday freebie is the Cards over the Pirates.

After dropping Friday's series opener, the Cardinals bounced-back with a shutdown, 4-1 win last night over the Pirates.

Today in the series finale, the Redbirds send emerging ace Miles Mikolas to the bump to face Jameson Taillon. Mikolas has not lost a decision this season, as he is 6-0 with a just over 2 ERA. His team is a solid 7-2 when he starts too. This will be his second start of the year against Pittsburgh after a no-decision back in April with just 2 runs allowed in his 7 full innings worked.

Taillon is on an 0-4 skid his last 7 starts with an ERA approaching 7, and he is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in 5 career starts against the Cards.

The Pirates are on a 2-6 slide, and today's pitching matchup is definitely in favor of the visitors.

Go with St. Louis.

2* ST. LOUIS

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JIMMY BOYD
MLB | May 27, 2018
Mets vs. Brewers
Free pick on Mets +121

I'm recommending a play on the Mets as a short road dog against the Brewers on Sunday. New York is going to be chomping at the bit to get on the field for this one, as they were embarrassed on Saturday in a 17-6 loss to Milwaukee.

The key thing to keep in mind is the Mets offense did their part, scoring 6 runs on 12 hits. New York has now scored 14 runs on 32 hits in their last 3 games combined. I like their chances of keeping it going here against the Brewers Jhoulys Chacin, who is a mere 2-5 with a 5.89 ERA and 1.714 WHIP in 9 career starts against the Mets.

New York will counter with Zack Wheeler, who I think is poised for another strong outing. Wheeler allowed just 1 earned run over 6 innings in his last start. He struck out a season-high 7 and didn't walk a single batter. A big reason for the quality start was Wheeler finally got his slider working and I think he carries it over to this one. Take New York!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

INFO PLAYS
MLB | May 27, 2018
Royals vs. Rangers
1* Free Play on Rangers -163

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KENNY WALKER
MLB | May 27, 2018
Angels vs. Yankees
Free Pick on Yankees

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TOTALS GURU
MLB | May 27, 2018
Nationals vs. Marlins
Free Total Annihilator On Nationals vs Marlins under 7½ -110

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SCOTT RICKENBACH
MLB | May 27, 2018
Royals vs. Rangers
Royals+168

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach MLB Game #971 Sunday Free Pick Kansas City Royals Money Line (+) @ Texas Rangers @ 3:05 ET - The Rangers burned me yesterday on a walk off home run as the Royals blew an early 3-0 lead and lost in extra innings. The Royals are poised to get pay back today as a sizable dog. Of course everyone is jumping on Cole Hamels and Texas as they opened up as a moderately priced favorite. Now they are moving into "big favorite" territory and the value here is too strong to ignore. Hamels overall numbers and recent numbers look good. But the Rangers southpaw has not fared well in day games and this is not just a short-term trend. These has been going on for 3 seasons now that Hamels is much better in night games than day games. The past two seasons he has a combined 1-5 record in day games and the past 3 seasons his cumulative number for afternoon games is an ugly 5.33 ERA! The Royals will get to him early and often and I know Kansas City's Jason Hammel has certainly had ups and downs this season but 3 of his last 5 road starts have seen him combine to allow just 3 earned runs in 22 innings. The Rangers are one of the weaker hitting teams in the league and lead the majors in strikeouts. I am going with the big dog value in this one as Texas drops to 2-7 this season in day games. Free Pick KANSAS CITY

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Jeff Allen Sports

Sunday's Free Selection is on the Yankees