Friday 8-31-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Canterbury Park
Canterbury Park - Race 7

Win, Place &Show / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta $1 Daily Double / $.50 Rolling Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9)


Maiden Claiming $10,000 • 6 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 68 • Purse: $11,500 • Post: 9:32P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000. MINNESOTA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * BERKO: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equ ibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. TIZJOHNDEERSWAY: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. CAVA HOYOS: Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
2
BERKO
3/1

5/2
8
TIZJOHNDEERSWAY
4/1

4/1
6
CAVA HOYOS
12/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
10
JAZZ LOVERMAN
10

10/1
Front-runner
58

58

69.4

49.2

35.7
7
STOMP MY GRAPES
7

10/1
Front-runner
57

49

65.4

46.5

33.5
2
BERKO
2

3/1
Alternator/Front-runner
86

68

94.4

49.4

42.9
8
TIZJOHNDEERSWAY
8

4/1
Alternator/Stalker
64

68

66.4

61.6

56.6
1
RUFF HOUSE
1

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
53

48

64.8

53.4

44.9
9
REVEREND DON
9

8/1
Trailer
61

58

33.8

50.6

40.6
6
CAVA HOYOS
6

12/1
Trailer
72

59

19.2

47.1

37.6
4
MASTERPIECE DAY
4

5/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

64.9

41.3

34.3
3
WHISTLIN' JACK
3

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

30.8

29.3

9.3
5
KAUFY BUZZ
5

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

20.2

47.0

33.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #1 - Post: 7:00pm - Maiden Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 45

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 STOPPIEIT (ML=4/1)
#1 UNUSUAL POPPY (ML=5/2)


STOPPIEIT - I am keen on that most recent race on Aug 9th at Charles Town where he finished third. Rounding his way back into form. Each of his finish positions is getting better in his recent starts. This gelding is rounding his way back into shape. Should perform well today. Look at this pattern of improvement. 17/21/41 are the last three speed figs. UNUSUAL POPPY - Gelding took a little vacation, but has been racing into shape.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 FIRE TIGAR (ML=8/5), #3 LATE NITE MIKE (ML=7/2), #4 FIRE ENGINE RED (ML=8/1),

FIRE TIGAR - The finish of seventh in the last event shows me that this equine may be tailing off. LATE NITE MIKE - Awfully tough to wager on this runner when he hasn't been showing any gumption recently. Improbable that the speed figure he garnered on Aug 25th will be good enough in this event. FIRE ENGINE RED - This gelding hasn't had any recent good results in short distance races. No picnic to bet on him in this race.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#5 STOPPIEIT to win at post-time odds of 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Del Mar

08/31/18, DMR, Race 7, 6.29 PT
5F [Turf] 00.54.04 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING. Purse $62,000.
Claiming Price $20,000 (Non-Starters for a claiming price of $16,000 or less in the last 3 starts preferred)(HORSES THAT ARE ENTERED FOR CLAIMING PRICE ARE RUNNING FORAPURSE OF $35,000). FOR CALIFORNIA BRED OR CALIFORNIA SIRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $10,000 ONCE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $20,000
$1 Exacta / $2 Quinella / .50 Cent Trifecta - $2 Double / $1 Superfecta (10-cent min.) / $2 WPS Parlay
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 16.00, $1 ROI 0.69, For Race Category Non-Maiden Turf
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 4 Judicial 5-1 Roman E A Glatt Mark FEWC
098.4059 12 Lucky Student 8-1 Figueroa H Pender Michael J
097.2883 2 Twisted Rosie 12-1 Pereira T J Stute Gary
097.2857 3 Silky Slew 5-1 Franco G Mathis Andy L
096.7406 10 Maycee Jo 3-1 Espinoza A McLean Bill
094.6030 6 Swallows Inn Gal 30-1 Payeras E Lucas Robert J.
094.0623 1 Batiquitos 4-1 Pedroza M A Spawr William
094.0423 11 Operandi 5/2 Gutierrez M O'Neill Doug F. S
093.6124 5 Unusually Stylish 7/2 Baze T Wright Blaine D. T
091.3555 7 Silver Apples 30-1 Harvey B Nettles Kenneth E.
000.0000 9 Our Lucky Break S
000.0000 8 Bold At Night S
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse Win Percent 27.78, $1 ROI 1.04, For Race Category Non-Maiden Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 4 Judicial 5-1 Roman E A Glatt Mark FWC
098.1757 3 Silky Slew 5-1 Franco G Mathis Andy SL
097.8873 12 Lucky Student 8-1 Figueroa H Pender Michael J
097.1834 2 Twisted Rosie 12-1 Pereira T J Stute Gary
095.3437 10 Maycee Jo 3-1 Espinoza A McLean Bill
094.9074 6 Swallows Inn Gal 30-1 Payeras E Lucas Robert J.
094.5124 1 Batiquitos 4-1 Pedroza M A Spawr William E
094.3964 11 Operandi 5/2 Gutierrez M O'Neill Doug F.
093.0153 5 Unusually Stylish 7/2 Baze T Wright Blaine D. T
092.2230 7 Silver Apples 30-1 Harvey B Nettles Kenneth E.
000.0000 9 Our Lucky Break S
000.0000 8 Bold At Night S

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Golden Gate Fields - Race #2 - Post: 2:17pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,500 Class Rating: 92

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 BOLEO (ML=10/1)
#5 LIFE IS A TRIP (ML=4/1)
#6 OUTLOOK (ML=7/2)


BOLEO - Dropped in class last time around the track, and keeps in that lower class right here. A good sign this horse is comfortable and ready to go. Three consecutive improved speed ratings (75-90-92) make this animal a dominant contender. LIFE IS A TRIP - This gelding likes to be near the lead. Today's race is a shorter trip and should aid his winning probability. Trainer Hollendorfer gave this gelding a nice long workout. That's a really good indicator. Just missed hitting the board on Jun 18th at Golden Gate Fields. With decent odds right here in this race, he has my interest. OUTLOOK - I'm optimistic this gelding will run well today. Last work was 2nd fastest of the day, which tells me he's sharp right now. Utilizing this rider/conditioner combination is a smart choice.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 MISTER MOJO (ML=9/5), #1 TROJAN TIME (ML=2/1),

MISTER MOJO - Didn't come through as the favorite in back to back races. Probably won't gain a win today either. Shouldn't play this one as the public's top choice with little to offer for the risk involved. TROJAN TIME - In any race of 5 1/2 furlongs, I like to back a contender that has been sharp in sprint affairs lately. This colt notched a speed fig in his last contest which likely isn't good enough in today's event.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #3 BOLEO to win. Have to have odds of at least 7/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,5,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 2 - Claiming - 4.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $13500 Class Rating: 81

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES SINCE JUNE 30 ALLOWED 3 LBS. A RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 TRICKY LIZ 9/5

# 6 FOXY FRESH 6/5

# 1 AIMING STRAIGHT 15/1

TRICKY LIZ is the top bet in this race. She has been running well recently while recording strong Equibase Speed Figs. Looks formidable to be up near the front end at the first call. Has to be given a chance based on the very good speed figure garnered in the last contest. FOXY FRESH - With one of the strongest riders in terms of gains at the window, don't count this mare out. Had one of the strongest speed figs of this group in her last outing.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Remington Park
Remington Park - Race 7

Exacta / Trifecta (.50 Cent Minimum) / Superfecta (.10 Cent Minimum) Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) (.50 Cent Minimum)


Allowance • 1 Mile • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 97 • Purse: $40,000 • Post: 9:48P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER ON THE TURF SINCE MAY 31, 2018 ALLOWED 3 LBS. (MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES) (PREFERENCE TO TOTAL EARNINGS IN 2017/2018). (IF MANAGEMENT DEEMS IT NECESSARY TO TAKE THIS RACE OFF THE TURF, IT WILL BE RUN AT A DISTANCE OF 1 MILE ON THE MAIN TRACK.).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Trailer. JOYOUS THUNDER is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SPECIAL ROCKSTAR: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. AMERICIUM: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surfac e (dirt or turf) is at least 50. ADORE: Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). JOYOUS THUNDER: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and horse has run well in the pas t in its first and/or second starts after a long layoff. INDUSTRIAL POLICY: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
6
SPECIAL ROCKSTAR
6/1

9/2
5
AMERICIUM
3/1

7/1
3
ADORE
5/2

7/1
8
JOYOUS THUNDER
9/2

9/1
2
INDUSTRIAL POLICY
7/2

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
4
TERRA'S ANGEL
4

20/1
Front-runner
87

92

92.8

79.6

69.1
3
ADORE
3

5/2
Front-runner
95

99

82.0

95.4

88.9
5
AMERICIUM
5

3/1
Alternator/Front-runner
92

92

93.8

88.3

78.8
6
SPECIAL ROCKSTAR
6

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
94

90

80.0

90.6

84.1
2
INDUSTRIAL POLICY
2

7/2
Alternator/Stalker
96

86

71.8

85.2

75.2
8
JOYOUS THUNDER
8

9/2
Trailer
98

82

63.8

87.6

81.6
7
STRIVE
7

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
96

99

79.0

85.2

74.2
1
DANCE PROPOSAL
1

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
89

88

73.0

58.8

47.3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga
RACE #9 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 5:18 PM EASTERN POST
The Lucky Coin Stakes
5½ FURLONGS TURF FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#3 ROCKET HEAT
#8 POCKET CHANGE
#5 READY FOR RYE
#7 EXTRAVAGANT KID

This race honors the career of Lucky Coin who hit the board in 7 of his career starts, all at N.Y.R.A. tracks. Here in the 5th renewal of :The Coin," #3 ROCKET HEAT, a 5-1 shot, has excellent early speed abilities to compliment for this sprint, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in five straight starts, winning three times in this recent streak of racing consistency. #8 POCKET CHANGE has posted a trio of "Circle Trips" in his last five outings, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 3rd race back. Jockey Irad Ortiz was in his irons for those 3 victories, and is back this afternoon here at "The Spa" for his 4th ride, gunning for a "Grand Slam Win!"

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 8 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $24100 Class Rating: 86

FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD OR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 31 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000, IF FOR $19,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 TURBO DRIVEN DIVA 3/1

# 3 SAM'S CROSS 10/1

# 4 CUATTHEFINISHLINE 6/1

TURBO DRIVEN DIVA has a formidable shot to take this race. Have to look at solely on class, with some of the most respectable class numbers of this group. Earnings per start in dirt sprint races is reliable for this horse. SAM'S CROSS - Her 81 average has this filly with among the strongest speed figures in this event. Could beat this group of horses given the 85 Equibase speed fig posted in her last outing. CUATTHEFINISHLINE - Ought to compete admirably in the early pace clash which bodes well with this group of horses. Should be considered based on the strong speed rating earned in the last contest.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

The New York Yankees have not been shy about making moves this summer to help them make a push for the American League East crown, and they did so again Thursday by reportedly acquiring Andrew McCutchen from San Francisco. The five-time All-Star could debut with his new team as early as Friday as the Yankees host the Detroit Tigers for the second contest of their four-game series.

Minutes after New York dropped a gut-wrenching 8-7 decision to Detroit in Thursday's opener, it reportedly traded for McCutchen, presumably in an attempt to fill the void in the outfield created by Aaron Judge's wrist injury late last month. The former National League MVP would join fellow trade acquisitions Zach Britton, J.A. Happ and Lance Lynn with the Yankees, who fell eight games behind Boston in the AL East but remained 4 1/2 ahead of Oakland for the first wild card. The Tigers entered the series ranked last in the major leagues with 106 home runs but belted five against New York, including Niko Goodrum's tiebreaking solo shot that capped a three-run rally in the ninth inning. Detroit snapped its five-game losing streak as a result, winning for only the eighth time in 26 contests this month.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (6-6, 4.38 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (17-6, 3.27)

Zimmermann's second-half struggles continued in Sunday's loss to the Chicago White Sox as he surrendered five runs and eight hits in six innings. Although he has worked at least six frames in four of his last five turns, the 32-year-old is 2-5 with a 5.50 ERA since the All-Star break after going 4-1 with a 3.71 mark during the first half. Giancarlo Stanton (7-for-32, five walks) has recorded three homers and nine strikeouts versus Zimmermann, who is 3-1 with a 3.09 ERA in five career starts against the Yankees.

Severino has yet to rediscover his first-half form, but he has managed to win three of his last four starts - including Sunday's victory at Baltimore in which he allowed three runs - two earned - over 5 2/3 innings. The two-time All-Star has fanned eight batters in each of his recent wins, allowing him to move 11 strikeouts away from his second straight season with at least 200. Nicholas Castellanos (6-for-12) is one of the few Tigers who has fared well against Severino, who is 3-1 with a 2.19 ERA in four career starts versus Detroit.

WALK-OFFS

1. Stanton reached 300 career homers in his 1,119th career game on Thursday, becoming the fifth-quickest player to hit the plateau in major-league history.

2. Detroit DH Victor Martinez on Thursday registered his first multi-homer performance since July 21, 2017 by belting a pair of shots.

3. New York 2B Gleyber Torres has reached base 11 times in his last four contests and is batting .400 over his last 14 games.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Tigers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

A day after helping the Philadelphia Phillies gain ground in the National League East race, the Chicago Cubs will try to damage the host Phillies' playoff hopes when the NL contenders begin a three-game series Friday. Chicago leads the NL Central by 4 1/2 games over St. Louis after opening an 11-game road trip with a 5-4 win Thursday at Atlanta, which leads the Phillies by three games in the NL East.

The Phillies have lost eight of their last 11, but they rallied for an 8-6 win over Washington on Wednesday and gained ground thanks to the Cubs' win over Atlanta on their day off. After the Cubs leave town, the Phillies will play 12 of their next 15 against teams with losing record, but first they have to deal with the NL's best team - and one of its hottest. Chicago has won eight of its last nine and expects to have former MVP Kris Bryant back in the lineup as early as Saturday for the first time since July 23. The Cubs haven't lost a series since dropping two of three at St. Louis from July 27-29.


TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago Plus, NBC 10 (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jose Quintana (11-9, 4.33 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (7-10, 4.76)

Quintana has been inconsistent, but he has pitched better in his last two outings, allowing three runs over 10 innings. The 29-year-old held Cincinnati to two runs over five frames in a win Saturday, snapping a three-start winless streak. Quintana is 0-1 with a 5.94 ERA in three starts against the Phillies.

Pivetta started the month with three straight quality starts, but he has been knocked around in his last two outings. The 25-year-old was tagged for five runs over 6 2/3 innings in a no-decision at Toronto on Saturday after giving up six runs in 3 2/3 frames in his previous outing versus the New York Mets. Pivetta is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in two meetings with the Cubs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 2B/OF Ben Zobrist is 10-for-21 with four multi-hit games during a five-game hitting streak.

2. Phillies C Jorge Alfaro is 8-for-26 with two homers and five RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

3. Cubs OF Jason Heyward left Thursday's game with a right hamstring injury after diving for a ball in the outfield and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Phillies 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 30th August 2018 by Gracenote
Jhoulys Chacin was one of the more under-the-radar signings in the offseason, but the veteran right-hander is among the biggest reasons that the Milwaukee Brewers are in the thick of the postseason chase. Chacin can match his career high in wins when he goes for his 14th victory in Friday's opener of a three-game series at the Washington Nationals.

Milwaukee, which is 19-9 in games started by Chacin, is jockeying with St. Louis for the top wild card in the National League. Lorenzo Cain, another offseason acquisition, extended his hitting streak to a career-best 12 games with a go-ahead homer in the 11th inning of Thursday's 2-1 win over Cincinnati as the Brewers improved to 7-3 in their last 10. Washington, which had a three-game winning streak snapped in an 8-6 loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday, has been playing .500 ball for most the the past two months and offering no sign it can make a run at a wild-card spot. Right-hander Tanner Roark has lost a career-most 13 games but has been one of the best pitchers in baseball the past five weeks, starting with a dominating performance in Milwaukee last month.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jhoulys Chac�n (13-5, 3.61 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (8-13, 3.95)

Chacin had his three-start winning streak snapped last time out, giving up three runs on eight hits and four walks over six innings in a loss to Pittsburgh. He was superb in his previous two outings, yielding only seven hits across 13 scoreless innings, and beat the Nationals on July 23 with 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball. Chacin has made nine career starts against Washington, posting a 4-2 record and 3.06 ERA.

Roark was a hard-luck loser at the New York Mets on Saturday, coming out on the short end of a 3-0 decision after permitting one run on four hits over six innings. The 31-year-old has surrendered only eight earned runs over the last seven turns, including a win at Milwaukee on July 25 in which he struck out 11 over eight scoreless innings. Christian Yelich is 9-for-36 with one extra-base hit against Roark.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yelich leads the NL with a .316 batting average after going 8-for-15 with three homers and nine RBIs versus the Reds.

2. Nationals RF Bryce Harper, battling a bad cough, is in a 3-for-20 slump.

3. Brewers LHP Dan Jennings rolled his ankle in Thursday's win and had to be assisted off the field.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Brewers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

Tommy Pham is beginning to flaunt some power after a slow start with his new team and hopes to continue the surge when the Tampa Bay Rays visit the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians for the opener of a three-game set Friday night. Pham is 11-for-23 with a pair of homers and five RBIs in his last five games after going 2-for-22 in his first seven contests with the Rays following a trade deadline deal with St. Louis.

Tampa Bay has won nine of its last 10 games to sit on the fringe of the AL wild-card race, producing 37 runs over the past five contests, and manager Kevin Cash told reporters: "We're getting a lot of contributions, a lot of good at-bats." It will be difficult to continue that type of offense in the series opener as the Indians send two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber to the mound against Rays fireballer Tyler Glasnow. Cleveland took the rubber match of a three-game set against Minnesota on Thursday afternoon 5-3, improving to 41-25 at home, and has won four consecutive season series against Tampa Bay (4-3 in 2017). Jason Kipnis is beginning to turn around a rough season while going 9-for-15 with two homers and seven RBIs over the last four games for the Indians, and is batting .318 with 15 RBIs in 30 career contests versus the Rays.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Tyler Glasnow (1-3, 4.18 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (16-7, 2.91)

Glasnow has yet to win in his first five outings since coming over from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline but has a 3.80 ERA and 32 strikeouts over 23 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old California native gave up three runs on five hits and three walks across five innings against Kansas City in a no-decision last Thursday. Glasnow faces Cleveland for the first time and is 1-2 with a 5.85 ERA on the road overall this season.

