Friday 3-30-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 07:04 AM

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #4 - AQUEDUCT - 2:47 PM EASTERN POST
6.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEAR OLDS $40,000.00 CLAIMING $40,000.00 PURSE

#2 NOLINSKI
#6 NIKO STRONG
#3 SPECTACULAR KID
#4 MR. HOT ROCKS

#2 NOLINSKI qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," takes a class drop (-2), is the overall speed leader in this field, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in two of his last three outings, including a "POWER RUN WIN" to break his maiden in his 3rd race back. #6 NIKO STRONG, a 6-1 shot, has excellent early speed abilities to compliment for this sprint, is the pace profile leader, and comes off a "POWER RUN WIN" to break his respective maiden in his last start.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 07:05 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Fair Grounds - Race #8 - Post: 4:35pm - Maiden Special - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $41,000 Class Rating: 75

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 IS TOO (ML=7/2)
#1 A PRETTY FACE (ML=8/1)
#7 MISS BILLIE K (ML=8/1)

IS TOO - I like to wager on this handicapping theory, a thoroughbred coming back off a nice effort within the last month or so. A PRETTY FACE - Hernandez and Thomas partnered up are a horse gambler's friend. This animal could be tough in this race, especially since Hernandez rode in the last race and now should be plenty familiar with this one. MISS BILLIE K - For my money, a bullet workout is the best indicator of fitness there is. Look at that last one - 50.0. Very impressive.

Vulnerable Contenders: #12 SHAKOPEE TOWN (ML=3/1), #8 STELLA'S SURPRISE (ML=6/1), #13 FLAT OUT SASSY (ML=6/1),

SHAKOPEE TOWN - I'm predicting a less than stellar try out of her this time around. STELLA'S SURPRISE - If she goes off near the oddsmaker's morning line of 6/1, I'll have to pass. FLAT OUT SASSY - Didn't look like a winner last time out of the box. Probably won't do much running in today's race. Doubtful for this participant to make an impact with no recent success in a short distance event.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #3 IS TOO on the nose if you can get odds of 3/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3,7] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 07:05 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Golden Gate Fields

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 2 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $24000 Class Rating: 94

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 1 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $32,000, IF FOR $30,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 EMMY AND I 2/1

# 5 TOOMUCHISNOTENOUGH 9/5

# 3 AMBER LOUISE 5/1

I give my vote to EMMY AND I here. She has garnered quite good numbers under today's conditions and will probably fare well against this group. The average class rating alone makes this entrant a solid contender. This mare with Couton in the saddle makes her a solid contender. TOOMUCHISNOTENOUGH - She looks very good in this spot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the halfway point. Put up a competitive Equibase speed fig last time out. AMBER LOUISE - A solid 98 avg class fig may give this mare a distinct class edge against this group. One of the top win percentages between this jockey and conditioner make this mare dangerous.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 07:06 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Hawthorne

Hawthorne - Race 9

$1 Exacta / 20 Cent Trifecta / 20 Cent Superfecta / 20 Cent Jackpot High-5

Claiming $4,000 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 86 • Purse: $7,800 • Post: 6:54P
FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES IN 2017 - 2018 OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE MARCH 30, 2017. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 28 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $3,200 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY AND ALLOWANCES).
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 * EDGING: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and trainer's win percentage with horses co ming off a layoff is at least 25. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. GEORGIE MY BOY: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and horse has run well in the past in its first and/or second starts after a long layoff. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. OFFLEE FUN: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. GRITTY GREELEY: Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs.
3
EDGING
7/2

9/2
12
GEORGIE MY BOY
10/1

5/1
6
OFFLEE FUN
5/1

8/1
10
GRITTY GREELEY
15/1

10/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
12
GEORGIE MY BOY
12

10/1
Front-runner
90

94

92.4

75.8

69.8
11
BARNYARD FIDDLER
11

9/2
Front-runner
80

82

81.2

71.4

59.9
2
SHESTOYOUNGFORUBRO
2

6/1
Front-runner
80

69

67.8

74.0

61.0
6
OFFLEE FUN
6

5/1
Stalker
83

80

73.2

76.8

67.8
10
GRITTY GREELEY
10

15/1
Stalker
89

84

67.0

72.6

63.1
3
EDGING
3

7/2
Alternator/Stalker
92

83

77.8

76.6

73.1
5
SEBA'S DANCER
5

6/1
Trailer
82

73

54.0

74.6

64.1
8
PRIZE NATIVE
8

8/1
Trailer
88

85

36.4

77.0

65.0
7
PRINCE WHO
7

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
86

70

64.6

62.8

47.8
9
GRAND ALI
9

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
86

65

60.8

53.6

34.6
4
CHIEF MANGO
4

50/1
Alternator/Non-contender
74

66

52.2

43.2

19.7
1
BADGER BAY
1

50/1
Alternator/Non-contender
82

71

39.6

51.0

31.0

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 07:06 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Oaklawn Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 5 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $32000 Class Rating: 70

