Friday 8-24-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Breeders Cup Future Wager
Breeders Cup Future Wager - Race 1

WIN WAGERING ONLY


Stakes • 1 1/4 Miles • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 123 • Purse: $6,000,000 • Post: 12:00
BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC FUTURE WAGER - GRADE 1 FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. NORTHERN HEMISPHERE THREE-YEAR-OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS.; SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE THREE-YEAR-OLDS, 117 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. ALL FILLIES AND MARES ALLOWED 3 LBS. TO PLACE A FUTURE WAGER ON THE 2018 BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC,PLEASE ASK FOR RACE #1. IF YOU WISH TO WAGER ON THE FIELD, WHICH REPRESENTS ALL OTHER ELIGIBLE RUNNERS, ASK FOR NUMBER 24. WIN WAGERING ONLY. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED IN ANY OF THE WAGERING POOLS FOR THE BREEDERS' CUP FUTURE WAGER. ALL WAGERS ARE FINALONCE THE PATRON HAS LEFT THE WINDOW. THE BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC FUTURE WAGER POOL WILL RUN AUGUST 24, 2018 THROUGH AUGUST 26, 2018. POOL CLOSES AT APPROXIMATELY 6:00 P.M. ET. SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. ACCELERATE is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * ACCELERATE: 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. COL LECTED: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and horse has run well in the past in its first and/or second starts after a long layoff. WEST COAST: H orse'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" designation.
1
ACCELERATE
4/1

9/2
6
COLLECTED
12/1

5/1
23
WEST COAST
9/2

5/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
DIVERSIFY
7

5/1
Front-runner
117

116

110.2

105.6

91.1
14
MENDELSSOHN
14

30/1
Front-runner
108

113

97.5

54.3

24.8
1
ACCELERATE
1

4/1
Stalker
122

123

116.8

120.6

110.6
23
WEST COAST
23

9/2
Stalker
128

125

115.4

115.6

108.6
17
PAVEL
17

30/1
Stalker
119

113

114.8

106.0

89.5
3
BRAVAZO
3

30/1
Stalker
109

106

109.8

97.2

65.2
6
COLLECTED
6

12/1
Stalker
128

117

107.0

119.0

112.0
9
GOOD MAGIC
9

12/1
Stalker
109

109

105.4

107.0

86.5
19
TENFOLD
19

50/1
Stalker
107

107

101.2

102.8

71.8
13
MCKINZIE
13

30/1
Stalker
108

115

99.3

108.8

84.8
5
CATHOLIC BOY
5

50/1
Stalker
111

107

90.9

96.7

66.2
16
MONOMOY GIRL
16

30/1
Stalker
107

101

86.8

105.0

70.5
4
CATALINA CRUISER
4

15/1
Stalker
112

116

86.3

111.9

90.9
8
DRAFT PICK
8

50/1
Stalker
108

98

85.6

102.8

60.8
20
THUNDER SNOW (IRE)
20

12/1
Alternator/Stalker
121

125

0.0

0.0

0.0
12
HOFBURG
12

30/1
Trailer
108

110

106.4

105.2

76.7
10
GRONKOWSKI
10

12/1
Trailer
103

105

94.8

101.4

64.4
22
VINO ROSSO
22

30/1
Trailer
107

106

91.8

100.0

65.5
15
MIND YOUR BISCUITS
15

30/1
Trailer
118

116

88.0

113.0

103.0
11
GUNNEVERA
11

15/1
Trailer
114

105

78.4

105.0

86.5
21
TOAST OF NEW YORK
21

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
109

109

113.8

53.1

26.1
2
BLENDED CITIZEN
2

50/1
Alternator/Non-contender
107

110

104.2

91.8

53.8








Unknown Running Style: SAXON WARRIOR (JPN) (30/1) [Jockey: Unknown Jockey - Trainer: O'Brien Aidan P], ALL OTHERS (50/1) [Jockey: Unknown Jockey - Trainer: Unknown Trainer].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #8 - Post: 10:20pm - Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 56

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 INSIDIOUS CAT (ML=5/1)
#5 JAZZIE JO (ML=8/5)
#8 PRINTSCESS HUNT (ML=4/1)


INSIDIOUS CAT - The most dangerous animal in racing is the lone speed horse. If they let her get away early they probably won't catch her. Look for this filly to show better in today's race. Last event at Charles Town finishing fourth in the slop is no indication of her true ability. JAZZIE JO - Filly failed backers as the public choice in a $5,000 Claiming race last time out. Was a good performance even though she finished second. The jock/trainer twosome of Lopez and Contreras has a strong return on investment together. This filly is a gem of consistency, almost always in the money. This filly is in nice physical condition. Finished second on August 3rd. PRINTSCESS HUNT - A pony coming back this soon after a sharp race is a good signal. Trainer, Hanagan, has been deliberate with this filly off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 NIGHTCLUBBER (ML=6/1), #2 SMARTY DELIGHT (ML=8/1),

NIGHTCLUBBER - You think this horse is going to win just because she's always close. Just doesn't win often. SMARTY DELIGHT - The rating in the last race doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's race. Mark this horse as a possibly overvalued equine.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #7 INSIDIOUS CAT to win. Have to have odds of at least 3/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [5,7,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #8 - Post: 10:20pm - Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 56

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 INSIDIOUS CAT (ML=5/1)
#5 JAZZIE JO (ML=8/5)
#8 PRINTSCESS HUNT (ML=4/1)


INSIDIOUS CAT - The most dangerous animal in racing is the lone speed horse. If they let her get away early they probably won't catch her. Look for this filly to show better in today's race. Last event at Charles Town finishing fourth in the slop is no indication of her true ability. JAZZIE JO - Filly failed backers as the public choice in a $5,000 Claiming race last time out. Was a good performance even though she finished second. The jock/trainer twosome of Lopez and Contreras has a strong return on investment together. This filly is a gem of consistency, almost always in the money. This filly is in nice physical condition. Finished second on August 3rd. PRINTSCESS HUNT - A pony coming back this soon after a sharp race is a good signal. Trainer, Hanagan, has been deliberate with this filly off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 NIGHTCLUBBER (ML=6/1), #2 SMARTY DELIGHT (ML=8/1),

NIGHTCLUBBER - You think this horse is going to win just because she's always close. Just doesn't win often. SMARTY DELIGHT - The rating in the last race doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's race. Mark this horse as a possibly overvalued equine.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #7 INSIDIOUS CAT to win. Have to have odds of at least 3/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [5,7,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 3 - Maiden Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $7800 Class Rating: 42

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 118 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $7,000, ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 SHE'S OUR FAVORITE 6/1

# 8 BLAZED GLORY 12/1

# 4 PEACH OF A PIE 7/2

SHE'S OUR FAVORITE has a very strong shot to take this race. Ordunarojas will probably be able to get this filly to break out early in this event. This filly is a solid choice based on her earnings per start in dirt sprint races. The winning percentage shown by horses entered by Gibson running at this distance are the top in this field. BLAZED GLORY - Have to examine solely on class, with some of the most respectable class figures of this group of animals. No strangers to the winner's circle, Metz and Zunino will probably have this filly breaking away from the field. PEACH OF A PIE - Meeting a much easier bunch than last time out. Some very strong figures have been posted by this trainer's starters racing at this distance and surface.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

08/24/18, GP, Race 5, 4.00 ET
5 1/2F [Dirt] 1.02.02 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $17,000.
Claiming Price $10,000. FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 - $.50 Bet 3 (Races 5-6-7) / $.20 Rainbow Pick 6 (Races 5-10)
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 19.80, $1 ROI 0.62, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 8 Wild Cat Grace 8-1 Camacho S Jones Kelly D. JS
099.7848 4 Cool Stance 5-1 Sanchez L A Luna Luis W
099.0922 5 Two Diamonds 8/5 Gutierrez R Maver Mario F
098.1190 6 Jenna Dawn 4-1 Alvarez J L Gogas Frances EL
097.7404 7 United Song 10-1 Mitchell R Durr Zollie
096.9907 1 Vouvray 12-1 Gonzales J J Bezara Agustin C. T
095.8206 2 Katie Faloona 10-1 Carmona K Hemingway Ian
094.6902 3 Without Gems(b+) 8-1 Mena R Gogas Frances C

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie - Race 4

Exactor / Quinella / Triactor / Superfecta


Allowance • 7 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 72 • Purse: $4,100 • Post: 7:15P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. (N.W. 3 LIFE . N.W. 4 LIFE ALBERTA BRED).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. LUCKY B. N. is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * LUCKY B. N.: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks i n the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
2
LUCKY B. N.
5/2

9/5




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
CHEEKY PURCHASE
1

3/1
Front-runner
62

50

55.0

49.0

42.5
2
LUCKY B. N.
2

5/2
Alternator/Stalker
74

65

64.7

57.2

54.7
3
CATFISH TUESDAY
3

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
73

61

29.5

44.4

39.4
6
NELLY BEAN
6

7/2
Alternator/Non-contender
76

50

55.3

33.4

22.9
4
NEHEMIAH
4

9/2
Alternator/Non-contender
66

50

49.8

37.8

30.8
5
LAWYERSGUNSN'MONEY
5

4/1
Alternator/Non-contender
80

67

0.0

32.2

21.7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga
RACE #3 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 2:02 PM EASTERN POST
The Albany Stakes
9.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEAR OLDS STAKES $250.000.00 PURSE

#7 SEA FOAM
#6 ANALYZE THE ODDS
#1 EVALUATOR
#5 SPECTACULAR KID

This race is named after the capital of New York State, the Albany is the third and final leg of the Big Apple Triple for state-bred 3-year-olds, which includes the Mike Lee at Belmont Park and the Finger Lakes Derby. First run in 1978, the Albany was contested at both Aqueduct and Belmont at varying distances before moving to the Spa in 1986 at its current distance of 1 1/8 miles. Here in the 41st renewal of this stakes event for New York Breds, #7 SEA FOAM, a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony"
qualifier, is both the overall speed and pace profile leader in this field, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in five straight, hitting the board in three of his last five starts ... all were "POWER RUN WINS." #6 ANALYZE THE ODDS, a 4-1 shot, has scored with a quartet of "POWER RUN BOARD HITS" in his last five starts, including a trio of "POWER RUN WINS" in this recent streak of racing consistency.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Timonium - Race #5 - Post: 3:05pm - Maiden Special - 4.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $35,000 Class Rating: 77

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 ELYSIUM (ML=6/1)
#8 HICKORY MADE (ML=6/1)


ELYSIUM - Have to like the way Brooks has raced this filly back into shape off the layoff. Horse is well spotted in this sprint and I think she'll run well today. I really like sprinters that make a quick turnaround. This filly's last speed fig is strong enough to prove victorious here, I'll play her right back in today's event. Last ran at Presque Isle Downs and finished fourth. Reviewing her PP data, I see she was close at the finish, within five of the winner. HICKORY MADE - We have a two-year-old race here, and this one has powerful pedigree stats for sire two-year-old winners. Generally, I don't play a thoroughbred off morning blow outs alone, but when I see a filly work at the same distance or longer than a race she's entered in, I become interested.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 TEL AVIV (ML=3/1), #1 PINK NOTION (ML=4/1), #7 NOSEY JOSY (ML=9/2),

TEL AVIV - Doesn't look to be worth 3/1 this time out. Pass on her this time. PINK NOTION - This filly hasn't had any recent good fortune in sprint contests. Tough to play her in this event. NOSEY JOSY - This filly registered a speed figure in her last clash which probably isn't good enough in today's race.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - HICKORY MADE - Reviewing the historical database shows this filly is under a strong workout routine. Lawrence has had her out multiple times over the last two weeks. Should be in good condition today.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #2 ELYSIUM on top if we're getting at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 5 - Maiden Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $21700 Class Rating: 71

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000, IF FOR $19,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 COOKESTOWN CREED 3/1

# 3 DIVA ON A DIME 4/1

# 2 MISS DANIELLE 5/2

COOKESTOWN CREED is my choice. Could provide positive profits based on quite good recent speed figs with an average of 65. With a solid 64 speed figure last time out, will unquestionably be a factor in this contest. DIVA ON A DIME - Has decent Equibase Speed Figures and has to be considered for a bet in this race. Posted a reliable speed figure in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this affair. MISS DANIELLE - Has respectable Equibase Speed Figs and has to be considered for a bet in here. Is difficult not to consider given the company run in recently.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Giants vs. Jets Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 22nd August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/22/2018

The New York Giants and New York Jets are energized somewhat this season because of the presence of a couple of prized rookies, although only one of them is expected to make an immediate impact.

Between these teams, the Giants are the one that is settled at quarterback. And that probably makes them the more complete team offensively, because they also hope to have the most electrifying receiver in the game available to them on an extended basis.

The Jets, however, have their quarterback of the future, and that counts for something that can buy a management team and maybe even a coaching staff a little time, particularly when the chief executive (of the team, that is) is greatly enamored of him.

NFL Preseason game previews

From time to time, there's some animosity between these clubs, which spices up the proceedings. And in 2013, Rex Ryan put Mark Sanchez into this "rivalry" game, perhaps giving him an opportunity to beat out Geno Smith for the starting QB job, but Sanchez suffered a shoulder injury, which ended his career in New York (or New Jersey, as it were).

So here we go again, with these teams getting together on Friday night at 7:30 PM ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, the home venue for both clubs. For this one, the Jets are the designated home team. Last week they lost 15-13 to Washington, while the Giants beat Detroit 30-17.

TV: 7:30 PM ET, Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Jets -2.5 (-115). O/U: 42

ABOUT THE GIANTS: Saquon Barkley, the first-round draft pick out of Penn State, sat out of the game against Detroit with an injury, and he is still nursing it, so action against the Jets is unlikely. The Giants would still like to get a look at some of their other running backs, so they can fill out the backfield after the top three of Barkley, Wayne Gallman and Jonathan Stewart. One of the people who will be on the spot is Robert Martin, who played his college ball around the corner at Rutgers and came to camp as an undrafted free agent. In the game against the Lions, Martin had 47 yards rushing and a touchdown. And the injury problems that have plagued the Giants' running back corps will help him, as they have been taking people from other positions to fill in during drills. Davis Webb got by far more work than the other two backup quarterbacks at Ford Field, but first-year coach Pat Shurmur says that there really isn't any depth chart beyond Eli Manning. Maybe that is a ploy so that Webb won't get too comfortable in his spot, but it probably means that additional opportunities will come to Kyle Lauletta, Alex Tanney, or both. The likelihood is that Lauletta and Tanney will compete for the third QB slot if the Giants settle on carrying three quarterbacks. The Giants did a very nice job of converting third downs against Detroit, doing so on six of 12 occasions last week. The Giants are priced at +450 to be the champions of the NFC East and +2800 to be Super Bowl champions.



ABOUT THE JETS: The original plan for the Jets was for Josh McCown to keep the seat warm at quarterback while Sam Darnold sat and learned - at least for a while. Well, a couple of things have happened. For one thing, Darnold has shown more impressive command of the offense than many expected, and he has progressed to the point where he is taking the majority of snaps in 11-on-11 drills with the first team. This is not to say that Darnold has more or less passed McCown on the list; for all we know, it may not have been all that unexpected that the USC product would benefit from a lot of work with the starters. And if McCown was really in a battle to save a starting job, maybe he may have gotten more than just one series of plays in the first two games. For what it's worth, though, McCown is indeed conceding that there may be a "competition" for the job, which he intends on winning. But as a 39-year-old, he has to be willing to accept the result. And he sounds genuinely excited to be witnessing a franchise QB emerging. But then there is the possibility of Teddy Bridgewater sneaking in there. The former Vikings QB, who is in his first full camp in three years, went 10-15 for 127 yards against Washington last week, and he is getting some practice time with the first team. He brings a lot to the table, including experience and elusiveness, provided his knee can take it. The Jets are listed at +1150 to win the AFC East and +8500 to win the Super Bowl.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Shurmur was Teddy Bridgewater's offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings and was right there when he tore the ACL. He isn't offering any predictions as to how the Jets' QB situation will turn out, but offers this: "The only thing I would say is don't sleep on Teddy because I think he's got it in him."

