Monday 8-20-18 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]

Ravens vs. Colts Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 17th August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/17/2018

No one is even pretending that the Indianapolis Colts are going to have even a ghost of chance to make the AFC playoffs without Andrew Luck. And with his injury and rehabilitation being the subject of a lot of mystery, it was a big relief for Colts fans to see him out on the field, at last, in the 2018 pre-season opener. His presence opens up a lot of enthusiastic possibilities for a team that is starting fresh under new head coach Frank Reich and his staff.

The Baltimore Ravens naturally hope they can get something fresh out of quarterback Joe Flacco, who seems to have gotten stake the past couple of seasons. Lamar Jackson has come in as a rookie to jazz things up a bit, and there is also another Heisman Trophy winner making some noise. This team has some of the elements to make a run at the AFC North crown, but they found the missing pieces.

National Football League Previews

The Ravens have had two pre-season games to iron out the kinks. In the opener, at the Hall of Fame Game, they beat the Chicago Bears 17-16, then had a dominant effort against the Los Angeles Rams, blowing them away by a 33-7 score. The Colts went to Seattle and beat the Seahawks 19-17, but the big victory was that Luck, the quarterback upon whom they hang their hopes, was able to play with the first-team offense and play well.

So these teams will meet up in front of what promises to be a rather enthusiastic crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Monday night.

TV: 8 PM ET, ESPN. LINE: Pick'em. O/U: 43.5

ABOUT THE RAVENS: Whether John Harbaugh intends to keep three quarterbacks on the roster when the regular season starts is a good question. Lamar Jackson is, after all, a rookie, and the head coach probably did not envision him having a full-time role, utilizing the whole playbook if the situation demanded it. So that is why the progress of Robert Griffin III is well worth monitoring. Griffin, who was with the Cleveland Browns two years ago but got injured, has started only five games since 2014. But he has shaken off the rust, completing twelve of 18 passes for 143 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the two pre-season games, and was impressive in training camp right from the outset. The learning curve with Jackson will be high, but the Ravens' staff is integrating some things into the playbook that are tailored for his talents and therefore, in a sense, also work for Griffin. Maybe they will keep him, or use him as a trade piece. But based on what he has shown in camp, Griffin is going to be active on an NFL roster this season, although it would come with a certain degree of caution, because of his injury history. Jackson still has a ways to go when it comes to accuracy; he completed only seven of 18 passes against the Rams. Flacco, who started the game, was 5-for-7 for 71 yards. While Jacksonville's Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey praised Jackson in an interview with GQ, he asserted that Flacco "sucks." The Ravens brutalized Los Angeles, outgaining them by a 403-170 margin, although it's worth noting that Rams coach Sean McVay held all but two starts out of the game entirely. The Ravens are priced at +300 to win the AFC North and +2800 to win Super Bowl 53.



ABOUT THE COLTS: The situation with Andrew Luck is very encouraging for the Colts' staff. He came in and assumed control of the offense, in hostile territory, and against a team (the Seattle Seahawks) that has been known to try hard in pre-season games. He was in there for two series, completing six of nine passes for 64 yards. He was even able to take a sack and get back up with no effect. Reich has indicated that he will play more in Monday night's game. In camp sessions, he is completing around 70%. Reich and his offensive coordinator, Nick Sirianni, are adamant that this offense is not going to be of the dink-and-dunk variety but will get down the field, which is the way Luck wants it. Left tackle Anthony Castonzo has been dealing with a hamstring issue that kept him out of Thursday's practice, but we're not sure how much, if any, that is going to limit his time on the field Monday. The last thing Reich wants is for Luck to suffer from lack of protection. All told, Indy QB's were 20 of 29 for 189 yards against the Seahawks. That included Phillip Walker, Jacoby Brissett (last year's starter) and second-year man Brad Kaaya. Safeties Clayton Geathers and Malik Hooker, regulars on the Colts' defense, are coming off knee injuries, and as they returned to the practice field, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus says he "re-set the whole defense and started from first day install and re-did all the walk-throughs again just for those guys." The Colts are +500 to win the very competitive AFC South and +5500 to capture the Super Bowl title.

EXTRA POINTS

1. These teams will know each other a lot better by game time because they have scheduled joint practices on both Friday and Saturday.

2. Don't be surprised if Luck is working in an offense that tries to speed up the tempo a little on Monday. He looked especially impressive when the offense was doing that in drills on Tuesday, and don't forget that Reich, as a quarterback, was part of the original "no-huddle" approach that was used in the Super Bowl years with the Buffalo Bills.

3. Harbaugh's record in pre-season games is worth reviewing here because it is so outstanding. After two wins, he is now 30-12 straight-up and 28-14 ATS (68%).

PREDICTION: Ravens 24, Colts 19

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Atlanta Braves must lick their wounds after a frustrating weekend and go back to work as they open a seven-game road trip with the first of three contests against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night. The Braves were swept in four games at home by red-hot Colorado, including a 4-2 setback on Sunday, but managed to keep a one-half game lead on second-place Philadelphia in the National League East.

"We've been through it before," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker told reporters after Sunday's loss. "We've just got to regroup and start another winning streak (Monday)." The Braves hand the ball to Kevin Gausman for the critical series opener Monday and he will face Pittsburgh's Chris Archer in a battle of former American League East rivals who were dealt at the trade deadline in late July. The Pirates recorded just five runs in a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs over the weekend, but managed to win the last two after suffering through a season high-tying five-game losing streak. Corey Dickerson is warming up again for Pittsburgh, going 9-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak to raise his batting average to a team-best .308.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Kevin Gausman (7-9, 4.22 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Chris Archer (4-5, 4.49)

Gausman has won his last two starts with the Braves after limiting Miami to two runs over six innings on Wednesday and Milwaukee to one run across eight frames five days earlier. The 27-year-old LSU product surrendered six runs on 16 hits with 12 strikeouts and four walks across 19 innings since being acquired from Baltimore. David Freese is 2-for-6 with a homer versus Gausman, who is 0-1 with an 8.44 ERA in two career turns against Pittsburgh.

Archer has struggled through most of his three starts since coming over from Tampa Bay at the trade deadline, but he is 1-0 and the Pirates have won two of the three games during that stretch. The 29-year-old North Carolina native beat Colorado with five innings of two-run ball on Aug. 8 before yielding four tallies on six hits across five frames at Minnesota one week later. Ryan Flaherty is 5-for-18 against Archer, who faces Atlanta for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh OF-2B Adam Frazier went 3-for-5 with a walk-off homer, two RBIs and two runs scored in the last two contests.

2. Atlanta rookie OF Ronald Acuna Jr. saw his 11-game hitting streak come to an end Sunday, but owns eight of his 19 homers this month.

3. The Pirates swept three from the Braves at home last season and the teams play six times in the next 14 days.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Braves 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Toronto Blue Jays are losers of four contests in a row and are coming off a road trip that exposed their pitching staff. The Blue Jays will try to get things back on track at the expense of the only team behind them in the American League East when they host the Baltimore Orioles on Monday for the opener of their three-game series.

Toronto's pitchers were ripped for a total of 34 runs over the last four games and yielded at least five in each of its last six contests. The Blue Jays did not have a pitcher complete five innings in any of their last four games and leaned hard on the bullpen Sunday, when rookie starter Ryan Borucki failed to make it out of the opening frame in a 10-2 loss to the New York Yankees. The Orioles aren't enjoying much success on the mound, either, and own the worst record in the majors (37-87) after dropping an 8-0 decision at Cleveland on Sunday, which marked the sixth time in 10 games that the pitching staff allowed at least five runs. Toronto will turn to the starter on staff who last worked over five innings when Marco Estrada takes the mound on Monday against Baltimore's Andrew Cashner.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (4-10, 4.71 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (6-9, 4.87)

Cashner was sharp in each of his last two starts and is coming off a win over the New York Mets in which he surrendered two runs and five hits over seven innings. The veteran Texan has allowed fewer than three earned runs in six of his last eight outings. One of those starts came at Toronto on July 22, when Cashner yielded one runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings without factoring in the decision.

Estrada was the last Blue Jays starter to complete five innings and the last to record a win when he allowed four runs and six hits over 6 2/3 innings at Kansas City on Wednesday. The Long Beach State product has served up a pair of home runs in each of his last two turns, bringing his season total to 20 in 21 outings. Estrada registered a season-high nine strikeouts against Baltimore on June 10 while yielding two runs in six innings to pick up the win.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles OF-DH Mark Trumbo (knee) is not traveling with the team and will head back to Baltimore for an MRI.

2. The Blue Jays placed RHP Marcus Stroman (blister) on the 10-day disabled list on Sunday.

3. Toronto 2B Devon Travis has gone 2-for-23 over his last five games.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Orioles 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Minnesota Twins have enjoyed success against their American League Central adversaries to keep the club within earshot of .500 this season. Winners of five of their last six overall, the Twins (59-64) aim to inch closer to evening their record on Monday when they host the Chicago White Sox (46-77) in a rescheduled tilt of a snowed out contest on April 15.

Eddie Rosario belted the go-ahead homer in the eighth inning of Sunday's 5-4 victory over Detroit to extend his hitting streak to seven games, during which he has collected five RBIs and as many runs scored while going deep two times in his last three outings for Minnesota. Max Kepler launched a solo shot in the finale versus the Tigers, giving him two homers and five runs scored in his last six games overall. Jose Abreu is doing quite well in a six-game stretch as well - going 9-for-23 with two homers, nine RBIs and four runs scored - for Chicago, which hosts Minnesota on Tuesday and Wednesday. The 31-year-old has homered three times versus Minnesota this season, although his 13 strikeouts in 49 at-bats leave a bit to be desired.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (8-9, 6.15 ERA) vs. Twins LH Stephen Gonsalves (major-league debut)

Giolito answered a disastrous start with a strong one on Tuesday, as he allowed three runs and struck out seven over six innings in a 6-3 win at Detroit. The 24-year-old has fanned 20 batters in 18 innings this month, but he only struck out three in his last meeting with Minnesota. Giolito permitted just one run on four hits in a no-decision versus the Twins on June 28, although four walks led to an elevated pitch count and his subsequent departure after 6 1/3 innings.