Kluber had an uncharacteristic outing against one of the major league's worst offenses last Saturday, yielding five runs over 5 1/3 innings in a setback at Kansas City. The 32-year-old Alabama native had won his previous four decisions over five starts, posting a 2.21 ERA in that stretch. C.J. Cron is 3-for-5 with two doubles versus Kluber, who is 4-2 with a 2.44 ERA in eight career contests against Tampa Bay.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland C Yan Gomes, who was rested Thursday, is 11-for-23 with a homer during a six-game hitting streak.

2. Tampa Bay 2B/OF Brandon Lowe is 10-for-28 with a homer and eight RBIs in his last 10 games after starting his major-league career 0-for-19.

3. Indians LF Michael Brantley has recorded multiple hits in seven of his last games, going 15-for-43 in that stretch.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Rays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Florida Marlins Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 30th August 2018 by Gracenote
Aaron Sanchez could use a strong finish to another injury-marred campaign as he and the Toronto Blue Jays glance toward improvement in 2019. Sanchez will try to recover from a rocky start his last time out when he climbs the hill for the Blue Jays in the opener of a three-game series at the Miami Marlins on Friday.

The 26-year-old, who has struggled to stay healthy since a dynamic All-Star effort in 2016, gave up six runs over four innings in his return from the disabled list against Philadelphia on Saturday. Sanchez will be tasked with trying to get the Blue Jays out of their latest slide, which reached four straight losses with Wednesday's 10-5 loss at Baltimore. They've been outscored 37-13 during the losing streak and have lost seven in a row on the road - their longest such slide since a seven-gamer in 2014 - while posting a 9.77 ERA in that stretch. The Marlins lost leads in back-to-back games at Fenway Park earlier in the week, including Wednesday's affair in which the bullpen was rocked for 11 runs in one inning of a 14-6 loss.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (3-5, 4.95 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Dan Straily (5-6, 4.35)

Sanchez is 4-8 with a 4.74 ERA in 24 starts over the last two years after going 15-2 with an American League-leading 3.00 mark in 2016. Despite the rocky outing against the Phillies, he is 4-1 with a 2.68 mark in his career in interleague play. The California native has never faced the Marlins.

Straily snapped a five-game winless streak with six scoreless innings against Atlanta last Friday. His one interleague game this year resulted in seven innings of one-run ball at Tampa Bay on July 20, and the 29-year-old is 7-5 with a 3.87 ERA in his career against the opposing league. Kendrys Morales is 4-for-9 with two homers, one double and two walks against Straily.

WALK-OFFS

1. Morales is 0-for-8 with three strikeouts in two games since he put together a streak of seven straight contests with a home run.

2. Marlins C J.T. Realmuto is 5-for-11 with a home run, a double and five RBIs during a three-game hitting streak.

3. Toronto won five of the last six meetings, including all three when the teams last met in 2015.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Marlins 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

The Pittsburgh Pirates won 11 games in a row in July, but that success is only a fading memory heading into the opener of a three-game road series Friday at the Atlanta Braves. The Pirates fell 5-0 on Thursday at St. Louis - their 20th defeat in the past 32 games - and stand at 2-4 on their current nine-game road trip as they head to Atlanta to face a team that leads the National League East by three games and completed a three-game sweep in Pittsburgh last week.

Catcher Francisco Cervelli has reached base in 13 consecutive games for Pittsburgh after going 1-for-4 on Thursday and is hitting .298 in that stretch while left fielder Adam Frazier is batting .344 with 12 doubles and four homers since returning from the minors July 25. Atlanta has dropped two of three to begin a nine-game homestand, losing 5-4 on Thursday to the Chicago Cubs. Rookie outfielder Ronald Acuna continues bolstering his case for NL Player of the Month, finishing 3-for-5 with two runs scored Thursday to raise his average to .339 with 10 homers, 20 RBIs and 24 runs scored in August. Catcher Kurt Suzuki, who doubled and drove home a run, has hits in 10 of his past 11 games with four doubles, a homer, four RBIs and seven runs scored.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet - Pittsburgh, FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (10-9, 3.49 ERA) vs. Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (6-5, 3.05)

Taillon looks to end August with another strong outing after going 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in his first four turns this month. The 26-year-old has pitched to a 2.54 ERA in seven starts since the All-Star break after posting a 3.91 ERA in the first half and allowed only one run in six innings in each of his past two starts (a no-decision Aug. 19 against the Cubs and a win Saturday against Milwaukee). Taillon, who has never faced Atlanta, has surrendered three earned runs or fewer in 16 consecutive starts.

Sanchez lost his past two outings despite giving up just four runs on nine hits in 12 1/3 innings, in part because the Atlanta offense scored only three runs combined against Colorado on Aug. 19 and Miami on Saturday. The 34-year-old has regressed a bit in the second half, allowing six homers while posting a 3.82 ERA in 37 2/3 innings after allowing just seven home runs and owning a 2.60 ERA in 65 2/3 innings before the All-Star break. Sanchez is 3-5 with a 3.62 career ERA in eight starts against Pittsburgh.

WALK-OFFS

1. Acuna's 38 hits in August is the most by a Braves' 20-year-old since Hank Aaron collected 37 in July of 1954.

2. Pittsburgh OF Gregory Polanco has recorded at least one RBI in four of his past six games. He has also collected at least one hit in eight of his past 10 games is batting .325 in that span.

3. The Braves outscored the Pirates 9-2 in sweeping the three-game series last week.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Pirates 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 30th August 2018 by Gracenote
The Minnesota Twins are a second-place club while the Texas Rangers are buried in last place in their division, but neither team has much to play for as they close out the month of August. The Twins and Rangers are separated by only 4 1/2 games in the standings as they prepare to kick off a three-game series Friday night at Texas' Globe Life Park.

Minnesota lost two of three in Cleveland to open a nine-game road trip to fall 14 games behind the first-place Indians in the American League Central. The Twins are in a 1-5 slide and struggling to stay healthy - shortstop Jorge Polanco (hamstring) has missed the past three games and Eddie Rosario left Thursday's loss with a strained right quadriceps that could sideline him for the weekend series. The punchless Rangers have dropped four in a row and six of eight, scoring one run or fewer four times in that span. Adrian Beltre had an RBI double in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers to move into a tie with Robin Yount for 17th on the career hits list (3,142).

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Southwest Plus (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Stephen Gonsalves (0-2, 11.37 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Drew Hutchison (2-2, 6.52)

Gonsalves will make his third career start and first on the road after giving up four runs and seven hits, including a three-run homer, over five innings in a loss to Oakland on Saturday. He had a forgettable major-league debut against the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 20, lasting only 1 1/3 innings while allowing four runs and six hits. Gonsalves was 9-3 with a 2.96 ERA at Triple-A Rochester.

After making 11 relief appearances with the Philadelphia Phillies, Hutchison is poised for his fifth start since joining the Rangers. A former 13-game winner with Toronto in 2015, he was tagged for six runs and seven hits in a no-decision at San Francisco last time out. Joe Mauer is 3-for-7 with four RBIs against Hutchison, who has failed to pitched past 5 1/3 innings in his four starts with Texas.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins 3B Miguel Sano homered Thursday but is 3-for-35 with 15 strikeouts in his last 10 games.

2. Rangers LHP Martin Perez, who was scheduled to start the series finale, was moved to the bullpen for the rest of the season.

3. Minnesota traded C Bobby Wilson to the Chicago Cubs for C Chris Gimenez.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Twins 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

The Los Angeles Angels began a 10-game road trip with a solid performance and attempt to defeat the Houston Astros for a second straight night when they visit the American League West leaders on Friday for the second contest of their four-game series. Andrelton Simmons recorded three hits, including a three-run double, as the Angels topped the Astros 5-2 on Thursday for just their third win in 12 games.

Houston has lost two of three games after recording six straight victories but still holds a 2 1/2-game lead over Oakland in the division. Tyler White belted a two-run homer in the ninth inning for the Astros as the 27-year-old improved to 14-for-34 with four blasts and 12 RBIs over his last eight contests. The victory was just Los Angeles' second in nine meetings with Houston, which holds an 8-5 advantage in the season series. Simmons is 5-for-8 over his last two games and has recorded 63 RBIs this season, leaving him six shy of matching the career high he set in 2017.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jaime Barria (8-8, 3.67 ERA) vs. Astros LH Framber Valdez (2-0, 0.96)

Barria lost to the Astros on Saturday as he gave up four runs and five hits over three innings. The 22-year-old Panamanian went 3-0 over his previous five turns, a stretch that followed six setbacks in a span of seven outings. Barria is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts against Houston this season and has retired Carlos Correa in all five at-bats.

Valdez made his first career start on Sunday against the Angels, emerging victorious after allowing one run and two hits in five innings. The 24-year-old also registered a win in his major-league debut on Aug. 21, when he gave up an unearned run and two hits over 4 1/3 frames of relief against Seattle. Valdez went 6-5 with a 4.11 ERA in 22 combined appearances (14 starts) in Double- and Triple-A prior to being recalled.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels DH-RHP Shohei Ohtani (elbow) will start Sunday's game, his first pitching appearance since June 6.

2. Houston formally announced that MGR A.J. Hinch has signed a four-year contract extension through the 2022 season.

3. Los Angeles placed 1B Albert Pujols (knee) on the 10-day disabled list, activated LF Justin Upton (finger) from the DL and recalled C Jose Briceno from Triple-A Salt Lake.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Angels 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

Highly regarded prospect Michael Kopech faces his former organization for the first time when the Chicago White Sox host the Boston Red Sox on Friday for the second contest of their four-game series. The 22-year-old right-hander was a first-round pick of the Red Sox in 2014 but was shipped to Chicago as part of the package for Chris Sale in December 2016.

Kopech refused to participate in the usual media session with reporters on Thursday, saying he would discuss the Red Sox after Friday's outing, but White Sox manager Rick Renteria was happy to dissect the youngster's arsenal of pitches. "Hopefully, he continues to develop, continues to command the zone," Renteria told reporters. "It's electric stuff. Hopefully, he'll just continue to trust himself, which he is doing, and just enjoy being here. Know that he's capable of doing what he's doing because of this tremendous gift he has." The Red Sox overcame a four-run deficit to post a 9-4 victory in Thursday's series opener to stretch their lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East to 8 1/2 games. J.D. Martinez slugged his 39th homer - a three-run shot - to tie Oakland's Khris Davis for the major-league lead.


TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Nathan Eovaldi (5-6, 4.15 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Michael Kopech (1-0, 1.13)

Eovaldi has lost consecutive starts and is winless his last four after winning his first two outings for the Red Sox. The 28-year-old was rocked for six runs - five earned - and eight hits over four innings by Tampa Bay in his last turn. Eovaldi is 1-0 with a 3.52 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against the White Sox.

Kopech earned his first major-league victory in his last turn, when he gave up one run and seven hits over six innings against Detroit. The phenom made his debut on Aug. 21 against Minnesota and struck out four in two scoreless innings but did not return after a 52-minute rain delay. Kopech went 7-7 with a 3.70 ERA and 170 strikeouts over 126 1/3 innings in 24 starts at Triple-A Charlotte.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts hit a two-run blast in the series opener and is 7-for-12 with five walks, two homers and six RBIs over his last four games.

2. Chicago LF Avisail Garcia, who is batting just .159 this month, homered and drove in three runs in the series opener.

3. Boston 2B Ian Kinsler recorded three hits on Thursday for his fifth multi-hit performance in seven contests.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, White Sox 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 30th August 2018 by Gracenote
The Kansas City Royals have answered a five-game losing skid by erupting for 32 runs en route to winning four of their last five contests. The Royals (42-91) hope their bats remain hot on Friday as they play the opener of a three-game series versus the visiting Baltimore Orioles (40-94) in a matchup of the two worst teams in the majors.

Adalberto Mondesi highlighted a four-RBI performance by homering for the second straight game as Kansas City recorded an abbreviated two-game sweep of Detroit with a 9-2 romp on Wednesday. The 23-year-old has collected multi-hit efforts in each of his last three contests with five RBIs and as many runs scored. The Orioles, who took two of three from the Royals in May, answered an eight-game losing skid by exploding for 29 runs against Toronto en route to recording their first three-game sweep of the season. Adam Jones launched his second career grand slam in a 10-5 win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday, improving to 7-for-13 with six RBIs and four runs scored in his last three games.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (4-12, 4.79 ERA) vs. Royals RH Brad Keller (6-5, 3.33)

Cashner recorded his second straight loss on Saturday despite allowing three earned runs over seven innings of a 5-1 setback versus the New York Yankees. The performance was the third quality start in four outings for the 31-year-old, who permitted three runs on six hits across six frames of a no-decision against Kansas City on May 9. Alex Gordon (1-for-8), Salvador Perez (2-for-12) and Alcides Escobar (2-for-11) have struggled versus Cashner, who sports an 0-2 mark with a 2.45 ERA in four career encounters.

Keller will be getting his first look at Baltimore after yielding two runs on six hits over five innings of a no-decision versus Cleveland last Friday. The performance was the third straight strong outing for the 23-year-old, who is 2-0 in that stretch after allowing four runs on 17 hits across 17 frames. Keller has been taken deep in each of those three trips to the mound after surrendering three homers in his previous 33 appearances (88 1/3 innings).

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore LF Trey Mancini is 10-for-20 with eight extra-base hits (four doubles, triple, three homers), eight RBIs and eight runs scored during his five-game hitting streak.

2. Gordon went 4-for-11 with a homer, three RBIs and two runs scored in the previous series versus the Orioles.

3. Jones went 5-for-12 with a homer, three RBIs and four runs scored against the Royals in May.

PREDICTION: Royals 3, Orioles 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Immediately prior to rolling off 10 consecutive series victories, the St. Louis Cardinals dropped two of three on the road to the Cincinnati Reds. The Cardinals hope to avenge that setback and cap one of the most successful months in club history with a win on Friday, when they host the first of three games against the Reds.

St. Louis (75-59) found itself sitting at .500 after 102 games following a series loss against its National League Central rival, but the 11-time World Series champion has been the best team in baseball since then, going 24-8 to ascend to the top of the NL wild-card standings. The Cardinals improved to 21-6 in August following Thursday's 5-0 victory against Pittsburgh, giving the club its most wins in the month since 2004. While St. Louis remained 4 1/2 games behind the division-leading Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati is in last place in the Central and has dropped three straight series. The Reds got former MVP Joey Votto back from the disabled list Thursday, but he went 0-for-5 in a 2-1 loss to Milwaukee - their seventh setback in eight contests.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (1-12, 6.17 ERA) vs. Cardinals LH Austin Gomber (4-0, 2.79)

Bailey is in the midst of a nine-game winless streak and fell to 0-7 during that stretch with Sunday's loss to the Cubs in which he surrendered six runs - three earned - over five innings. The 32-year-old Texan has struggled keeping the ball in the park in 18 starts this season, giving up 21 home runs over 96 1/3 frames. Yadier Molina (19-for-47, three homers) and Matt Carpenter (19-for-42) have thrived versus Bailey, who is 6-14 with a 5.57 RA in 26 career starts against St. Louis.

Gomber continued his seamless transition from the bullpen to the rotation in Sunday's win at Colorado, allowing two runs - one earned - over six innings to improve to 3-0 with a 2.51 ERA in six career starts. The Florida Atlantic product has yielded more than two runs only once in 23 appearances during his rookie campaign. Gomber has issued 24 walks in only 48 1/3 innings but was sharp in a no-decision at Cincinnati on July 24, permitting two runs while striking out six in 6 1/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals 1B Jose Martinez has hit safely in 20 of 25 games this month and leads his club with 18 multi-RBI performances.

2. The Reds have won five of the last seven meetings after dropping nine in a row to St. Louis to begin the season.

3. Gomber is 14-0 in August during his professional career (minors and majors) and can become the first St. Louis rookie left-hander ever to win five games in the month with a victory on Friday.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 8, Reds 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
The Seattle Mariners proved early in their series-opening win against the Oakland Athletics that they're not prepared to give up on a spot in the postseason. Seattle looks to draw even closer in the American League wild-card race on Friday as it visits AL West-rival Oakland for the second contest of their four-game set.

The Mariners scored five runs in the first inning en route to Thursday's 7-1 victory, ending their three-game slide and pulling within 4 1/2 games of the Athletics for the second wild-card berth. Robinson Cano was one of four players on Seattle to register two hits and an RBI, with one of his hits being his 526th career double - tying him with Dave Parker for 44th place on the all-time list. Oakland was limited to four hits as it suffered its third loss in four contests and remained 2 1/2 games behind division-leading Houston. Jed Lowrie drove in the Athletics' lone run Thursday with an eighth-inning single, giving him eight RBIs in his last 10 games.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Mike Leake (8-8, 4.03 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Mike Fiers (10-6, 3.15)

Leake's winless streak reached 10 starts on Sunday as he suffered a loss at Arizona after surrendering five runs and seven hits in six innings. The 30-year-old Californian has allowed three runs or fewer seven times and worked at least six frames on eight occasions during the drought while settling for six no-decisions since winning at Boston on June 23. Leake is 1-1 with a 2.50 ERA in six career starts against Oakland, including three no-decisions this season in which he has given up five runs - four earned - over 20 2/3 innings.

Fiers has been everything Oakland hoped for since being acquired from Detroit, posting a 3-0 record and 1.50 ERA with 28 strikeouts and three walks over 24 innings in four starts. The 33-year-old Floridian is coming off a victory at Minnesota on Saturday in which he allowed one run and five hits over 5 2/3 frames. Fiers is 2-1 with a 5.66 ERA in seven career turns versus Seattle after splitting a pair of starts this season, with the win coming at home on Aug. 14.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners SS Jean Segura was scratched from Thursday's starting lineup a day after suffering a bruised left shin.