2. The Jets have a number of tight ends in camp, none of whom is all that accomplished. But of the five who seem to be vying for the job, Jordan Leggett, a fifth-round draft pick out of Clemson who had seven catches in the national championship game a couple of years ago, seems to be the guy in post position at the moment.

3. Shurmur was non-committal when asked about playing time for Odell Beckham Jr. on Friday. It appears he is getting quality reps in practice, and getting his timing down with Eli Manning. But everybody wants to be a little careful with him when it comes down to game situations and contact.

PREDICTION: Jets 23, Giants 19

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Patriots vs. Panthers Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 21st August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/21/2018

The New England Patriots hung a 37-20 loss on the Philadelphia Eagles last week, and that may have been somewhat satisfying, although they have been around the block long enough not to take a whole lot out of that "rematch" of the Super Bowl. Nonetheless, they appear to be progressing pretty well en route to making a return trip to the Big Game and are serious threats as long as Tom Brady is the quarterback.

The Carolina Panthers have a lot of the elements in place to make their own Super Bowl run, and of course, it was as recently as 2015 that the captured the NFC title. Cam Newton needs to be accurate and productive with what he has at his disposal, and he might have a little more this season. Defense is a strength, as it's often been, and this is what they'll have to rely on as they challenge the likes of New Orleans and Atlanta in the NFC South.

National Football League Previews

Coming off a 27-20 win over the Miami Dolphins, Carolina plays host to the Patriots in a Friday night game at Bank of American Stadium in Charlotte.

TV: 7:30, Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Pick'em O/U: 46

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS: Tom Brady looked motivated against the Eagles, hitting 19 of 26 passes for 172 yards and a pair of touchdowns. James White wound up on the receiving end of six passes. Remember that with Dion Lewis having left the fold, White is going to be the primary pass-catching option out of the backfield. And if his seven targets and four receptions (including a touchdown grab) are any indication, Cordarrelle Patterson, who has mostly been utilized as a kick returner in his NFL career, is going to play more of a role as a wideout. Veteran Eric Decker, the new acquisition, was targeted twice without a reception, and Julian Edelman, who has a suspension that will cause him to miss the first four games of the regular season, caught four passes. Ultimately, Brady will have enough people to throw to. Brady admits that it is difficult to replace left tackle Nate Solder, who has become a member of the New York Giants, and now the Pats' first-round draft pick, Isaiah Wynn of the University of Georgia, is out for the season with an Achilles injury, which happened when he was pushed into Brady in the game against the Eagles. Brian Flores is not officially the team's defensive coordinator, but he is making the defensive calls in wake of Matt Patricia's departure to Detroit. Bill Belichick says, “I think Brian and our defensive staff has done a good job teaching the players and installing our system,” adding that the Pats do not "game plan" for pre-season opponents.



ABOUT THE PANTHERS: The Panthers realized that rookie receiver DJ Moore was fast, but they didn't realize he was THAT fast. Moore was recently ticketed for going 113 miles per hour in a 65 mph zone in his Mercedes in Charlotte, and he faces an October 2 court date to answer for it. In last week's game, he went without a reception. Christian McCaffrey, who has such a productive rookie season, had 120 yards from scrimmage against Miami - 92 on the ground (including a 71-yard touchdown) and 28 in receptions. One of the reasons Ron Rivera hired Norv Turner as offensive coordinator was to better utilize McCaffrey in the various phases of his game, including running between the tackles, so expect him to play an even more vital role this season. Cam Newton came out and moved the offense, completing nine of 12 passes for 89 yards, but he was also intercepted and sacked twice. And speaking of sacks, right now the Panthers are missing right tackle Daryl Williams, left guard Amini Silatolu and left tackle Matt Kalil on the offensive line. Kalil is "week to week," while the other two are lost for a longer period. So Carolina goes with second-team players at both tackle positions in this one. And consider that New England had eight sacks last week against Philadelphia.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Brady caught a lot of criticism when he did not shake Nick Foles' hand after the Super Bowl, but he explained that such a thing was inadvertent, and he visited with both Foles and Carson Wentz prior to warmups for last week's game.

2. Hedge fund manager David Tepper, who recently bought the Panthers from Jerry Richardson for $2.2 billion, spent his first home game as an owner by tailgating with fans. That was something Richardson, a former NFL player, never did. The purchase price for the franchise is the highest in the history of the NFL.

3. With Brian Flores taking over as a play caller, can the Patriots repeat last year's "bend but not break" defensive performance? They were only 29th best (fourth from the bottom) in yardage allowed last season but were fifth in points allowed (just 18.5 per game).

PREDICTION: Patriots 27, Panthers 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seahawks vs. Vikings Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 22nd August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/22/2018

The custom in pre-season games is that the absolute priority is to have a chance to evaluate players, and that would be the priority over the result of winning and losing. But the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks have proven to be exceptions to that rule in recent years.

Both coaches - Mike Zimmer and Pete Carroll - obviously care about the result; otherwise, they would not have built the pre-season records they've had. Sometimes this is the kind of thing that can give the handicapper an edge at this time of the year, but happens if BOTH coaches want to win?

Preseason NFL Previews

Well, you take a closer look, we guess. The Vikings actually lost 14-10 to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, although one might submit that they were victimized by a bad call or two by the officials. As for the Seahawks, they took it on the chin by a 24-14 count while visiting the Los Angeles Chargers, a week after falling to the Indianapolis Colts at home.

Friday night's game takes place at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

TV: 8 PM ET. Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Vikings -3.5. O/U: 38.5

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS: With Rashaad Penny sitting out with a broken finger, Chris Carson has been called upon to do a little more, and thus he has an opportunity in a backfield that is still looking for answers. On Saturday, he had 34 yards on nine carries, with one of them a 12-yarder. But that means just 22 on his other eight carries, and he also fumbled the ball on the one-yard line, which isn't acceptable. The Seahawks finally did what some people thought would be inevitable - they cut punter Jon Ryan, a ten-year veteran who was committed to proving that the team was wrong to move in the draft to take Michael Dickson of Texas. As he had written to general manager John Schneider, "I love you. I have so much respect for you. But one way or the other, I'm going to make you look really dumb." Well, Dickson, the Ray Guy Award winner, has the ability to become one of those once-in-a-generation special teams players; one who can drastically change field position, and he was not going to wind up the odd man out. Not that head coach Pete Carroll has anything against "old legs." In fact, Sebastian Janikowski, who has been in the NFL since 2000, will be handling the placekicking duties, now that Jason Myers has been cut. Germain Ifedi has not impressed everyone with his play at right tackle, and Isaiah Battle and Jamarco Jones are out with injuries. George Fant, who is coming off ACL surgery, is ticketed to compete with him for the starting job at that position. He has been working as the backup to left tackle Duane Brown, a past Pro Bowler, who says that "I think George is ready for any challenge." Seattle is +500 to win the NFC West and +3500 to win the Super Bowl.



ABOUT THE VIKINGS: The Vikings' running backs have more yards from scrimmage during this pre-season than any other team in the NFL. And they are led in that category by Roc Thomas with 168. Thomas, of course, is the undrafted longshot candidate out of Jacksonville State who is doing enough that the Vikes can't possibly ignore him. Now you can add Mike Boone to the list of training camp surprises. Boone, who played his college ball at Cincinnati and, like Thomas, is an undrafted rookie, ran for 91 yards against the Jaguars and was praised by both head coach Mike Zimmer and quarterback Kirk Cousins for his ability in pass protection. Said Minnesota's high-priced quarterback, “Anytime you put these many good things on tape in preseason games, it’s not really a question of ‘if’ you’ll be in the league, but where." The Vikings need to get healthier up front. Only one starting offensive lineman from last season - Riley Reiff - was available for the game. Ifeadi Odenigbo, a seventh-round draft pick out of Northwestern last season, was pretty dominant against Jacksonville, with a pair of sacks and constant pressure on the quarterback. Odenigbo, who had switched from defensive end to defensive tackle, was told by D-line coach Andre Patterson to go back to defensive end on the day of the game, citing some injury absences, and he saw it as a "sign from God." It's also a sign he'll get more playing time. Minnesota is listed as the even-money favorite to win the NFC North championship and +850 to win Super Bowl 53.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Third-string quarterback Alex McGough, Seattle's sixth-round pick from Florida International, is progressing. He completed nine of 12 for 97 yards and a touchdown, for a passer rating of 126.0.

2. Minnesota failed to convert on all twelve of its third-down attempts against Jacksonville. Kirk Cousins threw for only a dozen yards.

3. Both head coaches have outstanding records in the pre-season. Pete Carroll (Seattle) is 32-19 straight-up and 31-17-3 against the spread, while Mike Zimmer (Minnesota) is 14-5 straight-up and 13-6 ATS. During this pre-season, however, the Vikings have split their two games, while Seattle has lost both of them, straight-up and against the number.

PREDICTION: Vikings 21, Seahawks 16

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Lions vs. Buccaneers Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 21st August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/21/2018

If new Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia had his druthers, his team would be pounding the football down the other team's throat, in addition to stretching defenses behind the special arm of Matthew Stafford. And you know what? They may not be far from doing just that.

If it were up to Tampa Bay Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter, he would have his starting quarterback available for the full regular season schedule - and he would be a little better behaved. And as for his own team's running game; well, we'll have to wait and see about that.

Preseason NFL Game Predictions

The Lions were not at all happy with last week's result - a 30-17 loss to the New York Giants in front of their home fans. The Bucs powered their way to a 30-14 win over the Tennessee Titans.

These teams will meet up on Friday night at Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

TV: 8 PM ET, Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Bucs -3 (-120) O/U: 45

ABOUT THE LIONS: Detroit threw the ball on two-thirds of its plays against the Giants, and averaged only three yards per carry. Rookie Kerryon Johnson, the second-round pick from Auburn, had nine yards on four carries. Matthew Stafford completed two passes for 51 yards, and the Lions got on the board with a field goal in the first quarter. But they did not dent the end zone until the fourth period. Jake Rudock got extensive playing time, completing 23 of 30 passes for 171 yards and a TD. Stafford, by the way, was sacked twice in three series, and that is not what offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter was looking for out of his first-team interior line. Linebacker Jarrad Davis, who was drafted in the first round out of Florida last year, may be suffering from the same weaknesses in pass coverage that plagues him during 2017. Davis was burned badly on a play that resulted in an eight-yard TD reception by Giants' running back Wayne Gallman, and those are the kinds of assignments you just can't blow in the NFL. Defensive lineman Ziggy Ansah, who started out training camp on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, got his first action of the season against the Giants and got a couple of solo tackles. Meanwhile, defensive lineman Cornelius Washington, who counted more than $2 million against the salary cap, was cut, and this group was already not that deep. Cornerbacks Sterling Moore and Dexter McDougle, who were both with New Orleans last year, were signed.



ABOUT THE BUCS: Tampa Bay's receivers, who had been dominant in joint practices against the Titans earlier in the week, went out and had themselves a feast in Saturday's game. And they were getting the ball down the field. Mike Evans had two catches for 49 yards. DeSean Jackson caught two passes for 73. Quarterback Jameis Winston, who will be available after the first three games of the regular season (suspension) went 13 for 18 for 226 yards and two scores. Bucs fans are pleased that he is getting his reps in. Of course, there had to be some accommodation of both Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick with the first-team offensive players. Left tackle Donovan Smith, who had played in 48 consecutive games, suffered a knee injury during Tuesday's practice and had to be removed from the field during 11-on-11 drills. As of press time, there were no more specifics on the injury, but it's a pretty good bet he won't be in action on Friday. The Bucs, who are not deep on the offensive line, may have to go "on the street" to looks for potential reinforcements. Vita Vea, the mammoth first-round draft pick out of Washington, has been dealing with a calf injury that forced him to sit out the first two pre-season games, and the Buccaneers really need him out there on the field.

EXTRA POINTS

1. T.J. Lang, Detroit's Pro Bowl guard, got hurt in the first week of training camp, hasn't practiced in over a week, and it is a foregone conclusion that he won't play in this game. In fact, there are no guarantees that he'll be ready for the season opener.

2. While the Bucs' rookie DB's have been doing a good job, cornerbacks Vernon Hargreaves and Carlton Davis have returned to the practice field, and there is a chance that one or both of them can play against Detroit.

3. In addressing the competition for the backup quarterback spot between Rudock and veteran Matt Cassel, Patricia was asked if he would consider bringing in Colin Kaepernick. He did his best to avoid a real answer. "We've got 90 guys on our roster," he said. "We're just going to focus on the guys that are here."

PREDICTION: Tampa Bay 24, Detroit 19

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Packers vs. Raiders Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 22nd August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/22/2018

The Oakland Raiders may have to go into the regular season without their best defensive player, and that wouldn't be tragic except for the fact that their stop unit is generally no stellar. Signing him, or executing some kind of satisfactory trade, is one order of business that has to be taken care of.

In a sense, the Green Bay Packers feel like they have taken care of a lot of their business, and it doesn't look like the offense is going to be much of a problem after scoring 82 points in the first two games.

The Raiders lost a rather lackluster game against the Los Angeles Rams last week (19-15), as there were only 438 yards from scrimmage. The Packers ran up a score that is very unusual for pre-season play as they beat Pittsburgh 51-34.

National Football League Game Predictions

These teams meet at the Coliseum in Oakland on Saturday night, and it is one of those games where the "ones" might be seeing considerable action against "twos," as we'll explain.

TV: 10:30 PM ET, NFL Network. LINE: Raiders -7. O/U: 41

ABOUT THE PACKERS: The Pittsburgh Steelers actually outgained the Packers by a 370-357 margin last week. But the Packers took advantage of a lot of Pittsburgh penalties and a couple of turnovers, one of which was an interception that Tramon Williams returned 25 yards for a touchdown. That pick-six was thrown by rookie Mason Rudolph, who had been pressed into a starting role when both Ben Roethlisberger and Landry Jones had been ruled out of the game. All indications out of the Green Bay camp are that Aaron Rodgers is finished for the pre-season. He had the ball in his hands for one possession last week and led the team on a seven-play touchdown drive. And now his agent is working on a contract extension that will keep him in town past 2019. Head coach Mike McCarthy may not do what most teams do in the third pre-season game, which is usually when starters play into the second half. He may have them in the game for only a series or two, or not at all. Hence the jump in the pointspread. DeShone Kizer, who is fighting to be the backup quarterback, had a big moment when he connected with Jake Kumerow on an 82-yard touchdown pass. Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones have been sidelined with injuries, and the Packers are still looking for running backs who can play a little. This week they signed LeShun Daniels, an Iowa grad who played four games with the Washington Redskins last season. And they also inked Bronson Hill, who is a journeyman, to say the least, now joining up with his ninth NFL team. The Packers are listed at +125 to win the NFC North and +1150 to win the Super Bowl.