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 121 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $30,000, IF FOR $25,000, ALLOWED 3 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 FEISTY KATI 3/1

# 14 VALIANT LADY 6/1

# 12 H K'S CACTUS 20/1

FEISTY KATI has a very strong shot to take this race. Is worth considering and may be a bet - strong speed figs (66 average) at today's distance and surface recently. Look for a respectable pace improvement from this pony who enters with second time Lasix today. She has been running very well and the Equibase Speed Figures are among the best in this group of horses. VALIANT LADY - She has to be given consideration given the strong speed numbers. Could beat this group given the 62 speed figure posted in her last outing.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 07:07 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #5 - Post: 7:49pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,800 Class Rating: 55

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 FALLOW (ML=5/1)
#2 PEPPERMINT STICK (ML=7/2)

FALLOW - Trainer Albright moves this one down the ladder based on class rating points to face a less competitive field. Look for a good performance with this class drop. Flores rode this animal for the initial time in the last race and comes right back in today's race. This mare is in fine form, having run a strong race on March 10th, finishing third. This horse has increased her speed ratings from a fig of 29 to 48 to 55 in a row. PEPPERMINT STICK - The most dangerous animal in racing is the lone speed horse. If they let her get away early they probably won't catch her. Based on the TrackMaster data I've reviewed, this mare should run well off the layoff. Trainer Miller moves this thoroughbred down in class ranks to face a lower class of horses. Look for a strong race this time out. This horse is uppermost in earnings per race entered. She looks nice in today's race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 MAD MEL (ML=9/5), #6 SOPHIA'S HEART (ML=3/1), #3 IMA FRAYED KNOT (ML=6/1),

MAD MEL - A rallier like this one needs a speed duel to set things up and she isn't likely to get one this time out. SOPHIA'S HEART - This horse hasn't been in the mix in either of her last two races. Not easy to play this steed this time out. Make her show you something in a short distance affair before you bet on her in a race of 6 furlongs. IMA FRAYED KNOT - 6/1 is not offering enough value for any horse in a sprint of 6 furlongs that hasn't hit the board in a sprint contest lately.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - FALLOW - Racing pattern would suggest this thoroughbred is fit for today's race. Should do well in this race.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #5 FALLOW on top if we're getting at least 2/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 07:07 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Tampa Bay Downs

Tampa Bay Downs - Race 6

Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta ($.50 minimum) / Superfecta ($.10 minimum) Pick 3 ($.50 minimum) (Races 6-7-8) / Pick 4 ($.50 minimum) (Races 6-7-8-9) Super High 5

SO $40,000 • 1 Mile • Turf • Age 3 • CR: 82 • Purse: $21,500 • Post: 3:15P
FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $32,000 OR LESS OR OPTIONAL CLAIMING PRICE OF $40,000. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE FEBRUARY 28 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE JANUARY 30 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $40,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $25,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES) (CONDITION ELIGIBILITY). (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY MANAGEMENT TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT ONE MILE AND FORTY YARDS.).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Lone Front-runner. DON'T CHANGE ME is the Lone Front-runner of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * BRAMBLE QUEEN: Horse's win percentage at today's dist ance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. WHITEHEELGIRL: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. C ROWN OF JOY: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. SWEET MOOCHIE: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
6
BRAMBLE QUEEN
9/5

4/1
3
WHITEHEELGIRL
9/2

6/1
5
CROWN OF JOY
7/2

8/1
1
SWEET MOOCHIE
5/1

9/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
DON'T CHANGE ME
7

8/1
Front-runner
69

63

52.1

64.5

52.5
6
BRAMBLE QUEEN
6

9/5
Stalker
82

77

74.2

78.4

75.4
3
WHITEHEELGIRL
3

9/2
Alternator/Stalker
81

77

63.4

72.8

66.8
2
GIOLILMISS
2

12/1
Trailer
67

68

67.3

64.5

54.0
1
SWEET MOOCHIE
1

5/1
Trailer
79

75

46.5

70.8

62.8
5
CROWN OF JOY
5

7/2
Alternator/Trailer
76

77

75.4

68.8

63.8
4
SCARLET BOW
4

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
70

68

55.1

63.7

54.2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 10:55 AM

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Pittsburgh Pirates begin a new era without their MVP center fielder and No. 1 starting pitcher when they visit the Detroit Tigers on Friday to start a three-game interleague series, which was delayed 24 hours by rain. Perennial All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen was dealt to San Francisco while fire-balling right-hander Gerrit Cole was sent to Houston in the offseason as Pittsburgh hopes to retool quickly after two seasons without a playoff game.