Gonsalves, who was ranked as Minnesota's No. 3 prospect per Baseball America entering the season, will replace the injured Ervin Santana (finger) and become the fourth Twins starter to make his major-league debut in 2018. The southpaw owns a 12-3 combined mark with a 2.76 ERA with Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Rochester, although his 65 walks in 120 2/3 innings are cause for concern. "I was actually struggling a little bit walking everyone," Gonsalves told reporters. "I was effectively wild, not mixing in a whole lot of hits. I've missed bats in the past with good changeups and good spin. Hopefully, we can just go from there."

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 3B Yolmer Sanchez is 12-for-34 during his eight-game hitting streak.

2. Minnesota has scored at least five runs in each of its last six contests.

3. White Sox RHP Michael Kopech, who owns a 4-0 mark with a 1.84 ERA in his last seven starts, will make his major-league debut on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, White Sox 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays were able to land some punches against a pair of heavyweights in the American League to salvage a 5-4 mark on their just-completed nine-game road trip. After shutting out the team with the best record in the majors, the Rays (63-61) aim to knock around a club with one of the worst on Monday when they begin a seven-game homestand with the first of four contests versus the Kansas City Royals (38-86).

Joey Wendle belted a solo homer and C.J. Cron extended his hitting streak to five games by going deep for the second time in as many days during Tampa Bay's 2-0 triumph over Boston on Sunday. The 28-year-old Cron has come up clutch against Kansas City to the tune of going 5-for-13 with two homers for the Rays, who have won eight of their last 13 home contests. The reeling Royals endured yet another black mark to what has proven to be a lost season long ago on Sunday when they saw an early six-run lead evaporate in a 7-6 setback to the Chicago White Sox. Whit Merrifield, who launched a three-run homer as part of a six-run second inning, is batting 13-for-32 during his eight-game hitting streak heading into a tilt with Tampa Bay, against which he is 6-for-13 with a homer and four RBIs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jorge Lopez (0-2, 4.44 ERA) vs. Rays RH Hunter Wood (0-1, 4.10)

Lopez allowed six runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings of a 6-5 setback versus Toronto on Wednesday in his first start for Kansas City since being acquired as part of the Mike Moustakas trade on July 27. "I'm a little disappointed with the outing, but it was just one pitch took away the outing," said the 25-year-old, who surrendered Curtis Granderson's 10th career grand slam in the loss. Lopez, who is slated to make his second start of the season and fourth of his career, has made 11 of his 14 major-league appearances in 2018.

Wood suffered his first loss of the season on Tuesday after allowing one run on three hits over one inning of a 4-1 setback at the New York Yankees. The 25-year-old, who has yet to face Kansas City in his career, permitted five runs and 11 hits in his last four outings (5 2/3 innings). Wood has walked at least one batter in 10 of his last 11 games.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay 3B Matt Duffy, who is 3-for-24 since Aug. 11, is 4-for-7 versus Kansas City this season.

2. Royals C Salvador Perez struck out in all five plate appearances on Sunday to see a five-game hitting streak come to an end.

3. Tampa Bay SS Willy Adames is mired in a 1-for-13 stretch with five strikeouts.

PREDICTION: Rays 4, Royals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians both are enjoying large leads in their respective divisions and are ready to test themselves against each other. The division leaders will meet for the first time in 2018 when the Indians visit the Red Sox on Monday for the opener of their four-game series.

Boston owns the best record in baseball at 88-37 but comes into the week off a rare loss as it fell 2-0 to Tampa Bay on Sunday, marking the team's 10th setback in its last 47 games. The Red Sox, who are 9 1/2 games ahead of the New York Yankees in the American League East, have not suffered back-to-back losses since June 19 and 20 and are 10-0-3 in their last 13 series despite managing only two hits against the Rays on Sunday. That rare sluggish offensive performance could continue against Cleveland, which blanked Baltimore 8-0 on Sunday and owns a pitching staff that is allowing an average of two runs over the last six contests. The Indians, who own a 12-game lead over Minnesota in the AL Central, will try to continue that run of strong pitching with ace Corey Kluber while the Red Sox counter with Rick Porcello in a battle of former Cy Young Award winners.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (15-6, 2.68 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (15-5, 4.04)

Kluber is making a run at another Cy Young Award as he breezed through seven innings at Cincinnati on Tuesday, allowing one run and five hits while striking out seven en route to a win. The Stetson product has surrendered fewer than two earned runs in three of his last four outings, working at least seven frames in each of the four turns. Kluber struck out 12 in 7 2/3 innings against Boston last season but yielded two runs and absorbed a loss.

Porcello bounced back from a sub-par outing with a win at Philadelphia on Tuesday, allowing one run and two hits while registering 10 strikeouts in seven innings. The native of New Jersey was ripped for seven runs over four frames at Toronto in his previous turn. Porcello did not get a chance to face Cleveland in 2017 as he is seeing the Indians for the first time since suffering a loss in the 2016 AL Division Series.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts, who leads the majors with a .343 batting average, is hitless in his last 10 at-bats.

2. Indians DH Edwin Encarnacion (hand) will take batting practice on Monday and is eligible to come off the disabled list the following day.

3. Boston DH J.D. Martinez had his string of 51 straight home games in which he reached base safely come to an end on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Indians 3, Red Sox 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The San Francisco Giants attempt to halt their four-game losing streak and remain relevant in the National League playoff picture when they visit the New York Mets on Monday for the opener of their four-game series. San Francisco began its 10-game road trip with back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Dodgers, but dropped the series finale before getting swept in three straight contests at Cincinnati.

Sunday's 11-4 setback pushed the Giants eight games behind first-place Arizona in the NL West and 7 1/2 out in the race for the second wild card. Despite being outscored 20-6 by the Reds, San Francisco received a solid offensive effort from Joe Panik, who went 2-for-4 in each of the three contests. New York returns home from an 11-game, five-city road trip that concluded with an 8-2 triumph over Philadelphia in the MLB Little League Classic at Williamsport, Pa. on Sunday. Amed Rosario recorded three hits and three RBIs as the Mets completed their 7-4 trek by taking three of five from the Phillies.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Derek Holland (6-8, 3.83 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (8-6, 3.75)

Holland is unbeaten in five turns since rejoining the rotation but has recorded just one victory in that stretch despite allowing more than two runs in just one of the outings - the lone win, in which he yielded five runs and 10 hits over 6 1/3 innings versus Pittsburgh on Aug. 10. The four no-decisions during that stretch all took place on the road, including one against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday in which the 31-year-old native of Ohio scattered six hits over 4 2/3 scoreless frames. Holland lost his only career start versus the Mets on June 26, 2011, when he was tagged for seven runs - three earned - and 12 hits over six innings while with Texas.

Wheeler is riding a nine-start unbeaten streak and has won each of his last six, including one at Baltimore on Wednesday in which he allowed one run and five hits over five innings. The 28-year-old Georgian, who was drafted sixth overall by San Francisco in 2009, has permitted fewer than three runs on seven occasions and served up only three homers in 57 2/3 frames during his streak. Wheeler is 2-1 with a 4.15 ERA in four career starts against his former organization.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets 3B David Wright (back/neck/shoulder) went 2-for-3 for Single-A St. Lucie on Sunday after going hitless over 14 at-bats in the first five games of his rehab assignment.

2. San Francisco 1B Brandon Belt batted leadoff on Sunday, becoming the team's first player at that position to hit in that spot since David Bell on July 6, 2002.

3. New York OF Brandon Nimmo (finger) was kept out of the starting lineup for a third straight day on Sunday and hopes to avoid a trip to the disabled list.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Giants 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers were watching their postseason hopes slip away before they managed to pull out a win on Sunday, avoiding a sweep and pushing them back into second place in the National League Central. The Brewers will try to build off that triumph when they host the Cincinnati Reds on Monday for the opener of their three-game series.

Milwaukee dropped three straight to slip behind St. Louis in the division before edging the Cardinals 2-1 on Sunday, leaving it tied for a wild-card spot in the NL. "We showed them today that we're not going nowhere, we're still in second place, we're still going to fight for the race," Brewers reliever Jeremy Jeffress told reporters after Sunday's triumph. "This win felt great." The Reds are trying to play spoiler in the playoff race and may have knocked San Francisco out of the picture in the NL West by recording a three-game sweep over the weekend. Cincinnati's pitchers held the Giants to a total of six runs in that series, and the beleaguered Homer Bailey will try to maintain that run of success when he starts opposite Milwaukee's Chase Anderson on Monday.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (1-10, 6.33 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (7-7, 3.97)

Bailey is winless in his last seven outings and struggled in each of the last two. The veteran, who is allowing opponents to bat .308 against him, was reached for 10 runs and 21 hits over 8 2/3 innings in setbacks against the New York Mets and Cleveland. Bailey also had difficulty in a start against Milwaukee on May 1, when he was reached for five runs on six hits and a walk in five frames to absorb a loss.

Anderson failed to make it through five innings in each of his last two outings but was bailed out by his offense in both and settled for no-decisions. The 30-year-old surrendered eight runs on 10 hits and six walks over 8 2/3 frames in those two turns. Anderson started at Cincinnati on June 29 and registered a win after giving up just one run and two hits in six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds speedy CF Billy Hamilton recorded two triples for the first time in his career on Sunday.

2. Milwaukee C Manny Pina (shoulder) has sat out the last three games and remains day-to-day.

3. Cincinnati 3B Eugenio Suarez drove in two runs on Sunday to take over the NL lead with 91.

PREDICTION: Brewers 9, Reds 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Oakland Athletics were unable to take over first place in the American League West but get a chance to rebound against a team they dominated in a recent encounter when they open a three-game series with the visiting Texas Rangers on Monday. The Athletics outscored the Rangers 41-24 in winning four straight in Texas less than a month ago, part of a 40-13 run that vaulted Oakland into a first-place tie with the Houston Astros going into Sunday.