ABOUT THE RAIDERS: Jon Gruden's team went "vanilla" for the most part on offense against the Los Angeles Rams last week, mindful of the fact that those teams are going to meet each other in the season opener. So they sat quarterback Derek Carr, leaving things up to the two guys who are dueling for the backup job - Connor Cook, who went 6 of 12 for 49 yards, and EJ Manuel, who completed ten of 16 for 89 yards and a TD. The guy who came away as most impressive, however, was running back Chris Warren, who had 110 yards on the ground and was the only Raider running back to get a carry. Undrafted out of the University of Texas, Warren is 6-2 and upwards of 245 pounds, and Gruden would love to be able to use him as a "big back" option. For wide receiver Jordy Nelson, this is sort of a bittersweet reunion with his former club. After ten years in Green Bay, Nelson was rather unceremoniously released, much to the chagrin of Rodgers, who always saw him as a dependable outlet, even if he was not always the primary target. He has played lightly in the first two games, so if Gruden is going to get him some work, this would be the opportunity to do it. Talk about teamwork - Donald Penn, coming off a foot injury, has been a Pro Bowl performer at left tackle, but he did not hesitate to move over to the left side so that the Raiders could insert rookie first-rounder Kolton Miller Offensive coordinator Greg Olson says Penn looks like "a natural" on the right side. The Raiders are priced at +300 to win the AFC West and +2800 for a Super Bowl victory.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Kevin Harlan, known to many FOX audiences, handles the telecasts for the Packers TV Network. He is very much a part of the "family" there, as his father, Bob Harlan, is the former Chairman and CEO of the franchise and currently holds the position of "Chairman Emeritus."

2. Because he can't get together with the team on a new contract, All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack has been the focus of a lot of speculation around Raider Nation, with new rumors every day. Reportedly a lot of teams have inquired about him, but Oakland has been turning down all trade offers. Ironically, the Packers are supposed to be one of those teams that is very interested.

3. Green Bay's Jamaal Williams, who contends that his ankle was injured after a Pittsburgh Steeler tackler grabbed it and twisted it, says he will retaliate the next time somebody does that to him. "If they're twisting ankles, I'm for sure kicking," he says. "I'm kicking from now on."

PREDICTION: Raiders 30, Packers 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

The Chicago Cubs have the best record in the National League despite disappointing numbers from some of their biggest offensive stars. One of those sluggers is heating up, however, and the Cubs will try for a third straight victory when they continue their four-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Friday afternoon.

After being limited to just one run in five straight games, the Cubs have broken out of their slump to score 15 times in their last two contests. Anthony Rizzo has homered in three consecutive contests and Javier Baez also went deep in Chicago's 7-1 triumph in the series opener. The Cubs, who lead St. Louis by three games in the NL Central, might need another offensive outburst behind spot starter Alec Mills. Matt Harvey is slated to take the mound for the Reds, but he reportedly was claimed off waivers on Wednesday and could be traded before the game.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Matt Harvey (6-7, 4.91 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Alec Mills (0-0, 0.00)

Harvey has made himself a valuable trade chip with two straight excellent outings. The 29-year-old former ace of the New York Mets has allowed two runs over 13 1/3 innings in his last two turns and is 6-5 with a 4.28 ERA in 17 outings with the Reds. Harvey is 2-1 with a 4.05 ERA in six career starts against the Cubs.
Mills will be recalled from Triple-A Iowa to make his first major-league start and fifth overall appearance. The 26-year-old made an appearance out of the bullpen for the Cubs on July 27 and tossed two scoreless innings at St. Louis. Mills has gone 5-12 with a 4.84 ERA in 23 starts for Iowa this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 2B Daniel Murphy has gone 2-for-5 in each of his first two games with the team and is a career .417 hitter at Wrigley Field.

2. Reds SS Jose Peraza has recorded multiple hits in six of his last eight contests, going 14-for-30 with four doubles and two homers during that stretch.

3. The Cubs placed Tyler Chatwood (hip) on the disabled list Thursday and recalled fellow RHP Dillon Maples from Iowa.

PREDICTION: Reds 6, Cubs 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The New York Yankees have spent the bulk of August playing mostly sub-.500 teams, but they haven't been able to make much of a dent in the American League East standings. The Yankees hope to make some more headway in that regard beginning Friday when they visit Baltimore for the first of four games against the league-worst Orioles.

New York (79-47) began the month by dropping its first five contests to fall 9 1/2 games behind division-leading Boston after the Red Sox swept them in a four-game set from Aug. 2-5, but the club proceeded to win 11 of its next 16 - 10 of the victories coming against teams with losing records. The Yankees dropped 9 1/2 games back of Boston following Wednesday's 9-3 setback at Miami and a win by the Red Sox on Thursday, but maintained their 3 1/2-game edge over Oakland for the first wild-card slot in the AL. New York has inexplicably struggled to take advantage of the Orioles (37-90) this season, splitting 12 meetings against the team with the worst record in the majors. Baltimore is on pace for the second-worst season in franchise history - the 1939 St. Louis Browns finished 43-111-2 - and lost for the 11th time in 13 games following Wednesday's 6-0 defeat at Toronto to conclude a 1-5 road trip.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (7-4, 3.32 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Alex Cobb (4-15, 5.09)

Sabathia is expected to come off the disabled list and make his first start since Aug. 12 when he earned the victory after yielding one hit over six scoreless innings against Texas. The former Cy Young Award winner has struck out at least seven in three of his last four turns, but the last outing was his first quality start since July 4. Adam Jones is 24-for-84 with five homers and 15 RBIs against Sabathia, who is 0-1 with an 8.00 ERA in two starts versus Baltimore this season.

Cobb has turned his season around in August, going 2-1 with a 1.55 ERA this month after holding Cleveland to two runs in his first complete-game victory of the season. The 30-year-old Bostonian, who went 2-14 with a 6.08 ERA through the end of July, has produced five quality starts in as many tries after recording eight in his first 18 turns. Cobb's month began with a win in Yankee Stadium on Aug. 1, limiting New York to one run while fanning six in six frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees placed LHP Aroldis Chapman, the team's closer, on the disabled list with left knee tendinitis prior to Wednesday's game.

2. Baltimore was shut out for the 12th time this season Wednesday, matching last's year total in 35 fewer games.

3. New York OF Giancarlo Stanton needs one home run to become the fourth-quickest (1,111 career games) and ninth-youngest (28 years, 289 days old) player in major-league history to reach 300.

PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Orioles 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

After receiving a sterling start from their National League Cy Young candidate to snap a four-game losing skid, the Philadelphia Phillies look to a former recipient of that award to keep them headed in the right direction. Jake Arrieta takes the mound on Friday as the Phillies (69-58) begin their final interleague series with the opener of a three-game set versus the host Toronto Blue Jays (58-69).

Aaron Nola outdueled Max Scherzer to notch his 15th win and Odubel Herrera belted a two-run homer as Philadelphia kept within three games of NL East-leading Atlanta with Thursday's 2-0 victory over Washington. The Phillies hope their strong interleague play this season carries over into the weekend, as they've won 11 of 17 of contests -- although they dropped two of three to Toronto at Citizens Bank Park in May. Toronto answered a disastrous four-game losing skid in which it was outscored 34-15 by maintaining its mastery over Baltimore, completing a 10-game season sweep at Rogers Centre following Wednesday's 6-0 romp. Kendrys Morales belted his fifth homer in the last four games overall and is 3-for-6 with two RBIs in his career versus Arrieta.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (9-8, 3.25 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (2-3, 4.27)

Arrieta has followed up a 4-0 mark over a seven-start stretch with back-to-back losses, although he deserved a better fate in his last trip to the mound. The 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner allowed just one run on four hits while striking out six without walking a batter over six innings in a 3-1 setback to the New York Mets on Saturday. Curtis Granderson is 10-for-32 with three homers and 10 RBIs against Arrieta, who owns a 4-2 mark with a 4.85 ERA in eight career encounters versus the Blue Jays.

Borucki's last trip to the mound was a brief one, as the 24-year-old rookie was blitzed for a career-worst six runs on four hits in two-thirds of an inning in Sunday's 10-2 loss at the New York Yankees. Borucki allowed the first six batters he faced to reach base as the wheels came off in a hurry. He has yielded 14 runs on 19 hits and two homers in his last three starts after keeping the ball in the park in each of his previous seven outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 2B Cesar Hernandez has eight hits and six runs scored in his last seven games overall, although he went 1-for-12 in the previous series versus Toronto.

2. Granderson is 7-for-16 with three doubles and four runs scored in his last five contests.

3. Phillies C Wilson Ramos said he hopes to return for the series opener after being sidelined three games with a sore left wrist.

PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Blue Jays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Detroit Tigers and Nicholas Castellanos try to continue their dominance of the Chicago White Sox when the American League Central teams reconvene for the second contest of their four-game series Friday at Comerica Park. Detroit improved to 10-3 versus Chicago this season with a 7-2 victory Thursday as Castellanos, the reigning AL Player of the Week, belted a solo home run among his two hits.

Castellanos (.293, 19 home runs, 71 RBIs), who leads the Tigers (53-75) in every major offensive category, is batting .400 in 55 at-bats with five home runs and 17 RBIs versus the White Sox this season. Chicago (48-79), which is 7-6 in a stretch of 16 straight games versus the American League Central, homered in its 15th straight game Thursday -- its longest run since 2012. Detroit's Michael Fulmer returns from the disabled list to make his first start since July 14 and opposes Reynaldo Lopez, who has struggled in his last two outings. White Sox bench coach Joe McEwing is expected to continue managing the club for a fifth straight game Friday as Rick Renteria returned to Chicago on Thursday to undergo more tests for lightheadedness, which landed him in a Minneapolis hospital Monday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (4-9, 4.72 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (3-9, 4.50)

Lopez hasn't earned a decision in four August starts after allowing six runs, six hits and a walk while striking out five in two innings of Chicago's 7-6 victory over Kansas City on Sunday. The 24-year-old Dominican, who yielded four runs in five innings in a 9-5 loss at Detroit on Aug. 13, began the month by permitting three runs over a pair of seven-inning starts -- a loss to the New York Yankees on Aug. 7 and a win over the Royals on Aug. 2. James McCann is 7-for-11 and Castellanos is 7-for-15 with two doubles versus Lopez, who is 1-1 with a 3.66 ERA in five starts versus the Tigers -- 0-1, 3.24 in four outings this season.

Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire said Fulmer will be limited to around 70 pitches Friday as he returns from a left oblique strain. "He feels great," Gardenhire said of the 25-year-old Oklahoman. "Everything's went great. He's passed all the tests. That's the right thing to do with him." Tim Anderson and Avisail Garcia are a combined 4-for-31 against Fulmer, who is 2-1 with a 3.79 ERA in six starts against the White Sox after winning at Chicago 6-1 on April 7 when he tossed 5 1/3 shutout innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit rookie 2B Ronny Rodriguez (.211, 10 RBIs -- six in his last four games) hit his first career home run Thursday as part of a two-hit performance that extended his hitting career-high hitting streak to eight games (9-for-27).

2. Chicago has struck out a major league-most 1,222 times this season and is on pace to shatter the club record of 1,397 set last season.

3. Detroit CF JaCoby Jones (.204, eight home runs, 26 RBIs), who was placed on the 10-day disabled list Aug. 13 with a right hamstring injury, begins a three-game rehabilitation stint Friday with Triple-A Toledo.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, White Sox 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Washington Nationals' offense was held in check in their last outing after erupting for 18 runs and 28 hits in the previous two games. Washington (64-64) looks to heat up its bats once again versus a New York Mets club that it lit up for 29 runs during a two-game sweep 3 1/2 weeks ago when the National League East rivals open a three-game series on Friday at Citi Field.

Ryan Zimmerman belted a game-ending two-run homer in Wednesday's 8-7 win over Philadelphia before sitting out the series finale, a 2-0 setback that halted the Nationals' brief momentum. Zimmerman is batting .360 with six homers and 17 RBIs in his last 15 games overall, but is just 6-for-28 this season against New York (56-71). Todd Frazier, who has 13 RBIs in his last 14 games, went deep for the second straight outing on Thursday when he launched a solo homer in the Mets' 3-1 setback versus San Francisco. The 32-year-old Frazier is 5-for-21 with nine strikeouts against Washington this season and just 3-for-16 with eight strikeouts in his career versus Friday starter Gio Gonzalez.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (7-10, 4.51 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jason Vargas (3-8, 7.67)

Gonzalez has seen his once-promising season take a pronounced turn for the worse, as he fell to 1-8 in his last 12 starts after getting blitzed for eight runs on 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings in Sunday's 12-1 romp by Miami. The 32-year-old has been particularly brutal of late, having given up five or more runs in four of his past six starts. Gonzalez aims to turn around his fortunes versus a familiar foe, as he owns a 15-5 mark with a 2.90 ERA in 25 career starts against the Mets.

Vargas tasted victory in his last start for the first time since May 30, as he yielded two runs and didn't walk a batter in 5 1/3 innings of an 8-2 triumph over Philadelphia. The 35-year-old will look to establish a winning streak when he faces Washington, against which he has pitched well but owns an 0-3 mark despite recording a 1.15 ERA. Mark Reynolds is 3-for-8 with two doubles in a small sample size versus Vargas, who will face Washington for the first time since 2006.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York RF Jay Bruce, who has been sidelined since June 19 with a sore right hip, is expected to be activated for the series opener.

2. Nationals OF Bryce Harper is 13-for-40 with four homers, 13 RBIs and 11 runs scored versus the Mets this season.

3. The availability of Mets C Devin Mesoraco is in question after he received an MRI exam on his stiff neck following Thursday's game.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Mets 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Atlanta Braves will play the second contest of their four-game series against the host Miami Marlins on Friday, and nobody can blame Ronald Acuna Jr. for looking forward to the matchup. The 20-year-old rookie belted a 432-foot homer in the second inning of Thursday's series-opening 5-0 victory, his 21st blast of the season that marked the sixth consecutive game against Miami in which he's gone deep - the longest such streak by a rookie against one opponent in major-league history.

Atlanta carries a three-game lead over Philadelphia in the National League East into the weekend thanks to a bounce-back effort from Sean Newcomb on the mound and homers by Acuna, Charlie Culberson and Ender Inciarte as the team won for the 18th time in 26 games. Atlanta's dominance of Miami - the Braves are 13-3 against the Marlins this season - is a big reason it resides in first place in the division. The Marlins have won only five of their last 21 contests, and Thursday's defeat dropped them to 18-37 against NL East rivals this year. Rookie Isaac Galloway went 1-for-4 on Thursday and is hitting .310 in his first taste of major-league action after 3,655 plate appearances across 11 seasons in the minor leagues.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (10-7, 2.72 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Dan Straily (4-6, 4.60)

Foltynewicz has flourished this month, going 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA, only six walks and 28 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old, who has matched the career high in victories he set last season, scattered four hits and struck out nine over seven scoreless frames against Colorado on Saturday, but Atlanta's bullpen was unable to hold the lead. Foltynewicz won both of his previous starts against Miami this season, posting a 0.69 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 13 innings.

Straily looks to snap a five-start winless streak during which he has posted a 6.39 ERA while allowing opponents to post a .306 batting average with six homers in 25 1/3 innings. The 29-year-old lost at Washington on Aug. 17, surrendering five runs and nine hits in six frames, and has won just once in his last nine starts despite allowing fewer than three earned runs on four occasions. Straily is 2-1 with a 4.02 ERA against the Braves this season but surrendered eight runs - five earned - over 3 2/3 innings in a loss on July 31.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami C J.T. Realmuto has struck out seven times while going hitless in his last 13 at-bats.

2. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman enters the weekend leading the NL in batting average (.317), while RF Nick Markakis is tied for second (.314).

3. Marlins LHP Jarlin Garcia left the series opener in the fifth inning after being hit in the right shin by a line drive off the bat of Markakis.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 24th August 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/24/2018

The Boston Red Sox are the first team in the major leagues to reach the 90-win mark this season, and they start the push toward 100 when they open a three-game series against the host Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. The American League East-leading Red Sox are coming off a four-game set against AL Central-leading Cleveland in which they scored 17 runs while winning the final two contests.