"We've got young guys that are scratching, knocking on the door of their primes," Pirates 25-year-old first baseman Josh Bell, who belted 26 homers last season, told the Pittsburgh Gazette. "We've got to come up and capitalize on these opportunities, not let them pass by, because then we'll end up in the same as last year - trudging forward a bit and fizzling out." Ivan Nova gets the start in the opener for the Pirates and Detroit counters with fellow right-hander Jordan Zimmermann as both hurlers look to rebound from disappointing seasons. Ron Gardenhire takes over as manager for the Tigers, who have been picked to finish last in the American League Central Division by many experts but still have former MVP first baseman Miguel Cabrera and are expecting another big season from right fielder Nicholas Castellanos (career-high 26 homers and 101 RBIs in 2017). Rookie third baseman Jeimer Candelario is also a key for Detroit after a strong spring training as he registered seven doubles and a pair of homers.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (2017: 11-14, 4.14 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (2017: 8-13, 6.08)

Nova came to camp 10 pounds lighter and determined to improve on an up and down season that ended with a combined record of 1-6 over 10 starts in August and September. The 31-year-old Dominican Republic native gave up a career-most 29 homers over a career-high 187 innings in 2017 and had a tough time on the road (3-12, 5.02 ERA) while going 8-2 with a 2.80 ERA at home. Cabrera is 5-for-15 with a homer against Nova, who is 0-3 with a 7.04 ERA in six games (five starts) lifetime versus the Tigers.

Zimmermann won his fewest games since 2011 last season and posted the worst ERA of his career while allowing 29 homers in 29 starts, but he told reporters he is feeling strong. "He's our go-to guy," Gardenhire told reporters. "I don't worry about (Zimmermann) because we know who he is. He's an established major league pitcher when healthy, and that's our goal, to keep him healthy." Newcomer Corey Dickerson is 6-for-10 with a homer versus Zimmermann, who is 1-3 with a 3.96 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit DH Victor Martinez, who was limited to 107 games by cardiac issues last season, belted five homers in Grapefruit League action.

2. Pittsburgh CF Starling Marte moves to McCutchen's spot after playing just 77 games last season due to a PED suspension.

3. The Pirates won three of the four meetings in 2017 after the Tigers took the series 3-1 in 2016.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Tigers 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 10:56 AM

Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Washington Nationals parted ways with manager Dusty Baker in the offseason for his lack of postseason success despite the fact he guided the club to back-to-back National League East titles and two of the four most successful seasons in club history. Following Thursday's Opening Day postponement, Dave Martinez will take his first step toward achieving what his predecessor was unable to do Friday when the Nationals open with the first of three games against the host Cincinnati Reds.

Baker led his club to a 192-132 regular-season record during his two-year stint with Washington, but the Nationals fell in five games during the NL Division Series to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 and to the Chicago Cubs in 2017. Rather than opt for another experienced hand to take the club to the next level, Washington turned to Martinez, who will run a team for the first time after serving as a bench coach the last 10 seasons - all under Joe Maddon, including the last three with the Cubs. The Reds have posted consecutive 68-win campaigns and are coming off their third straight last-place finish in the NL Central, thanks largely to a pitching staff that has ranked 26th or worse in ERA each time over that span. Those woes were really magnified last season against Washington, which outscored Cincinnati 61-26 while winning six of the seven meetings.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Washington), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (2017: 16-6, 2.51 ERA) vs. Reds RH Homer Bailey (6-9, 6.43)

Scherzer posted a sub-3.00 ERA, sub-1.00 WHIP and at least 250 strikeouts for the third time in as many seasons since signing with Washington in 2015. The back-to-back NL Cy Young Award winner is coming off an uneven spring, allowing 12 runs - including six homers - in 26 innings despite holding hitters to a .183 average and finishing with a 0.77 WHIP. Scherzer fanned 10 over six scoreless innings to get the win in his only start versus the Reds last season, improving to 2-1 with a 2.55 ERA in four starts against them.