2. Oakland recalled J.B. Wendelken and Frankie Montas, who yielded seven runs - four earned - over six innings in the series opener, from Triple-A Nashville and optioned fellow RHP Ryan Dull and OF Nick Martini to the Sounds.

3. Seattle sent cash to Arizona on Thursday for 2B Kristopher Negron, who went 1-for-3 with an RBI in two games with the Diamondbacks this year, and assigned him to Triple-A Tacoma.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Mariners 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Zack Greinke looks to defeat his former team for the third straight time this season when the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday for the second contest of their four-game series. Greinke registered 17 strikeouts over 12 1/3 innings in the two wins and will attempt to help Arizona beat Los Angeles for the 10th time in 14 meetings this season.

David Peralta hammered a three-run homer as the Diamondbacks recorded a 3-1 victory in the series opener, halting the Dodgers' five-game winning streak. "We always come with a purpose, we always come to win," Peralta said during a postgame television interview. "We always come to compete and give 100 percent every day. We got the 'W.' Now we got to turn the page." Arizona holds a 1 1/2-game lead over second-place Colorado in the National League West and is two ahead of Los Angeles, which also trails Milwaukee by 2 1/2 games for the NL's second wild-card spot. The Dodgers scored 34 runs during their winning streak, but Manny Machado's solo homer was all the offense they could manage on Thursday.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, SportsNet LA, KTLA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (13-8, 2.93 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Hyun-Jin Ryu (4-1, 2.18)

Greinke went 0-3 over a four-start span before defeating Seattle in his last turn, when he gave up an unearned run and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old is a superb 30-7 with a 2.34 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 51 career outings at Dodger Stadium, which was his home from 2013-15. Greinke is 6-4 with a 3.84 ERA in 13 career turns against the Dodgers.

Ryu defeated San Diego in his last turn, when he gave up two runs - one earned - and 11 hits in 5 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old South Korean has struck out 18 and walked just two over 15 2/3 frames in three starts since returning from a groin injury. Ryu, who is 3-3 with a 3.90 ERA in 12 career starts versus Arizona, suffered the injury on May 2 in the second inning of an outing against the Diamondbacks.

WALK-OFFS

1. Peralta's homer was his first at Dodger Stadium, where he is 23-for-102 in 33 games.

2. Los Angeles batters struck out 15 times in the series opener, with SS-CF Chris Taylor leading the way with four.

3. Arizona CF A.J. Pollock was hitless in five at-bats on Thursday and is just 3-for-33 over his last nine contests.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 3, Diamondbacks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Padres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

The San Diego Padres carry a rare three-game winning streak into Friday's contest against the visiting Colorado Rockies, who sit 1 1/2 games behind first-place Arizona in the National League West and two games behind Milwaukee for the second wild-card spot. San Diego opened the four-game series with Thursday's 3-2, 13-inning victory after Franmil Reyes delivered the team's first walk-off home run of the season.

Padres third baseman Wil Myers committed three errors and went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts, but left fielder Hunter Renfroe had two hits and is 11-for-30 during his seven-game hitting streak. Reyes continued to impress with his 12th home run for the Padres, who are aiming for their first four-game winning streak of the season. The Rockies began a 23-game stretch against divisional foes by collecting just three hits in the extra-inning affair as the top three batters in the order - Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu, Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story - went a combined 0-for-21. Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez extended his hitting streak to seven games (12-for-32) and the Rockies received another stellar outing from German Marquez, who recorded a career-high 13 strikeouts over eight innings.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (4-4, 5.24 ERA) vs. Padres RH Brett Kennedy (0-2, 7.58)

Senzatela is looking to bounce back from a rough start last Friday, when he allowed seven runs on 10 hits over 4 1/3 innings against St. Louis. The 23-year-old native of Venezuela is 1-3 on the road this season, posting a 5.46 ERA in 10 games (four starts). Myers is 6-for-9 with a home run against Senzatela, who owns a 4-0 record and 4.00 ERA in nine career games (three starts) versus San Diego - including 1-0 with a 6.14 mark in four relief appearances this season.

Kennedy is still seeking his first career win after allowing three runs on five hits over five innings last Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. One of many promising young pitchers in the San Diego system, the 24-year-old rookie was recalled from Triple-A El Paso early this month after going 10-0 with a 2.72 ERA across 16 starts with the Chihuahuas. Kennedy has given up 31 hits over his first four career starts covering 19 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Diego improved to 3-10 in extra innings with Thursday's victory.

2. Colorado 1B Ian Desmond is hitless in his last 14 at-bats after going 0-for-6 on Thursday.

3. The Padres activated LHP Eric Lauer (forearm) from the 10-day disabled list - he pitched five innings on Thursday - and optioned RHP Colten Brewer to Triple-A El Paso.

PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Padres 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 30th August 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/30/2018

Zack Wheeler has been downright dominant in his last seven starts, sporting a 6-0 mark with a rail-thin 1.17 ERA. Wheeler will look to avenge his lone "blemish" in that stretch - a well-pitched effort that resulted in a no-decision versus San Francisco - as the New York Mets (59-74) continue their nine-game road trip with the opener of a three-game series against the Giants (67-68) on Friday.

Todd Frazier hit a grand slam and drove in a season-high five runs as New York improved to 15-11 over its last 26 games with a 10-3 win over Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. The 32-year-old went deep in his last two contests versus San Francisco, with the teams settling for a split of their four-game series last week. The Giants got it in gear soon after that, rolling off four wins - including two shutouts - before dropping a 3-1 decision on Wednesday in the finale of their three-game series against Arizona. Andrew McCutchen, who had an RBI single versus the Diamondbacks Wednesday, went 1-for-12 with five strikeouts in the previous series against the Mets.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (9-6, 3.46 ERA) vs. Giants LH Andrew Suarez (5-9, 4.42)

Wheeler allowed one run on five hits and reached double-digit strikeouts for the first time since 2014 when he fanned 10 against San Francisco on Aug. 20. The 28-year-old owns a 2-1 career mark in five encounters against the Giants, who selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2009 draft before later trading him to New York for Carlos Beltran. Wheeler once again found the winner's circle on Saturday after scattering six hits over seven innings in a 3-0 win versus Washington.

Suarez put an end to his 0-3 mark in a four-start stretch with a scintillating performance versus Texas, against which he scattered three hits over seven scoreless innings in a 5-3 victory on Saturday. "Once I know I'm getting a lot of ground balls, I know that's when I'm in my game," said the 25-year-old, who induced 12 groundouts and two double plays. Suarez will be making his 24th career start and first appearance versus the Mets on Friday.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Francisco 3B Evan Longoria went 5-for-16 with two homers in the previous series versus New York.

2. Mets 3B David Wright rejoined the team on Thursday as he continues his rehabilitation from back, neck and shoulder injuries.

3. Giants 2B Joe Panik has hit safely in eight of his last 10 games.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Mets 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Syracuse Orange vs. Western Michigan Broncos Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
With 15 total victories in the last four seasons, Syracuse is counting on veteran quarterback Eric Dungey to lead a renaissance. Dungey and the Orange visit Western Michigan on Friday in the season opener for both teams.

Dungey is back for his senior season but no longer has star wideouts Steve Ishmael and Ervin Phillips, who combined for 194 catches and 2,251 yards last season. Dungey once again missed some time due to injury but still threw for 2,495 yards and ran for a team-high 595, accounting for 23 total touchdowns. "I'm really trying to make the most of this last season. I'm trying to leave a legacy," said Dungey, who was challenged by redshirt freshman quarterback Tommy DeVito in the offseason. Western Michigan lost four of six to close its 2017 campaign en route to a 6-6 record as injuries took their toll on the Broncos' depth.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Syracuse -5.5

ABOUT SYRACUSE (2017: 4-8): Dungey averages 296.6 total yards per game for his career, fourth in ACC history behind NFL quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston, but the Orange likely will be more of a running team in 2018. Syracuse returns 94 percent of its rushing yards from a season ago with junior Moe Neal (488 rushing yards) and senior Dontae Strickland (482) joining Dungy in the backfield. Defense likely will be the bigger issue for Syracuse after the team gave up 64, 56 and 42 points in its final three games of 2017.

ABOUT WESTERN MICHIGAN (2017: 6-6): Injuries were a major issue for the Broncos in 2017, as they suffered 21 season-ending injuries, including quarterback Jon Wassink's broken collarbone that ended his campaign after eight games. The versatile junior caught two touchdown passes last season to go with 14 touchdown passes and three rushing scores, although he'll have to shoulder a heavy load. Jarvion Franklin, the school's all-time leading rusher, will be replaced primarily by senior Jamauri Bogan, who ranks among the school's all-time leaders in rushing yards (eighth with 2,563) and rushing TDs (fourth with 27).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Western Michigan coach Tim Lester served on the Syracuse coaching staff from 2013-15.

2. Broncos CB Juwan Dowels is a graduate transfer from Syracuse who played in 24 games for the Orange.

3. Syracuse has won four straight season openers.

PREDICTION: Syracuse 33, Western Michigan 31

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Army Black Knights vs. Duke Blue Devils Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
Duke looks to build off a strong finish to last season with an experienced group on both sides of the ball when it hosts Army on Friday night to open the 2018 campaign. The Blue Devils lost six straight contests in the middle of 2017, including a 21-16 setback at Army, but averaged 36.7 points in three consecutive wins that culminated with a victory over Northern Illinois in the Quick Lane Bowl.

Junior quarterback Daniel Jones threw six touchdown passes and ran for three more in the final three games for Duke last season and leads the offense while preseason All-American cornerback Mark Gilbert keys a well-seasoned defense that will take on Army's triple-option attack. The Black Knights rushed for 226 yards against the Blue Devils in last year's win, but they must introduce a new quarterback with standout Ahmad Bradshaw (1,746 yards on the ground in 2017) gone. Army won eight of the last nine games a year ago, including the Armed Forces Bowl, and won the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy for the first time since 1996. The Black Knights, who went 18-8 in the last two seasons after winning 14 combined in the previous five years, still should be able to move the ball on the ground with a stable of productive and experienced running backs while they search for more consistency on defense.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Duke -13.5

ABOUT ARMY (2017: 10-3): Junior Kelvin Hopkins Jr. from Charlotte, N.C., who ran seven times for 40 yards and passed for 76 more last year, will get the first chance of filling Bradshaw's shoes at quarterback and he can rely on veteran running backs. Seniors Darnell Woolfolk (812 yards rushing, 14 TDs last year) and Andy Davidson (627, five), along with junior Kell Walker (629, six), all have loads of experience to carry the load while Hopkins settles in. The Black Knights' defense gave up at least 28 points in three of its last six games last season and will be led by talented senior linebacker James Nachtigal, who finished with 103 tackles and five sacks in 2017.

ABOUT DUKE (2017: 7-6): Jones will have to improve on his efficiency after throwing 30 touchdown passes while getting intercepted 20 times in his career and completing just 56.7 percent of his attempts in 2017. Jones has plenty of experienced targets with seniors T.J. Rahming (65 catches, 795 yards in 2017), Johnathan Lloyd (39, 367) and Chris Taylor (25, 332), and a group of impressive freshmen who will get chances. Gilbert had six interceptions last year while junior linebacker Joe Giles-Harris (125 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and senior linebacker Ben Humphreys also return for a defense which allowed 20.4 points per game in the last seven of 2017.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Sophomore RB Brittain Brown (701 yards, seven TDs) is the top rusher returning for the Blue Devils.

2. Woolfolk, Davidson and Walker have combined for 48 career TDs on the ground and each ran for 100 yards in a game twice last year.

3. Rahming is fifth all time at Duke in receptions (178) and ninth in receiving yards (2,108), but has just five career TDs.

PREDICTION: Duke 31, Army 14

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Utah State Aggies vs. Michigan State Spartans Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
No. 12 Michigan State enters this season with hopes of contending for a Big Ten title and possibly a national championship, but will have to prove it on the field starting with a home game versus Utah State on Friday night. Coach Mark Dantonio returns 19 of 22 starters from last season's 10-3 campaign including junior quarterback Brian Lewerke, who threw for 2,793 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2017.

The Spartans' offense features a number of playmakers, led by senior running back LJ Scott (898 yards, eight touchdowns on the ground in 2017) and senior receiver Felton Davis III (55 catches, 776 yards, nine touchdowns last season). Defensively, Michigan State may be even better, having allowed only 20 points per game in 2017 and returning nearly every starter. Junior linebacker Joe Bachie is the leader for Dantonio's defense, having paced the Spartans in tackles (100) and forced fumbles (two), and earning team MVP honors a season ago. The Aggies return 18 starters and could provide some troubles if the Michigan State offense isn't sharp, having ranked tied for sixth in the nation in 2017 with 29 forced turnovers.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Michigan State -23.5

ABOUT UTAH STATE (2017: 6-7): The Aggies' quarterback duties are sophomore Jordan Love's this season, after he displaced then-senior Kent Myers partway through the 2017 campaign, finishing with 1,631 yards and eight touchdowns through the air. Love has had an offseason to better learn coach Matt Wells' system, and he'll have plenty of experienced targets to look for in the passing game. The biggest question is how well the Aggies can protect the passer - something the team has struggled with over the past few years - though Love is nimble on his feet and has shown the ability to pick up yards on the ground when he needs.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (2017: 10-3): Despite his team-high rushing yards in 2017, Scott - and many around the team - viewed his junior season as a disappointment, considering he rushed for 96 more yards on 17 fewer carries as a sophomore. The Spartans juggled three running backs in 2017 but this season, Scott should get the bulk of the carries and is hoping to avoid the fumble troubles that plagued him as a junior. Having a more experienced Lewerke under center will make defenses have to respect the Spartans' passing game more, so Scott may be able to find more holes and finally get his first collegiate 1,000-yard rushing campaign.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Lewerke became the first quarterback in school history to throw for more than 2,500 yards and rush for more than 500 (559) in 2017.

2. The Spartans have won 19 straight home openers and are 10-1 under Dantonio in season-opening contests.

3. Michigan State's defense ranked No. 2 in FBS in rushing defense in 2017, allowing 95.3 yards per contest.

PREDICTION: Michigan State 42, Utah State 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Wisconsin Badgers Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in NCAAF

Seventh-ranked Wisconsin looks to live up to its lofty ranking when it kicks off the new season at home against Western Kentucky on Friday. The Badgers went unbeaten in the regular season en route to their third Big Ten West Division title in the last four years before falling to Ohio State in the conference championship game, and the Badgers hope to build on their record-breaking 13-win season by earning a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.

Wisconsin returns several key players on offense, including Heisman Trophy candidate Jonathan Taylor, who set an NCAA freshman rushing record with 1,977 yards. Quarterback Alex Hornibrook is back after throwing 25 touchdowns passes, but the lefthander will be without two major weapons. Junior Quintez Cephus, who was the team's top returning receiver, was suspended indefinitely after he was charged with two counts of sexual assault while Danny Davis will sit out the first two games for his role in the alleged incidents. Wisconsin has won 22 consecutive home openers and can extend its non-conference winning streak at Camp Randall to 40 games with another victory. Western Kentucky is coming off its first losing season since 2010 and hopes to earn the biggest win of Mike Sanford Jr.'s two-season tenure by knocking off a Big Ten opponent for the first time in school history after losing its previous seven meetings.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Wisconsin -36

ABOUT WESTERN KENTUCKY (2017: 6-7): Senior quarterback Drew Eckels will replace Mike White, who threw for 4,177 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. Eckels hopes to prove the critics wrong after the Hilltoppers were picked to finish fifth in Conference USA's East Division. Senior D'Andre Ferby is the favorite to start at running back after rushing for a team-high 373 yards in 2017, but there are four other players vying for playing time in a crowded backfield. "I think that all five guys are going to play against Wisconsin," Sanford told reporters. "We've had opportunities in scrimmages to see who ran the best and that was going to decide the starter but all five of them have done really good things."

ABOUT WISCONSIN (2017: 13-1): Taylor racked up ten 100-yard games to go along with 13 touchdowns in his record-breaking freshman campaign and is poised for another big year with all five starters returning on the offensive line, including All-Americans Beau Benzschawel, Michael Deiter and David Edwards. A.J. Taylor, who caught 31 passes for 475 yards and five touchdowns last season, and Kendric Pryor will be counted on to fill the void left by Cephus and Davis. "It's something we can't control and everybody's accepted it and we're moving forward trying to get better every day," linebacker and team captain T.J. Edwards told reporters. "Those two guys have done a lot in the past but we have a game on Friday and that's our main focus."

EXTRA POINTS

1. Wisconsin has won 10 or more games in four straight seasons.

2. Hornibrook is 20-3 as a starter.

3. The Badgers are 85-10 at home since the start of the 2004 season.

PREDICTION: Wisconsin 41, Western Kentucky 13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego State Aztecs vs. Stanford Cardinal Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 27th August 2018 by Gracenote
Most fans expected Stanford running back Bryce Love to be in the NFL this week, but instead the scholar-athlete will be in the lineup Friday when the 13th-ranked Cardinal hosts San Diego State in the season opener for both teams. Love returns for his senior season after leading all Power 5 running backs last year in yards rushing (2,118), yards per carry (8.1) and 100-yard games (12).

Stanford won the Pac-12 North for the fourth time in the past six seasons last year and returns 18 starters, including Love, the Heisman Trophy runner-up who finished with 19 touchdowns and had 13 rushes of at least 50 yards. "I've never seen anything like what Bryce did last year," coach David Shaw told reporters. "We don't want to take it for granted. We try not to, but you end up doing it. At some point in the game, he's going to leave everybody behind and we line up for a PAT." The loaded Cardinal offense also features their top four receivers from last year and junior quarterback K.J. Costello, who took over as the starter midway through last season. Stanford is looking to avenge last year's 20-17 loss to San Diego State, which has relied on its stellar running game to go 32-9 over the past three seasons.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Stanford -14.5

ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE (2017: 10-3): The Aztecs have had back-to-back 2,000-yard rushers in D.J. Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny and could extend the streak with Juwan Washington, who will receive a heavy workload after rushing for 759 yards seven touchdowns last season. Senior quarterback Christian Chapman returns behind a strong offensive line for the Aztecs, who were picked to finish second in the West Division of the Mountain West. San Diego State ranked 21st nationally in scoring defense last season and returns a strong secondary led by safety Tariq Thompson, who finished with five interceptions.