Boston's Xander Bogaerts had a strong showing in the series against the Indians as he went 6-for-19 with two homers, two doubles and eight RBIs. Slugger J.D. Martinez recorded three RBIs in the series but didn't go deep and ranks second in the majors with 38 blasts. Tampa Bay has won five consecutive contests after notching a walk-off 4-3 win over Kansas City on Thursday, courtesy of a ninth-inning throwing error by Royals first baseman Ryan O'Hearn. Mallex Smith went 3-for-4 with two doubles on Thursday and is a torrid 16-for-36 with one homer and four two-base hits over his last eight games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Hector Velazquez (7-1, 2.74 ERA) vs. Rays RH Diego Castillo (3-2, 3.47)

Velazquez suffered his first setback of the season after allowing one run and three hits over four innings in a start against the Rays on Sunday. The 29-year-old, who also has made 31 relief appearances, is 2-1 with a 3.10 ERA in five turns this season. Velazquez has gone 3-0 with a 2.87 ERA in 19 road appearances (two starts) this year.

Castillo is serving as the "opener" for the second time in less than a week as the Rays continue their trend of beginning games with relief pitchers. The 24-year-old started Sunday's contest against Boston and gave up one hit over 1 2/3 scoreless innings, departing after throwing 19 pitches. Castillo is unscored upon in five straight outings - a stretch of 7 1/3 frames - and has allowed just four hits over his last eight appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox 1B Mitch Moreland departed Thursday's game with a bruised knee and will be re-evaluated prior to the series opener.

2. Tampa Bay 3B Matt Duffy has recorded back-to-back two-hit performances after enduring a 3-for-28 funk over his previous eight contests.

3. Boston RF Mookie Betts, who leads the majors with a .340 batting average, is mired in a 13-game power drought and hasn't driven in a run in seven straight contests.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Rays 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oakland Athletics vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 24th August 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/24/2018

The Oakland Athletics still have a grasp of the second wild card in the American League, but their hopes of winning a division title are in danger of slipping away. Oakland looks to avoid a third consecutive loss when it visits the Minnesota Twins on Friday for the second contest of their four-game series.

The Athletics own a four-game lead over AL West-rival Seattle for the wild-card spot but fell 1 1/2 games behind division-leading Houston with Thursday's 6-4 setback. Khris Davis belted his major league-high 39th home run and Jed Lowrie also went deep for Oakland, which has lost consecutive contests for the first time since enduring a three-game sweep in Colorado from July 27-29. Davis, who is four blasts away from matching the career high he set last season, has homered five times in as many games and a league-best 10 times this month. Minnesota overcame an early 2-0 deficit to post its ninth win in 11 home contests as Joe Mauer delivered an RBI single during a three-run fourth inning for his 2,085th career hit, tying Rod Carew for second place on the franchise list.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Sean Manaea (11-9, 3.70 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (5-7, 4.55)

The team leader in victories, Manaea has alternated wins and losses over his last six decisions after being tagged for six runs and nine hits over four innings of a setback against Houston on Sunday. The 26-year-old native of Indiana has not suffered back-to-back defeats since the final week of May, when he surrendered 10 runs and 13 hits over 8 2/3 frames in losses to Arizona and Tampa Bay. Manaea has split his two career starts against Minnesota, allowing seven runs on 12 hits and six walks with 13 strikeouts in 11 innings.

Odorizzi is unbeaten in four starts this month but has notched just one win as he escaped with a no-decision against Detroit on Sunday after yielding four runs and four hits across five innings. The 28-year-old from Illinois has worked more than five frames only four times in his last 15 outings and has yet to go more than six this season. Odorizzi has made five career starts versus Oakland, going 1-2 with a 3.34 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins C Bobby Wilson walked and scored a run on Thursday before exiting with a sprained right ankle.

2. Lowrie has reached the 20-homer plateau for the first time in his career and is the third Athletic to hit the mark this year.

3. Minnesota has gone 20-6 at home since June 24.

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Twins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers' hold on the National League's final wild-card spot is tenuous at best, making this weekend a bad time to welcome a team it has struggled against this season. The Brewers attempt to solve the riddle of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday when the NL Central rivals meet in Milwaukee for the opener of a three-game set.

Red-hot St. Louis bypassed the Brewers (71-58) in the Central and in the wild-card standings earlier this week, leaving them in a virtual tie with Colorado for the final wild-card slot and 3 1/2 games back of the division-leading Chicago Cubs. Milwaukee has steadied the ship of late by winning three of four following a 5-10 start to August, but the club needs to look no further than its 2-8 record against Pittsburgh as to why it doesn't have more margin for error. The Pirates got the majority of their eight wins in the season series right before the All-Star break, sweeping a five-game series from July 12-15. The Pirates enter this series 7 1/2 games behind the Brewers and may have trouble replicating their earlier success against Milwaukee, as they have scored a total of 16 runs while dropping eight of their last 10 contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Joe Musgrove (5-7, 3.31 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Wade Miley (2-2, 2.18)

Musgrove registered his fifth consecutive quality start in a win against Chicago on Saturday, limiting the Cubs to one run while striking out seven on only 87 pitches across seven innings. The 25-year-old leads Pittsburgh's rotation in ERA and WHIP (1.18) and has worked at least seven frames in five of his last six trips to the mound. Musgrove's strong recent stretch began immediately after a rough outing against Milwaukee, which tagged him for five runs over 7 2/3 innings in a no-decision on July 15.

Miley has yet to yield more than three earned runs in any of his nine starts after spending separate stints on the disabled list with groin and rib injuries earlier this season. The Southeast Louisiana product took the loss at St. Louis on Saturday, permitting four runs (one earned) despite striking out a season-high seven over five frames. David Freese is 6-for-15 with a home run and four walks versus Miley, who was saddled with the loss in Pittsburgh after giving up two runs over five innings on July 12.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers OF Christian Yelich, whose next home run will give him a career-high 22, is riding a nine-game hitting streak.

2. Pittsburgh's rotation has lost four of five decisions despite posting a 1.69 ERA over the last seven contests.

3. Milwaukee OF Lorenzo Cain is on a six-game hitting streak and batting .370 in August.

PREDICTION: Brewers 3, Pirates 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 24th August 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/24/2018

The Cleveland Indians just battled the team with the best record in baseball and now take aim at a club with one of the worst when they visit the Kansas City Royals on Friday for the opener of their three-game series. Cleveland lost the final two games of its set against American League East-leading Boston for a four-game split and look to halt the minor slide against the Royals, who own the second-worst record in the majors.

Cleveland stars Jose Ramirez (2-for-14) and Francisco Lindor (3-for-17) both failed to drive in a run in the series versus Boston as their team was outscored 17-4 in the final two contests. "There were good things and bad things in this four-game series," Lindor told reporters. "We could have done a couple of things better. But it's live and learn. We move forward. We continue to get better day in and day out. They have a good team. You can't be too mad." Kansas City has dropped five straight games after first baseman Ryan O'Hearn's errant throw home allowed Tampa Bay to post a 4-3 walk-off victory on Thursday. Whit Merrifield went 3-for-4 in the defeat and has gone 19-for-47 with two homers and seven RBIs during his 12-game hitting streak.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (9-7, 3.25 ERA) vs. Royals RH Brad Keller (6-5, 3.32)

Clevinger is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA over his last three starts and pitched six scoreless innings in a win over Baltimore in his last turn. The 27-year-old has a solid 2.75 ERA while going 5-4 in 12 road outings. Clevinger is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in two starts against Kansas City this season and 4-0 with a 2.17 ERA in seven career appearances (six starts).

Keller has recorded back-to-back victories, allowing two runs in 12 innings. The 23-year-old is 3-1 with a 3.20 ERA in 17 home appearances (seven starts) this season. Keller has tossed 4 1/3 scoreless frames in two relief appearances against the Indians this season and picked up the victory on May 11, when he worked three innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians swept a three-game set in Kansas City from July 2-4 and have a 7-2 record in the season series.

2. Kansas City activated LHP Danny Duffy (shoulder), who pitched five innings on Thursday, from the 10-day disabled list and optioned RHP Glenn Sparkman to Triple-A Omaha.

3. Cleveland placed Neil Ramirez (back) on the 10-day DL and activated fellow RHP Josh Tomlin (hamstring), who worked three frames on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Royals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals are both riding hot streaks and each team is making a run at first place in their respective divisions. The Cardinals and Rockies are also locked in a duel for the top two wild cards in the National League as they prepare to open a three-game series on Friday night at Colorado's Coors Field.

St. Louis has won 13 of its last 15 after completing a three-game sweep at the Los Angeles Dodgers to move atop the wild-card chase and into second place in the NL Central. "It shows the resilience of our team. Everyone steps up on a nightly basis," said Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong, who delivered a tie-breaking two-run homer in the ninth during Wednesday's series finale in Los Angeles. "It's always someone new coming through." The Rockies are coming off a dramatic win of their own as Ian Desmond clubbed a walk-off two-run blast in the ninth in Thursday's 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres. It was the 10th win in 12 games for the Rockies to pull them into a virtual tie for the second wild card - a half-game behind St. Louis - and one game back of division-leading Arizona in the NL West.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (13-3, 2.80 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (4-3, 4.47)

Mikolas continued his rags-to-riches tale after spending the past three years pitching in Japan, winning his fifth consecutive decision by limiting Milwaukee to one run and five hits over six innings on Saturday. He has permitted two runs or fewer in nine of his last 11 starts. That included a no-decision against the Rockies on Aug. 2, when he yielded two runs (one earned) over seven innings.

Senzatela has rebounded nicely from a pair of rocky efforts that sandwiched the All-Star break, when he was touched for 10 runs over 11 1/3 innings in losses at Seattle and Arizona. He has allowed a combined four runs over his last three starts, including a no-decision against Mikolas and St. Louis when he pitched six innings of one-run ball. Senzatela is 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA in six home appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies SS Trevor Story is 10-for-25 over his last six games.

2. St. Louis has homered in 15 consecutive games, one shy of Philadelphia's season-best mark.

3. Rockies LF Matt Holliday made his season debut and went 0-for-3 in his first game with Colorado since 2008.

PREDICTION: Rockies 4, Cardinals 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seattle Mariners vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Seattle Mariners are struggling to keep pace with the Houston Astros and the Oakland Athletics in the American League West, and the schedule isn't getting any easier. The Mariners will try to bust out of the slump when they enter their fifth consecutive series against a playoff contender by visiting the National League West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday.

The Mariners sit four games behind the Athletics for the second AL wild card and 5 1/2 in back of the Astros in the division after going 3-6 in the last nine games against Oakland, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston. "I think we have a lot of time left to get everything firing on all cylinders, and this team's done a great job," Mariners left-hander Marco Gonzales told reporters after absorbing the loss on Wednesday. "When one part struggles, the other part steps up. We're really close for everything to be firing, and we have September to get hot, and I think that's gonna be good for us." The Diamondbacks own a one-game lead in the NL West and are winners of six of their last seven after polishing off a two-game sweep of another AL West opponent - the Los Angeles Angels - on Wednesday. Arizona will greet Seattle with right-hander Zack Godley while the Mariners counter with righty Erasmo Ramirez.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Erasmo Ramirez (0-2, 5.49 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (13-6, 4.44)

Ramirez is making his fifth start since joining the Seattle rotation and surrendered a total of one run and seven hits across 10 innings over his last two turns. The Nicaragua native issued four walks against the Dodgers on Saturday to drive up his pitch count and has yet to earn a win. Ramirez is making his third career appearance against Arizona and is 5-5 with a 5.33 ERA in 22 career interleague games - 12 starts.

Godley last absorbed a loss on July 1 but was knocked around a bit in a no-decision at San Diego on Saturday, surrendering six runs on eight hits and four walks over five innings. The 28-year-old did not yield a home run in that outing and last surrendered a blast on June 26 at Miami. Godley won his lone previous start against the Mariners and is 3-2 with a 2.88 ERA in nine career interleague games - five starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 2B Robinson Cano, who made his first career start at 3B on Wednesday, hit safely in seven of eight games since returning from an 80-game suspension.

2. Arizona 1B Paul Goldschmidt hit safely in each of the last 14 contests.

3. Seattle SS Jean Segura (ribs) left Wednesday's game and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Mariners 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Angels Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Houston Astros are clinging to their spot atop the American League West while battling through a tough road trip against division foes. The Astros will try to finish strong when they reach the last stop of the trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of a three-game set on Friday.

Houston looked ready to relinquish its hold on first place briefly last weekend at Oakland but fought to avoid a sweep in that series and then took two of three at Seattle to push 1 1/2 games ahead of the Athletics and 5 1/2 clear of the Mariners entering play on Thursday. "I think the good thing about our team is that once someone gets out or gets a hit, they come back to the dugout and are really communicative toward their teammates," outfielder Tony Kemp told reporters. "That's good. Sometimes you hit slumps, you hit ruts, and people don't talk as much. But I think the main thing is our communication is at a high level right now, and that's what we have to keep doing to be successful." The Angels are 14 1/2 back but will get a chance to impact the race in the West with 10 more games against the Astros and six versus Oakland. Los Angeles will try to snap a three-game slide behind lefty Andrew Heaney on Friday while Houston counters with former Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (9-10, 3.59 ERA) vs. Angels LH Andrew Heaney (7-7, 4.11)

Keuchel is winless in his last three starts and was knocked around for five runs on nine hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings at Oakland on Saturday. The 30-year-old surrendered three or fewer runs in each of his previous eight outings. The best performance in that bunch came at Los Angeles on July 20, when Keuchel breezed through 7 2/3 innings on two hits and yielded only an unearned run in the win.

Heaney struggled at Texas on Saturday, allowing six runs on 10 hits over 5 1/3 innings without factoring in the decision. The Oklahoma native failed to post a quality start in three of his last four turns and owns a 1-1 record with a 6.46 ERA in that span. Heaney was sharp at home against the Astros on July 22, when he scattered one run and four hits over six innings to earn a win.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros OF George Springer (quad) sat out the last three games and is day-to-day.

2. Los Angeles INF David Fletcher (knee) left Wednesday's game and is day-to-day.

3. Houston C Martin Maldonado has homered in three of his last four starts.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Angels 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The return of closer Kenley Jansen has failed to provide a stabilizing effect on the skidding Los Angeles Dodgers, who attempt to get back on track against the National League's worst team. The Dodgers had a day off to regroup from a sweep by visiting St. Louis and look to bounce back in Friday's opener of a three-game home set versus the San Diego Padres.

Jansen was victimized in each of his last two appearances after coming off the disabled due to an irregular heartbeat, giving up a pair of solo homers in the ninth in Monday's defeat before serving up a two-run blast in Wednesday's loss to St. Louis. "Very frustrating. Got to figure out how to get back out of this mess," said Jansen after Los Angeles fell to 3-9 over its last 12 games. While the Dodgers are 3 1/2 games out of the second wild card and 4 1/2 behind first-place Arizona in the NL West, the Padres are 30 games below .500 and nestled in last place in the division. San Diego was one out from a series win at Colorado on Thursday before Ian Desmond delivered a walk-off, two-run homer to send the Padres to their eighth loss in 10 games.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, SportsNet LA

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (7-10, 5.11 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (5-4, 3.73)

Since winning his first four starts in June, Richard has gone 10 consecutive outings without a victory, including no-decisions in his last four appearances. He failed to pitch past five innings for the fifth time in six starts last out time, giving up five runs and nine hits to Arizona. Matt Kemp is 15-for-38 with three homers off Richard, who pitched six innings of four-run ball in a loss to the Dodgers on May 25.