Bailey will make his first Opening Day start at home and appears to be healthy after battling forearm and elbow injuries over the last three seasons, limiting him to 26 starts over that span. The 31-year-old didn't inspire a great deal of confidence during the exhibition season, however, going 0-2 with a 7.50 ERA in five turns while allowing seven homers in 18 frames. Bailey coughed up 16 runs in 5 2/3 innings while losing both his starts to the Nationals last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington OF Bryce Harper went 12-for-29 with three home runs against Cincinnati last season.

2. Reds 1B Joey Votto, the 2017 NL MVP runner-up, managed only three singles in 22 at-bats against the Nationals in 2017.

3. Washington three-time All-Star 2B Daniel Murphy is expected to be out until at least mid-April as he continues his recovery from October microfracture knee surgery.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Reds 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 10:56 AM

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
Giancarlo Stanton lived up to the hype and then some in his New York Yankees debut, needing only two pitches to show he won't have much trouble making the transition to the American League. Stanton will have a tough act to follow as the Yankees attempt to build on their first Opening Day win since 2011 when they continue a four-game series Friday at the Toronto Blue Jays.

Stanton, who led the majors with 59 home runs with the Miami Marlins in 2017, went deep on the second pitch he saw and also homered in the ninth to cap a 3-for-5 day with four RBIs and punctuate New York's 6-1 victory. "Wow," said Yankees slugger and reigning AL home run champ Aaron Judge in marveling at the display by Stanton that pushed his career numbers at Rogers Centre to a staggering 9-for-16 with five blasts in four career games. Toronto already has plenty to worry about aside from the offensive futility that produced two hits -- third baseman Josh Donaldson bounced a number of throws to first base, which manager John Gibbons attributed to a dead arm. "I've been feeling it a little bit all spring," Donaldson said. "I don't have any pain or anything like that, which is always good. It's just about getting the strength back."

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), Sportsnet, TVAS (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (2017: 13-12, 4.74 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (2017: 1-3, 4.25)

Although he won at least 12 games for the fourth straight season, Tanaka spent too much of 2017 looking over his shoulder as he surrendered 35 home runs. However, he closed the year on a high note, allowing two runs and zero homers over his last four turns, including the postseason. One of those was a 15-strikeout, three-hit masterpiece against the Blue Jays on Sept. 29 after he allowed eight runs in Toronto one week earlier.

Sanchez had a sensational 2016 season, compiling a 15-2 mark and 3.00 ERA, but he won only once last year as recurring blister issues limited him to only eight starts. The 25-year-old Californian did not have any such issues with blisters in spring training and closed out the preseason by permitting one run and two hits over 6 1/3 innings versus Atlanta. Sanchez made three starts against New York in 2016, going 1-0 with a 1.83 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Stanton joined Roger Maris (1960) as the only players with multiple homers in their first game with the Yankees.

2. The Blue Jays placed SS Troy Tulowitzki (heel bone spurs) on the 60-day disabled list.

3. New York's bullpen allowed one run on one hit while recording five strikeouts and zero walks in 3 1/3 innings.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 10:56 AM

Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
Denard Span grew up in Tampa Bay and his first game with his hometown team turned out to be among the more memorable moments of his career. Span overcame an early wobble of his own in the season opener to deliver the big hit in a 6-4 victory for the Tampa Bay Rays, who look to make it two in a row over the Boston Red Sox on Friday night.

Span hesitated on a fly ball that led to a two-run inside-the-park homer by Boston's Eduardo Nunez, but his bases-loaded triple was the big blow in a six-run eighth inning that put the Rays ahead to stay. "Just a true blessing to be able to play in front of my family and friends and to help this ball club win, can't ask for anything better," said Span, who was acquired from San Francisco for Evan Longoria in the offseason. "In all my 9 1/2, 10 years, that was probably the best postgame celebration of any team I've been on." It was a stunning loss by the Red Sox, who wasted six scoreless innings of one-hit ball by ace Chris Sale before relievers Joe Kelly and Carson Smith combined to allow six runs in the eighth to spoil the managerial debut of Alex Cora. "At the end of the day, that's pretty pathetic what I did," Kelly said after walking three batters. "Can't do that. I don't think I've ever done it and it's probably going to be the last time."

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH David Price (2017: 6-3, 3.38 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (2017: 5-7, 4.04)

Price made only 16 appearances (11 starts) during an injury-riddled season that included multiple trips to the disabled list due to an ailing left elbow. Price has plenty of familiarity with Tampa Bay, winning 82 games in his first six-plus seasons with the franchise and posting a 36-30 record and 2.88 ERA at Tropicana Field. The Rays are a collective 12-for-94 with one homer versus Price, who is 3-3 against his former team.