A 9-4 loss to the Astros put a temporary halt to the surge, as Houston produced the highest scoring total in a nine-inning affair against the Athletics since July 6. Khris Davis had two home runs and three RBIs in the loss for Oakland and the slugger owns seven long balls and 20 RBIs in 13 matchups with Texas this year. The Rangers completed a 4-2 homestand with a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. Shin-Soo Choo had three hits and scored twice, and he is 6-for-16 with a pair of doubles in his career against Mike Fiers, who starts the series opener for the Athletics.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (7-10, 5.19 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Mike Fiers (8-6, 3.38)

Colon was scratched from Sunday's start due to back stiffness and manager Jeff Bannister indicated he would wait until the team arrived in Oakland before determining if the veteran right-hander would be able to go Monday. If and when Colon starts he will be vying for his third straight win, although he's allowed seven runs over 12 innings in the back-to-back victories. The 45-year-old gave up six runs over seven innings in a loss to Oakland at home last month and is 17-10 with a 2.93 ERA in his career at Oakland Coliseum.

Fiers is 1-0 with a 2.38 ERA in two starts since being traded from Detroit earlier this month. He faced the Rangers twice while with the Tigers, combining to go 2-0 while allowing three runs in 11 1/3 innings. Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre are a combined 14-for-39 with three home runs against the 33-year-old Fiers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers 2B Rougned Odor drove in all four of his team's runs Sunday and is 8-for-20 during a five-game hitting streak.

2. Davis was 7-for-21 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in the four-game sweep at Texas last month.

3. Rangers RHP Jose Leclerc has 10 scoreless innings and five saves over his last 10 appearances.

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Rangers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Mariners Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Houston Astros have regained first place in the American League West and can try to separate themselves from one of their primary competitors when they begin a three-game series at the Seattle Mariners on Monday. Alex Bregman and Evan Gattis both hit their 24th home runs and Justin Verlander picked up career win No. 200 as the Astros won 9-4 at second-place Oakland on Sunday.

That put Houston a game ahead of the Athletics and 4 1/2 up on the Mariners, who were crushed 12-1 by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Seattle swept four in a row at Houston last week, taking two games by one run, one by two and another by three as closer Edwin Diaz got the save in each affair. Both teams expect to welcome back All-Star infielders, as Mariners shortstop Jean Segura has missed the last three games on paternity leave while Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (knee) could be back Tuesday from a rehab assignment. Felix Hernandez returns to the starting rotation after a brief stay in Seattle's bullpen to start the opener opposite Gerrit Cole.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Gerrit Cole (11-5, 2.71 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (8-11, 5.62)

Cole struck out 12 while allowing one run over six dominant innings in a win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. That came five days after he took a loss against Seattle, which got to the UCLA product for four runs across 7 1/3 frames. Despite that outing, Cole boasts a 2.10 ERA in four career matchups with the Mariners.

Hernandez was moved to the bullpen earlier in the month but is being shifted back into the rotation in the wake of an injury to James Paxton. The 32-year-old Hernandez allowed two runs over 5 2/3 innings in his only relief appearance after posting a 5.73 ERA in 23 starts. Carlos Correa is 5-for-11 with a home run and George Springer is 6-for-19 with a home run against Hernandez, who is 4-6 with a 4.27 ERA in 12 career starts versus Houston.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diaz has six saves in as many chances against the Astros this year.

2. Bregman had two homers, three walks and three RBIs in the three-game series at Oakland.

3. Seattle optioned INF Gordon Beckham and LHP James Pazos to Triple-A Tacoma and recalled RHP Chasen Bradford.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Mariners 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger look to extend long hitting streaks when the Los Angeles Dodgers begin a six-game homestand with the first of three contests against the hard-charging St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night. Turner has hit safely in 13 straight contests for the Dodgers after going 4-for-5 with five RBIs in Sunday's 12-1 win over Seattle and Bellinger owns a 12-game streak following a three-hit effort.

Los Angeles totaled 17 hits Sunday to win its first series since late July and remain two games behind first-place Arizona in the National League West and 1 1/2 back in the race for the NL's second wild card. Alex Wood will try to help the Dodgers get their homestand off to a strong start when he takes the mound against St. Louis rookie Austin Gomber, who is coming off back-to-back scoreless outings. The Cardinals suffered a 2-1 loss at Milwaukee on Sunday, but won their seventh straight series and are 14-4 in August to pull within four games of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central and one-half game of the second wild card. Matt Carpenter, who leads the NL with 33 homers, had a single in Sunday's setback for St. Louis but is just 1-for-20 in his last six games while veteran catcher Yadier Molina is in a 0-for-17 slide for the Cardinals.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Midwest (St. Louis), SportsNet LA

PITCHING MATCHUP: LH Austin Gomber (3-0, 2.89 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Alex Wood (7-6, 3.51)

Gomber has been outstanding in his last two starts, allowing seven hits and five walks across 11 scoreless innings combined, and earned the win in three of his last four outings. The 24-year-old Florida Atlantic product is 2-0 with a 2.53 ERA in four major league starts and 1-0 with a 3.38 mark in 17 relief appearances. Gomber, who faces the Dodgers for the first time, has allowed opponents a .246 batting average on the road and .188 at home.

Wood has held four straight opponents to two or fewer runs and did not yield more than three in his last 10 trips to the mound, dating back to mid-June. The 27-year-old Georgia product is 0-1 in August despite a 1.64 ERA in two starts after winning his previous six decisions. Carpenter is 1-for-2 with a homer and two walks versus Wood, who has permitted two runs over 7 1/3 innings in two career appearances (one start) against the Cardinals.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis rookie INF Patrick Wisdom launched his first career homer Sunday and is 4-for-9 in his first eight major league games.

2. Los Angeles SS Manny Machado was hit on the left wrist by a pitch in the ninth inning Sunday, but X-rays came back negative.

3. The Cardinals, who host the Dodgers for four games Sept. 13-16, have homered in 12 consecutive games - their longest run since June of 2017.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 4, Cardinals 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 6 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 79

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JANUARY 1, 2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 1, 2017 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 STARSHIP FRONTIER 8/1

# 6 SO KITTEN 2/1

# 3 REAL POWER 6/1

STARSHIP FRONTIER looks strong to best this group of horses especially at such a decent 8/1. Will most likely go to the lead and could never look back. Recorded a very strong speed figure last time out. Has a strong shot for this event if you like back class. SO KITTEN - Is difficult not to examine based on Equibase speed figs which have been quite good - 81 avg - of late. Sound average speed figures in dirt route races make this horse a definite contender. REAL POWER - Dunham is very serious with this one, wheeling him back in next to no time.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Louisiana Downs
Louisiana Downs - Race 5

Daily Double / Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta / .50 Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7)


Claiming $5,000 • 1 Mile 70 yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 71 • Purse: $7,000 • Post: 5:11P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 20. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
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 * CHARLIE BALLADO: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in th e top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. LUCKY CAL: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. HULA PIE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. ARCTIC TRIBE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
6
CHARLIE BALLADO
10/1

7/2
9
LUCKY CAL
5/1

7/1
5
HULA PIE
6/1

8/1
2
ARCTIC TRIBE
4/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1A
MR. NINE FIVE FOUR
11

12/1
Front-runner
73

63

62.0

58.0

46.5
8
BURNING RUNNER
8

15/1
Front-runner
75

67

49.3

44.6

28.1
9
LUCKY CAL
9

5/1
Alternator/Front-runner
75

70

72.6

60.1

54.1
2
ARCTIC TRIBE
1

4/1
Alternator/Front-runner
80

66

50.0

59.7

49.2
7
CRIDER CASH
7

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
73

69

56.0

52.8

40.3
4
JAZZ TALK
4

15/1
Trailer
77

63

39.8

55.2

41.2
5
HULA PIE
5

6/1
Alternator/Trailer
74

59

53.0

60.8

52.8
6
CHARLIE BALLADO
6

10/1
Alternator/Trailer
82

73

50.3

64.4

60.9
1
INDY IDE
3

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

65.6

52.8

39.3
3
NAUGHTY MOON
2

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
75

61

64.8

49.4

37.9
10
ZARKING
10

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
75

59

54.0

50.4

30.4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Louisiana Downs - Race #3 - Post: 4:15pm - Allowance - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $25,000 Class Rating: 70

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 BELLAS RUN (ML=4/1)
#6 GINA'S BISCUIT (ML=4/1)
#2 SWIFTOWN MISS (ML=5/2)


BELLAS RUN - Ran in the last race against tougher competition at Louisiana Downs. The move to a lower class rank should suit her well. The jockey has had great success with this animal in the past. Didn't ride last time but gets back in the saddle today. GINA'S BISCUIT - Faces state bred foes today after finishing first versus 'open' company on August 7th. I like that most recent race on Aug 7th at Louisiana Downs where she finished first. SWIFTOWN MISS - Likes to go to the head of the pack and the fact that today is a shorter trip should help. I like the case that this filly's last speed figure, 74, is tops in this field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 CHASES DIXIE BELLE (ML=2/1), #3 HONEST VICTORY (ML=6/1), #4 LAYLA FOREVER (ML=8/1),

CHASES DIXIE BELLE - In any event of 5 1/2 furlongs, I like to bet on a contender that has been on the board in sprint races of late. This thoroughbred likes to hit the board, but doesn't usually finish first. Don't put in the top spot. HONEST VICTORY - If she goes off anywhere close to the morning line of 6/1, I'll have to pass. LAYLA FOREVER - Didn't look so great last time. Probably won't do much running in today's race. Substandard speed fig in the last race at Louisiana Downs at 1 mile. Don't believe this pony will improve too much today.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #5 BELLAS RUN to win. Have to have odds of at least 4/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,5,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Mountaineer Park
Mountaineer Park - Race 5