Hill pitched at least six innings for the fifth time in six starts since the All-Star break at Seattle on Saturday, but did not factor in the decision after allowing four runs and four hits. He permitted a combined six earned runs in his previous five turns, compiling a 3-0 record in that span. Hill's last loss came in San Diego on July 10, when he gave up four runs and eight hits in a season high-tying seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles, which hasn't had a losing record at home since 2005, is 32-33 at Dodger Stadium.

2. Padres 3B Christian Villanueva (fractured finger) went on the 10-day disabled list

3. Dodgers OF Joc Pederson homered Wednesday but is mired in a 2-for-26 slump.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Padres 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Texas Rangers vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The San Francisco Giants are drifting out of the postseason race in the National League while the Texas Rangers are sitting in last place - both far from the two pennant winners that met in the 2010 World Series. The teams will renew acquaintances this weekend, when the Giants host the Rangers in the opener of a three-game interleague series on Friday.

San Francisco, which beat Texas in five games in that 2010 World Series, sits nine games behind the first-place Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West and eight out of the second NL wild card spot after a seven-game road trip that saw it drop five games against teams with losing records. The Giants did manage to salvage the finale of a four-game set at the New York Mets on Thursday to avoid a series loss, leaning on Madison Bumgarner's arm and bat to earn the 3-1 victory. The Rangers were shut out in back-to-back contests at the Oakland Athletics this week to begin the six-game road trip but avoided a sweep with a 4-2 triumph on Wednesday and will play their next five games against NL opponents, with the Los Angeles Dodgers set to visit for a two-game series on Tuesday and Wednesday. Texas will send right-hander Drew Hutchison to the mound on Friday while San Francisco is expected to bring rookie righty Dereck Rodriguez off the disabled list to face his Hall of Fame father's former team.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Drew Hutchison (2-2, 5.71 ERA) vs. Giants RH Dereck Rodriguez (6-1, 2.25)

Hutchison earned his first win for Texas against the Los Angeles Angels last Friday, when he struck out six and surrendered two runs on five hits and a walk over five innings. The 28-year-old, who made 11 relief appearances for the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this season, last worked as a full-time starter in the majors for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015. Hutchison did not yield a home run against the Angels after serving up a total of three blasts in his first two starts.

Rodriguez is hoping to return from a strained hamstring just as strong as he was before the injury, when he ripped off a string of nine straight starts allowing two or fewer earned runs. The 26-year-old, who is the son of Hall of Fame catcher and Rangers legend Ivan Rodriguez, last worked against Pittsburgh on Aug. 12 and allowed one run on two hits and a walk across seven innings to pick up the win. Rodriguez is seeing the Rangers for the first time in his career and yielded a total of one run in 13 1/3 innings against two other AL West squads - Oakland and Houston.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre (hamstring) served as the DH in each of the last three games.

2. San Francisco 3B Evan Longoria homered in two of the last three games and hit safely in six straight.

3. Texas RHP Jose Leclerc yielded a total of three hits and no runs over 11 scoreless innings across his last 11 appearances.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Rangers 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Friday, August 24


National League
Reds (56-72) @ Cubs (73-53)
Harvey is 1-0, 1.35 in his last two starts, 1-0, 3.86 in two starts vs Chicago this year. Under is 3-0-1 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 10-7, 4-5 away
5-inning record: 9-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-17

Mills is making his first MLB start; he’s allowed five runs in four relief stints (5.1 IP). He is 5-12, 4.84 in 25 AAA starts this year. Team in his starts: 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Reds are 3-11 in their last 14 road games; under is 6-2 in their last eight games. Chicago won four of their last five home games; six of their last seven games stayed under.

Nationals (64-64) @ Mets (56-71)
Gonzalez is 1-3, 9.31 in his last four starts; over is 2-0-1 in his last three. Team in his starts: 11-14, 4-9 away (lost last 7 road starts)
5-inning record: 9-10-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-25

Vargas is 1-1, 5.25 in his last three starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 3-11, 1-4 home
5-inning record: 4-10 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-14

Washington is 4-7 in its last 11 games, 3-8 in last 11 road series openers; they’re 12-21 vs lefty starters- nine of their last 12 games went over. Mets are 10-6 in their last 16 games, 3-9 in last 12 home series openers; they’re 12-18 vs lefty starters- over is 5-3 in their last eight home games.

Braves (72-55) @ Marlins (51-78)
Foltynewicz is 3-0, 2.02 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 12-12, 6-6 road
5-inning record: 11-7-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-24

Straily is 0-2, 8.24 in his last four starts; over is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 9-11, 5-4 home
5-inning record: 6-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-20

Braves won their last four games; under is 7-0 in their last seven games. Miami won three of its last five games; under is 8-2-1 in their last 11 home games.

Pirates (63-65) @ Brewers (71-58)
Musgrove is 1-3, 2.67 in his last four starts (under 4-0). Team in his starts: 6-8, 2-3 away
5-inning record: 6-7-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Miley is 0-1, 5.06 in his last three starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 5-4, 1-2 home
5-inning record: 3-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-8

Pirates lost eight of their last ten games, are 9-10 in road series openers- they’re 16-20 vs lefty starters- their last seven games stayed under. Milwaukee won three of its last four games, is 12-8 in home series openers. Over is 6-2 in their last eight home games.

Cardinals (71-57) @ Rockies (70-57)
Mikolas is 3-0, 3.00 in his last five starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 18-7, 9-3 away
5-inning record: 13-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-24

Senzatela is 1-0, 2.16 in his last three starts (under 5-1). Team in his starts: 3-3, 2-0 home
5-inning record: 2-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-6

St Louis is 13-2 in its last 15 games, 10-11 in road series openers. Under is 6-2-2 in their last ten road games. Colorado won 10 of its last 12 games; they’re 8-12 in home series openers- 10 of their last 12 games stayed under the total.

Padres (50-80) @ Dodgers (67-61)
Richard is 0-0, 5.48 in his last four starts; over is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 12-14, 7-7 away
5-inning record: 7-17-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-26

Hill is 3-0, 2.97 in his last six starts (over 4-2). Team in his starts: 8-9, 2-4 home
5-inning record: 5-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Padres lost seven of their last nine games; they’re 13-25 vs lefty starters- their last four games stayed under. Los Angeles lost four of its last five games; they’re 0-4 in last four home series openers, 27-20 vs lefty starters- under is 4-0-1 in their last five home games.

American League
New York (79-47) @ Baltimore (37-90)
Sabathia is 1-0, 2.33 in his last four starts; under is 9-2-1 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 13-9, 3-5 away
5-inning record: 12-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Cobb is 2-1, 1.86 in his last four starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 5-18, 0-8 home.
5-inning record: 6-14-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

New York won four of its last five games, is 12-9 in road series openers. Four of their last five games went over. Orioles lost five of their last six games; they’re 15-24 vs lefty starters, 6-13 in home series openers. Under is 8-2 in their last ten games.

Red Sox (90-39) @ Rays (67-61)
Velazquez is 2-1, 3.10 in five starts (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 4-1, 2-0 away.
5-inning record: 2-1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-5

Bullpen game for the Rays Team in his starts: 11-13, 8-3 home
5-inning record: 8-13-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-24

Red Sox split their last eight games; they’re 10-3 in last 13 road series openers. Under is 8-4 in their last 12 games. Tampa Bay won its last five home games; they’re 9-2 in last 11 home series openers. Under is 4-1-1 in their last six games.

White Sox (48-79) @ Tigers (53-75)
Lopez is 0-0, 5.57 in his last four starts; over is 9-2 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 8-17, 5-7 away.
5-inning record: 11-13-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-25

Fulmer is making his first start since July 14; he is 0-4, 5.75 in his last five starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 5-14, 3-6 home
5-inning record: 6-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-19

White Sox won six of their last nine games; over is 6-2-2 in their last ten games. Detroit lost six of its last nine games; over is 6-2-2 in their last ten games.

A’s (76-52) @ Twins (61-66)
Manaea is 1-2, 6.91 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 15-11, 6-4 away
5-inning record: 11-12-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-26

Odorizzi is 1-1, 5.70 in his last five starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 12-14, 8-5 home.
5-inning record: 11-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-26

A’s are 15-6 in their last 20 games, but lost last two; under is 6-1 in their last seven road games. Minnesota won seven of its last ten games; over is 6-3 in their last nine games.

Indians (73-54) @ Royals (38-90)
Clevinger is 2-0, 2.25 in his last four starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 11-14, 5-7 away
5-inning record: 7-11-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-25

Keller is 2-0, 1.50 in his last two starts; his last three stayed under. Team in his starts: 6-8, 4-3 home.
5-inning record: 5-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Indians won nine of their last 12 games, but lost last two; they’re 8-4 in last 12 road series openers- six of Tribe’s last eight games stayed under. Kansas City lost eight of its last 10 games; they’re 6-14 in home series openers. Over is 4-2 in their last six home games.

Astros (77-50) @ Angels (63-65)
Keuchel is 2-2, 3.52 in his last six starts; under is 6-2-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 14-12, 9-5 away
5-inning record: 10-13-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-26

Heaney is 1-1, 6.46 in his last four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 12-11, 7-3 home.
5-inning record: 7-10-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Houston won three of its last four games; they’re 16-5 in road series openers, 27-20 vs lefty starters- over is 3-1 in their last four games. Angels lost five of their last six games; they’re 11-4 in last 15 home series openers, 13-25 vs lefty starters- under is 4-2 in their last six home games.

Interleague
Phillies (69-58) @ Blue Jays (58-69)
Arrieta is 2-2, 2.81 in his last five starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 12-12, 5-6 away
5-inning record: 12-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Borucki is 1-1, 13.03 in his last three starts; his last four all went over. Team in his starts: 5-5, 1-3 home.
5-inning record: 3-3-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-10

Phillies lost four of their last five games; they’re 14-13 vs lefty starters, 8-13 in road series openers- over is 3-1 in their last four road games. Toronto won its last four home games; they’re 12-9 in home series openers, 14-30 vs lefty starters- under is 5-1 in their last six home games.

Mariners (72-56) @ Diamondbacks (71-56)
Ramirez is 0-0, 0.90 in his last two starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 2-2, 1-2 away
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Godley is 2-0, 3.46 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 15-10, 5-3 home.
5-inning record: 7-25 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-25

Mariners lost six of their last six games; they’re 3-6 in last nine road series openers. Five of their last six games went over. Arizona won six of its last seven games; they’re 10-10 in home series openers. Under is 5-1 in their last six home games.

Rangers (57-72) @ Giants (63-66)
Hutchison is 1-1, 7.43 in his three starts (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 1-2, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3

Rodriguez is 3-0, 1.36 in his last seven starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 9-3, 5-2 home.
5-inning record: 7-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-12

Texas lost six of its last eight road games; they’re 8-12 in road series openers. Under is 4-1 in their last five road games. Giants lost six of their last eight games; they’re 11-8 in home series openers. Under is 9-2-1 in their last dozen games.

______________________________

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 8/23
Ariz 33-22-9……32-21-9……..65-43
Atl 30-27-8…..31-22-9………61-49
Cubs 25-26-13……29-26-8…….54-52
Reds 20-38-4……23-31-10….…43-69
Colo 32-22-14……33-21-7……64-44
LA 32-23-8…….28-25-14……61-48
Miami 22-32-9…..26-28-13…….48-60
Milw 26-31-9…..32-25-6…….58-56
Mets 30-29-4……25-27-13…..55-54
Philly 24-25-15…..32-20-10……56-45
Pitt 28-25-6……29-27-13……..57-52
StL 32-25-9……27-29-6………59-54
SD 20-36-10……20-34-9…….40-70
SF 29-30-12…..23-23-12……52-53
Wash 28-25-11..…29-25-10………57-50

Orioles 18-37-12……19-33-10……37-70
Boston 32-21-13……40-17-6……..72-38
W Sox 19-38-6…..…20-35-10……39-73
Indians 26-25-13……39-16-9……65-41
Det 21-33-9…..…29-28-11.……50-61
Astros 34-18-15……31-20-11…….65-37
KC 20-38-8…….23-31-10…..43-69
Angels 28-27-11……27-28-8……55-55
Twins 20-33-11……32-28-8…..52-61
NYY 30-21-10……40-19-7…….70-39
A’s 23-30-10……28-25-12…..51-55
Seattle 31-26-8……29-24-14…….60-48
TB 29-25-12……29-25-8……57-49
Texas 22-32-8…..25-35-7…….47-67
Toronto 18-34-11…22-28-15……40-62

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 8/23)
Ariz 28-63…….24-63…..…52
Atl 21-64……26-62………47
Cubs 12-64……..20-60……..32
Reds 15-63……..14-66……..29
Colo 21-67…….24-61.……..45
LA 22-63……..23-65..…..45
Miami 14-63……..19-66…….33
Milw 22-65…..…24-65…….46
Mets 25-62……..20-65……45
Philly 14-64……..21-63……35
Pitt 15-59……..19-70…….34
StL 22-66……..19-62…….41
SD 19-67……..17-64…….36
SF 13-69………18-61..…..31
Wash 24-64……..19-64……..43

Orioles 19-67……..18-61………37
Boston 19-65……25-64………44
White Sox 17-62……16-64…….33
Clev 18-63…….27-63……..45
Detroit 19-63……..19-66….…38
Astros 19-66…..…14-62………33
KC 16-66..…….19-62…….35
Angels 17-64…..….18-63…….35
Twins 15-62………15-65…….30
NYY 13-61……..28-65………41
A’s 17-65…..…..18-65…….35
Seattle 23-63………21-67…….44
TB 20-66..……19-61……..39
Texas 10-62……19-66…….…29
Toronto 16-63………14-64….….30

Interleague play- 2018
NL @ AL– 67-63 NL, favorites +$115
AL @ NL– 62-54 NL, favorites -$372
Total: 129-117 NL, favorites -$257

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Friday, August 24

Trend Report

Cincinnati Reds
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 8 games
Cincinnati is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 10 games on the road
Cincinnati is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
Cincinnati is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Cincinnati is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Cincinnati's last 15 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games
Chi Cubs is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games at home
Chi Cubs is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games at home
Chi Cubs is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Chi Cubs is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Chi Cubs is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Chi Cubs's last 15 games when playing at home against Cincinnati


New York Yankees
NY Yankees is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games
NY Yankees is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
NY Yankees is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 19 of NY Yankees's last 24 games when playing Baltimore
NY Yankees is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
NY Yankees is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 11 of NY Yankees's last 15 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 6 games
Baltimore is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 19 of Baltimore's last 24 games when playing NY Yankees
Baltimore is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
Baltimore is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Baltimore's last 15 games when playing at home against NY Yankees


Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia is 15-7 ATS in its last 22 games
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Philadelphia's last 24 games
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 13 games on the road
Philadelphia is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Toronto
Philadelphia is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 13 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games
Toronto is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
Toronto is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Toronto is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 13 games when playing at home against Philadelphia


Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Atlanta's last 19 games when playing Miami
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta's last 10 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami Marlins
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami is 7-15 ATS in its last 22 games
Miami is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
Miami is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Miami's last 19 games when playing Atlanta
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Miami's last 10 games when playing at home against Atlanta


Boston Red Sox
Boston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Boston is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
Boston is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games on the road
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Boston is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Tampa Bay
Boston is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Boston is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Tampa Bay's last 13 games
Tampa Bay is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Tampa Bay is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Boston
Tampa Bay is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston


Chicago White Sox
Chi White Sox is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Chi White Sox is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games
Chi White Sox is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Chi White Sox is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games on the road
Chi White Sox is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Chi White Sox is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Chi White Sox is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Chi White Sox is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Chi White Sox's last 17 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit Tigers
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Detroit is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games
Detroit is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games at home
Detroit is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
Detroit is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
Detroit is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Detroit is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Detroit's last 17 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox


Washington Nationals
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
Washington is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games when playing NY Mets
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Washington is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
New York Mets
NY Mets is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
NY Mets is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
NY Mets is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
NY Mets is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Washington
NY Mets is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
NY Mets is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
NY Mets is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Washington


Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 17-8 ATS in its last 25 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Pittsburgh's last 24 games when playing Milwaukee
Pittsburgh is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Pittsburgh is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee Brewers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games at home
Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Milwaukee's last 24 games when playing Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh


Oakland Athletics
Oakland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Oakland is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Oakland's last 18 games
Oakland is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Oakland is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 7 games on the road
Oakland is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Minnesota
Oakland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Oakland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota Twins
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Minnesota is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games at home
Minnesota is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Oakland
Minnesota is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Oakland
Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland


Cleveland Indians
Cleveland is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Cleveland is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
Cleveland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Kansas City
Cleveland is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Kansas City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Kansas City is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games at home
Kansas City is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Kansas City is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Kansas City is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland


St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
St. Louis is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games
St. Louis is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of St. Louis's last 10 games on the road
St. Louis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado Rockies
Colorado is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games
Colorado is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games
Colorado is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games at home
Colorado is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 8 games when playing at home against St. Louis


Seattle Mariners
Seattle is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games
Seattle is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Seattle is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Arizona
Seattle is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Arizona is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games at home
Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing Seattle
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle


Houston Astros
Houston is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games
Houston is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
Houston is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Houston is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing LA Angels
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games when playing LA Angels
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Los Angeles Angels
LA Angels is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games
LA Angels is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
LA Angels is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
LA Angels is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
LA Angels is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games at home
LA Angels is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
LA Angels is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 7 games when playing Houston
LA Angels is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
LA Angels is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 7 games when playing at home against Houston


San Diego Padres
San Diego is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
San Diego is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games
San Diego is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
San Diego is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Diego is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
San Diego is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Diego's last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 games
LA Dodgers is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of LA Dodgers's last 16 games
LA Dodgers is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
LA Dodgers is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games at home
LA Dodgers is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games when playing San Diego
LA Dodgers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing San Diego
LA Dodgers is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against San Diego
LA Dodgers is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games when playing at home against San Diego


Texas Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's 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 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco
Texas is 6-17 SU in its last 23 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas's last 9 games when playing San Francisco
Texas is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Texas's last 12 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco Giants
San Francisco is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
San Francisco is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games
San Francisco is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
San Francisco is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games at home
San Francisco is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games when playing Texas
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Francisco's last 9 games when playing Texas
San Francisco is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of San Francisco's last 12 games when playing at home against Texas

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Weather Report

Friday, August 24

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, August 24

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CINCINNATI (56 - 72) at CHICAGO CUBS (73 - 53) - 2:20 PM
MATT HARVEY (R) vs. ALEC MILLS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 7-6 (+3.2 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.9 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

MATT HARVEY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
HARVEY is 3-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.73 and a WHIP of 1.171.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)

ALEC MILLS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

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WASHINGTON (64 - 64) at NY METS (56 - 71) - 7:10 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. JASON VARGAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 64-64 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-23 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 28-27 (-10.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
WASHINGTON is 41-38 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 13-22 (-18.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 30-31 (-9.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 30-26 (-8.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GONZALEZ is 45-47 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 4-14 (-16.5 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 1-7 (-7.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 3-10 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 55-71 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 0-12 (-12.0 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +175 this season.
NY METS are 26-39 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 25-35 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 37-48 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 4-15 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 15-23 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 6-6 (+0.8 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.5 Units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 15-5 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 1.168.
His team's record is 17-8 (+6.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-13. (-4.6 units)

JASON VARGAS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
VARGAS is 0-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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ATLANTA (72 - 55) at MIAMI (51 - 78) - 7:10 PM
MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ (R) vs. DANIEL STRAILY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 103-122 (+0.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 18-15 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
STRAILY is 45-39 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 28-14 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 25-16 (+13.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 18-9 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 14-5 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 23-17 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 72-54 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 36-25 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 38-27 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 47-43 (+21.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 41-18 (+26.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ATLANTA is 47-37 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 54-35 (+22.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 53-55 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 19-11 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 13-3 (+8.8 Units) against MIAMI this season
10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.6 Units)

MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ vs. MIAMI since 1997
FOLTYNEWICZ is 5-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.268.
His team's record is 8-1 (+7.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.8 units)

DANIEL STRAILY vs. ATLANTA since 1997
STRAILY is 4-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.511.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-6. (-4.8 units)

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PITTSBURGH (63 - 65) at MILWAUKEE (71 - 58) - 8:10 PM
JOE MUSGROVE (R) vs. WADE MILEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 30-41 (-11.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 18-42 (-20.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 85-106 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 65-87 (-22.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 71-58 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-4 (+9.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 28-19 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 51-27 (+24.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 56-41 (+13.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 30-21 (+10.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MILWAUKEE is 8-14 (-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.
MILEY is 10-25 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 8-2 (+6.1 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

JOE MUSGROVE vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MUSGROVE is 0-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.87 and a WHIP of 1.434.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

WADE MILEY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
MILEY is 2-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.77 and a WHIP of 1.323.
His team's record is 4-4 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.8 units)

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ST LOUIS (71 - 57) at COLORADO (70 - 57) - 8:40 PM
MILES MIKOLAS (R) vs. ANTONIO SENZATELA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 15-23 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 97-124 (-42.1 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
COLORADO is 70-57 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 55-40 (+15.8 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 29-17 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 52-33 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 42-37 (+7.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 43-26 (+21.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
COLORADO is 42-29 (+18.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 28-14 (+18.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
ST LOUIS is 37-29 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ST LOUIS is 17-4 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
ST LOUIS is 54-39 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 43-33 (+10.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ST LOUIS is 20-11 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
MIKOLAS is 18-7 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-1 (+1.9 Units) against COLORADO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

MILES MIKOLAS vs. COLORADO since 1997
MIKOLAS is 0-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ANTONIO SENZATELA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
SENZATELA is 1-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.50 and a WHIP of 1.111.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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SAN DIEGO (50 - 80) at LA DODGERS (67 - 61) - 10:10 PM
CLAYTON RICHARD (L) vs. RICH HILL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 50-80 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 22-18 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
RICHARD is 22-11 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)
RICHARD is 52-44 (+19.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 67-61 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 32-33 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 8-12 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
LA DODGERS are 27-27 (-16.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 48-43 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 29-32 (-22.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA DODGERS are 15-19 (-19.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 24-21 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HILL is 1-6 (-8.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
HILL is 2-7 (-8.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 9-4 (+1.8 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

CLAYTON RICHARD vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
RICHARD is 7-7 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.41 and a WHIP of 1.516.
His team's record is 14-10 (+9.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 13-11. (+1.2 units)

RICH HILL vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HILL is 4-4 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.44 and a WHIP of 1.089.
His team's record is 4-5 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-2. (+3.8 units)

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NY YANKEES (79 - 47) at BALTIMORE (37 - 90) - 7:05 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. ALEX COBB (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 21-32 (-14.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 21-28 (-18.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 30-26 (-12.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY YANKEES are 54-56 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COBB is 15-5 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 17-8 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 38-20 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 16-6 (+10.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 37-90 (-44.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 12-32 (-18.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 21-40 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 1-14 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
BALTIMORE is 21-59 (-33.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 25-64 (-32.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 12-32 (-19.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
BALTIMORE is 19-49 (-19.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COBB is 5-18 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
COBB is 0-8 (-8.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 6-6 (+5.8 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.4 Units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SABATHIA is 21-11 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.202.
His team's record is 27-18 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 22-21. (-0.9 units)

ALEX COBB vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
COBB is 7-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 1.007.
His team's record is 7-8 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-8. (-1.2 units)

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BOSTON (90 - 39) at TAMPA BAY (67 - 61) - 7:10 PM
HECTOR VELAZQUEZ (R) vs. DIEGO CASTILLO (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 11-5 (+2.6 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.4 Units)

HECTOR VELAZQUEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
VELAZQUEZ is 1-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 1.86 and a WHIP of 1.241.
His team's record is 1-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

DIEGO CASTILLO vs. BOSTON since 1997
CASTILLO is 0-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.599.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (48 - 79) at DETROIT (53 - 75) - 7:10 PM
REYNALDO LOPEZ (R) vs. MICHAEL FULMER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 34-31 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 21-14 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
FULMER is 12-1 (+10.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 61-112 (-40.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 80-134 (-40.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 43-72 (-27.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 10-3 (+7.6 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

REYNALDO LOPEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
LOPEZ is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.66 and a WHIP of 1.281.
His team's record is 1-4 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

MICHAEL FULMER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
FULMER is 2-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.79 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.5 units)

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OAKLAND (76 - 52) at MINNESOTA (61 - 66) - 8:10 PM
SEAN MANAEA (L) vs. JAKE ODORIZZI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 146-144 (+4.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 32-19 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 95-84 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 15-6 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 76-52 (+28.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 26-16 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 186-100 (+43.7 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997.
OAKLAND is 37-26 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
OAKLAND is 17-10 (+8.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 45-34 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 50-32 (+21.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 31-20 (+16.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 40-13 (+23.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OAKLAND is 15-2 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
MANAEA is 13-6 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MANAEA is 10-3 (+9.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 (+1.6 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

SEAN MANAEA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
MANAEA is 1-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.73 and a WHIP of 1.636.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

JAKE ODORIZZI vs. OAKLAND since 1997
ODORIZZI is 1-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 0.977.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

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CLEVELAND (73 - 54) at KANSAS CITY (38 - 90) - 8:15 PM
MIKE CLEVINGER (R) vs. BRAD KELLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 73-54 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-21 (-13.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 43-36 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 55-39 (-7.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 3-10 (-16.8 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVINGER is 11-14 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CLEVINGER is 5-10 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 38-90 (-36.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 19-50 (-28.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 18-44 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 14-33 (-17.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 15-35 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 23-58 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 24-63 (-30.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 13-32 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 10-31 (-16.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
KANSAS CITY is 12-48 (-24.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 2-20 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 7-2 (+2.3 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

MIKE CLEVINGER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
CLEVINGER is 3-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.21 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 5-1 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.8 units)

BRAD KELLER vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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HOUSTON (77 - 50) at LA ANGELS (63 - 65) - 10:05 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. ANDREW HEANEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 77-50 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 20-26 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 33-29 (-20.2 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.
HOUSTON is 50-21 (+18.7 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 44-21 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 27-8 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 68-37 (+21.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 19-6 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 30-12 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 63-65 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 26-34 (-13.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 29-35 (-9.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA ANGELS are 19-37 (-16.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 4-5 (+0.5 Units) against HOUSTON this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.9 Units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
KEUCHEL is 11-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.45 and a WHIP of 1.198.
His team's record is 12-4 (+10.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-8. (-0.8 units)

ANDREW HEANEY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HEANEY is 2-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.08 and a WHIP of 0.960.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

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

PHILADELPHIA (69 - 58) at TORONTO (58 - 69) - 7:05 PM
JAKE ARRIETA (R) vs. RYAN BORUCKI (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-42 (-20.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
ARRIETA is 24-26 (-13.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 44-39 (+6.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 69-58 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 56-52 (+21.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
ARRIETA is 25-6 (+16.2 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 134-155 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 30-39 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 80-97 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 55-78 (-28.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 9-18 (-12.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-1 (+1.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. TORONTO since 1997
ARRIETA is 4-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.21 and a WHIP of 1.402.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+3.9 units)

RYAN BORUCKI vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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

SEATTLE (72 - 56) at ARIZONA (71 - 56) - 9:40 PM
ERASMO RAMIREZ (R) vs. ZACK GODLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 71-56 (+6.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 52-35 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 95-69 (+16.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 72-56 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 38-31 (+5.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 34-28 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SEATTLE is 15-9 (+7.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 49-34 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 51-35 (+16.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 32-22 (+6.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
RAMIREZ is 10-3 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 484-548 (-105.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
ARIZONA is 900-801 (-98.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 253-252 (-64.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
ARIZONA is 634-578 (-76.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters since 1997.
ARIZONA is 4-12 (-10.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
ARIZONA is 20-31 (-14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

ERASMO RAMIREZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
RAMIREZ is 0-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ZACK GODLEY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GODLEY is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

TEXAS (57 - 72) at SAN FRANCISCO (63 - 66) - 10:15 PM
DREW HUTCHISON (R) vs. DERECK RODRIGUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 63-66 (+4.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 17-8 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TEXAS is 230-226 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 14-13 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TEXAS is 28-34 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 13-12 (+12.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TEXAS is 43-31 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 20-12 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 170-157 (+31.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 23-21 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 56-56 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 79-111 (-29.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 144-162 (-42.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 18-29 (-16.2 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.

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

DREW HUTCHISON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

DERECK RODRIGUEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Friday's Diamond Notes
Kevin Rogers

Hottest team: Cardinals (13-2 last 15)

St. Louis sat two games above .500 at the All-Star break and fired its longtime manager Mike Matheny prior to the second half. The Cardinals have picked things up in spite of not having the services of two of its top starting pitchers in Carlos Martinez and Adam Wainwright. St. Louis has been nothing short of terrific this month by compiling an incredible 17-4 record in August, while capturing seven series victories.

The latest series win came via a road sweep of the slumping Dodgers at Chavez Ravine, while limiting Los Angeles to a total of six runs in the series. The Cardinals face another NL West contender when they travel to Colorado on Friday. Miles Mikolas takes the mound for the Redbirds as the right-hander owns a perfect 7-0 record away from Busch Stadium this season, while St. Louis has won eight of his past nine starts overall.

Coldest team: Dodgers (3-7 last 10)

There are times when it seems Los Angeles can’t be stopped and is destined for another World Series appearance. And then there are times that the Dodgers don’t look like they belong in the playoffs. It seems like the latter instance currently as Los Angeles not only got swept at home by a red-hot St. Louis squad, but the Dodgers inexplicably fell to 32-33 at Chavez Ravine on the season. Since dropping 21 runs on Milwaukee back on August 2, the Dodgers have lost seven of their past nine home games, while scoring two runs or fewer six times.

Things should ease up this weekend as the Dodgers welcome in the last place Padres. However, Rich Hill is winless in his last two starts for Los Angeles, while allowing four earned runs in a 4-1 defeat at San Diego in July. Even though San Diego sits in the cellar of the NL West, the Padres have held their own of late in road series openers by winning in five of their last six opportunities, including at Colorado earlier this week.

Hottest pitcher: Dereck Rodriguez, Giants (6-1, 2.25 ERA)

The Giants return home after salvaging a four-game road split with the Mets. Rodriguez is back on the mound after a brief stint on the disabled list due to a hamstring injury. Prior to his injury, the San Francisco right-hander posted three consecutive starts in which he tossed seven innings each, while allowing eight hits and two earned runs. Following a 6-0 run by San Francisco in games he started, the Giants are only 2-2 in Rodriguez’s last four outings, as he faces the team his father (Pudge Rodriguez) spent many years with and where the younger Rodriguez was born, Texas.

Coldest pitcher: Ryan Borucki, Blue Jays (2-3, 4.27 ERA)

Don’t think Joe Carter is jumping through the door on Friday as the Blue Jays entertain the Phillies for a three-game interleague set. Toronto is fresh off a three-game sweep of doormat Baltimore, but Borucki has been anything but sharp of late. Borucki couldn’t escape the first inning in a 10-2 loss to the Yankees as the southpaw was tagged for six earned runs and recorded just two outs. That defeat actually snapped a five-game winning streak by Toronto in Borucki’s previous five outings, but the Jays are 1-3 in his four starts at Rogers Center this season.