ABOUT STANFORD (2017: 9-5): The Cardinal was picked to finish second in the North Division of the Pac-12 behind Washington but could surprise if they're able to answer questions on the defensive line, where sophomore Jovan Swann is hoping to build on a strong performance in the Pac-12 championship game. Costello has plenty of weapons on offense with receivers JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Trenton Irwin and tight ends Kaden Smith and Colby Parkinson primed for big seasons. Stanford has allowed only nine sacks over the past 10 games and will be strong up front again with tackle Walker Little and guard Nate Herbig leading the way.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Stanford has won its last 10 home openers, including last season's 58-34 victory over UCLA.

2. San Diego State has won three consecutive games against Pac-12 teams, beating California (2016), winning at Arizona State (2017) and downing Stanford (2017).

3. Stanford is 14-0 at home under Shaw against non-conference opponents.

PREDICTION: Stanford 31, San Diego State 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Buffaloes vs. Colorado State Rams Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in NCAAF

Colorado was unable to follow up on its surprising run to the Pac-12 South division title in 2016, tumbling to the basement a year ago as part of a disappointing campaign that did not include a bowl game. Now, the Buffaloes are looking to bounce back as they kick off the new season Friday night against rival Colorado State at Broncos Stadium in Denver.

Colorado's 5-7 record in 2017 marked the program's 11th losing season in the last 12 and the fourth in five years under coach Mike MacIntyre, who is 12-33 in league play since coming to Boulder from San Jose State. The Buffaloes must rebuild after losing 12 starters, including running back Phillip Lindsay, the program's all-purpose yards leader, and a talented trio of wide receivers. "Yeah, it's a lot more fun to be in first place than down where we were (in 2017)," MacIntyre told reporters in July during his Pac-12 media days news conference. "... We lost a lot of good players (from) the year before and so we had some guys out there who were a little bit newer. We didn't quite make enough situational plays in some games." Colorado State has its own questions to answer following a disappointing 43-34 season-opening home loss Saturday to Hawaii, which entered the game as a two-touchdown underdog.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Colorado -7.5

ABOUT COLORADO (2017: 5-7): The Buffaloes will at least have an experienced starter returning under center in junior Steven Montez, who threw for 2,975 yards and 18 touchdowns last season and is second among the Pac-12 returning total-offense leaders at 276.1 yards per game. Only three other offensive starters are back, though, and none of them are wide receivers Bryce Bobo, Shay Fields or Devin Ross - who combined for 151 catches, 1,824 yards and 11 TDs a season ago. The defensive picture is brighter for Colorado with its top three tacklers returning in linebackers Drew Lewis and Rick Gamboa and safety Evan Worthington.

ABOUT COLORADO STATE (0-1): A dearth of defense was the primary issue in the Rams' loss Saturday as Hawaii jumped out to a 37-7 lead and finished with 617 yards of total offense, including 514 and five total TDs from quarterback Cole McDonald. New starting quarterback K.J. Carta-Samuels, a graduate transfer from Washington, nearly rallied the Rams - completing 34-of-50 passes for 537 yards and five TDs. Colorado State head coach Mike Bobo called offensive plays from the coaches box after returning to practice late last week following a 10-day stay in the hospital while dealing with peripheral neuropathy.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Colorado owns a 65-22-2 advantage in the Rocky Mountain Showdown series, including 17-3 and 44-7 wins the last two seasons.

2. Worthington was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention selection in 2017 and is the latest standout in the Colorado secondary, which has produced a quartet of top four-round NFL Draft picks in the last two drafts.

3. Colorado State enters the season with a run of five straight bowl appearances and is looking to avoid its first 0-2 start since 2013.

PREDICTION: Colorado 34, Colorado State 16

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Montreal Alouettes vs. Ottawa RedBlacks Preview and Predictions 08-31-2018 in CFL

CFL Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/28/2018

The Ottawa Redblacks look to pull away from the pack in the East Division when they host the Montreal Alouettes on Friday. The Redblacks have won four of their last five games, including an impressive 44-21 victory against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before heading into their week off, and can increase their lead to six points at the top of the division standings by completing the season sweep of the Alouettes.

Ottawa beat Montreal 28-18 in Week 4 before edging the Alouettes 24-17 on Aug. 11, and hope to extend their winning streak in the series to seven games. Montreal ended a six-game skid with a 25-22 victory against the Toronto Argonauts in Week 11. Boris Bede kicked the go-ahead field goal with 1:10 remaining to snap a franchise-worst nine-game home losing streak and the Alouettes hope to ride the momentum to back-to-back wins for the first time since October 2016. Antonio Pipken secured the win in his second CFL start while deputizing for Johnny Manziel, but the former Heisman Trophy winner returned to practice after missing the last two games with a concussion while Montreal coach Mike Sherman remained mum on which quarterback would start Friday's clash.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TSN, RDS

ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (2-8): Pipkin completed 22-of-32 passes for 303 yards and rushed for a pair of touchdowns to lead the Alouettes to their first victory in more than seven weeks. "It changes the energy in the room and we know we got a monkey off our back," Pipkin told reporters. "It sets us up to take the next step as we understand that winning is a process." Running backs Tyrell Sutton (quadriceps) and William Stanback (hamstring) will be sidelined Friday but kick returner/running back Stefan Logan came off the six-game injured list and could earn some carries while Montreal brought back defensive end Gabe Knapton, who was released by the BC Lions.

ABOUT THE REDBLACKS (6-3): Linebacker Kyries Hebert, who spent the previous six seasons in Montreal, is ready to return to the lineup after missing the last four games with a leg injury. "So far he looks pretty good and our full intention is to play him unless he has some kind of setback," Ottawa coach Rick Campbell told reporters. "As long as he goes through practice this week and is feeling good then he'll go." Ottawa signed Evan Gill and Dalton Houghton in an effort to add depth to the defensive line while the club released defensive back Reggie Daniels and kicker Felix Menard-Briere.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Trevor Harris has thrown for 1,229 yards over his last three games.

2. Ottawa has won three of its four games against East Division rivals in 2018.

3. Montreal LBs Chris Ackie and Henoc Muamba lead the CFL with 64 tackles apiece.

PREDICTION: Redblacks 33, Alouettes 21

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Best and worst MLB starting pitchers to bet on in September
Marc Lawrence

J.A. Happ was having a good season with the Toronto Blue Jays and has thrived in Yankee pinstripes with an ERA under 2.40.

Like our waistlines after a tasty Labor Day barbeque, MLB rosters expand to accommodate September, the final month of the season. And as College Football and the NFL barge onto the scene, MLB pitchers take the final spotlight in hopes of leading their teams on to the playoff trail. The question is which ones can we count on and which ones figure to be candidates for offseason Weight Watchers meetings?

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team starts the last three seasons during the month of September. On the flip side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in September team starts, winning 33% percent or less of their efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each September over the last three years.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s September’s list. Enjoy the games.

GOOD SEPTEMBER PITCHERS:

Carlos Carrasco, Cleveland Indians • 11-4 (7-2 H)

Carrasco is once again finishing the season with a flourish. Since July, he has really gotten in an excellent groove and is on pace to have his fourth straight strong year as a starter. Playing mostly weak opponents all month, Carrasco and Cleveland should pile up more wins this month.

Cole Hamels, Chicago Cubs • 13-4 (7-2 H)

Hamels has stepped right into the Chicago Cubs rotation and has been motivated by the chance to get back to the playoffs. Cubs coaches have fine-tuned Hamels pitch selection and as a result his ERA is 0.69 with Chicago.

J.A. Happ, New York Yankees • 11-4 (9-0 A)

Happ is another hurler dialed in with a team that is heading to the postseason. The All Star left-hander was having a good season and has thrived in the Yankee pinstripes with an ERA under 2.40. Likely, more winning days ahead.

* Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers • 12-4 (6-2 A)

Remember all the talk of the “sky is falling” about Kershaw? Let's face it his ERA was almost 3.00, which by human standards is fantastic. But not for Kershaw, evidently. Since coming off the DL he's been dealing and guess what, his ERA this season now matches his career norms. Look for more W's in September.

Jon Lester, Chicago Cubs • 13-4 (7-2 H)

After a few bumpy starts in July and August, Lester has gotten back on track and looks to be ready to be the clutch pitcher he's been throughout his career. The lefty has actually been tougher on the road, with more strikeouts, fewer walks and lower batting average allowed as compared to at Wrigley.

Carlos Martinez, St. Louis Cardinals • 11-5 (6-2 A)

Not sure what to expect from Martinez at the moment. He's not pitched since July 30th and been on the DL with shoulder inflammation. His ERA has steadily been rising since June and his walks are way up. Stay tuned.

Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals • 13-4 (7-0 A)

As great as Mad Max has pitched since 2013, this year is setting up to be his masterpiece, even on a .500 team. Scherzer's at a career-low for ERA, opposing batters are hitting under.190 against him and have an OBP of under .250. This is not supposed to happen to 34-year-old pitchers. #magnificent

Luis Severino, New York Yankees • 10-1 (4-0 A)

The Yankees ace was pitching like Scherzer before running into trouble the middle of July. There is no doubt he struggled for a long stretch, however, upon closer inspection, his WHIP, batting average allowed and ERA are very close to career norms. Look for Severino to be fine this month. Note: the 10-1 record is also career mark for Severino.

* Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals • 9-1 (3-0 A)

Once again, Strasburg, after a stellar start, landed on the DL. He's made a couple of late August starts and not been impressive. Typically he finds ways to win games late in the season, even without his best stuff. But can this occur every year?

Josh Tomlin, Cleveland Indians • 10-3 (6-0 A)

Tomlin was terrible early for the Tribe and was sent to the bullpen and later landed on the DL. Unless he comes back and is fantastic, the 33-year might only get a spot start or two to see if he can make the playoff roster.

* Justin Verlander, Houston Astros • 12-4 (7-2 A)

The Astros right-hander is on pace to produce a magnificent season like he did in 2011-12 and with Detroit. Like the other great pitchers that are Verlander's age, he made the adjustment and has continued to be outstanding.


BAD SEPTEMBER PITCHERS:

* Chris Archer, Pittsburgh Pirates • 3-13 (1-9 A)

It turns out Archer is anything but an ace as his career continues to spiral downward. All those years of him just pitching "in tough luck" cannot hide the fact his record is well below .500 and with an ERA to match. Look for more of the same this month.

Ivan Nova, Pittsburgh Pirates • 3-10 (1-5 A)

Month by month, Nova has had an 'incredible' season. His first month he's at a 3.37 ERA, which is followed by 7.51. Nova rebounds exceptionally at 1.75 in June and July he's back up to 5.53. August gave us 4.44. September?

* Chris Sale, Boston Red Sox • 5-10 (2-5 H)

Boston fans and backers have to be concerned with Sale being on the DL twice since July. Their near perfect season could take a major hit if Sale is not pitching well come late September before the playoffs. Buyer beware.

Jordan Zimmermann, Detroit Tigers • 3-7 (2-5 H)

Zimmerman was on the “Play On” September list last year, but a winless September in 2017 bounces him to the “Play Against” category this season. Similar to other pitchers on this list, Zimmermann is a roller-coaster ride. Here we go again!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Friday, August 31


Milwaukee @ Washington

Game 901-902
August 31, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Chacin) 16.256
Washington
(Roark) 13.779
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-125
9
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+105); Over

Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia

Game 903-904
August 31, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Quntana) 16.189
Philadelphia
(Pivetta) 15.138
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-115); Over

Pittsburgh @ Atlanta

Game 905-906
August 31, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Taillon) 17.382
Atlanta
(Sanchez) 14.320
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+100); Over

Cincinnati @ St. Louis

Game 907-908
August 31, 2018 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Bailey) 13.676
St. Louis
(Gomber) 18.346
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 4 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-220
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-220); Over

Arizona @ LA Dodgers

Game 909-910
August 31, 2018 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Greinke) 16.382
LA Dodgers
(Ryu) 17.547
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-130); Under

Colorado @ San Diego

Game 911-912
August 31, 2018 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Senzatela) 14.954
San Diego
(Kennedy) 16.201
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-120
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(+100); Under

NY Mets @ San Francisco

Game 923-924
August 31, 2018 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Wheeler) 16.946
San Francisco
(Suarez) 13.325
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 3 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-120
7
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(+100); Under

Detroit @ NY Yankees

Game 915-916
August 31, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Zmmrmnn) 12.963
NY Yankees
(Severino) 15.340
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-340
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-340); Over

Tampa Bay @ Cleveland

Game 917-918
August 31, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Glasnow) 15.723
Cleveland
(Kluber) 17.579
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-215
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-215); Over

Minnesota @ Texas

Game 919-920
August 31, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Gonsalves) 16.098
Texas
(Hutchison) 12.648
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-135
11
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+115); Under

Boston @ Chicago White Sox

Game 921-922
August 31, 2018 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Eovaldi) 16.684
Chicago White Sox
(Kopech) 15.645
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-160
9
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-160); Over

LA Angels @ Houston

Game 923-924
August 31, 2018 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Barria) 17.881
Houston
(Valdez) 14.472
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-220
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+190); Over

Baltimore @ Kansas City

Game 925-926
August 31, 2018 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Cashner) 16.001
Kansas City
(Keller) 12.839
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-130
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+110); Under

Seattle @ Oakland

Game 927-928
August 31, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Leake) 13.648
Oakland
(Fiers) 17.277
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-135
8
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-135); Over

Toronto @ Miami

Game 929-930
August 31, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Sanchez) 13.471
Miami
(Straily) 12.326
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-115); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, August 31

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MILWAUKEE (75 - 60) at WASHINGTON (67 - 67) - 7:05 PM
JHOULYS CHACIN (R) vs. TANNER ROARK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 75-60 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 77-73 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 29-19 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 53-29 (+23.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 59-43 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHACIN is 19-9 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CHACIN is 19-14 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHACIN is 14-5 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 67-67 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 52-60 (-26.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 32-35 (-21.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 33-31 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-40 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 53-44 (-6.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 31-33 (-11.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
CHACIN is 4-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.06 and a WHIP of 1.220.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

TANNER ROARK vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
ROARK is 4-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.32 and a WHIP of 1.008.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (79 - 54) at PHILADELPHIA (71 - 62) - 7:05 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. NICK PIVETTA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1774-1816 (-262.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1310-1353 (-204.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 95-80 (-20.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 71-62 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 42-24 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 47-28 (+18.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-14 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 36-27 (+11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-18 (+11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 2-1 (+0.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
QUINTANA is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.94 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

NICK PIVETTA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
PIVETTA is 1-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.700.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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PITTSBURGH (65 - 69) at ATLANTA (74 - 59) - 7:35 PM
JAMESON TAILLON (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 32-45 (-13.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 20-46 (-21.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 21-34 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 87-109 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 67-89 (-21.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 74-58 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 94-89 (+24.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 56-37 (+20.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 35-23 (+11.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SANCHEZ is 28-15 (+16.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 26-22 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
TAILLON is 14-5 (+9.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 2-9 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-0 (+3.1 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.1 Units)

JAMESON TAILLON vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SANCHEZ is 3-5 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.62 and a WHIP of 1.024.
His team's record is 3-5 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.5 units)

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CINCINNATI (57 - 77) at ST LOUIS (75 - 59) - 8:15 PM
HOMER BAILEY (R) vs. AUSTIN GOMBER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 21-40 (-14.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BAILEY is 1-17 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 1-11 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 0-10 (-10.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 0-11 (-11.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 21-6 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
GOMBER is 6-0 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 118-109 (-34.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 50-50 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 56-54 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 54-61 (-32.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 11-5 (+4.6 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-1.1 Units, Under=-0.7 Units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
BAILEY is 6-14 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.57 and a WHIP of 1.571.
His team's record is 6-20 (-15.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-12. (-0.4 units)

AUSTIN GOMBER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GOMBER is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 0.632.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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ARIZONA (74 - 60) at LA DODGERS (72 - 62) - 10:10 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. HYUN-JIN RYU (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 26-28 (-11.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 22-33 (-15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARIZONA is 168-132 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 39-29 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ARIZONA is 18-10 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 54-39 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 96-71 (+14.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 72-62 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 35-34 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 30-28 (-14.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 52-44 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 42-40 (-20.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 30-32 (-21.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA DODGERS are 17-18 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA DODGERS are 41-38 (-16.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
RYU is 3-12 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 9-4 (+7.3 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GREINKE is 6-5 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.93 and a WHIP of 1.323.
His team's record is 9-5 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.9 units)

HYUN-JIN RYU vs. ARIZONA since 1997
RYU is 3-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.90 and a WHIP of 1.345.
His team's record is 6-6 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+1.9 units)

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COLORADO (72 - 61) at SAN DIEGO (53 - 83) - 10:10 PM
ANTONIO SENZATELA (R) vs. BRETT KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 324-442 (-94.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
COLORADO is 44-48 (-18.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 72-61 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 21-15 (+9.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
COLORADO is 38-31 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 21-15 (+9.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
COLORADO is 9-2 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday this season.
COLORADO is 54-36 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 44-39 (+7.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 22-45 (-16.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SAN DIEGO is 25-42 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 11-23 (-11.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SAN DIEGO is 17-32 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 3-15 (-11.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 7-9 (+0.4 Units) against COLORADO this season
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.4 Units)

ANTONIO SENZATELA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
SENZATELA is 3-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.50 and a WHIP of 1.111.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

BRETT KENNEDY vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY METS (59 - 74) at SAN FRANCISCO (67 - 68) - 10:15 PM
ZACK WHEELER (R) vs. ANDREW SUAREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 58-74 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 9-22 (-13.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
NY METS are 38-50 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 53-72 (-25.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 67-68 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-9 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WHEELER is 19-12 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 81-113 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 146-164 (-43.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-30 (-15.8 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
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-2 (+0.5 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

ZACK WHEELER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WHEELER is 2-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.45 and a WHIP of 1.221.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.5 units)

ANDREW SUAREZ vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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DETROIT (54 - 80) at NY YANKEES (84 - 50) - 7:05 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. LUIS SEVERINO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 118-178 (-39.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 50-97 (-30.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 8-29 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
DETROIT is 13-36 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 43-73 (-29.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 44-15 (+19.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 14-16 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 22-28 (-17.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-2 (+2.3 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 3-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.09 and a WHIP of 1.094.
His team's record is 3-2 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

LUIS SEVERINO vs. DETROIT since 1997
SEVERINO is 3-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.19 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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TAMPA BAY (71 - 62) at CLEVELAND (76 - 57) - 7:10 PM
TYLER GLASNOW (R) vs. COREY KLUBER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 71-62 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 42-38 (+4.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 49-45 (+6.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 44-25 (+22.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TAMPA BAY is 35-34 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 12-5 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 76-57 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 34-27 (-22.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -250 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 9-12 (-10.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
CLEVELAND is 44-39 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 58-42 (-11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 42-33 (-9.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-29 (-18.2 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.