Second Half $2 Mid Daily Double (Races 4-5) ($.50) Pick 5 (Races 5-6-7-8-9) $.50 Trifecta $1 Exacta Box ($.20) Superfecta


Claiming $4,000 • 1 Mile 70 yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 77 • Purse: $6,600 • Post: 8:28P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE AUGUST 20, 2017. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 20 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000 (W V A BRED RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Stalker. SAMARKANDA is the Lone Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * ENIGMA: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" desig nation. SAMARKANDA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). CHAMPAGNE TIME: Horse had a bullet workout within the l ast seven days. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. MAKOSSA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
2
ENIGMA
9/2

7/2
6
SAMARKANDA
5/1

8/1
1
CHAMPAGNE TIME
3/1

8/1
5
MAKOSSA
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
5
MAKOSSA
5

5/1
Front-runner
64

70

76.0

59.8

49.8
2
ENIGMA
2

9/2
Front-runner
80

80

75.5

63.0

59.5
8
NORTH MOUNTAIN
8

15/1
Front-runner
73

60

73.6

51.8

38.8
6
SAMARKANDA
6

5/1
Alternator/Stalker
67

64

53.8

57.8

51.8
1
CHAMPAGNE TIME
1

3/1
Trailer
71

53

43.2

61.6

52.6
7
SCIPION'S GOLD
7

7/2
Alternator/Trailer
71

63

49.6

59.2

52.2
9
HARLINGTON ROMANCE
9

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
59

56

59.6

57.0

42.5
3
ARITZIA
3

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
64

66

59.1

44.5

34.0
4
RED LITE NITE
4

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
64

57

51.6

46.0

32.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 1 - Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $11000 Class Rating: 86

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE FEBRUARY 20, 2018 OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON THREE RACES IN 2017 - 2018 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 20 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 ALPHA SLEW 7/2

# 1 BIG GAME BOB 4/5

# 4 THE FAZZ MAN 5/2

ALPHA SLEW is my choice. He looks formidable in this slot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the midpoint. Could best this group based on the Equibase Speed Fig - 86 - of his last effort. Should finish in the top three without any worries. BIG GAME BOB - Reliable average Speed Figures in dirt sprint races make this pony a key contender. Ran a solid last race. THE FAZZ MAN - Gallardo will probably be able to get this horse to break out early in this event. Ran a strong last race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga
RACE #8 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE- 4:45 PM EASTERN POST
The Evan Shipman Stakes
9.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#7 PAT ON THE BACK
#1 CONTROL GROUP
#3 TWISTED TOM
#6 WINE NOT

F.Y.I. folks, The Evan Shipman for New York-breds is named for the late racing columnist of the Morning Telegraph, who died in 1957. A friend of Ernest Hemingway, Shipman was an aspiring poet in Paris in the 1920's, was wounded in the Spanish Civil War and served in a tank battalion during World War II. Upon his return to the United States he began covering thoroughbred and standardbred racing for the Morning Telegraph. His last column appeared on Kentucky Derby Day in 1957. Here in the 35th renewal of "The Ship," #7 PAT ON THE BACK, is the overall speed leader in this stakes field racing at 9.0 furlongs on the dirt, and has hit the board in four of his last five outings, with three of those "board hit efforts," including a win in his last start, also qualifying as "POWER RUNS." #1 CONTROL GROUP, a 9-2 shot, has won three times in his last five "adventures," with two of those "Circle Trips" also qualifying as "POWER RUN WINS." Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. and Trainer Rudy Rodriguez send him "postward" for the Monday afternoon "feature" ... they've hit the board with 51% of more than 200 entries saddled as a team to date.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Saratoga

08/20/18, SAR, Race 8, 5.02 ET
1 1/8M [Dirt] 1.46.03 STAKES. Purse $100,000.
Exacta, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Double
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 27.17, $1 ROI 0.84, For Race Category Non-Maiden Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 3 Twisted Tom 3-1 Castellano J Brown Chad C. TE
096.6988 7 Pat On the Back 2-1 Davis D Englehart Jeremiah C.
096.3201 1 Control Group 9/2 Ortiz. Jr. I Rodriguez Rudy R. JL
096.0578 6 Wine Not(b-) 5-1 Carmouche K Weaver George W
096.0217 2 Can You Diggit 8-1 Alvarado J Jerkens James A. S
094.9306 8 Winston's Chance 12-1 Alvarado N Breed Debra A. FC
094.9035 4 Papa Shot 12-1 Franco M Rice Linda
094.1676 5 Hit It Once More 10-1 Velazquez J R Sciacca Gary

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #6 - Post: 4:10pm - Maiden Special - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $22,500 Class Rating: 68

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 WIDE OPEN (ML=6/1)


WIDE OPEN - Horse has improved at least two speed rating points in last two races. I look for that to continue its positive trend today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 PARISIAN STROLL (ML=3/1), #7 PLENTY QUICK (ML=7/2), #6 FOREST GEM (ML=9/2),

PARISIAN STROLL - No pace in this field to help set-up her late kick. PLENTY QUICK - Most likely won't make much of an impact in today's event. FOREST GEM - Difficult to put any money on this filly on the win end. Likes to finish in the money though. Improbable that the speed fig she garnered on Aug 4th will hold up in this race.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #1 WIDE OPEN to win. Have to have odds of at least 1/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

First Half Sports

MLB TORONTO BLUE JAYS ‑170

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden Lock Sports

MLB ATLANTA BRAVES +115

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Lasvegasmoneymachine

NFL BALTIMORE RAVENS ‑2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mikey Money

MLB ST. LOUIS CARDINALS +145

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Monster Sports Picks

NFL BALTIMORE RAVENS ‑2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MVP Lock Club

MLB ATLANTA BRAVES +110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Odds & News

MLB CLEVELAND INDIANS/BOSTON RED SOX ‑115 u8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Picks 2 Play

MLB ATLANTA BRAVES +110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pinnacle Sports Picks

MLB TORONTO BLUE JAYS ‑170

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Power Play Wins

MLB MINNESOTA TWINS ‑160

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pure Lock

MLB TAMPA BAY RAYS ‑185

[Can'tPickAWinner]

R and R Totals

NFL BALTIMORE RAVENS/INDIANAPOLIS COLTS ‑105 u43

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Team Underground

MLB TORONTO BLUE JAYS ‑175

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tommy King Wins

MLB SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS +110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Top Dog

MLB ATLANTA BRAVES +110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Top Shelf Sports Pick

MLB MILWAUKEE BREWERS ‑210

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Total Winner Sports

MLB ATLANTA BRAVES +110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tys Terrific Tips

MLB PITTSBURGH PIRATES ‑120

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vegas Investment Picks

MLB BOSTON RED SOX ‑105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

VIP Sports Lock Club

MLB CLEVELAND INDIANS ‑105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wise Guy Insider

MLB MINNESOTA TWINS ‑160

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Monday, August 20


National League
Braves (68-55) @ Pirates (63-62)
Gausman is 2-1, 2.84 in three starts for Atlanta (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 2-1, 0-1 road
5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Archer is 1-0, 6.91 in three starts for Pittsburgh (over 2-1). Team in his starts: 2-1, 1-0 home
5-inning record: 3-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-20

Braves lost their last four games; they’re 6-2 in last eight road series openers. Under is 4-1 in their last five games. Pittsburgh lost six of its last nine games, scoring 5 runs last four nights; under is 7-1 in their last eight games. Pirates are 13-8 in home series openers.

Giants (61-64) @ Mets (54-69)
Holland is 1-0, 3.62 in his last five starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 12-11, 6-8 away
5-inning record: 8-9-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Wheeler is 6-0, 2.04 in his last six starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 11-12, 4-8 home (won last four at home)
5-inning record: 9-11-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-24

Giants lost their last four games; they’re 11-10 in road series openers. Under is 6-1-1 in their last eight games. Mets are 8-4 in their last 12 games; they’re 12-17 vs lefty starters- over is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Reds (55-69) @ Brewers (69-57)
Bailey is 0-2, 6.48 in his last three starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 1-15, 0-9 away
5-inning record: 1-13-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-16

Anderson is 0-0, 6.14 in his last three starts (over 3-0). Team in his starts: 12-12, 7-5 home
5-inning record: 13-7-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-24

Reds won their last three games; they’re 8-11 in road series openers. Under is 3-1 in their last four games. Milwaukee is 4-8 in its last 12 games, 11-8 in home series openers. Brewers’ last five home games all went over.

Cardinals (68-57) @ Dodgers (67-58)
Gomber is 2-0, 2.53 in his four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 4-0, 3-0 away.
5-inning record: 4-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Wood is 2-1, 1.99 in his last four starts, last three of which stayed under. Team in his starts: 12-11, 5-6 home
5-inning record: 9-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-23

St Louis won 10 of its last 12 games; they’re 20-15 vs lefty starters, 9-11 in road series openers— over is 12-6 in their last 18 home games. Dodgers won three of their last four games; they’re 10-10 in home series openers, 27-20 vs lefty starters- under is 3-0-1 in their last four home games.

American League
Orioles (37-87) @ Blue Jays (55-69)
Cashner is 1-0, 3.21 in his last two starts; over is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-15, 4-8 away
5-inning record: 7-12-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-23

Estrada is 2-2, 5.48 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 10-11, 4-6 home.
5-inning record: 8-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21

Baltimore lost eight of its last ten games; they’re 0-7 in last seven road series openers. Under is 7-1 in their last eight games. Blue Jays are 4-10 in their last 14 games; over is 5-1 in their last six games. Toronto is 11-9 in home series openers.

Royals (38-86) @ Rays (63-61)
Lopez allowed six runs in 4.2 IP (88 PT) in his first Royals’ start, a 6-5 loss. Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Stanek is 0-2, 3.10 in 19 games as an opener (under 11-7-1). Team in his starts: 7-12, 6-5 home.
5-inning record: 8-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-19

Royals are 4-13 in their last 17 games, 5-15 in road series openers. Over is 9-2 in their last 11 road games. Tampa Bay is 6-4 in its last ten games, 8-2 in last ten home series openers. Under was 8-1 on their recent 5-4 road trip.