Biggest OVER run: Tigers (7-2-1 last 10)

The Tigers tallied a total of four runs against the Cubs in a two-game split, but Detroit’s bats busted out against the other Chicago squad on Thursday. The Tigers scored seven runs to beat the White Sox as Detroit posted at least four runs for the sixth time in the last eight games. Three of the past four matchups between these AL Central squads have cashed the OVER as Michael Fulmer returns to the mound for the first time in five weeks for Detroit. Fulmer saw the OVER hit in his most recent start on July 14 at Houston, but the Tigers’ right-hander is riding a 4-0 UNDER streak in his past four outings at Comerica Park.

Biggest UNDER run: Pirates (7-0 last seven)

Pittsburgh is coming off an odd homestand in which it compiled a 2-5 record against the Cubs and Braves. Odd wouldn’t normally be the word with an outcome like that, but the Pirates’ pitching staff limiting those two first-place teams to two runs or less in six of those games. The only problem is Pittsburgh’s offense was nowhere to be found as the Bucs compiled one run or less in the five losses. The Pirates hit the road to Milwaukee for the weekend, trying to duplicate their success when they swept the Brewers in a five-game set prior to the All-Star break. Joe Musgrove takes the mound for Pittsburgh in the opener, as the right-hander has seen the UNDER in cash in four straight starts.

Matchup to watch: Mariners vs. Diamondbacks

Wouldn’t this be an interesting World Series matchup? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but Arizona starts the weekend as the leaders of the NL West, while Seattle still has four games to make up for the second Wild Card spot in the American League.

The D-backs are playing their second consecutive AL West opponent after pulling off a two-game home sweep of the Angels. Arizona has won six of its past eight games as Zack Godley toes the rubber in tonight’s opener. Godley owns a career-high 13 wins this season, while Arizona has won each of his past three starts at Chase Field. The right-hander’s best start of the season came against another AL West foe as he tossed seven scoreless innings and struck out 10 batters in a 6-0 victory over Texas last month.

The Mariners are coming off home series losses to last season’s World Series participants by dropping four of six to the Dodgers and Astros. Since sweeping Houston at Minute Maid Park earlier this month, the M’s own a 3-6 record to lose their spot as an AL Wild Card team. Erasmo Ramirez gets the ball tonight as Seattle’s makeshift rotation continues to struggle. However, Ramirez scattered three hits and allowed one run in five innings of his last start, a 5-4 win over the Dodgers as Seattle has won each of the past two starts made by the right-hander.

Betcha didn’t know: The Angels are a beat-up team right now with sluggers Mike Trout and Justin Upton on the disabled list. Los Angeles returns home to battle Houston as Andrew Heaney heads to the hill. The Halos have won eight of Heaney’s 11 home starts this season, including a pair of underdog wins against the Astros.

Biggest public favorite: Indians (-210) at Royals

Biggest public underdog: Mariners (+145) at Diamondbacks

Biggest line move: Cardinals (-105 to -113) at Rockies

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Friday, August 24


Cincinnati @ Chicago Cubs

Game 951-952
August 24, 2018 @ 2:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Harvey) 14.307
Chicago Cubs
(Mills) 16.809
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-170
13
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-170); Under

Washington @ NY Mets

Game 953-954
August 24, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Gonzalez) 15.581
NY Mets
(Vargas) 13.597
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-145
9
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-145); Under

Atlanta @ Miami

Game 955-956
August 24, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Flytnwcz) 14.295
Miami
(Straily) 17.243
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-210
8
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+180); Over

Pittsburgh @ Milwaukee

Game 957-958
August 24, 2018 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Musgrve) 15.972
Milwaukee
(Miley) 13.551
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+115); Over

St. Louis @ Colorado

Game 959-960
August 24, 2018 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Mikolas) 17.333
Colorado
(Senzatela) 15.763
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-115
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-115); Over

San Diego @ LA Dodgers

Game 961-962
August 24, 2018 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Richard) 14.745
LA Dodgers
(Hill) 17.187
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-250
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-250); Over

NY Yankees @ Baltimore

Game 963-964
August 24, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Sabathia) 13.077
Baltimore
(Cobb) 14.135
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-175
9
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+155); Over

Boston @ Tampa Bay

Game 965-966
August 24, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Velazquez) 15.527
Tampa Bay
(Castillo) 18.097
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(+125); Over

Chicago White Sox @ Detroit

Game 967-968
August 24, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Lopez) 16.282
Detroit
(Fulmer) 12.675
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 3 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-140
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+120); Over

Oakland @ Minnesota

Game 969-970
August 24, 2018 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Manaea) 14.107
Minnesota
(Odorizzi) 17.046
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 3
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-140
9
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+120); Over

Cleveland @ Kansas City

Game 971-972
August 24, 2018 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Clevnger) 15.393
Kansas City
(Keller) 14.090
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-220
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-220); Under

Houston @ LA Angels

Game 973-974
August 24, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Keuchel) 17.077
LA Angels
(Heaney) 15.679
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-165
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-165); Under

Philadelphia @ Toronto

Game 975-976
August 24, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Arrieta) 15.955
Toronto
(Borucki) 12.236
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
-135
9
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-135); Under

Seattle @ Arizona

Game 977-978
August 24, 2018 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Ramirez) 14.468
Arizona
(Godley) 17.764
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-160
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-160); Under

Texas @ San Francisco

Game 979-980
August 24, 2018 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Hutchison) 15.455
San Francisco
(Rodriguez) 14.586
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-155
8
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+135); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Diamond Trends - Friday
Vince Akins

SU Play ON Trend of the Day:

-- The Indians are a reliable 22-0 SU as a road favorite of more than 190 when facing a divisional opponent with fewer wins and it is post All-Star break. Cleveland won these 22 games by an average of 4.23 runs and they are 8-0 their last eight on the runline.

SU Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

-- The Royals are 0-19 SU as a 120-plus dog when they are off a loss in which their starter allowed at least one run and they held the lead.

Hitter-Based Trend of the Day:

-- The Athletics are 9-0 SU in franchise history as a favorite after a game as a road favorite in which Jed Lowrie hit a home run. Oakland has won these nine games by an average final score of 7.11 to 2.78 runs.

Starter-Based Trend of the Day:

-- The Nationals are 0-9 SU since the start of the 2015 season as a road favorite with Gio Gonzalez when he walked four-plus batters in his last start.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Friday, August 24


Streaking and Slumping Starting Pitching

Streaking: Dereck Rodriguez, San Francisco Giants (6-1, 2.25 ERA, $627)

Dereck Rodriguez sure is making his own name for himself. The son of hall of fame catcher Pudge Rodriguez, Dereck is dealing right now. The Giants rookie has pitched to a 1.35 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP over his last eight start and over his last three those numbers drop to 0.86 and 0.57.

Rodriguez and the Giants -150 home favorites for tonight’s interleague matchup with the Texas Rangers.

Slumping: Ryan Borucki, Toronto Blue Jays (2-3, 4.27 ERA, $176)

The Blue Jays young southpaw seems to be hitting a rookie wall after a solid start to his Big-League career. Borucki has pitched to 13.03 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP over his last three starts, but his biggest problem has been walks. He has allowed nine base on balls over those last three contests compared to just 11 over his first seven starts.

Borucki and the Blue Jays are currently +115 home underdogs tonight versus the visiting Philadelphia Phillies.


On the Move?

Matt Harvey is scheduled to start this afternoon's for Cincinnati as the Reds visit the Cubs. However, the veteran right-hander was claimed off waivers by the Brewers and they have until this afternoon to work out a trade. If Harvey is moved it could be a bullpen day for the Reds. They rank 18th in bullpen ERA at 4.14 and allow opponents to hit for a .255 average. If Harvey is shown the door look at the Cubs runline (+100) today.


It's called the Windy City for a Reason

Strong winds at 14 to 18 miles per hour blowing toward left field at Wrigley. Like most windy days in Chicago, books took their time when it comes to posting the odds for this one, but the total opened as high as 13 at some places. However it has dropped to 11.5. With question marks on the mound for both teams in this one, 11.5 doesn't seem like a crazy high number.


Not His Fault

The Orioles are a disaster in 2018 and the full-on rebuild is on and while plenty of blame can be handed out for their struggles, you can’t place the blame on starter Alex Cobb, who has really turned his around.

In the first half of the season Cobb pitched to a 6.41 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP, but since the All-Star break he owns a 2.03 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP and is coming off a complete game five-hitter in Cleveland. That’s a remarkable turnaround.

He has another tough assignment in tonight as he takes on the Yankees in Baltimore and while these two teams tend to play to the Over, with Cobb on his current run (the Under is 6-1 in his seven starts since the break) and CC Sabathia on the other side, the Under 8.5 is worth a look.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 11
David Schwab

Ottawa remained the only CFL team in the East Division to post a straight-up winning record this season with Friday’s 44-21 victory against Winnipeg as a 6 ½-point road underdog. Saturday’s doubleheader of games in Week 10 started with another upset when Toronto snuck past British Columbia 24-23 as a three-point underdog at home.

Later that night, Edmonton hammered Montreal 40-24, but the Eskimos could not cover a massive 19-point spread on the closing line as home favorites. Week 10 in the CFL came to a close on Sunday with Calgary’s stunning 40-27 loss to Saskatchewan as a 6 ½-point road favorite. That is why they play the games with the underdogs going 3-1 SU and a perfect 4-0 ATS in last week’s CFL action.

Friday, Aug. 24

Toronto Argonauts (3-5 SU, 4-4 ATS) at Montreal Alouettes (1-8 SU, 4-5 ATS)
Point-spread: Toronto -6
Total: 50 ½

Game Overview

The defending Grey Cup Champs may have saved their season with last week’s upset after getting past Ottawa 42-41 in dramatic fashion on Aug. 2 to snap a SU three-game skid. The Argonauts have covered ATS in four of their last six games and the total has gone OVER in three of their last four contests. McLeod Bethel-Thompson once again got the start at quarterback against BC and he completed 18-of-29 passing attempts for 260 yards and a score.

Montreal had to turn to Antonio Pipkin as the starter against Edmonton in light of its depleted ranks at quarterback. He completed 56 percent of his 25 passing attempts for 217 yards. He threw one touchdown pass against one interception. Johnny Manziel’s playing status for this Friday’s game remains day-to-day with him in concussion protocol. The Alouettes have been the lowest scoring team in the CFL this season with an average of 16 points per game.

Betting Trends

-- Toronto has a slight 3-2 edge both SU and ATS in the last five meetings after winning the last two matchups in the East Division rivalry in 2017. The total has stayed UNDER or ended as a PUSH in eight of the last 10 games between the two.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 11

Friday, August 24

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

TORONTO (3 - 5) at MONTREAL (1 - 8) - 8/24/2018, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-2 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 3-2 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL

Week 11

Trend Report

Friday, August 24

Toronto Argonauts
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 10 games
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
Toronto is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Toronto's last 19 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Toronto's last 11 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Montreal Alouettes
Montreal is 4-16 ATS in its last 20 games
Montreal is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Montreal is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Montreal is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Montreal's last 19 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Montreal's last 11 games when playing at home against Toronto

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CFL

Week 11

Toronto (3-5) (-6, 52.5) @ Montreal (1-8)— Toronto won its last two games by one point each; Argonauts are 0-3 on road, scoring 19-15-14 points; they’re 0-1 as a favorite this season. Three of their last four games went over. Home side won last five series games; Argos lost 21-9/38-11 in last two visits here. Under is 7-2-1 in last ten series games. Montreal lost its last six games; they’re 0-4 at home, with all four losses by 10+ points, three by 21+. Als were outgained by 238+ yards in each of their last three games. Three of their last four games went over.

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CFL
Dunkel

Week 11

Friday, August 24

Toronto @ Montreal

Game 363-364
August 24, 2018 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
108.994
Montreal
96.772
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 12
55
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 5 1/2
52
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-5 1/2); Over

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Mike Williams Aug 24 '18, 7:05 PM in 2h
MLB | NYY vs BAL
Play on: UNDER 9 -110

1* on Yankees vs Orioles under 9 -110

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Sal Michaels Aug 24 '18, 7:10 PM in 2h
MLB | White Sox vs Tigers
Play on: Tigers -135 at MyBookie

Free Play on Tigers -135

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Jimmy Boyd Aug 24 '18, 10:15 PM in 5h
MLB | TEX vs SFO
Play on: OVER 8 -101

1* Free Pick on Rangers/Giants OVER 8
These two teams should have no problem eclipsing the total set here by the books. San Francisco's offense will be up against Drew Hutchison, who has a 7.43 ERA and 1.800 WHIP over his last 3 starts. All 3 of those games saw a combined score of at least 8 runs and two of them reached double-digits.
The OVER is 24-11 in the Giants last 35 home games as favorite of -150 to -120 and 5-1 in their last 6 interleague home games vs a team with a losing record. OVER is also 13-6-3 in their last 22 interleague road games vs a team with a losing record and 8-2 in their last 10 during game 1 of a series. Take the OVER!

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Info Plays Aug 24 '18, 7:10 PM in 2h
MLB | WAS vs NYM
Play on: OVER 9 -105

1* Free Play on Nationals vs Mets over 9 -105

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Bobby Conn Aug 24 '18, 9:40 PM in 4h
MLB | Mariners vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Diamondbacks -153 at BMaker

1* Free Play on Diamondbacks -153

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Jack Jones Aug 24 '18, 8:40 PM in 3h
MLB | Cardinals vs Rockies
Play on: Cardinals -105 at pinnacle

Jack’s Free Pick Friday: St. Louis Cardinals -105
The St. Louis Cardinals are the hottest team in baseball. They have gone 20-6 in their last 26 games overall to get to 71-57 on the season and in prime position to not only get a wild card, but to also overtake the Cubs in the NL Central.
I like the fact that the Cards had yesterday off following a 3-game sweep of the Dodgers in Los Angeles for the first time in 12 years. Meanwhile, the Rockies needed some late heroics to beat the Padres 4-3 yesterday. The Cards will be the fresher team and feel like they simply cannot lose right now.
I also give the advantage to the Cards on the mound in this one. Miles Mikolas is 13-3 with a 2.80 ERA and 1.042 WHIP in 25 starts this season. He faced Colorado on August 2nd earlier this month, giving up just one earned run in 7 innings of a 3-2 victory. Antonio Senzatela is 2-2 with a 3.60 ERA in six starts for the Rockies this year. He can’t be trusted with such a small sample size.
The Cardinals are 10-1 in their last 11 road games. St. Louis is 7-0 in its last seven road games vs. a right-handed starter. The Cardinals are 5-0 in Mikolas’ last five starts. The Rockies are 1-4 in Senzatela’s last five starts vs. NL Central opponents. St. Louis is 37-16 in the last 53 meetings. Bet the Cardinals Friday.

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Doug Upstone Aug 24 '18, 8:40 PM in 3h
MLB | STL vs COL
Play on: UNDER 11 -114

On Friday night, Play Under on teams like St. Louis when the total is 10 or higher, on a streak where they have hit a home run in 10 consecutive games, against an opponent after four straight games where they stranded seven or fewer less runners on base. In the last two decades, this rare system is 42-15.