TYLER GLASNOW vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

COREY KLUBER vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
KLUBER is 4-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.44 and a WHIP of 0.904.
His team's record is 5-3 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-3. (+1.6 units)

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MINNESOTA (62 - 71) at TEXAS (58 - 76) - 8:05 PM
STEPHEN GONSALVES (L) vs. DREW HUTCHISON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 23-42 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 231-230 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 27-10 (+12.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 28-20 (+12.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 21-13 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 171-159 (+30.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 96-87 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-1 (+1.1 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

STEPHEN GONSALVES vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

DREW HUTCHISON vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HUTCHISON is 2-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.41 and a WHIP of 1.408.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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BOSTON (93 - 42) at CHI WHITE SOX (53 - 81) - 8:10 PM
NATHAN EOVALDI (R) vs. MICHAEL KOPECH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 27-23 (+15.9 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 16-12 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 36-42 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 93-42 (+32.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 43-16 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 45-24 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BOSTON is 20-7 (+11.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 101-66 (+27.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 76-28 (+34.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 65-27 (+24.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-2 (+2.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
EOVALDI is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.764.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

MICHAEL KOPECH vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA ANGELS (65 - 69) at HOUSTON (82 - 52) - 8:10 PM
JAIME BARRIA (R) vs. FRAMBER VALDEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 65-69 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 27-36 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 16-25 (-13.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 21-41 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 137-71 (+26.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 16-16 (-17.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -250 this season.
HOUSTON is 35-31 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
HOUSTON is 19-17 (-20.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 3-7 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in home games in August games this season.
HOUSTON is 10-19 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 23-24 (-28.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 15-14 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 47-33 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 8-5 (-0.4 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.7 Units)

JAIME BARRIA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
BARRIA is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.100.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

FRAMBER VALDEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
VALDEZ is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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BALTIMORE (40 - 94) at KANSAS CITY (42 - 91) - 8:15 PM
ANDREW CASHNER (R) vs. BRAD KELLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 40-94 (-45.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 20-40 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 16-50 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 1-15 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-62 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 23-66 (-37.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 20-34 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BALTIMORE is 1-13 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
KANSAS CITY is 42-91 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 21-51 (-24.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 22-45 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 16-34 (-13.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 26-58 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 27-64 (-26.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

ANDREW CASHNER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
CASHNER is 0-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.5 units)

BRAD KELLER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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

SEATTLE (75 - 59) at OAKLAND (80 - 55) - 10:05 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. MICHAEL FIERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 80-55 (+30.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 36-26 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 85-62 (+23.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 48-36 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 53-33 (+24.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 33-21 (+17.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
FIERS is 17-8 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
FIERS is 12-3 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
FIERS is 8-3 (+7.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
FIERS is 11-7 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
FIERS is 7-2 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 75-59 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 41-34 (+6.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 37-31 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SEATTLE is 18-12 (+8.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 52-35 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 53-37 (+17.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 35-35 (+6.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LEAKE is 17-9 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LEAKE is 9-4 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
LEAKE is 9-4 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 8-5 (+3.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.7 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
LEAKE is 1-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.50 and a WHIP of 1.109.
His team's record is 5-1 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)

MICHAEL FIERS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
FIERS is 2-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.66 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+2.8 units)

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

TORONTO (60 - 73) at MIAMI (53 - 81) - 7:10 PM
AARON SANCHEZ (R) vs. DANIEL STRAILY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 60-73 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 81-100 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 22-33 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 25-26 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 25-18 (+15.3 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 19-15 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 14-13 (+9.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
STRAILY is 46-39 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 29-14 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 19-9 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 26-20 (+11.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 46-42 (+5.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 122-111 (+29.1 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

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

AARON SANCHEZ vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

DANIEL STRAILY vs. TORONTO since 1997
STRAILY is 0-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.00 and a WHIP of 1.278.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Friday, August 31


National League
Brewers (75-60) @ Nationals (67-67)
Chacin is 3-1, 2.16 in his last four starts; over is 9-3 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 19-9, 11-6 away
5-inning record: 15-8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-28

Roark is 5-1, 1.81 in his last seven starts; over is 7-3 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 11-15, 5-7 home
5-inning record: 10-13-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-26

Brewers are 5-2 in their last seven games; they’re 5-8 in last 13 road series openers—over is 5-1 in their last six games. Washington won three of its last four games; they won their last five home series openers. Over is 6-1-1 in their last eight home games.

Cubs (79-54) @ Phillies (71-62)
Quintana is 1-2, 5.49 in his last four starts; under is 5-3-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 15-10, 7-7 away
5-inning record: 10-11-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-25

Pivetta is 0-1, 6.61 in his last three starts; over is 9-3-1 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 13-13, 7-6 home
5-inning record: 10-12-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-26

Cubs won eight of their last nine games; they’re 13-8 in road series openers- under is 7-2-1 in their last ten road games. Philly is 3-8 in its last 11 games; they’re 12-9 in home series openers, 15-14 vs vs lefty starters- over is 4-1 in their last five games.

Pirates (65-69) @ Braves (74-59)
Taillon is 3-1, 2.41 in his last five starts; over is 9-5 in his last 14. Team in his starts: 15-11, 8-6 away
5-inning record: 13-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-26

Sanchez is 0-2, 4.19 in his last four starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 10-8, 4-4 home
5-inning record: 7-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Pirates lost seven of their last nine games; they’re 13-9 in road series openers. Under is 13-4 in their last 17 games. Atlanta lost six of its last seven home games; they’re 12-9 in home series openers- their last three games went over.

Reds (57-77) @ Cardinals (75-59)
Bailey is 0-5, 6.83 in his last five starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 1-17, 1-7 away
5-inning record: 2-14-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-18

Gomber is 3-0, 2.78 in his six starts (under 3-2-1). Team in his starts: 6-0, 1-0 home
5-inning record: 6-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-6

Reds lost eight of their last ten games; they’re 8-13 in road series openers, 17-17 vs vs lefty starters- under is 4-1 in their last five road games. St Louis is 17-4 in its last 21 games; they’re 5-0 in last five home series openers. Under is 5-1 in their last six home games.

Diamondbacks (73-61) @ Dodgers (72-62)
Greinke is 3-3, 2.49 in his last seven starts; under is 9-2 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 16-11, 8-5 road
5-inning record: 16-7-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-27

Ryu is 1-1, 2.87 in his three starts this month; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 6-3, 4-1 home
5-inning record: 6-1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-9

Arizona lost four of its last seven games; they’re 25-20 vs vs lefty starters—eight of their last ten games stayed under. Dodgers won five of their last six games; over is 7-4-1 in their last 12 games.

Rockies (72-61) @ Padres (53-83)
Senzatela is 2-3, 4.81 in his seven starts (under 5-2). Team in his starts: 3-4, 1-3 road
5-inning record: 2-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-7

Kennedy is 0-2, 7.58 in his four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 0-4, 0-2 home
5-inning record: 0-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Colorado is 8-5 in its last 13 games; under is 9-4 in their last 13 games. San Diego won four of its last five home games; four of their last six games went over.

Mets (59-74) @ Giants (67-68)
Wheeler is 7-0, 1.68 in his last eight starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 12-13, 6-4 road
5-inning record: 12-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-25

Suarez is 1-1, 4.02 in his last three starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 10-13, 4-6 home
5-inning record: 7-9-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-23

Mets lost three of their last four games; they’re 13-9 in road series openers, 13-21 vs lefty starters- over is 6-3 in their last nine road games. Giants won four of their last five games; they’re 1-4 in last five home series openers. Under is 7-1 in their last eight home games.

American League
Detroit (54-80) @ New York (84-50)
Zimmerman is 2-2, 5.40 in his last four starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 10-9, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 10-8-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-19

Severino is 3-1, 4.98 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 21-6, 11-1 home.
5-inning record: 18-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-27

Tigers lost five of their last six games; over is 5-2 in their last seven road games. New York won five of its last eight games; five of their last six games stayed under.

Rays (71-62) @ Indians (76-57)
Glasnow is 0-1, 4.18 in his five starts for Tampa Bay (under 3-1-1). Team in his starts: 3-2, 0-2 away (home team won all five)
5-inning record: 2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-5

Kluber is 4-1, 2.93 in his last six starts; over is 15-3-1 in his last 19 starts. Team in his starts: 17-10, 9-5 home.
5-inning record: 17-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-27

Rays won nine of their last ten games; they’re 2-10 in last 12 road series openers- over is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Cleveland lost five of its last eight games; they’re 11-11 in home series openers- under is 9-3 in their last 12 home games.

Minnesota (62-71) @ Texas (58-76)
Gonsalves is 0-2, 11.37 in his two starts (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 0-2, 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Hutchison is 1-1, 8.82 in his four starts (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 2-2, 1-1 home.
5-inning record: 1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-4

Twins lost five of their last six games; they’re 7-15 in road series openers- under is 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Texas lost its last four games; they’re 15-26 vs lefty starters, 8-14 in home series openers- under is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Red Sox (93-42) @ White Sox (53-81)
Eovaldi is 0-2, 11.12 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 3-3, 1-2 away
5-inning record: 2-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-6

Kopech is 1-0, 1.13 in his first two starts (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 1-1, 0-1 home.
5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Red Sox won their last three games; over is 6-2 in their last eight games. Chicago is 11-5 in its last 16 games; under is 4-2 in their last six games.

Angels (65-69) @ Astros (82-52)
Barria is 2-1, 2.89 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 9-11, 5-3 away
5-inning record: 10-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Valdez allowed one run in five IP (77 PT) in his first ’18 start (under 1-0). Team in his starts: 1-0, 0-0 home.
5-inning record: 1-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Angels lost six of their last seven games; they’re 15-25 vs lefty starters- over is 8-6 in their last 14 games. Houston won eight of its last 11 games; over is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Orioles (40-94) @ Royals (42-91)
Cashner is 0-2, 6.23 in his last two starts; his last three stayed under. Team in his starts: 8-17, 4-8 away
5-inning record: 7-14-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-25

Keller is 2-0, 2.12 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-8, 6-2 home.
5-inning record: 6-5-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15

Baltimore won its last three games; they lost their last eight road series openers. Under is 5-1 in their last six road games. Royals won five of their last six home games; they’re 4-3 in last seven home series openers. Over is 7-4 in their last 11 home games.

Mariners (75-59) @ A’s (80-55)
Leake is 0-2, 3.58 in his last five starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 17-9, 9-4 away
5-inning record: 10-8-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-26

Fiers is 3-0, 1.50 in his four Oakland starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 4-0, 3-0 home.
5-inning record: 4-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Mariners are 6-9 in their last 15 games; under is 5-2 in their last seven road games. A’s are 19-9 in their last 28 games, 2-3 in last five; four of their last six games stayed under.

Interleague
Blue Jays (60-73) @ Marlins (53-81)
Sanchez is 0-0, 6.75 in his last four starts; over is 7-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 7-9, 3-4 away
5-inning record: 3-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16

Straily is 1-1, 4.09 in his last four starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-11, 6-4 home.
5-inning record: 7-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-21

Blue Jays lost their last four games; they’re 6-10 in last 16 road series openers. Over is 7-2 in their last nine road games. Miami lost its last three games; they’re 1-6 in last seven home series openers. Under is 7-1 in their last eight home games.

______________________________

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 8/30
Ariz 35-23-10……33-22-10……..68-45
Atl 30-28-10…..33-23-9………63-51
Cubs 25-27-13……32-28-9…….57-55
Reds 21-40-4……25-32-10….…46-72
Colo 33-24-14……33-23-8……65-48
LA 34-23-8…….31-26-14……66-49
Miami 23-33-9…..27-28-15…….50-61
Milw 27-33-9…..34-25-7…….61-58
Mets 31-30-5……26-27-15…..57-55
Philly 26-26-15…..34-21-10……60-47
Pitt 29-29-7……29-27-13……..58-56
StL 34-25-10……29-30-6………63-55
SD 20-39-10……23-34-9…….43-73
SF 29-30-12…..27-24-13……56-54
Wash 29-28-13..…29-25-10……58-53

Orioles 18-37-12……21-37-11……39-73
Boston 32-24-14……41-18-6……..73-42
W Sox 23-40-6…..…21-35-10……44-75
Indians 27-27-13……41-17-9……..68-44
Det 21-35-10…..…30-30-11.……51-65
Astros 37-18-15……33-20-13…….70-37
KC 20-38-8…….27-32-10…..47-70
Angels 28-27-12……28-32-8……56-59
Twins 21-35-11……32-31-8…..53-66
NYY 33-21-11……41-21-8………74-41
A’s 26-32-11……28-26-12…..54-58
Seattle 33-29-9……29-24-14…….62-51
TB 30-26-12……31-25-9……60-50
Texas 22-35-8…..25-37-7…….47-72
Toronto 18-37-11…23-30-15……41-66

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 8/30)
Ariz 28-67…….25-66…..…53
Atl 21-67……27-65………48
Cubs 12-65……..22-66……..34
Reds 15-66……..16-69……..31
Colo 22-70…….24-64.…….46
LA 22-65……..25-69..…..47
Miami 14-65……..19-69…….33
Milw 23-68…..…25-68…….48
Mets 27-65……..21-68……48
Philly 16-67……..21-66……37
Pitt 15-65……..19-70…….34
StL 23-69……..20-65…….43
SD 19-70……..19-67…….38
SF 13-69………21-67..…..34
Wash 25-70……..19-64……..44

Orioles 19-67……..20-68………39
Boston 19-69……25-66………44
White Sox 19-68……17-65…….36
Clev 18-66…….28-66……..46
Detroit 21-66……..20-69….…41
Astros 20-69…..…15-66………35
KC 16-66..…….21-67…….37
Angels 17-65…..….18-68…….35
Twins 15-65………15-68…….30
NYY 15-65……..28-69………43
A’s 18-71…..…..18-66…….36
Seattle 27-69………21-67…….48
TB 21-68..……20-64…….41
Texas 10-65……19-68…….…29
Toronto 17-66………14-67….….31

Interleague play- 2018
NL @ AL– 71-67 NL, favorites +$100
AL @ NL– 68-56 NL, favorites -$167
Total: 139-123 NL, favorites -$67

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Friday, August 31

Trend Report

Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Washington
Washington Nationals
Washington is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Washington's last 13 games
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games at home
Washington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee


Detroit Tigers
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games
Detroit is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing NY Yankees
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
New York Yankees
NY Yankees is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
NY Yankees is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games
NY Yankees is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing Detroit
NY Yankees is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
NY Yankees is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit


Chicago Cubs
Chi Cubs is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Chi Cubs is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Chi Cubs's last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chi Cubs's last 10 games on the road
Chi Cubs is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
Chi Cubs is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 14-4 ATS in its last 18 games at home
Philadelphia is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games at home
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 9 games at home
Philadelphia is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Chi Cubs
Philadelphia is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 9 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs


Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 11 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Tampa Bay is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland Indians
Cleveland is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
Cleveland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Cleveland is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay


Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 9 games when playing Miami
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami Marlins
Miami is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Miami is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games at home
Miami is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 9 games when playing Toronto
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto


Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Pittsburgh's last 13 games
Pittsburgh is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Pittsburgh's last 12 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 12 games
Atlanta is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Atlanta's last 12 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh


Minnesota Twins
Minnesota is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Minnesota is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Texas
Minnesota is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Texas
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas Rangers
Texas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games
Texas is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games at home
Texas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Texas is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota


Boston Red Sox
Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
Boston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Chi White Sox
Boston is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chicago White Sox
Chi White Sox is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Chi White Sox is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games
Chi White Sox is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Chi White Sox is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 7 games at home
Chi White Sox is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Boston
Chi White Sox is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi White Sox's last 7 games when playing Boston
Chi White Sox is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
Chi White Sox is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston


Los Angeles Angels
LA Angels is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
LA Angels is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games on the road
LA Angels is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Houston
LA Angels is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Houston
LA Angels is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
LA Angels is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of LA Angels's last 15 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston Astros
Houston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Houston is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 games at home
Houston is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games at home
Houston is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing LA Angels
Houston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing LA Angels
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Houston's last 15 games when playing at home against LA Angels


Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
Baltimore is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games
Baltimore is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
Baltimore is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Baltimore's last 10 games when playing Kansas City
Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Baltimore's last 19 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Kansas City is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games
Kansas City is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Kansas City is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Kansas City is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Kansas City's last 10 games when playing Baltimore
Kansas City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Kansas City's last 19 games when playing at home against Baltimore


Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Cincinnati is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Cincinnati is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. Louis
Cincinnati is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 10 games when playing St. Louis
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
St. Louis is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games
St. Louis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
St. Louis is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games at home
St. Louis is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing Cincinnati
St. Louis is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 7 of St. Louis's last 10 games when playing Cincinnati
St. Louis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati


Seattle Mariners
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games
Seattle is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games on the road
Seattle is 15-2 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Oakland
Seattle is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Seattle's last 9 games when playing Oakland
Seattle is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Seattle is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland Athletics
Oakland is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 7 games
Oakland is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Oakland's last 15 games at home
Oakland is 2-15 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Seattle
Oakland is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Oakland's last 9 games when playing Seattle
Oakland is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Seattle
Oakland is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle


Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games
Arizona is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Arizona is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing LA Dodgers
Arizona is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing LA Dodgers
Arizona is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Arizona's last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
LA Dodgers is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games
LA Dodgers is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games
LA Dodgers is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games at home
LA Dodgers is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Arizona
LA Dodgers is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Arizona
LA Dodgers is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Arizona
LA Dodgers is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games when playing at home against Arizona


Colorado Rockies
Colorado is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Colorado is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Colorado's last 11 games
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games on the road
Colorado is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing San Diego
San Diego Padres
San Diego is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
San Diego is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games
San Diego is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
San Diego is 6-17 SU in its last 23 games at home
San Diego is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing Colorado


New York Mets
NY Mets is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games
NY Mets is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 9 games on the road
NY Mets is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing San Francisco
NY Mets is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Francisco
NY Mets is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
NY Mets is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco Giants
San Francisco is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games
San Francisco is 6-16 ATS in its last 22 games at home
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games at home
San Francisco is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets
San Francisco is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Mets

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Weather Report

Friday, August 31

http://i64.tinypic.com/wv31j4.jpg
http://i65.tinypic.com/wufeyg.jpg
http://i66.tinypic.com/14wpwsh.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/dljdzs.jpg
http://i64.tinypic.com/2w2in2o.jpg

[Can'tPickAWinner]

WNBA
Dunkel

Friday, August 31


Atlanta @ Washington

Game 601-602
August 31, 2018 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
115.025
Washington
116.217
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1
163
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 2 1/2
161
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+2 1/2); Over

Seattle @ Phoenix

Game 603-604
August 31, 2018 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
115.477
Phoenix
114.525
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1
180
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 2 1/2
174 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+2 1/2); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Friday, August 31

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

ATLANTA (24 - 12) at WASHINGTON (23 - 13) - 8/31/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
ATLANTA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in August or September games this season.
ATLANTA is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) after allowing 75 points or more this season.
ATLANTA is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.
ATLANTA is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games this season.
ATLANTA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game this season.
ATLANTA is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games this season.
ATLANTA is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-55 ATS (-26.5 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 186-241 ATS (-79.1 Units) after a division game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-3 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 7-4 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

SEATTLE (28 - 8) at PHOENIX (22 - 16) - 8/31/2018, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 79-108 ATS (-39.8 Units) in road games after a division game since 1997.
PHOENIX is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in August or September games this season.
PHOENIX is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) on Friday this season.
PHOENIX is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
PHOENIX is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.
PHOENIX is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games this season.
SEATTLE is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 this season.
SEATTLE is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) after allowing 75 points or more this season.
SEATTLE is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in road games after scoring 75 points or more this season.
SEATTLE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games this season.
SEATTLE is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in home games after allowing 75 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 7-5 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 7-5 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

WNBA

Friday, August 31

Trend Report

Atlanta Dream
Atlanta is 16-2-1 ATS in its last 19 games
Atlanta is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Atlanta's last 16 games
Atlanta is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Atlanta is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 3-6-2 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Atlanta's last 16 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 11 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington Mystics
Washington is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Washington is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 9 games at home
Washington is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Washington's last 16 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 11 games when playing at home against Atlanta


Seattle Storm
Seattle is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games
Seattle is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Seattle is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Seattle is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games on the road
Seattle is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Phoenix
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Seattle is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Seattle is 15-7 ATS in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Phoenix is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Phoenix's last 8 games at home
Phoenix is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Seattle
Phoenix is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games when playing Seattle
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Seattle
Phoenix is 7-15 ATS in its last 22 games when playing at home against Seattle
Phoenix is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Betting Recap - Week 11
Joe Williams

League Betting Notes

-- Favorites/underdogs went 2-2 SU in Week 11
-- Underdogs went 3-1 ATS in Week 11
-- Home teams posted a 3-1 SU record in Week 11
-- Home/road teams posted a 2-2 ATS record in Week 11
-- The 'Under' went 3-1 in Week 11

Analysis

Hamilton (4-5) was back in action after a bye, topping Edmonton (6-4) by a 25-24 count in the Hammer. The Eskimos had the unenviable task of playing five days later after a win at home on Aug. 18 against Montreal (2-8). It has been rough for the Esks lately, allowing 26.3 points per game (PPG) across their past three.

As far as the Ti-Cats are concerned, they have won two of their past three straight-up, while going 2-1 ATS in the past three as well. The 'under' is 5-1-1 over their past seven games despite the fact they have averaged 29.3 PPG in their past three.

For the Alouettes, they snapped a six-game losing streak with a victory over rival Toronto (3-6), as QB Johnny Manziel earned his first victory under center. They scored 25 points to set a new season best, topping the 24 points they posted in their previous game in Edmonton. The Als are suddenly putting it together, and they have covered in a season-high three consecutive games, too.

For the Argonauts, they dropped to 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS in four trips away from home with their loss in Montreal. The 'under' is also 3-1 in their four forays onto the road. They'll have a bye in Week 12 before a home-and-home with the Ti-Cats in Week 13-14.

Calgary (8-1) snapped back on track after their first loss in Week 10, posting a 39-26 win and cover against Winnipeg (5-5). The Stamps defense has been a problem over the past four outings, allowing 26.5 PPG after yielding just 9.2 PPG through the first five contests. As a result, the under was 5-0 in their first five, and the over is 3-1 across the past four.

The Blue Bombers opened the season with a respectable 5-2 ATS mark in their first seven contest, but they have failed to cover in a season-high three straight. The 'over' is 4-1 in their past five, too, while going 7-3 in their 10 games overall. The D has been especially pitiful lately, allowing a total of 83 points across the past two.

The upward ascent for Saskatchewan (5-4) continued with a 24-21 road win against the BC Lions (3-5). They'll look for a season-high third straight when they kick off a home-and-home with the Bombers on Sept. 2.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 12
David Schwab

Week 11 Betting Recap

For the second week in a row, the underdogs in the CFL were the best bet against the spread at 3-1. Edmonton got things going last Thursday in a 25-24 loss to Hamilton as a 3 ½-point underdog on the road. In Friday’s action, Montreal pulled off the straight-up upset with a last-second 25-22 victory against Toronto as a five-point underdog at home.

Saturday’s doubleheader of games got underway with Calgary bouncing back from last week’s unexpected loss with a solid 39-26 victory over Winnipeg as a 7 ½-point home favorite. Week 11 closed things out with Saskatchewan squeezing past British Columbia 24-21 after closing as a 2 ½-point road underdog.

Friday, Aug. 31

Montreal Alouettes (2-8 SU, 5-5 ATS) at Ottawa RedBlacks (6-3 SU, 4-5 ATS)
Point-spread: Ottawa -13
Total: 51 ½

Game Overview

Montreal snapped a straight-up six-game losing streak with last Friday night’s upset and it has now covered in it last three games. The total stayed UNDER 52 ½-points against the Argonauts and it has stayed UNDER in six of the Alouettes’ first 10 contests. The quarterback situation in Montreal has been an issue all year long, but the offense has found some better consistency over the past two weeks with Antonio Pipkin as the starter. He has completed 63.2 percent of his 57 passing attempts for 520 yards.

The RedBlacks come off a Week 11 bye with a two-game lead over Hamilton in the East. They beat Montreal 24-17 on Aug. 11, but could not cover the heavy 14-point spread at home. Ottawa also won the first meeting early in the season 28-18 as a 7 ½-point road favorite. The total stayed UNDER in each of those two wins. Trevor Harris is third in the CFL in passing with 2,735 yards through nine starts.

Betting Trends

-- Ottawa has won the last five meetings SU and it has a 5-1 edge ATS in its last six games against Montreal. The total has stayed UNDER in the last five matchups in the East Division clash.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL
Dunkel

Week 12

Friday, August 31

Montreal @ Ottawa

Game 641-642
August 31, 2018 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
101.155
Ottawa
115.010
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 14
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
by 17
51
Dunkel Pick:
Montreal
(+17); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 12

Friday, August 31

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

MONTREAL (2 - 8) at OTTAWA (6 - 3) - 8/31/2018, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 22-39 ATS (-20.9 Units) in road games when playing on a Friday since 1996.
MONTREAL is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 6-2 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 7-1 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL

Week 12

Trend Report

Friday, August 31

Montreal Alouettes
Montreal is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Montreal is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 games
Montreal is 2-19 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Montreal's last 12 games
Montreal is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Montreal is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Montreal's last 7 games on the road
Montreal is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Ottawa
Montreal is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing Ottawa
Montreal is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Ottawa RedBlacks
Ottawa is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Ottawa is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Ottawa is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Montreal
Ottawa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing Montreal
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Montreal

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL

Week 12


Montreal (2-8) @ Ottawa (6-3) (-16.5, 51.5)— Ottawa is already 2-0 vs the Alouettes this season, winning first meeting 28-18 in Montreal, then 24-17 here three weeks ago- road team covered both those games. Montreal snapped a 6-game losing skid by upsetting Toronto at home LW; Alouettes are 1-4 SU on road; they covered last four away games, with last three road losses by 17-7-16 points. Ottawa is 5-0 when they allow 21 of fewer points, 1-3 when they allow 24+; RedBlacks are 3-1 SU at home, 1-2 as a home favorite. Under is 4-1 in Ottawa road games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAF
Long Sheet

Friday, August 31

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

UTAH ST (6 - 7) at MICHIGAN ST (10 - 3) - 8/31/2018, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

SYRACUSE (4 - 8) at W MICHIGAN (6 - 6) - 8/31/2018, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SYRACUSE is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) against MAC opponents since 1992.

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

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

W KENTUCKY (6 - 7) at WISCONSIN (13 - 1) - 8/31/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W KENTUCKY is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

COLORADO (5 - 7) vs. COLORADO ST (7 - 6) - 8/31/2018, 9:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-0 against the spread versus COLORADO ST over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 2-0 straight up against COLORADO ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

SAN DIEGO ST (10 - 3) at STANFORD (9 - 5) - 8/31/2018, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO ST is 1-0 against the spread versus STANFORD over the last 3 seasons
SAN DIEGO ST is 1-0 straight up against STANFORD over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

ARMY (10 - 3) at DUKE (7 - 6) - 8/31/2018, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DUKE is 1-1 against the spread versus ARMY over the last 3 seasons
DUKE is 1-1 straight up against ARMY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAF

Week 1

Trend Report

Friday, August 31

Syracuse @ Western Michigan
Syracuse
Syracuse is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Syracuse's last 19 games

Western Michigan
Western Michigan is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home
Western Michigan is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games

Monmouth-New Jersey @ Eastern Michigan
Monmouth-New Jersey
Monmouth-New Jersey is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

Eastern Michigan
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Eastern Michigan's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Eastern Michigan's last 10 games at home

Utah State @ Michigan State
Utah State
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Utah State's last 11 games on the road
Utah State is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games

Michigan State
Michigan State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Michigan State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

Army @ Duke
Army
Army is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Army is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

Duke
Duke is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Duke's last 11 games

San Diego State @ Stanford
San Diego State
San Diego State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
San Diego State is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road

Stanford
Stanford is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Stanford is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

Western Kentucky @ Wisconsin
Western Kentucky
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Western Kentucky's last 8 games
Western Kentucky is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games

Wisconsin
Wisconsin is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games
Wisconsin is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home

Portland State @ Nevada
Portland State
Portland State is 2-16 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Portland State is 2-16 SU in its last 18 games

Nevada
Nevada is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Nevada is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games

Colorado @ Colorado State
Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado's last 10 games when playing Colorado State
Colorado is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Colorado State

Colorado State
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado State's last 10 games when playing Colorado
Colorado State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAF

Week 1

Friday, August 31/Saturday, September 1 best 13 games

Colorado won its last three games with Colorado State 17-3/44-7/27-24; Buffaloes are 12-8 as favorites under MacIntyre, but were just 1-4 LY. Buffs’ QB Montez has 15 career starts; they’ve got only 10 starters back, four on offense. Colorado State (last week’s info). Under Bobo, Rams are 6-8 vs spread out of conference; they covered nine of last 12 games as an underdog. Last three year, Pac-12 teams are 18-15-1 vs spread when facing a Mountain West foe.

Northern Illinois (+3) upset Iowa 30-27 in last meeting five years ago; Huskies covered four of last five games vs Big 14 opponents. NIU has 14 starters back, 8 on offense- their OL has 111 starters back. Huskies are 10-3 vs spread as home underdogs under Carey; their QB is a sop with only 7 career starts. Iowa is 12-22-1 vs spread in its last 35 home games; they’ve got 13 starters back, 7 on offense. Hawkeyes’ QB is a junior with 13 starts. Last three years, MAC teams are 19-10-1 vs spread when playing a Big 14 opponent.

Maryland (+17) went to Austin LY and shocked Texas 51-41, running ball for 263 yards, but Terps had a terrible off-season, with a player dying in conditioning workouts. Hard to tell what effect that will have, but it won’t be good. Maryland is 5-7 vs spread at home with Durkin; their OL has 105 returning starts, but their QB has almost no experience. Texas covered four of five on road in Herman’s first year; Longhorns have two experienced QB’s- their OL has 102 starts. Last four years, Big X teams are 6-5-1 vs spread when playing a Big 14 opponent.

Vanderbilt won its last three games with Middle Tennessee, winning 47-24 (-3) in last meeting here in ‘16. Commodores have 12 starters back, 7 on offense- their senior QB Shurmur (30 starts) is son of the NJ Giants’ coach. Vandy is 13-14 vs spread at home under Mason, 4-8 when a home favorite. MTSU has 17 starters back, 9 on defense; senior QB Stockstill (32 starts) is the coach’s son. Blue Raiders are 6-10-1 in last 17 games as road underdogs. Last three years, SEC teams are 13-6-1 vs spread against Conference USA opponents.

Arizona (-1.5) beat BYU 18-16 in last meeting two years ago, on a neutral field. Arizona debut for Kevin Sumlin, who was 13-19-1 as home favorite in his last job (Tex A&M). Since 2012, Wildcats are 11-13-1 as home favorites; they’ve got 16 starters back, 9 on defense- their mobile junior QB Tate has 9 starts. Arizona’s OL has 66 returning starts. BYU has senior QB with 21 starts; their OL has only 39 returning starts. Cougars have 14 starters back, 7 on both sides of ball; they’re 7-3 as road underdogs under Sitake.

Long trip into SEC country (Atlanta) for Washington squad that has senior QB with 39 career starts, an OL with 97 career starts. Under Petersen, U-Dub is 17-14 vs spread away from home. Huskies have 17 starters back, 9 on defense. Since 2014, Auburn is just 5-14-1 vs spread in out of conference games; Tigers have junior QB with 17 starts- their OL has only 40 returning starts. Auburn has 13 returning starters, 7 on defense. Last seven years, SEC teams are 8-3 vs Pac-12 opponents, but Pac-12 teams won both matchups LY.

Ole Miss-Tex Tech haven’t met since 2009; last two years, Rebels were 2-6 vs spread outside the SEC. Ole Miss has 15 starters back, 8 on offense- their OL has 102 returning starts. Rebels’ QB is a senior with only 5 career starts. Tech has a new QB; they’ve got 10 starters back on defense- their OL has 93 returning starts, but only one starter is a senior. Under Kingsbury, Red Raiders are 9-8-1 vs spread out of conference. Last seven years, Big X teams are 11-10 vs spread when facing an SEC opponent. This game is in Houston, so Tech will have crowd edge.

West Virginia has 12 starters back, 7 on offense; their OL has 65 returning starts, the senior QB has 16 career starts. Mountaineers covered only one of last nine neutral field games. Tennessee has a new coach, their 5th coach in 11 years. Since 2012, Vols are 12-15 vs spread out of conference. Tennessee’s OL has 51 returning starts; their grad transfer QB had 13 career starts at Stanford. Last seven years, Big X teams are 11-10 vs spread when facing an SEC opponent. This game is in Charlotte, NC, so crowd support should be fairly even.

North Carolina QB Surratt is suspended here for selling his sneakers; some of UNC’s offensive line are also out. Cal (+12) won 35-30 in Chapel Hill last season, throwing for 363 yards. Tar Heels have 13 starters back, 8 on defense; their OL has only 19 returning starts- since 2015, UNC is 10-4 vs spread on road. California covered nine of its last 12 home games; they’ve got 18 starters back, 10 on offense. Bears’ junior QB has 12 starts; their OL has 76 returning starts. Last four years, ACC teams are 8-3 vs spread when facing a Pac-12 team.

Home side won last four Michigan-Notre Dame games; teams last met in 2014. Irish won 31-0 in last meeting here. Wolverines are 6-8 vs spread on road under Harbaugh; their new QB is Ole Miss transfer Patterson, who started 10 games at Ole Miss. Michigan has 17 returning starters, 9 on defense; their OL has 54 returning starts. Notre Dame has 15 returning starters, 9 on defense; their OL has 65 returning starters, their QB has 12. Since 2011, Irish are 14-11 vs spread at home- they covered their last three games as a home underdog.