Indians (71-52) @ Red Sox (88-37)
Kluber is 3-0, 1.78 in his last four starts; over is 17-3-1 in his last 21 starts. Team in his starts: 16-9, 7-4 away
5-inning record: 17-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-25

Porcello is 4-1, 3.69 in his last five starts; over is 10-5 in his last 15. Team in his starts: 17-8, 8-3 home.
5-inning record: 16-8-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-25

Indians won seven of their last eight games; they’re 8-4 in last 12 road series openers. Tribe’s last four games stayed under. Boston won 13 of its last 16 games; under is 11-3-1 in their last 15 home games. Red Sox are 15-4 in home series openers.

White Sox (46-77) @ Twins (59-64)
Giolito is 3-1, 4.93 in his last six starts; over is 6-4-1 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 12-12, 8-5 away.
5-inning record: 6-15-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-24

Gonsalves is making his MLB debut; he is 9-3, 2.96 in 18 AAA starts this year. Team in his starts: 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

White Sox won four of their last five games; they’re 5-15 in road series openers. Over is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Minnesota won six of its last seven games; under is 7-4 in their last 11 games. Twins won their last seven home series openers.

Rangers (56-70) @ A’s (74-50)
Colon is 2-2, 6.75 in his last four starts; his last five road starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 10-12, 4-7 away
5-inning record: 8-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-22

Fiers is 1-0, 2.38 in two starts for Oakland (under 2-0). Team in his starts: 2-0, 2-0 home.
5-inning record: 2-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-23

Texas won three of its last four games; they’re 6-2 in last eight road series openers; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. A’s are 13-4 in their last 17 games, 6-2 in last eight home series openers. Under is 8-2-1 in their last 11 home games.

Astros (75-49) @ Mariners (71-54)
Cole is 1-3, 3.55 in his last four starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 18-7, 9-4 away
5-inning record: 13-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-25

Hernandez is 0-4, 10.27 in his last five starts; his last three starts went over. He pitched well in a 5.2 inning relief stint in Oakland last week, allowing two runs. Team in his starts: 10-13, 5-7 home.
5-inning record: 9-12-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 11-23

Houston lost seven of its last nine games; they’re 16-4 in road series openers— under is 8-3-1 in their last 12 games. Seattle lost seven of its last nine home games, 13-7 in home series openers. Over is 7-1 in their last eight home games.

______________________________

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 8/19
Ariz 33-22-9……30-21-9……..63-43
Atl 27-27-7…..31-22-9………58-49
Cubs 24-25-13……28-26-8…….52-51
Reds 18-36-4……23-31-10….…41-67
Colo 32-22-14……31-21-6……62-44
LA 32-23-8…….28-23-13……61-46
Miami 22-32-9…..26-26-12…….48-58
Milw 26-31-9…..31-23-6…….57-54
Mets 30-29-4……23-25-13…..53-52
Philly 24-24-13…..32-20-10……56-44
Pitt 28-25-6……29-25-12……..57-50
StL 30-25-8……27-29-6………57-54
SD 20-34-9……20-34-9…….40-68
SF 27-28-12…..23-23-12……50-51
Wash 28-25-11..…28-25-8………56-50

Orioles 18-35-11……19-33-10……37-68
Boston 32-21-13……37-16-6……..69-37
W Sox 18-37-6…..…19-34-10……37-71
Indians 25-22-13……39-16-9……64-38
Det 21-33-9…..…27-27-11.……48-60
Astros 31-18-15……31-20-11…….62-37
KC 19-35-8…….23-31-10…..42-66
Angels 28-25-11……27-28-8……55-53
Twins 19-32-11……31-27-8…..50-59
NYY 29-21-9……40-19-7…….69-39
A’s 23-29-10……26-24-12…..49-53
Seattle 31-26-8……29-21-14…….60-45
TB 29-25-12……26-24-8……55-48
Texas 21-30-8…..25-35-7…….46-65
Toronto 18-34-11……20-28-14……38-62

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 8/19)
Ariz 28-63…….22-61…..…50
Atl 19-60……26-62………45
Cubs 12-62……..19-59……..31
Reds 14-58……..14-66……..28
Colo 21-67…….23-58.……..44
LA 22-63……..23-62..…..45
Miami 14-63……..19-63…….33
Milw 22-65…..…21-61…….43
Mets 25-62……..19-61…….44
Philly 13-61……..21-63……34
Pitt 15-59……..19-67…….34
StL 21-63……..19-62…….40
SD 17-64……..17-64…….34
SF 12-65………18-61..…..30
Wash 24-64……..18-61……..42

Orioles 19-64……..18-61………37
Boston 19-65……24-60………43
White Sox 17-60……16-62…….33
Clev 17-59…….27-63……..44
Detroit 19-63……..18-63….…37
Astros 17-63…..…14-62………30
KC 15-62..…….19-62…….34
Angels 17-62…..….18-63…….35
Twins 14-60………15-63…….29
NYY 13-59……..28-65………41
A’s 17-64…..…..17-62…….34
Seattle 23-63………20-64…….43
TB 20-66..……19-57……..39
Texas 9-59…….…19-66…..…28
Toronto 16-63………13-61….….29

Interleague play- 2018
NL @ AL– 66-62 NL, favorites +$187
AL @ NL– 60-52 NL, favorites -$481
Total: 126-114 NL, favorites -$294

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Monday, August 20

Trend Report

Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games at home
Pittsburgh is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta


Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Baltimore is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 6 games
Baltimore is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Baltimore is 4-18 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Toronto
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Baltimore's last 14 games when playing Toronto
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Baltimore's last 22 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games
Toronto is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Toronto is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
Toronto is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Baltimore
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Toronto's last 14 games when playing Baltimore
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Toronto's last 22 games when playing at home against Baltimore


Kansas City Royals
Kansas City is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Kansas City is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games
Kansas City is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Kansas City's last 8 games on the road
Kansas City is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Kansas City is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Kansas City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Kansas City is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games
Tampa Bay is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Tampa Bay is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Tampa Bay is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Kansas City
Tampa Bay is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Tampa Bay is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City


Cleveland Indians
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 9 games on the road
Cleveland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Boston
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston Red Sox
Boston is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games
Boston is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games
Boston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Boston's last 15 games at home
Boston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland


San Francisco Giants
San Francisco is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games
San Francisco is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
San Francisco is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
New York Mets
NY Mets is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games
NY Mets is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games
NY Mets is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
NY Mets is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
NY Mets is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco
NY Mets is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 9 games when playing at home against San Francisco


Chicago White Sox
Chi White Sox is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 7 games
Chi White Sox is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Chi White Sox is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Chi White Sox is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Chi White Sox is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Chi White Sox is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games when playing Minnesota
Chi White Sox is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota Twins
Minnesota is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games when playing Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox


Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati is 15-7 ATS in its last 22 games on the road
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Cincinnati's last 17 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games on the road
Cincinnati is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Milwaukee
Cincinnati is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Cincinnati is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Cincinnati is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Cincinnati's last 23 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home
Milwaukee is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Milwaukee's last 23 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati


Texas Rangers
Texas is 17-7 ATS in its last 24 games
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Texas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Texas is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Oakland
Texas is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Texas is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland Athletics
Oakland is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Oakland's last 14 games
Oakland is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Oakland's last 11 games at home
Oakland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Texas
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing Texas
Oakland is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Texas
Oakland is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 7 games when playing at home against Texas


St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
St. Louis is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games
St. Louis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
St. Louis is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
LA Dodgers is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
LA Dodgers is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
LA Dodgers is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games at home
LA Dodgers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
LA Dodgers is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games when playing St. Louis
LA Dodgers is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing at home against St. Louis


Houston Astros
Houston is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Houston is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 12 games
Houston is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Houston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Houston's last 19 games on the road
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games when playing Seattle
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Houston's last 12 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle Mariners
Seattle is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games
Seattle is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Seattle is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Seattle's last 8 games at home
Seattle is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing Houston
Seattle is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Seattle's last 12 games when playing at home against Houston

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Weather Report

Monday, August 20

http://i66.tinypic.com/2mgvarn.jpg
http://i68.tinypic.com/ibxq0y.jpg
http://i65.tinypic.com/1z2qe5t.jpg

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ballpark Figures - Week 21
Joe Williams

Streaky Teams (entering Monday)

Wins and Losses Streak
Baltimore 4-12 past 16 games overall
Cleveland 14-4 past 18 games overall
Colorado 8-1 past nine games overall
St. Louis 14-4 past 18 games overall
Toronto 4-10 past 14 games overall

Over/Under Streak
Chicago White Sox Over 5-1-1 past seven games
Colorado Under 7-2 past nine games
Oakland Under 10-3-1 past 14 games
Pittsburgh Under 7-1 past eight games
San Francisco Under 6-1-1 past eight games

Going Klubbin'

The Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox will meet for the first time this season when the teams take the field at Fenway Park at 7:10 p.m. ET. It's a possible playoff preview, too, as these teams are on a collision course for the postseason. It's a primetime pitching matchup, too, as two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber takes the ball from manager Terry Francona against Rick Porcello, the 2016 Cy winner. These two pitchers have won the award in three of the past four seasons.

The Indians have won five straight road contests, and seven of their past eight games overall. They're also 20-7 in the past 27 games overall against a right-handed starter, and 12-2 in the past 14 on the road vs. RHP. In addition, the Indians are an impressive 22-8 over the past 30 road outings, and 11-4 in his past 15 assignments against American League East foes. While that's a great record, the Indians are 0-4 across his past four tries against teams with a winning overall record. The Red Sox enter this battle red hot, too, going 39-12 in the past 51 games overall. They're also an impressive 44-16 in the past 60 games at Fewnay Park. Boston has pushed aside nine of their past 11 opponents from the AL Central, and they're 6-1 in the past seven at home against teams with an overall winning record. The BoSox have won eight of Porcello's past 10 starts, and they're 8-3 in his past 11 at home. Boston is also 4-0 in his past four tries against teams with a winning overall record.