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Kenny Walker Aug 24 '18, 8:15 PM in 3h
MLB | Indians vs Royals
Play on: Royals +191 at BMaker

Free Pick on Royals

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Ross Benjamin Aug 24 '18, 7:30 PM in 2h
NFLX | Patriots vs Panthers
Play on: UNDER 46 -105

New England Patriots @ Carolina Panthers 7:30 PM ET
Game# 257-258
Play On: Under 46.0
Both teams will enter this game with identical 2-0 preseason records. During recent years, teams with winning records that square of in preseason game have gone under the total at enormously high rate. As a matter of fact, since the 2015 NFL preseason, any team with a winning record facing another winning team, and there’s a total of 35.5 or greater, resulted in those games going a remarkable 44-6 (88%) under the total. Bet on this game to go under the total for my Friday 8/24 NFL free pick of the day.

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Marc Lawrence Aug 24 '18, 7:30 PM in 2h
NFLX | Broncos vs Redskins
Play on: Broncos +3 -113 at pinnacle

Play - Denver Broncos (Game 255).
Edges - Broncos: 6-0 SUATS preseason road openers; and 6-1 ATS preseason dogs … Redskins 1-9 SU and 2-8 ATS preseason following SU underdog win. With that we recommend a 1* play on Denver. Thank you and good luck as always.

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Dave Price Aug 24 '18, 8:15 PM in 3h
MLB | Indians vs Royals
Play on: Indians -1½ -120 at 5Dimes

Dave’s Friday Free Play:
1* on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (-120)
The Key: The Kansas City Royals have now dropped 5 straight games to sit at 38-90 on the season. They have been great fade material all season and continue to be down the stretch. They are starting to utilize 5 young starters and simply see what their future holds. Their lineup is one of the worst in baseball. Mike Clevinger, who is 9-7 with a 3.25 ERA in 25 starts and 5-4 with a 2.75 ERA in 12 road starts, will hold the Royals in check. Clevinger has never lost to the Royals, going 3-0 with a 2.21 ERA in 6 lifetime starts against them. The Indians are 14-2 in their last 16 road games vs. a right-handed starter. The Royals are 11-48 in their last 59 vs. a team with a winning record, including 4-24 in their last 28 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Take Cleveland on the Run Line.

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John Martin Aug 24 '18, 8:10 PM in 3h
MLB | Pirates vs Brewers
Play on: Brewers -129 at GTBets

1 Unit FREE PLAY on Milwaukee Brewers -129
The Pittsburgh Pirates have gone just 2-8 in their last 10 games overall to fall to 63-65 on the season. Before this poor streak they had a chance to make a run at the playoffs. But now they realize their chances are slim to none now, and I’ll question their effort level the rest of the way because of it. The Brewers are still right in the NL Central race at 71-58 on the season. I like their chances of getting a win tonight with Wade Miley on the mound. Miley is 2-2 with a 2.18 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in nine starts for the Brewers this season. He will shut down an ice cold Pirates lineup that has scored a combined 7 runs in their last 7 games overall. Pittsburgh is 8-24 in its last 32 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Milwaukee is 70-27 in its last 97 home meetings with Pittsburgh. Give me the Brewers.

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Sean Murphy Aug 24 '18, 9:40 PM in 4h
MLB | SEA vs ARI
Play on: UNDER 8½ -110

Friday MLB Free play. My selection is on the 'under' between Seattle and Arizona at 9:40 pm et on Friday.
I'll back the 'under' at Chase Field on Friday night.
Erasmo Ramirez will take the ball for the Mariners. Since re-joining the Mariners rotation he has pitched well, even if he did last just five innings in his first two starts back. In those two outings he gave up just seven hits and one earned run. He may be catching the D'Backs at the right time as they haven't been tearing the cover off of the baseball lately.
Zack Godley will counter for Arizona. He struggled in his most recent start in San Diego but prior to that he had worked at least into the seventh inning in three straight starts, giving up only three earned runs in 21 innings of work. He has been at his best at home this season, posting a 3.33 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.

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Larry Ness Aug 24 '18, 9:40 PM in 4h
MLB | Mariners vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Diamondbacks -150 at betonline

My free play is on the Arz Diamondbacks at 9:40 ET. The Mariners went 78-84 in 2017, finishing 23 games back of the Houston Asros in the NL West. However, the Seattle has upped its game in 2018, entering tonight 72-56 (that's .563 baseball, compared to last year's .481 mark). Houston won 102 games last year and is on pace to win 98 here in 2018. Therefore,
despite going 3-6 in their last nine games against Oakland, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston, the Mariners are a more competitive four games behind the Athletics for the second AL wild card spot plus 5 1/2 in back of the Astros in the division. The Mariners open a three-game IL series in Arizona on Friday against the Diamondbacks. Arizona, a wild card team in 2017, enters as a winner of six of its last seven after completing a two-game sweep of another AL West opponent (the LAA) on Wednesday. The 71-56 Diamondbacks (a record a half-game worse than Seattle) own a one-game lead in the NL West.
Erasmo Ramirez (0-2, 5.49 ERA) takes the mound for Seattle for his fifth start since joining the Seattle rotation. He allowed just a single run on seven hits across 10 innings over his last two starts, both no-decisions but Seattle wins. Ramirez is making his third career appearance against Arizona and is 5-5 with a 5.33 ERA in 22 career interleague games, including 12 starts. Zack Godley (13-6, 4.44 ERA) hasn't taken a loss since July 1 (a span of eight starts) but pitched poorly in his last outing, allowing six runs on eight hits and four walks this past Saturday at San Diego (Arizona lost 7-6, with Godley getting a no-decision). Godley won his only previous start against the Mariners (back in 2015) and is 3-2 with a 2.88 ERA in nine career interleague games, including five starts.
Godley already has 13 wins (his previous season-high was eight wins in 2017) and is on pace to break his career highs in strikeouts, starts and innings in his first full season in the Arizona rotation. It's helped that his team is averaging 4.8 runs per game in his starts, a good part of the reason that he's won eight of nine decisions in his last 13 starts (Arizona is 9-4 in those games). Ramirez is not much of a mound opponent and has made two career appearances against the Diamondbacks while with the Tampa Bay Rays, going 0-0 with a 6.00 ERA. Take Arizona.
Good luck...Larry

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Stephen Nover Aug 24 '18, 7:10 PM in 2h
MLB | CWS vs DET
Play on: UNDER 9 -112

First off, we're not talking about two good offenses here. The White Sox rank 23rd in runs scored. They are minus Jose Abreau, who leads them in homers, RBI's and runs. The Tigers are even worse offensively rating 26th in runs. Detroit has its best starter going, Michael Fulmer. He's making his first start since going on the DL July 20 because of an oblique injury. Fulmer looked good in two minor league rehab starts not allowing a run in six innings while striking out 11. Fulmer's fastball was clocked at a season-high 98 mph. The under has cashed in six of Fulmer's last seven big league starts. Fulmer is backed by two good backend relief pitchers, Joe Jimenez and closer Shane Greene, who has 27 saves. Chicago starter Reynaldo Lopez has made four starts against the Tigers this season and has a respectable 3.24 ERA against them. The Tigers cobbled a starting lineup against the White Sox on Thursday that had five players batting less than .234. Both the weather forecast and scheduled home plate umpire are strong points for a low-scoring game, too. The wind will be blowing in at 10-12 at Comerica Park, which is a good pitcher's park. Adam Hamari is slated to be behind the plate. The Under has cashed 32 of the past 49 times (65%) the last two years when he's been the home plate umpire. (Stephen Nover is unbeaten this preseason with his sides plays and has won 62 percent of his baseball plays during the last 11 days. Take advantage of Stephen's expertise and hot hand with his August Preason Game of the Month and his Run Line baseball Dominator.)

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Brandon Lee Aug 24 '18, 10:10 PM in 5h
MLB | Padres vs Dodgers
Play on: Dodgers -1½ -124 at pinnacle

10* FREE MLB PICK (Dodgers -1.5, -124)
I'll take my chances here with the Dodgers on the -1.5 run line against the Padres on Friday. With LA having just got swept by St Louis at home in their most recent series, I expect the Dodgers to come out with a major chip on their shoulder in the series opener against San Diego. LA will have Rich Hill on the mound, who has been rock solid after a slow start to the season. Padres will counter with Clayton Richard who has really struggled on the road. Richard is 5-7 with a 6.28 ERA and 1.461 WHIP in 14 road starts. He's also given up 12 runs on 12 hits and 6 walks in his last 11 innings of work against the Dodgers. Give me Los Angeles -1.5, -124!

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Stephen Nover

Stephen Nover Free Friday Play

Chi White Sox vs. Detroit, 08/24/2018 19:10 EDT

Total: -115/+9 Under

Sportsbook:
PinnacleSports

First off, we're not talking about two good offenses here. The White Sox rank 23rd in runs scored. They are minus Jose Abreau, who leads them in homers, RBI's and runs. The Tigers are even worse offensively rating 26th in runs.

Detroit has its best starter going, Michael Fulmer. He's making his first start since going on the DL July 20 because of an oblique injury. Fulmer looked good in two minor league rehab starts not allowing a run in six innings while striking out 11. Fulmer's fastball was clocked at a season-high 98 mph.

The under has cashed in six of Fulmer's last seven big league starts. Fulmer is backed by two good backend relief pitchers, Joe Jimenez and closer Shane Greene, who has 27 saves.

Chicago starter Reynaldo Lopez has made four starts against the Tigers this season and has a respectable 3.24 ERA against them. The Tigers cobbled a starting lineup against the White Sox on Thursday that had five players batting less than .234.

Both the weather forecast and scheduled home plate umpire are strong points for a low-scoring game, too. The wind will be blowing in at 10-12 at Comerica Park, which is a good pitcher's park. Adam Hamari is slated to be behind the plate. The Under has cashed 32 of the past 49 times (65%) the last two years when he's been the home plate umpire.

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MIT Simulator

CFL Fri Free Pick

Toronto vs. Montreal, 08/24/2018 19:30 EDT

Total: -110/+52½ Under

Sportsbook:
Bookmaker

MIT Simulator Friday CFL Free Pick: UNDER 52.5 in Montreal - The Alouettes QB situation continues to be in disarray. Many are aware that Montreal (averaging 16 points per game) is the worst offense in the league. However, some may not realize that Toronto is the 2nd worst unit on offense. The Argonauts are averaging just 20 points per game on the season. With the O/U on this game now creeping up to a 52.5 there is even more value with playing the short side of this contest. NONE of the last ELEVEN meetings between these division rivals has totaled more than 52 points! Toronto's O/U is 2-6 last 8 Friday games. Montreal O/U 5-12 last 17 games versus teams with a losing record. Considering all of the above it is easy to see why the simulation program at MIT is forecasting that this one stays UNDER

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Tony Brown

Tonys *5 Mlb free pick

NY Giants vs. NY Jets, 08/24/2018 19:30 EDT

Point Spread: -2½/-115 NY Jets

Sportsbook:
Bodog

Fp: barley and Beckham both nursing injuries and Eli is a 2x Super Bowl winning q.b not sure how much run they will get in this game and I think the heat with more to play for get the win and cover at home for my nfl free pick !

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Brian Bitler

Brian's 9* NFLX Friday Winner

NY Giants vs. NY Jets, 08/24/2018 19:30 EDT

Point Spread: -2½/-115 NY Jets

Sportsbook:
PinnacleSports

Let me just say ahead of time this game is pretty square but sometimes square plays win. It's hard to deny the young talent on the Jets and there 3 strong back up QB's they have to use.

Giants are coming off a big road win at the Lions but this week how much will they really play Eli even if it's for the first half I love the Jets backups. Sam Darnold could make his push to be opening day starter and Teddy Bridgewater who has looked marvelous in preseason could make this team or be traded to a team needing a starter. Then there is Josh McCown who didn't get into week 2 at all so I think you will see him this week too.

All in all I love the -2.5 and if you have to take -3 it is not the end of the world. Jets will play with more fire to win this game invest 9 units on the Jets rotation #254

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Chip Chirimbes

Chip's FREE NFL Winner

New England vs. Carolina, 08/24/2018 19:30 EDT

Money Line: -115 Carolina

Sportsbook:
Bodog

Chip's FREE NFL Winner
New England at Carolina 7:30 ET
Panthers over Patriots- Okay both these clubs are 2-0 and will have their starting quarterbacks in action Friday night. The venerable Tom Brady will play the first half and his counterpart Cam Newton will do the same. New England has impressed with a pair of convincing victories but will take to the road for the first time. The Patriots under Belichick have taken pre-season games off an even with Brady starting I expect the Panthers defense to get him out earlier then expected. Carolina is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings with three outright wins. Take CAROLINA!

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Alex Smart

NFLX

Green Bay vs. Oakland, 08/24/2018 22:30 EDT

Point Spread: +6/-107 Green Bay

Sportsbook:
PinnacleSports

So it looks like Aaron Rodgers the stud QB of the Green Bay Packers will not play tonight. But its not like Green Bay has missed his presence in their previous two NFLX games, as was evident by them scoring 82 points with a +31 differential . This is a pretty big spread considering how well the Packers have looked without Rodgers and their is value to be had here taking points.

GB has covered their L/3 first away games of the preseason. The Packers are also 7-2 SU/ATS away off home game in preseason action. Meanwhile, Oakland is just 0-6 L/6 vs NFC North and 0-4 SU/ATS home off an away tilt.

OAKLAND is 0-6 ATS after playing a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.GREEN BAY is 8-1 ATS in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.

NFL Road underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points (GREEN BAY) - after 2 or more consecutive wins against the spread, undefeated in the preseason are 30-9 ATS L/25 seasons for a 77% conversion rate for bettors.

Play on the Green Bay Packers to cover

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Profit On Sports

MLB Brewers under 8.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Elite Sports Picks

MLB Phillies -130

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Insider Sports Report

MLB Royals under 9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Primetime Sports Picks

NFL Raiders over 40

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Sports Consensus

NFL Patriots +1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Doc's Picks

MLB Nats -145

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Joe Wiz

MLB Astros -160

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Spot Player

MLB Astros -160

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National Sports Service

MLB Detroit over 8.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

VIP Sports Lock Club

MLB BOSTON RED SOX ‑140

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brand X Sports

MLB DETROIT TIGERS ‑140

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mikey Money

MLB TORONTO BLUE JAYS +115

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Team Underground

MLB PITTSBURGH PIRATES +120

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pinnacle Sports Picks

MLB ST. LOUIS CARDINALS ‑110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Top Shelf Sports Pick

MLB LOS ANGELES DODGERS ‑250

[Can'tPickAWinner]

LPW Sports Forecast

MLB CINCINNATI REDS +170

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Lasvegasmoneymachine

MLB CLEVELAND INDIANS ‑1.5 ‑135

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Monster Sports Picks

MLB CLEVELAND INDIANS ‑1.5 ‑135

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden Lock Sports

NFL SEATTLE SEAHAWKS ‑3.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MVP Lock Club

MLB NEW YORK YANKEES ‑175

[Can'tPickAWinner]

VIP Sports Picks Las Vegas

NFL WASHINGTON REDSKINS ‑3

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R and R Totals

NFL GREEN BAY PACKERS/OAKLAND RAIDERS ‑105 u41

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Power Play Wins

MLB NEW YORK YANKEES ‑175

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Picks 2 Play

MLB BOSTON RED SOX ‑140

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Wise Guy Insider

NFL WASHINGTON REDSKINS ‑3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ace / V.I.P.

NFL SEATTLE SEAHAWKS +3.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Top Dog

MLB SEATTLE MARINERS +145

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vegas Investment Picks

MLB CHICAGO WHITE SOX +130

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Guaranteed Cappers

NFL DENVER BRONCOS +3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mikey Sports

NFL SEATTLE SEAHAWKS +3.5 ‑105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sports Watch Monitor

NFL SEATTLE SEAHAWKS +3.5 ‑105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Great White Capper

NFL TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS ‑3

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Valley Sports

NFL NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS +1.5