Alabama hasn’t announced their starting QB yet; obviously both are good. Crimson Tide covered four of its last five season openers. Alabama has 103 returning starts on its OL, but has only three returning starters on defense- they’ve got injury problems at linebacker. Louisville is 6-4 vs spread in its last ten games as an underdog; Cardinals have a new QB- their OL has 79 returning starts, their defense has only four returning starters. Last three years, ACC teams are 20-14-1 vs spread when playing SEC opponents. This game is in Orlando.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAF
Dunkel

Week 1

Friday, August 31

Utah State @ Michigan State

Game 141-142
August 31, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah State
77.858
Michigan State
92.161
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Michigan State
by 14 1/2
43
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Michigan State
by 23 1/2
49 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Utah State
(+23 1/2); Under

Syracuse @ Western Michigan

Game 143-144
August 31, 2018 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Syracuse
80.332
Western Michigan
78.612
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Syracuse
by 1 1/2
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Syracuse
by 6
64 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Western Michigan
(+6); Under

Western Kentucky @ Wisconsin

Game 145-146
August 31, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Western Kentucky
66.124
Wisconsin
110.286
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wisconsin
by 44
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wisconsin
by 34
51
Dunkel Pick:
Wisconsin
(-34); Over

Colorado State @ Colorado

Game 147-148
August 31, 2018 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado State
71.613
Colorado
85.867
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 14
67
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
by 7 1/2
61 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-7 1/2); Over

San Diego St @ Stanford

Game 149-150
August 31, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego St
84.950
Stanford
102.803
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Stanford
by 18
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Stanford
by 14 1/2
48 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Stanford
(-14 1/2); Over

Army @ Duke

Game 159-160
August 31, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Army
82.188
Duke
102.259
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Duke
by 20
50
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Duke
by 13 1/2
45 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Duke
(-13 1/2); Over

Monmouth @ Eastern Michigan

Game 237-238
August 31, 2018 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Monmouth
61.466
Eastern Michigan
75.401
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Eastern Michigan
by 14
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Eastern Michigan
by 16 1/2
60 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Monmouth
(+16 1/2); Under

Portland St @ Nevada

Game 239-240
August 31, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland St
51.405
Nevada
69.809
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nevada
by 18 1/2
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nevada
by 24
71
Dunkel Pick:
Portland St
(+24); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

2018 Independents Preview
Marc Lawrence

Declaration Of Independence

During its first six years of being an independent team BYU won 52 games, with never fewer than 8 victories in any one season. Last year, however, the Cougars’ fortune suffered a major plummet, winning just 4 games behind an offense that ranked that ranked No. 118 in the nation – worse than Kansas, Rice and Ball State. It was BYU’s first losing season since 2004, making them a true “mission team” - in more ways than one - this campaign.

If QB Tanner Magnum is good enough to fend off true freshman Zach Wilson the Cougars could find themselves bowling by season’s end. If not head coach Kalani Sitake could be issued a declaration of departure. Stay tuned.

Ups And Downs

The ranks of football independents have increased and decreased with each passing season since 2011, when BYU left the Mountain West Conference.

It increased by two teams in 2013 when the Western Athletic Conference dropped football, paving the way for the inclusion of New Mexico and Idaho. Then is 2014 it lost two teams when Idaho and New Mexico State became football only members of the Sun Belt Conference. In 2015 Navy bolted for the American Athletic Conference as a football-only entrant. 2016 saw the addition of UMass, with New Mexico State returning in 2017. The new kids on the block, Liberty, join the Independents in 2018 as the revolving door continues to swing like a turnstile.

Note: The numbers following each team name represents the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, along with the number of returning linemen, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback.

ARMY (Offense – 6/2, Defense – 8/1, 47 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: MARCHING TO A DIFFERENT DRUM

Thanks to a 10-win effort last year, just the second of all-time, Army celebrated consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1990. Yet they managed it despite going backwards on both sides of the ball. The formula was simple: The Black Knights were the No. 1 team in the nation in Rushing Offense, as well as the No. 3 team in Red Zone Defense. This season they will put a new quarterback behind a rebuilding offensive front line. And while the defense returns a good portion of last year’s starters, it loses its two best playmakers in DE John Voit and LB Alex Aukerman. Having to tackle only 3 bowlers this season is a good thing. Facing only one losing foe away from home is not.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Last year was only the second time that Army defeated Navy and won a bowl game in the same year.

PASS

BYU (Offense – *7/1, Defense – 7/3, 62 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: MISSION TEAM

A combination of youth and inexperience, with 25 members of the two-deep missing time with injuries, contributed to a rare losing season for the Cougars last year. It marked their first losing campaign since 2004, making them a true “mission team” in every sense of the word this season. And it could well be lights-out for head coach Kalani Sitake should BYU continue to regress on both sides of the ball for a third-straight year under his watch. Worse, only four foes on last year’s itinerary owned winning seasons the previous year. More concerning is that in two seasons under Sitake, the Cougars have forgotten how to pass the football. Fortunately, senior QB Tanner Magnum returns after a ruptured Achilles tendon curtailed his season last year.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: QB Magnum passed for 3,377 yards in 2015 – Bronco Mendenhall’s final season as BYU head coach.

PLAY ON: vs. Utah State (10/5) - *KEY

LIBERTY (Offense – *9/3, Defense – 7/2, 44 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Liberty makes its FBS debut in 2018 and if the name sounds familiar, it should. The Flames torched Baylor, 48-45, as 34-point dogs in Waco in their season opener last year. The good news is head coach Turner Gill, the former Nebraska star QB, has had a winning record each of the six years he’s been in Lynchburg. The bad news is he was 25-49 at two other FBS schools (Buffalo and Kansas) before becoming the lead Flame. Gill did mange to win the MAC title in 2008. He also beat Coastal Carolina when the Chanticleers were No. 1 in the FCS at the time. And for what it’s worth, LU returns 81% of its overall production from last season, seventh in the FBS. Bon voyage.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Conference USA and the Sun Belt turned down Liberty, the nations’ largest private university, for admission.

PASS

NEW MEXICO STATE (Offense – 6/3, Defense – 9/4, 49 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: WE CAN DO THIS

Doug Martin was another head coach on the hot seat last season, sporting a 10-38 record in four seasons with NMSU. Last year’s surprising 7-win bowl effort staved off the inevitable, though. It was the first bowl season in 57 years for the Aggies – the longest drought of all FBS teams – and it was capped off with a win over Utah State in the Arizona Bowl. With that, Martin will finally have a chance to rely on a defense that improved over 100 YPG last season as just about everyone’s back for DC Frank Spaziani. So dramatic was the improvement that the Aggies yielded 500 yards in only two games last campaign – after coughing up a nickel or more 26 times in five previous seasons under Martin’s direction. Best of all the Aggies will go up against easiest schedule of all FBS schools in 2018 with foes going 54-91 (.372) last season.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Recently graduated four-year starting RB Larry Rose III rushed for 4,558 yards and 37 TDs in his career at NMSU.

PLAY ON: vs. Georgia Southern (10/20)

NOTRE DAME (Offense – *6/3, Defense – 9/3, 46 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: NOTRE LAME

As expected, the Irish bounced back from a disastrous 4-win effort in 2016 to a 10-win campaign last season. That cleansed a sour taste left from an underachieving November – a pattern that head coach Brian Kelly has recently developed (see Stat You Will Like below). Meanwhile, the Dame was hit extra hard by offseason losses with 3 NFL defections (among 4 players selected in the draft, including two All-American 1st-rounders from the left side of the offensive line), 12 returning starters and 14 players from the 2-deep now gone. In addition, five senior starters from the defense also graduated. Kelly will turn back to QB Brandon Wimbush, who will need to find receivers from a depleted unit. Despite Kelly’s insistence that this could be one of his best squads at Notre Dame, we three Hail Mary’s are in order.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Since 2011, Kelly has won only 10 of 24 games played from Halloween on out.

PLAY ON: vs. Stanford (9/29)

UMASS (Offense – *10/4, Defense – 6/1, 47 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: SOUND THE CHARGES

Last year’s 0-6 start lowered the Minutemen’s mark to 2-22 SU in the first six games of the season under HC Mark Whipple. The good news, though, is UMass rallied to close 4-2, lending promise to the 2018 season ahead. However, they’ll need to overcome a death-knell-like 3-14 record in one-possession games under Whipple in order to turn the corner. Behind a loaded offense that returns QB Andrew Ford (22 TDs and 4 INTs last season) and nearly his entire front wall, the turn signal has been activated. As our ‘Stat You Will Like’ below indicates, last year’s unit left a mark in school history behind a bevy of youngsters that witnessed 33% of all starts by underclassmen. Sound the alert... here come the Minutemen.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Minutemen gained more yards than they allowed last year for the first time since becoming an FBS team in 2012.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

2018 Pac-12 Preview
Marc Lawrence

We’re Back

According to the Pac-12, a total of 178 starters, who started at least half of his team’s games or a majority of games at a specific position, return to Pac-12 football squads in 2018. That’s out of a possible 288 (including placekickers and punters) for an average of 14.8 starters returning per team.

Among those 178 returning starters are a number of key players, including 10 first-team and 12 second-team All-Pac-12 performers. Arizona, California, and Washington each return the most with 18 starters, followed by Oregon State with 16. Washington State returns the fewest starters with 10.

Newbies

Five new coaches enter the league this season. It’s the highest number of new coaches on the sidelines in one season for the Pac-12.

UCLA’s Chip Kelly returns for his second stint in the Pac-12. Kelly posted a 46-7 record in four seasons at Oregon (2009-12) and led the Ducks to the 2010 BCS title game. Other new coaches include Arizona’s Kevin Sumlin (averaged 8.7 wins over 10 seasons), Arizona State’s Herm Edwards (last coached in the NFL from 2001-08), Oregon’s Mario Cristobal (won three national titles as a player and an assistant coach), Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith (returns to his alma mater making his head coaching debut).

Note: The numbers following each team name represents the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, along with the number of returning linemen, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback.

ARIZONA (Offense – *7/2, Defense – 9/1, 51 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: A NEW TATE OF MIND

As is the undoing of many a successful man, it appears Rich’s rod likely sealed his fate. Such was the case when Arizona canned Rich Rodriguez, and his ghastly $6M salary, for sexual misconduct. Enter Kevin Sumlin and his in-your-face spread playbook, custom-designed for new phenom QB Khalil Tate, who burst on the scene in October last season. After being inserted into the starting lineup, Tate recorded a run of 70 more yards in each of his first four starts while earning an unprecedented four straight Pac-12 Player of the Week awards. Safe to say, Sumlin figures to utilize Tate to the max – much like he did with dual-threat QB Johnny Manziel at Texas A&M – to operate the Cats’ potent 3rd ranked rushing attack. “He’s moving from being an athlete that is a quarterback, to being a quarterback that's an athlete,” said Kevin Sumlin.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Freshmen started 25.2% of all Wildcats’ games last season, the 3rd most in the nation.

PLAY AGAINST: at Washington State (11/17)

ARIZONA STATE (Offense – *8/3, Defense – 4/1, 42 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: IN-AND-OUT BURGER

The release of contentious head coach Todd Graham was considered a stunner. However, it was surpassed in magnitude when ASU brought in long-retired and longtime NFL head coach Herm Edwards, who hasn’t coached in college in 30 years – and owned a 54-74 record as an NFL mentor. Yeah, head scratching, to say the least. So as we see it, a 46-game winner over the past six years was replaced with a zero-game coach over the last nine years. Smells like a lobbyist struck that deal. Meanwhile, heavy attrition hit a soft front seven. Against the backdrop of a new staff, new schemes and revamped lines of scrimmage, is a schedule laced with nine bowlers. Sorry, but we don’t see this experiment lasting long.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Arizona State ranked No. 120 in passing yards allowed in 2017 after ranking dead last (No. 128) the previous two seasons.

PLAY AGAINST: at Arizona (11/24)

CALIFORNIA (Offense – *10/3, Defense – 7/1, 56 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: GOOD NEWS BEARS

New coach Justin Wilcox’s defense lived up to its hype as the former DC guru improved the Bears’ stop-unit by 88 YPG, its best overall effort since 2011. The offense, though, slipped mightily. Through it all, Cal came up one game shy of bowl eligibility despite the fact that freshmen accounted for 20.2% of all starts last season (only six teams started more). QB Ross Bowers is the Pac-12’s leading returner in passing yardage after throwing for 3,039 yards in 2017 (flash: he’s being pushed by South Carolina transfer QB Brandon McIlwain), and the running backs are deep and talented. Operating behind all five starters returning to the offensive line should help them blossom. Two other positives: Cal finished 37th nationally in turnover margin behind all the young talent, and the Bears will take on the 5th easiest schedule of all Power 5 schools in 2018 with foes going 76-77 (.497) last season.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Cal held Stanford, USC, Washington and Washington State below its season average in points and total yards last season.

PLAY ON: at USC (11/10)

COLORADO (Offense – *5/3, Defense – 7/2, 47 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: THIRSTING FOR MORE

Like a mirage to a water-starved victim crossing the desert, the Buffaloes’ 8-2 conference effort in 2016 surely looked like the real deal. After all, they had gone a measly 3-33 in conference play the previous four seasons. And then lo and behold, a 2-7 record in Pac-12 frays last year found them free falling again, ending the season with a losing record for the 11th time in the last 12 years. Things went so sideways that Colorado had forced a turnover in each of its previous 30 home games – the longest skein in the nation – until they hosted USC in their final game at Boulder last year. QB Steven Montez is one of only fours starters back on offense. Pass the canteen.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Colorado is 10-2 ATS in Last Home Games, including 7-0 ATS versus sub .700 opponents.

PLAY AGAINST: vs. Oregon St (10/27) – *KEY as a favorite

OREGON (Offense – *7/3, Defense – 7/2, 43 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: CRYSTAL BALL DIGS CRISTOBAL

Now with its third coach in as many seasons, the Ducks will soldier on under another new head coach in Mario Cristobal, an Oregon assistant last year and former boss at Florida International. The good news is that Oregon is 37-14 since 1995 the first season under a new head coach, including 24-3 at home. Better news is the Ducks will face the easiest Power 5 schedule in 2018 according to the NCAA, as foes this season were just 65-87 (.428) last year. Aside from a strong initial recruiting class, Cristobal welcomes back junior QB Justin Herbert. The 6’ 6” 225-lb future NFL signal-caller went 6-2 last season before being shut down with a shoulder injury. It’s no coincidence OU led the nation in scoring (49 PPG) when Herbert was in the lineup. It’s important to note that Cristobal is extremely well liked by the players, who campaigned for his hire after Willie Taggart bolted for Florida State.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The straight-up winner ‘in the stats’ is 24-1 in Oregon games the last two years, including 13-0 last season.

PASS

OREGON STATE (Offense – 7/4, Defense – 8/1, 45 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: MAPPING OUT A NEW PLAN

After two-and-a-half years the Gary Andersen experiment is over following a 7-23 record, including a paltry 3-18 mark in Pac-12 games. Mike Riley is returning to Oregon State – only he will be joining Jonathan Smith’s staff as assistant head coach. Riley previously was the Oregon State head coach from 2003 to 2014, and also 1997 to ’98. Riley was fired Nov. 25 as head coach at Nebraska after going 19-19 over three seasons. Smith, a former Beavers quarterback, was a graduate assistant at Oregon State under Riley in 2003. If it sounds like a well-knit Beaver connection, it is. The key to getting back on the map will be finding a way to win conference games as OSU has dropped 26 of its last 29 Pac-12 performances.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Beavers have been out-yarded in each of their last 19 away games.

PASS

STANFORD (Offense – *9/5, Defense – 6/1, 63 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: DOWN ON THE FARM

While Stanford returns 9 starters on offense, the fact of the matter is they lost players to 4 NFL defections, plus 16 players from the 2-deep are gone. Only seven FBS schools lost more starters from last year’s depth charts, and only four schools saw more players leave early for the NFL. Nonetheless, the Cardinal have captured four Pac-12 championship games since 2012 under David Shaw. The big story is star RB Bryce Love’s decision to return to Stanford rather than leaving early for the NFL. The Heisman Trophy hopeful fuels a resurgence of offensive starters back for the Cardinal – sans OC Mike Bloomgren, who leaves to take over the head coaching duties at Rice. QB K.J. Costello also returns after a strong second half last year.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The 405 YPG allowed by Stanford last season was the most ever under HC David Shaw.

PLAY ON: vs. USC (9/8)

UCLA (Offense – 5/2, Defense – 7/2, 38 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: NEXT MAN UP

On the 20th anniversary of its last Pac-12 conference championship, the UCLA brass has turned its football fortunes over to Chip Kelly, the former NFL and Oregon head coach, where he went 46-7 with three conference titles and an appearance in the BCS championship game with the Ducks. The biggest task at hand is filling the shoes set by record-setting QB Josh Rosen. Rest assured, Kelly will find his man. The other concern is patching a rush defense that was the worst for a Power 5 program in nearly 20 years. Remember this on your way out: since 1965 UCLA has had six consecutive non-winning seasons. They are 50-22-1 SU the following year while producing a winning record every season. Just sayin’.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Chip Kelly is 28-1 SU against sub .800 college football opponents.

PLAY AGAINST: at Arizona State (11/10)

USC (Offense – 7/4, Defense – 7/1, 52 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: GREEN EGGS AND SAM

True freshman QB J.T. Daniels is expected to be behind center for the defending Pac-12 champion Trojans this season, replacing redshirt sophomore Sam Darnold, who left for the NFL. The only other true freshman signal-caller to start for USC was Matt Barkley who, like Daniels, hailed from Mater Dei High School in California. Note: Daniels carried a 4.16 Grade Average and graduated after only three years in high school. Last year’s 11-win campaign was especially impressive considering USC did not have a bye week. The Trojans can thank a Red Zone Defense that ranked No. 4 in the nation, but they were also the 5th worst team the nation in Most Penalties last season. It’s a good thing that head coach Clay Helton has out-recruited every team in the conference. He loses a 4,000-yard passer, a 1,500-yard rusher and a 1,100-yard receiver. Ouch.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: USC is 16-0 SU in the Coliseum under head coach Clay Helton.

PLAY AGAINST: at UCLA (11/17)

UTAH (Offense – *8/4, Defense – 6/1, 55 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: WINNINGHAM U

After appearing in every College Football Playoff ranking since its inception in 2014, the Utes extended the streak through the first three weeks in 2017 before finally bowing out. It’s a testament to head coach Kyle Whittingham, the holder of the highest bowl winning percentage (.917, 11-1) of any coach in NCAA history. It was confirmed in the NFL draft this season when Utah led the Pac-12 with eight selections, tying for the third-most in the country. QB Tyler Huntley and a handful of receiving targets are back in 2018, as well as four of last year’s five starting offensive linemen. They make up 18 full-or-part time starters from last season’s bowl-winning squad. Finally, former head coach Gary Andersen is also back as a DL coach.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Head coach Kyle Whittingham is 17-4 SU against the other four Power Five conferences.