As mentioned, this is the first meeting this season between the contenders. Totals bettors will see the over is 3-1-2 in the past six meetings between these sides. However, the under is 4-1-2 in the past seven matchups at Fenway Park, and 4-1 in the past five starts by Kluber against the BoSox. The under is also 16-5 in Porcello's past 21 starts at the Fens against teams with a winning record, and 22-8-2 in their past 32 games overall at home. The under is also 4-0 in Cleveland's past four overall, and 4-0 in their past four vs. RHP. However, the over is an alarming 16-4-1 in Kluber's past 21 starts, and 4-0-1 in his past five inside the AL East. The over is a perfect 6-0 in his past six road outings, too.

Looking Ahead

Monday, Aug. 20

The Orioles and Blue Jays are going nowhere and just playing out the string for the final six weeks. However, there is still plenty of money to be made, regardless of teams' records. Baltimore has won just 20 of their past 73 overall, and they're 15-37 in the past 52 inside the American League East. They're also just 11-46 in the past 57 on the road vs. RHP, and 12-39 in their past 51 overall against righties. They'll roll out Andrew Cashner in Toronto, but they're just 1-5 in his past six against teams with a losing overall record, and 2-5 in his past seven on the road. Baltimore is also 0-5 in Cashner's past five road starts against a team with a losing overall mark. The Jays aren't much better, going 2-7 in their past nine at home, and 0-4 in the past four overall. However, they're 21-8 in the past 29 against teams with a winning percentage under .400. Marco Estrada might be the difference, too, as the Jays are a perfect 5-0 in his past five against teams with a losing record, and 5-1 in his past six at home against losing teams. Moreover, the O's are 0-7 in the past seven in this series, with Toronto a perfect 7-0 in the past seven starts at home by Estrada against Baltimore. They're also 5-1 in his past six overall against the O's. The under is 28-8-1 in the past 37 in this series, too, including 17-5 in the past 22 in Toronto. With Estrada face the O's, the under is an impressive 9-3 over the past 12, too.

Speaking of teams going nowhere, the White Sox and Twins hook up at Target Field in Minneapolis. The Twins just recalled LHP Stephen Gonsalves to start against RHP Lucas Giolito. The Pale Hose have been a little better lately, going 4-1 in the past five games overall, while posting victories in five of the past six starts with Giolito on the hill. They're also 5-1 in Giolito's past six outings on the road, and 4-0 in his past four against teams with a losing overall record. Chicago has also won five straight on the road with Giolito toeing the slab. The Twins haven't quite thrown in the towel on their season, winning five of the past six. They're also 22-8 over the past 30 at Target, while going 20-8 in their past 28 at home vs. RHP. Chicago has won just two of the past eight trips to Minnesota, however. Total bettors might pound the 'under', which is 5-0-1 in the past six meetings in the Twin Cities. The under is also 4-0 in Giolito's past four starts while going 6-1-1 in the past eight meetings overall in this series.

Weather Report
The weather looks great for Monday, as there is little to no precipitation in the forecast with variable winds at most venues, too. In addition, four of the 10 games will be played in games with domes or retractable roofs, too.

Tuesday, Aug. 21

The Phillies took it on the chin Sunday night in Williamsport, Penn. against the Mets at the Little League Classic, but that was a rare hiccup. They are streaking toward a potential postseason spot, but they cannot afford any costly losses. They'll face the fading Nationals, who still have a glimmer of hope for the playoffs, but time is running out. RHP Vince Velasquez takes the ball for Philly, but that hasn't been a good thing lately. Philadelphia is 0-5 in the right-hander's past five road starts, including a shocking 0-4 in his past four outings away from home against teams with a losing record. They're also just 3-8 in the past 11 overall on the road, and 1-5 in the past six road outings against teams with a losing record. They can ill-afford to lose games to teams they should be beating if they wish to make playoff plans. The Nats have won just twice in the past eight outings, and they're 1-4 in their past five against teams with a winning record. However, Washington is still 7-3 in the past 10 home games vs. RHP. Philly has owned this series, going 5-2 in the past seven meetings overall, but they're just 7-16 in the past 23 meetings in D.C.

The Padres will open a series with the red-hot Rockies at Coors Field in Denver on Tuesday night. San Diego has been awful, winning just 15 of their past 55 games overall. They can't seem to get out of their own way inside the division, either, going just 19-40 in the past 59 vs. NL West foes. LHP Robbie Erlin isn't offering much resistance lately, as San Diego is just 3-9 across his past 12 outings, and 2-5 over his past seven road starts. They're a dismal 1-6 in his past seven against division opponents, too. The Rockies are 5-0 in their past five at home vs. LHP, and 12-2 in their past 14 overall against southpaws. They have also won 20 of their past 27 at home while going 7-2 in the past nine vs. NL West clubs. San Diego hasn't had much luck at Coors, winning just six of their past 20 in Denver. The under is 4-1 in the past five at Coors, and five of the past seven meetings overall. The under is also 8-0 in Colorado's past eight at home vs. LHP, and 12-4 in the past 16 overall against southpaws.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, August 20


Atlanta @ Pittsburgh

Game 951-952
August 20, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Gausman) 16.113
Pittsburgh
(Archer) 13.167
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 3
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-125
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+105); Under

San Francisco @ NY Mets

Game 953-954
August 20, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Holland) 15.924
NY Mets
(Wheeler) 14.259
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-120
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(+100); Under

Cincinnati @ Milwaukee

Game 955-956
August 20, 2018 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Bailey) 13.826
Milwaukee
(Andrson) 16.594
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 3
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-230
9
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-230); Over

St. Louis @ LA Dodgers

Game 957-958
August 20, 2018 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Gomber) 16.150
LA Dodgers
(Wood) 18.370
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-170
8
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-170); Over

Baltimore @ Toronto

Game 959-960
August 20, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Cashner) 11.990
Toronto
(Estrada) 14.381
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 2 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-175
9
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-175); Over

Kansas City @ Tampa Bay

Game 961-962
August 20, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Lopez) 14.015
Tampa Bay
(Wood) 17.172
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-190
8
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-190); Over

Cleveland @ Boston

Game 963-964
August 20, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Kluber) 17.535
Boston
(Porcello) 16.385
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-110
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-110); Under

Chicago White Sox @ Minnesota

Game 965-966
August 20, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Giolito) 16.509
Minnesota
(Gonsalves) 13.100
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-170
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+150); Under

Texas @ Oakland

Game 967-968
August 20, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Colon) 15.923
Oakland
(Fiers) 17.195
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-175
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-175); Over

Houston @ Seattle

Game 969-970
August 20, 2018 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Cole) 16.681
Seattle
(Hernandez) 13.865
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-180
8
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-180); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, August 20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATLANTA (68 - 55) at PITTSBURGH (63 - 62) - 7:05 PM
KEVIN GAUSMAN (R) vs. CHRIS ARCHER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
GAUSMAN is 3-9 (-7.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
GAUSMAN is 9-20 (-12.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GAUSMAN is 14-31 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GAUSMAN is 4-14 (-11.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GAUSMAN is 10-23 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GAUSMAN is 4-13 (-10.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 63-62 (+0.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 657-584 (+64.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 47-40 (+7.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 72-63 (+12.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 437-445 (+40.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ATLANTA is 68-54 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 91-87 (+24.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 34-27 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 45-43 (+19.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 21-16 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 50-35 (+17.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 33-21 (+12.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 102-85 (+28.5 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
ATLANTA is 35-30 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARCHER is 38-49 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 22-31 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 14-28 (-17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

KEVIN GAUSMAN vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
GAUSMAN is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 8.43 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

CHRIS ARCHER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN FRANCISCO (61 - 64) at NY METS (54 - 69) - 7:10 PM
DEREK HOLLAND (L) vs. ZACK WHEELER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 24-39 (-14.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 53-93 (-28.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 78-109 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 30-61 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-18 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in road games after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-12 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 16-27 (-16.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 61-64 (+4.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 213-163 (+40.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
NY METS are 53-69 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 24-37 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 35-47 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 4-13 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 51-69 (-23.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 49-56 (-34.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

DEREK HOLLAND vs. NY METS since 1997
HOLLAND is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

ZACK WHEELER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WHEELER is 2-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.338.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CINCINNATI (55 - 69) at MILWAUKEE (69 - 57) - 8:10 PM
HOMER BAILEY (R) vs. CHASE ANDERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BAILEY is 1-15 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 0-10 (-10.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 1-10 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 0-9 (-9.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 69-57 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 50-26 (+24.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 54-40 (+13.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ANDERSON is 29-13 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 6-13 (-10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-3 (+3.6 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.7 Units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
BAILEY is 7-10 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.79 and a WHIP of 1.367.
His team's record is 13-14 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 14-13. (-0.3 units)

CHASE ANDERSON vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
ANDERSON is 4-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.98 and a WHIP of 1.138.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-3. (+1.6 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST LOUIS (68 - 57) at LA DODGERS (67 - 58) - 10:10 PM
AUSTIN GOMBER (L) vs. ALEX WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 14-4 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
ST LOUIS is 84-63 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 462-413 (+58.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 67-58 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 14-19 (-15.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 this season.
LA DODGERS are 32-30 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 48-40 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

AUSTIN GOMBER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

ALEX WOOD vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
WOOD is 0-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BALTIMORE (37 - 87) at TORONTO (55 - 69) - 7:05 PM
ANDREW CASHNER (R) vs. MARCO ESTRADA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 37-87 (-41.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 17-36 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 7-26 (-15.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 this season.
BALTIMORE is 16-47 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 21-57 (-31.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 22-62 (-34.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 25-61 (-29.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 17-31 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BALTIMORE is 8-24 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 55-69 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 28-39 (-14.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 18-24 (-10.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 78-97 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 9-1 (+8.1 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