PLAY AGAINST: vs. Arizona (10/12)

WASHINGTON (Offense – *8/4, Defense – 9/1, 55 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: LOCKED AND LOADED

Chris Petersen planted the seeds for what may the most talented squad he’ll have in his tenure at Washington. It all started in 2015 when his “young as hell” Huskies were force-fed with plenty of playing time. All of those underclassmen are now upper classmen and as a result, U-Dub welcomes a bevy of returning starters for the 2018 season. At the helm is 4th-year senior starting QB Jake Browning, who has tossed for a school record 9,104 yards while completing over 64% of his pass attempts and accounting for 90 touchdowns. In addition, 3-years starting RB Myles Gaskin is back with 4,055 rushing yards and 49 TDs. Add a fearsome front seven on defense and the Huskies appear headed to the playoffs once again this season – especially going up against the 4th easiest schedule of all Power 5 schools in 2018 with foes going 73-80 (.477) last season.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Chris Petersen’s .816 winning percentage is the 2nd highest among all active head coaches with at least 13 years of experience.

PLAY ON: vs. Arizona State (9/22)

WASHINGTON STATE (Offense – 4/2, Defense – 6/1, 41 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: MAKING THE BEST OF A LOUSY SITUATION

The tragic suicide of heir-apparent backup QB Tyler Hilinski in January left fractured hearts and souls in the Washington State program. He was scheduled to fill the shoes of 4-year starting QB Luke Falk, who left with a jaw-dropping 14,881 passing yards on 68.3% completions and 119 TDs. In addition WSU’s top two WRs have transferred out of the program. On the defensive side of the ball, the Cougars lose Hercules Mata’afa, who led the Pac-12 in sacks and tackles for a loss last season. Making matters worse, the OL ranked No. 126 in sacks allowed last season. Meanwhile, former Minnesota head coach Tracy Claeys is the new defensive coordinator. He reunites with Cougar defensive line coach Jeff Phelps, who coached alongside Claeys at Minnesota from 2011-16.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Cougars are 10-1 ATS as conference road dogs under Mike Leach vs. winning foes off a SUATS win.

PLAY ON: vs. California (11/3)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

College Essentials - Week 1
Tony Mejia

The first weekend of the college football season featured only two games where FBS teams squared off against one another and produced an upset right out of the gate.

Hawai’I had a great weekend, capturing the Little League World Series less than 24 hours after its largest university held off 17-point favorite Colorado State to start 1-0 in Mountain West play. Wyoming won its first game post-Josh Allen thanks to an impressive defensive effort in a 29-7 victory at New Mexico State.

We’re now off and running with every other team set to debut in games scheduled daily beginning Thursday.

Here’s a look at the games I’m most excited about between Friday and Monday, a top ten that you can’t miss and should be wagering on if so inclined.

Friday, Aug. 31

Western Kentucky at Wisconsin (-37.5/52.5), 9:00 p.m. ET, ESPN: The Badgers nearly ran the table last season, losing in the Big Ten Championship when they failed to get one last scoring drive against Ohio State. With Jonathan Taylor back to run behind a loaded offensive line, hopes are high in Madison. The Hilltoppers lost five of six to end Mike Sanford’s first season with a thud, losing to Georgia State in the Care Bowl. They’ll play five running backs and are breaking in a new starting quarterback in senior Drew Eckels, so keep that in mind if you’re tempted to take the points. The Badgers will begin answering the question of whether they have the firepower at receiver with Quintez Cephus and Danny Davis both suspended.

San Diego State at Stanford (-14.5/49), 9:00 p.m. ET, FS1: After a tough loss at USC last September, the Cardinal dropped out of the national title conversation by losing at the Aztecs as an eight-point favorite. SDSU’s star running back Rashaad Penny is now with the Seahawks but there are high hopes that Juwan Washington can follow adequately in his footsteps. He hasn’t even been practicing due to the risk of injury, so Stanford will have to deal with a fresh back. Counterpart Bryce Love should already be playing in the pros, so we’ll see if his gamble to stay in school pays off beyond getting a degree in human biology to realize his other dream of becoming a pediatrician. Special kid. The Aztecs will have a strong plan in pace with Rocky Long having so many defensive starters back, so it will be on K.J. Costello to ensure the Stanford passing game takes advantage after failing to capitalize on the room to succeed Love’s presence provides.

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Cole Faxon Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 34m
NCAA-F | Army vs Duke
Play on: OVER 45 -115

FREE PLAY on Army/Duke over 45 -115

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Mike Williams Aug 31 '18, 8:10 PM in 1h
MLB | Angels vs Astros
Play on: Angels +182 at YouWager

1* on Angels +182

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Sal Michaels Aug 31 '18, 9:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-F | San Diego State vs Stanford
Play on: UNDER 49½ -110

Free Play on San Diego State vs Stanford under 49½ -110

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Bobby Conn Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 34m
NCAA-F | Utah State vs Michigan State
Play on: Utah State +23½ -105 at Bovada

1* Free Play on Utah State +23½ -105

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Jimmy Boyd Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 34m
NCAA-F | Army vs Duke
Play on: Army +14 -110 at BMaker

1* Free Pick on Army Black Knights +14
The Blue Devils are getting way too much respect in their home opener against Army. These two teams played last year late in the season and the Black Knights won 21-16 as a 3-point home dog. They also faced off in 2016 at Duke and the Blue Devils only won that contest by a final score of 13-6.
There's no question that Duke should be favored, but no way should they be laying two touchdowns in a game it's no sure thing they win outright. That's right. Army has a legit shot at winning this game.
A lot of people are going to look at the fact that Army only has 3 starters back on offense, but we have seen over the years that these military schools can excel without a ton of talent coming back. Don't be surprised if the Black Knights are able to move the ball against this Duke defense.
The other big key here with the spread and it being too high, is it's unlikely the Blue Devils will put up a big number. Aside from the fact that they have scored a total of just 29 points in the previous two meetings combined, Army has 8 starters back on the defensive side of the ball and should resemble their 2016 defense, which only gave up 19.8 ppg and 291 ypg. Take Army!

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Info Plays Aug 31 '18, 9:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-F | Western Kentucky vs Wisconsin
Play on: OVER 51 -110

1* Free Play on Western Kentucky vs Wisconsin over 51 -110

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Hunter Price Aug 31 '18, 9:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-F | Western Kentucky vs Wisconsin
Play on: Wisconsin -36½ -105 at 5Dimes

1* Free Pick on Wisconsin -36½ -105

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Jack Jones Aug 31 '18, 10:15 PM in 3h
MLB | NYM vs SFO
Play on: UNDER 7½ -124

Jack’s Free Pick Friday: Mets/Giants UNDER 7.5
Expect a pitcher’s duel tonight in San Francisco between the Mets and Giants. These are two of the worst offensive teams in baseball, and two of the more underrated starters in the league will be taking the mound Friday.
Zack Wheeler has been on an absolute tear. He has the second-best ERA (1.17) in the National League in seven starts for the Giants since the All-Star Break. In his last two starts against the Giants, he has allowed just 2 earned runs in 13 innings for a 1.38 ERA.
Andrew Suarez has been solid at home this season at 3-4 with a 3.39 ERA and 1.070 WHIP in 11 starts. He is also 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in his last three starts coming in. So both starters are really on their games right now.
The UNDER is 4-1 in Mets last five games vs. a left-handed starer. The UNDER is 5-0 in Giants last five games overall. The UNDER is 13-5-1 in Giants last 19 vs. a team with a losing record. Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

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Kenny Walker Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 34m
NCAA-F | Army vs Duke
Play on: Duke -13½ -110 at MyBookie

Free Pick on Duke

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Matt Josephs Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 34m
NCAA-F | Utah State vs Michigan State
Play on: UNDER 51½ -120

Two of the more experienced teams in the country play as Michigan State hosts Utah State. Sparty has 19 starters back including 10 from an offense that is led by Brian Lewerke. He's got LJ Scott at running back and several wide receivers to go with a stout offensive line. They return 86% of their tackles from 2017 so the defense figures to be just as strong. They held eight opponents to 20 points or less last year. Utah State was up 10-0 on Wisconsin at Camp Randall before things got out of control. The Aggies have 18 starters back including signal caller Jordan Love. They hope to use an uptempo style to try and slow down Sparty's momentum. The defense has 84.2% of their tackles back, but may miss cornerback Jalen Davis. They held four opponents to 20 points or less. Sparty has gone under in 14 of their last 25 games including 10 of their last 14 at home. Michigan State has actually had some troubles in their openers the past few years. They beat a bad Bowling Green team 35-10 to open up 2017 while only knocking off Furman 28-13 at home in 2016. The opening game struggles go back to 2015 when they didn't cover as 17 point favorites at Western Michigan.

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John Martin Aug 31 '18, 10:10 PM in 3h
MLB | Diamondbacks vs Dodgers
Play on: Dodgers -120 at MyBookie

1 Unit FREE PLAY on Los Angeles Dodgers -120
The Dodgers are chasing the Diamondbacks in the NL West. Their loss yesterday hurts, and I can’t foresee the Diamondbacks winning the first two games in Los Angeles in this series. I certainly like backing Hyun-Jun Ryu here. He is 4-1 with a 2.38 ERA in nine starts this season, including 3-1 with a 1.57 ERA in five home tarts. He is a respectable 3-3 with a. 3.90 ERA in 12 previous starts against the Diamondbacks. Zack Greinke isn’t as good on the road as he is at home, and it’s been that way throughout his career. He has a 3.76 ERA in 13 road starts this season. He is 6-5 with a 3.93 ERA in 14 previous starts against the Dodgers. The Dodgers are 5-0 in Ryu’s last five starts on four days of rest. Los Angeles is 5-1 in its last six games overall. Give me the Dodgers.

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Ross Benjamin Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 34m
NCAA-F | Utah State vs Michigan State
Play on: Utah State +24 -110 at MyBookie

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Dave Price Aug 31 '18, 8:15 PM in 1h
MLB | Reds vs Cardinals
Play on: Cardinals -1½ +100 at 5Dimes

Dave’s Friday Free Play:
1* on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (+100)
The Key: The St. Louis Cardinals have been one of the best teams in baseball over the past month. They are 21-6 in their last 27 games overall. They are 6-0 in Austin Gomber’s 6 starts this season, in which he has gone 3-0 with a 2.51 ERA. The Cards should have no problem winning by at least 2 runs tonight thanks to their edge on the mound. Homer Bailey is 1-12 with a 6.17 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 18 starts for the Reds this season. Bailey is 6-14 with a 5.57 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 26 lifetime starts against St. Louis. The Reds are 1-17 in Bailey’s 18 starts this year and losing by 3.0 RPG on average. Take St. Louis on the Run Line.

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Scott Rickenbach Aug 31 '18, 7:05 PM in 39m
MLB | Cubs vs Phillies
Play on: Phillies -110 at MyBookie

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach MLB Game #904 Friday Free Pick Philadelphia Phillies Money Line (-) vs Chicago Cubs @ 7:05 ET - The Cubs are in an unusual scheduling situation here as they are playing in a different city for the 3rd time in 3 days. This was because of a rescheduled game that they had to play last night (won against Braves). So the Cubs were in Chicago Wednesday, at Atlanta Thursday, and now in Philadelphia on Friday. Not a grueling stretch by any means but still an unusual stretch and I like the match-up here with one of the majors best strikeout pitchers, Nick Pivetta, on the hill for the Phillies. The Cubs counter with Jose Quintana. The Chicago southpaw had a good start in his last road outing but this was preceded by back to back poor road outings where he allowed at least 5 earned runs in each start. The Cubs are 0-3 in his last 3 road starts. As for the Phillies Pivetta, he will be making his first true home start since he dominated a potent Red Sox lineup a little over two weeks ago. Since then he had the unusual venue start in Williamsport, PA because of the Little League World Series and then he pitched at the Rogers Centre in Canada in his next outing. Back home in Philly, Pivetta shines and takes advantage of facing a Cubs team in an unusual scheduling situation. Free Pick PHILADELPHIA money line

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Sean Murphy Aug 31 '18, 8:15 PM in 1h
MLB | BAL vs KC
Play on: UNDER 9½ -105

Friday MLB Free play. My selection is on the 'under' between Baltimore and Kansas City at 8:15 pm et on Friday.
I'll back the 'under' at Kauffman Stadium on Friday night.
Both of these clubs are coming off high-scoring series' earlier this week but I look for a different story to unfold in Friday's series-opener.
Andrew Cashner will take the ball for the Orioles. His overall numbers aren't pretty by any means but he does bring solid form to the table, having worked at least six innings in each of his last four starts and at least into the sixth inning in 12 of his last 14 trips to the hill. Note that the 'under' has cashed in each of his last three outings and his last start that didn't stay under the total reached just nine runs.
Brad Keller will counter for Kansas City. He has lasted only five innings in each of his last two starts but did allow just three earned runs in those two outings. Prior to that he had worked at least into the sixth inning in five straight starts. The 'under' has gone 3-0-1 in his last four starts overall. Keller has posted a 3.23 ERA and 1.26 WHIP at home this season.
The 'under' has gone 6-3 in nine matchups between these two teams since the start of last season. Take the under (8*).

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Mark Wilson Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 34m
NCAA-F | Army vs Duke
Play on: UNDER 49 -110

Free Play on Army vs Duke under 49 -110

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Dustin Hawkins Aug 31 '18, 9:30 PM in 3h
NCAA-F | Colorado State vs Colorado
Play on: OVER 61½ -110

Free Play on Colorado State vs Colorado over 61½ -110

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Frank Sawyer Aug 31 '18, 8:15 PM in 1h
MLB | BAL vs KC
Play on: OVER 9 -108

Take Over the Total in the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals listing both starting pitchers Andrew Cashner and Brad Keller. Baltimore (40-94) has won three straight games wit their 10-5 win over Toronto on Wednesday. The Orioles have played 8 of their last 10 games Over the Total after a win — and they have also played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after allowing at least five runs in their last game. Kansas City (42-91) comes off a 9-2 victory over the Tigers on Wednesday. The Royals have played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total after a win. Kansas City has also played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total against teams with a winning percentage below 40%. Take the Over while listing both starting pitchers. Best of luck — Frank.

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Brandon Lee Aug 31 '18, 7:05 PM in 39m
MLB | Cubs vs Phillies
Play on: Cubs +105 at BMaker

10* FREE MLB PICK (Cubs +105)
I'll gladly take my chances here with Chicago as a small road dog against the Phillies in Friday's series opener. The Cubs are as hot as anyone right now. Chicago has won 8 of their last 9 and the hot streak has coincided with the acquisition of Daniel Murphy. The Cubs as a team are averaging 5.6 runs/game with a .272 batting average in their last 7. I look for them to stay hot and put up a big number here against the Phillies' Nick Pivetta, who has allowed 11 runs on 15 hits and 4 walks over his last 2 starts. Pivetta also has an ugly 5.40 ERA and 1.700 WHIP in 2 career starts against the Cubs, both of which have come over the last 2 seasons. Chicago will counter with Jose Quintana, who hasn't had the season many were expecting, but continues to grind it out and is coming off back-to-back strong outings, where he's allowed just 3 runs in 10 innings of work. Give me the Cubs +105!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Steve Janus Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 34m
NCAA-F | Utah State vs Michigan State
Play on: Utah State +24 -110 at MyBookie

1* Free Sharp Play on Utah State +24 -110
My money is on the Aggies to cover the big spread on the road against the No. 11 ranked Spartans. I just think Michigan State is getting way too much respect here against a Utah State team that should be one of the most improved teams in the country. The Aggies are expected to field one of the best teams in what looks like a loaded Mountain West Conference this year. Utah State has 18 returning starters (9 on each side of the ball). The Aggies should have their best offense of the Matt Wells era and the defense will be on par with the best he's fielded. Simply put, I just don't see Michigan State running away with this one. The Spartans aren't built to blow teams out and that's evident by the fact that they won 10 games last year despite scoring fewer than 20 points in 6 of their 13 games. Chances are this will be low-scoring and that only adds value to this massive spread. Bet Utah State +24!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Lundin Aug 31 '18, 10:15 PM in 3h
MLB | NYM vs SFO
Play on: UNDER 7½ -124

#MLB FREE PICK FROM MIKE LUNDIN
I think runs will come at a premium for both the San Francisco Giants and the visiting New York Mets in the opener of a three-game series at AT&T Park Friday night.
Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler is coming off seven innings in a 3-0 win over Washington, his third shutout appearance in his last seven starts. He has posted a 1.17 ERA during that seven-game stretch and struck out 10 through seven innings of one-run ball against the Giants on Aug 20.
The Giants counter with left-hander Andrew Suarez (5-9, 4.42 ERA) who is coming off seven shutout innings in a 5-3 win over Texas last Saturday. He has posted a 3.39 ERA in 11 home starts on the season and note that under is 4-1 in Mets last five games vs. a left-handed starter.
Free pick on UNDER.

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LPW Sports Forecast

NCAA Football WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS +5

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Mikey Sports

NCAA Football SYRACUSE ORANGE ‑4.5

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Picks 2 Play

MLB SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS ‑120

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Pure Lock

NCAA Football MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS ‑23.5 ‑105

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Lasvegasmoneymachine

NCAA Football WISCONSIN BADGERS/WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS o52.5

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Mikey Money MLB PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES ‑115

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Monster Sports Picks NCAA Football WISCONSIN BADGERS/WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS o52.5

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Power Play Wins MLB ATLANTA BRAVES ‑125

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Total Winner Sports MLB CLEVELAND INDIANS ‑1.5 ‑105

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Team Underground MLB ST. LOUIS CARDINALS ‑205

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Tommy King Wins NCAA Football SYRACUSE ORANGE ‑4.5

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R and R Totals MLB DETROIT TIGERS/NEW YORK YANKEES +100 u8.5

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First Half Sports MLB ATLANTA BRAVES ‑125

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MVP Lock Club MLB SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS ‑120

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Golden Lock Sports MLB LOS ANGELES DODGERS ‑130

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Wise Guy Insider MLB KANSAS CITY ROYALS ‑125

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Pinnacle Sports Picks MLB ST. LOUIS CARDINALS ‑195

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Best Sports Capper MLB LOS ANGELES DODGERS ‑130

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VIP Sports Lock Club MLB LOS ANGELES DODGERS ‑130

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Brand X Sports MLB BOSTON RED SOX ‑160

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David Hess NCAA Football COLORADO BUFFALOES ‑7