ANDREW CASHNER vs. TORONTO since 1997
CASHNER is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.27 and a WHIP of 1.231.
His team's record is 1-4 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.7 units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
ESTRADA is 8-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.44 and a WHIP of 1.146.
His team's record is 11-4 (+7.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-10. (-6.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KANSAS CITY (38 - 86) at TAMPA BAY (63 - 61) - 7:10 PM
JORGE LOPEZ (R) vs. HUNTER WOOD (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

JORGE LOPEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

HUNTER WOOD vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEVELAND (71 - 52) at BOSTON (88 - 37) - 7:10 PM
COREY KLUBER (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 71-52 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 41-35 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 53-39 (-9.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 39-31 (-10.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-27 (-18.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 88-37 (+33.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 44-16 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 60-31 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 71-25 (+33.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 71-37 (+24.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 30-15 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CLEVELAND is 130-66 (+32.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 113-83 (+43.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday since 1997.
BOSTON is 235-233 (-61.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

COREY KLUBER vs. BOSTON since 1997
KLUBER is 3-4 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.88 and a WHIP of 1.085.
His team's record is 5-5 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.3 units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PORCELLO is 10-5 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.290.
His team's record is 14-9 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-14. (-5.6 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHI WHITE SOX (46 - 77) at MINNESOTA (59 - 64) - 7:10 PM
LUCAS GIOLITO (R) vs. STEPHEN GONSALVES (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 144-142 (+4.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-17 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 93-83 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 417-430 (+33.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
GIOLITO is 8-4 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
GIOLITO is 10-6 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 69-89 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-5 (-0.2 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.6 Units)

LUCAS GIOLITO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GIOLITO is 1-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.65 and a WHIP of 1.298.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.3 units)

STEPHEN GONSALVES vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEXAS (56 - 70) at OAKLAND (74 - 50) - 10:05 PM
BARTOLO COLON (R) vs. MICHAEL FIERS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 8-5 (+1.6 Units) against TEXAS this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
COLON is 10-7 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.215.
His team's record is 12-11 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-10. (+1.3 units)

MICHAEL FIERS vs. TEXAS since 1997
FIERS is 2-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.69 and a WHIP of 1.460.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.4 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSTON (75 - 49) at SEATTLE (71 - 54) - 10:10 PM
GERRIT COLE (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 75-49 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 33-25 (-16.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 18-25 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 30-29 (-14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SEATTLE is 71-54 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 37-29 (+5.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 48-33 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 50-33 (+17.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 31-21 (+6.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 48-20 (+18.4 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 42-20 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 25-7 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 67-36 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 133-69 (+26.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-11 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
COLE is 25-6 (+16.4 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 7-6 (+4.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.2 Units)

GERRIT COLE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
COLE is 2-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.10 and a WHIP of 0.767.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 4-6 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 1.515.
His team's record is 5-7 (-5.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-7. (-3.7 units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Diamond Trends - Monday
Vince Akins

SU Play ON Trend of the Day:

-- The Athletics are 19-0 SU post All-Star break after any game in which their bullpen allowed multiple runs. Oakland was the underdog in eight of the nineteen wins.

SU Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

-- The Cardinals are 0-22 SU as a road dog of more than 130 after the All-Star break when playing an NL team that is behind them in the standings.

Hitter-Based Trend of the Day:

-- The Astros are 14-0 in franchise history as a road 130-plus favorite off a game as a favorite in which Alex Bregman had multiple hits and scored at least one run.

Starter-Based Trend of the Day:

-- The Indians are 0-8 SU in franchise history when Corey Kluber starts as a dog in August.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Monday, August 20


Streaking and Slumping Starting Pitchers

Streaking: Mike Fiers, Oakland Athletics (8-6, 3.38 ERA, $1367)

Right-hander Mike Fiers has been great since joining the surging Oakland Athletics, winning both of his first two starts, and in his last three starts overall (including his last with the Detroit Tigers) he owns a team win/loss of 3-0, an ERA of 2.02, a WHIP of 0.90, and an opponent's on-base percentage of .240.

Fiers and the A's are big -190 favorites at home against "Big Sexy" Bartolo Colon and the Texas Rangers.

Slumping: Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds (1-10, 6.33 ERA, $-1348)

Every time he is scheduled to start he ends up in our Slumping Starting Pitcher section and we tippy-toe around the truth. Well, it's time to speak the real truth.

Homer Bailey sucks!

Remember back in 2012 and 2013 when Homer Bailey threw no-hitters for the Reds. Apparently the Reds management team still remembers, because that is the only explanation as to why he still has a major league pitching job.

He owns a team win/loss of 1-15 on the season, including seven team losses in a row, to go along with an ERA of 6.33 and a WHIP of 1.63.

Bailey continues to live off his past exploits tonight as a +185 underdog in Milwaukee against Chase Anderson and the Brewers.


PNC Winds

Credit to the major league scouting staffs across baseball because it seems as if every starting pitcher that was dealt at the trade deadline has been better for their new team.

A pair of those newly acquired starting pitchers go head-to-head tonight with Kevin Gausman of the Braves taking on Chris Archer of the Pirates. A change of scenery has been just what the doctor ordered for both righties.

Both pitchers will look to continue their good vibes with the aide of a 10 mile per hour wind blowing in tonight at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. It's a low full game total of 7.5, but look for both starting pitchers to keep the game Under the first five inning total of 4.


1st Half Free-For-All

The Royals and Rays open their four-game series Monday night in Tampa Bay with a pair of starting pitchers with very little experience starting baseball games.

Jorge Lopez makes his second start for the Royals after being picked up from the Brewers in the Mike Moustakas trade, where he worked exclusively out of the bullpen. His first outing did not go well, with the Blue Jays tagging him for six runs over 4.2 innings of work. He did, however, look solid until tiring in the fourth.

Hunter Wood gets the start for the Rays. He's been a regular in Tampa Bay's "relievers as starters" program and will be making his seventh opening assignment this evening. Wood has maxed out at 2.0 innings as a starter and has allowed runs in four of his seven starts, however, he has only allowed a first inning run one time this season.

Look for both pitchers to get through the opening frame clean, but beyond the first inning it's open season. A run in the first inning: No (-130), Three inning total: Over 2.5 (-110), Five inning total: Over 4 (-125).


Ride With The Tribe Early

There's a reason why the Indians are nearly an even-money play against a team currently 51 games above .500 – and it has less to do with Cleveland's starting pitcher (Corey Kluber) than you might think.

Despite his 15-5 record, Boston's Rick Porcello has been eminently hittable so far this season – particularly in the first three innings, where he boasts an ugly 4.86 ERA.

Cleveland ranks third in baseball in five-innings runs per game (3.11) – and while the home-road disparity is significant, the Indians should be able to take advantage of Porcello and his unsightly 4.57 ERA within the not-so-friendly confines of Fenway Park and cash the five-inning moneyline at -125.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cole Faxon Aug 20 '18, 10:10 PM in 3h
MLB | STL vs LAD
Play on: OVER 8 -113

FREE PLAY on Cardinals/Dodgers over 8 -113

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Williams Aug 20 '18, 10:10 PM in 3h
MLB | STL vs LAD
Play on: OVER 8 -112

1* on Cardinals vs Dodgers over 8 -112

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sal Michaels Aug 20 '18, 10:10 PM in 3h
MLB | STL vs LAD
Play on: OVER 8 -130

Free Play on Cardinals vs Dodgers over 8 -130

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jimmy Boyd Aug 20 '18, 10:10 PM in 3h
MLB | Astros vs Mariners
Play on: Mariners +170 at MyBookie

1* Free Pick on Seattle Mariners +170
This is just to good a price to pass up on the Mariners at home, especially with Houston coming off a massive 3-game series at Oakland, where they had to win in the finale to take back a 1-game lead in the AL West. This feels like a make or break point for Seattle, who is currently 4.5-games back of Houston in the division.
Even with yesterday's win over the A's, Houston is just 2-7 in their last 9 overall, so this is definitely a great time for the Mariners to be catching the Astros. Seattle will send out veteran Felix Hernandez who is replacing James Paxton in the rotation and making his first start since getting demoted to the bullpen. While it's been a difficult season for Hernandez, he has pitched well in recent outings against Houston and the Astros are just 1-6 in their last 7 vs a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Gerrit Cole will take the mound for Houston and he's put up solid numbers this season, but the Astros have lost each of his last two starts against Seattle. The Mariners are also an impressive 21-8 in their last 29 home games against a right-handed starter. Take Seattle!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bobby Conn Aug 20 '18, 10:05 PM in 3h
MLB | Rangers vs A's
Play on: Rangers +180 at 5Dimes

1* Free Play on Rangers +180

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hunter Price Aug 20 '18, 7:10 PM in 35m
MLB | Indians vs Red Sox
Play on: Indians +100 at MyBookie

1* Free Pick on Indians +100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jack Jones Aug 20 '18, 10:10 PM in 3h
MLB | Astros vs Mariners
Play on: Astros -1½ -104 at pinnacle

Jack’s Free Pick Monday: Houston Astros -1.5 (-104)
The Houston Astros have gotten a wake-up call over the past few weeks. They are just 2-7 in their last nine games and now in jeopardy of giving way to the A’s and Mariners in the AL West. I think that wake-up call is exactly what they needed to focus here down the stretch.
The Astros have a huge advantage on the mound tonight behind Gerrit Cole, who is 11-5 with a 2.71 ERA and 0.983 WHIP in 25 starts with 219 K’s in 159 2/3 innings. Cole is also 2-2 with a 2.10 ERA and 0.767 WHIP in four career starts against Seattle, three of which have come this season.
Felix Hernandez lost his spot in the rotation due to poor performance, but he has been inserted back into the rotation tonight. Hernandez is 8-10 with a 5.81 ERA and 1.444 WHIP in 23 starts this season, including 0-2 with a 10.53 ERA and 1.975 WHIP in his last three starts.
Houston is 36-12 as a road favorite of -125 or more this season, and it is winning by 2.9 runs per game in this spot. Cole is 13-1 as a road favorite of -125 or more over the last two seasons, and his teams are winning by 4.3 runs per game in this situation. Bet the Astros on the Run Line Monday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kenny Walker Aug 20 '18, 10:05 PM in 3h
MLB | Rangers vs A's
Play on: Rangers +168 at 5Dimes

Free Pick on Rangers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Marc Lawrence Aug 20 '18, 7:10 PM in 35m
MLB | Indians vs Red Sox
Play on: Indians -100 at pinnacle

Play - Cleveland Indians w/Kluber (Game 963).
Edges - Indians: Kluber 15-1 L16 team-starts during August; and 21 Ks with 3 BBs last three overall starts. With that we recommend a 1* play on Cleveland. Thank you and good luck as always.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ross Benjamin Aug 20 '18, 8:00 PM in 1h
NFLX | Ravens vs Colts
Play on: Ravens -1½ -110 at YouWager

[Can'tPickAWinner]

John Ryan Aug 20 '18, 10:10 PM in 3h
MLB | HOU vs SEA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dave Price Aug 20 '18, 10:05 PM in 3h
MLB | Rangers vs A's
Play on: A's -1½ +106 at pinnacle

Dave’s Monday Free Play:
1* on Oakland A’s -1.5 (+106)
The Key: The Oakland A’s are now just one game back of the Houston Astros for 1st place in the AL West. They have gone 40-14 in their last 54 games overall to put themselves in position to make the playoffs. They should handle the Texas Rangers by multiple runs tonight thanks to their edge on the mound. Mike Fiers is 8-6 with a 3.38 ERA in 23 starts this year, 6-2 with a 2.71 ERA in 14 home starts, and 1-0 with a. 2.03 ERA in his last 3 starts. Fiers has won both of his starts against the Rangers this year while yielding just 3 earned runs in 11 1/3 innings. Bartolo Colon is 7-10 with a 5.32 ERA in 22 starts this year for Texas. Colon allowed 6 earned runs and 11 base runners in his last start against Oakland on July 26th. The A’s are 12-2 in their last 14 games following a loss. The Rangers are 0-4 in Colon’s last 4 road starts. Take Oakland on the Run Line.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Capping Computer Aug 20 '18, 7:05 PM in 30m
MLB | Braves vs Pirates
Play on: Braves +128 at GTBets

1* Computer Pick on Braves +128

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mark Wilson Aug 20 '18, 10:10 PM in 3h
MLB | STL vs LAD
Play on: OVER 8 -110

Free Play on Cardinals vs Dodgers over 8 -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Doc's Sports Aug 20 '18, 8:00 PM in 1h
NFLX | Ravens vs Colts
Play on: Ravens +1½ -110 at Bovada

Free Play from Doc’s Sports. Take #431 Baltimore Ravens over Indianapolis Colts (8p.m., Monday, August 20 ESPN) It is just in John Harbaugh’s blood to win exhibition games. Baltimore is 2-0 this season straight-up and they are 27-14 lifetime during the Harbaugh tenure. Indianapolis only has one goal this preseason and that is to get QB Andrew Luck back on the field at some point before the regular season. Wins and losses do not mean anything to Coach Frank Reich and they had a field goal fest in their first game against Seattle. Expect Baltimore to win this game by double digits. Do not miss Doc’s Sports NFLX Week 2 card featuring plays throughout the weekend. Doc produced a profit in Week 1 and more of the same coming in Week 2 from this 2017 Nationally Ranked NFLX Handicapper.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ASA Aug 20 '18, 10:05 PM in 3h
MLB | TEX vs OAK
Play on: OVER 8½ -115

ASA FREE PLAY on OVER: Texas Rangers @ Oakland A's, Monday at 10:05 PM ET

Bartolo Colon's starts have trended under this season but 3 of his last 5 have gone over the total as the veteran right-hander has a 7.22 ERA in his last 5 outings. The A's counter with Michael Fiers and the right-hander has a 6.69 ERA in his 7 career starts against Texas. Only 1 of those 7 starts have resulted in an under! Yesterday's Rangers game stayed under the total but it was just the 4th under in their last 12 games. Also, Texas pounded out double digits in hits for the 3rd straight game yesterday. The A's lost yesterday but are still 6-2 in their last 8 games and have averaged 10 hits per game during this stretch. The opener on this total was a 9 and it has dropped to an 8.5 and we're stepping in to grab the value! FREE PLAY: Bet OVER in Oakland in late night action Monday!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dustin Hawkins Aug 20 '18, 10:05 PM in 3h
MLB | Rangers vs A's
Play on: Rangers +176 at YouWager

Free Play on Rangers +176

[Can'tPickAWinner]

John Martin Aug 20 '18, 7:10 PM in 35m
MLB | Giants vs Mets
Play on: Mets -117 at 5Dimes

1 Unit FREE PLAY on New York Mets -117
The Mets have quietly gone 8-4 in their last 12 games overall and are actually playing some decent baseball. They certainly have the better starter on the mound in this matchup. Zach Wheeler has now won six straight decisions and is 5-0 with a 1.41 ERA in his last five starts, giving up just 5 earned runs in 32 innings of work. Derek Holland is 6-8 with a 3.90 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 23 starts for the Giants. The Giants saw their playoff hopes crushed over the weekend by getting swept by the Reds. It’s going to be hard for them to recover from that now. Give me the Mets.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Sawyer Aug 20 '18, 8:10 PM in 1h
MLB | Reds vs Brewers
Play on: Brewers -220 at betonline

Take the Milwaukee Brewers with the money-line versus the Cincinnati Reds listing both starting pitchers Chase Anderson and Homer Bailey. Milwaukee (69-57) begins this series coming off a 2-1 win in St. Louis yesterday. The Brewers have won 20 of their last 29 games after scoring two runs or less in their last game. Milwaukee has also won 12 of their last 17 home games against teams with a losing record. Cincinnati (55-69) has lost 8 of their last 10 games on the road. The Reds have also lost 4 straight games against teams with a winning record. Take Milwaukee with the money-line listing both starting pitchers. Best of luck — Frank.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Larry Ness Aug 20 '18, 7:10 PM in 35m
MLB | White Sox vs Twins
Play on: Twins -157 at 5Dimes

My free play is on the Min Twins at 7:10 ET. The Twins' 5-4 win on Sunday allowed Minnesota to win three of four over the Tigers this past weekend. Winners of five of their last six overall, the 59-64 Twins look to inch closer to evening their record on Monday when they host the 46-77 Chicago White Sox in a rescheduled contest of a snowed out contest back on April 15. The White Sox are a whopping 25 games back of the first-place Indians in the AL Central but will take the field having won four of their last five games, including a 7-6 victory Sunday afternoon against the Kansas City Royals.
Chicago's Lucas Giolito (8-9, 6.15 ERA) will take the mound tonight for his 25th start. Giolito allowed three runs and struck out seven over six innings in a 6-3 win at Detroit this past Tuesday. That followed a poor outing in a 7-3 loss to the Yankees when he allowed seven ERs in just five innings on August 8. Giolito has faced the Twins three times in 2018 and four times in his short career. He's 1-1 (team is 2-2) with a 3.65 ERA.
Minnesota has put veteran right-hander Ervin Santana back on the disabled list after he reported issues with his right middle finger. That gives lefty Stephen Gonsalves a chance to make his major league debut Monday night. He was ranked as the Twins' No. 5 prospect this season by MLBPipeline.com (No. 3 prospect per Baseball America) and sports a combined 12-3 record with a 2.76 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 100 1/3 innings between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Rochester this season.
Both teams are just playing out the string but I see a spot here for Minnesota. I'll back Gonsalves in his major league debut who is up against vulnerable mound opponent in Giolito and a struggling White Sox team which is 22-38 on the road, allowing 5.78 RPG. Back the Twins.
Good luck...Larry

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brandon Lee Aug 20 '18, 7:10 PM in 35m
MLB | White Sox vs Twins
Play on: Twins -158 at 5Dimes

10* FREE MLB PICK (Twins -158)
I'll gladly take my chances here with Minnesota to secure a win at home against the White Sox on Monday. The Twins are all but out of the playoff picture, but have continued to play hard and come in having won 5 of their last 6. They have done so behind an offensive onslaught, as Minnesota has scored at least 5 runs in all 6 games during this stretch. They figure to have a great shot at putting up a big number here against White Sox starter Lucas Giolito, who has an ugly 6.15 ERA and 1.496 WHIP in 24 starts. The big wild card here is Twins starter Stephen Gonsalves, who will be making his MLB debut. There's reason to be optimistic that Gonsalves will pitch well in his first start. He's one of Minnesota's top prospects. He was 12-3 with a 2.76 ERA in over 100 innings of work at Double-A and Triple-A this season and averaged just under a strikeout per inning. Give me the Twins -158!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Lundin Aug 20 '18, 7:10 PM in 35m
MLB | Giants vs Mets
Play on: Mets -117 at 5Dimes

#MLB FREE PICK FROM MIKE LUNDIN
The San Francisco Giants have dropped four in a row and have scored just a total of nine runs during the skid. They were outscored 20-6 in getting swept by the Reds over the weekend.
The New York Mets meanwhile are coming off back-to-back triumphs at Philadelphia and will surely be looking forward to playing in front of the home town crowd at Citi Field following an 11-game, five-city road trip.
Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler (8-6, 3.75 ERA) has compiled a 2.04 ERA with 37 Ks against eight walks through 39 2/3 innings during a seven-game winning streak. He is 2-1 with a 4.15 ERA in four career starts against the Giants.
San Francisco counters with left-hander Derek Holland (6-8, 3.83 ERA) who was lucky to leave his last start after 4 2/3 scoreless innings despite giving up six hits and four walks. Mets are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter and I think they'll give Holland a hard time tonight.
Mets have won five of the last six meetings.
Free pick on NY Mets.