Although the record suggests a mediocre year, Snell bounced back from a disastrous start to 2017 by earning all five of his victories in his last nine starts while permitting two runs or fewer in six of them. He went 0-6 over his first 15 starts last season, including a pair of losses at Boston in which he surrendered 10 runs on 13 hits over 10 2/3 innings. Xander Bogaerts had three hits Thursday but is 0-for-9 lifetime against Snell.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox DH J.D. Martinez struck out twice, walked once and scored in his Boston debut.

2. Rays RHP Alex Colome, who had 47 saves last season, earned his first with a scoreless ninth.

3. Nunez's inside-the-park homer on Opening Day was Boston's first since Carl Yastrzemski in 1968.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Rays 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 10:56 AM

Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
After belting three home runs on Opening Day, the Chicago Cubs hope to feast on a rookie pitcher when they play the host Miami Marlins in the second of a four-game series Friday. The slugging Cubs figure to make things tough on left-hander Caleb Smith, who is making his Marlins debut and just his third big-league start.

Ian Happ homered on the first pitch of the game and Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber also went deep in the Cubs' 8-4 win Thursday. Both bullpens were taxed in the opener, as Miami's Jose Urena lasted only four innings and Chicago's Jon Lester was knocked out with one out in the fourth. The Cubs' bullpen was up to the task with five relievers combining to allow just one hit and three walks over 5 2/3 scoreless innings. The youthful Marlins started four rookies, who combined to go 3-for-14 on Opening Day.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (2017: 7-5, 3.03 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Caleb Smith (2017: 0-1, 7.71)

After leading the league with a 2.13 ERA in 2016, Hendricks regressed slightly last year but he had a 2.19 ERA in 13 starts after the All-Star break. The 28-year-old posted quality starts in 14 of his 24 outings last season, including eight of his last nine in the regular season. Hendricks has dominated the Marlins in four meetings, going 2-1 with a 1.32 ERA.

Smith was acquired from the Yankees in November and slides into the rotation in place of injured Dan Straily. The 26-year-old had an excellent campaign in the minors a year ago in which he went 9-1 with a 2.41 ERA and struck out 102 batters in 100 2/3 innings, mostly at Triple-A. Smith was 0-2 with a 5.21 ERA in two starts and four relief outings this spring.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Marlins have 12 players who appeared on an Opening Day roster for the first time in their career, including Smith.

2. After going 9-for-31 with 10 walks and seven RBIs as a pinch hitter last season, Chicago's INF Tommy La Stella came off the bench to deliver a two-run double in the seventh Thursday.

3. The Cubs had seven extra-base hits Thursday, a total they surpassed only eight times all of last season.

PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Marlins 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 10:56 AM

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
Philadelphia Phillies manager Gabe Kapler plans to lighten the load of the starting rotation by leaning heavily on his relievers this season. After seeing his bullpen implode on Opening Day, Kapler will hand the ball to right-hander Nick Pivetta on Friday in a bid to even the three-game series against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park.

Freddie Freeman opened the floodgates with a two-run homer, Ozhaino Albies added a solo shot and Nick Markakis provided the final salvo with a walk-off, three-run blast in the ninth inning of Atlanta's 8-5 triumph on Thursday. Freeman belted 28 homers during an injury-ravaged campaign in 2017 for the Braves, who were battered to the tune of a 6-13 mark versus the Phillies last season. Philadelphia appeared poised to continue its mastery of its National League East rival as Cesar Hernandez homered in his second straight Opening Day appearance, but Kapler raised eyebrows by lifting starter Aaron Nola in the bottom of the sixth inning after just 68 pitches with a commanding 5-0 lead. The new manager also caused a stir by leaving Odubel Herrera out of the starting lineup for what he deemed as a matchup-based decision, but the latter is expected to draw in on Friday and face Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia-Plus, FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (2017: 8-10, 6.02 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (2017: 10-13, 4.79)

Pivetta took his lumps last season with 25 homers and 144 hits allowed in 133.0 innings while seeing his WHIP climb to a gaudy 1.51. A postive for the 25-year-old British Columbian came in the form of his 140 strikeouts, with 13 coming as he limited the Braves to a .226 batting average en route to winning all three of his starts versus the club last season. Two of the starts were played in Atlanta, including a six-inning scoreless stint in his penultimate outing of the campaign.

Foltynewicz is hoping his strong spring washes the taste out of his mouth after he posted a 6.34 ERA following the All-Star break in 2017. The 26-year-old spent the offseason focusing his attention on his mechanics and pitched exclusively out of the stretch in the spring. Foltynewicz split a pair of outings against the Phillies last season and owns a 3-2 mark in seven career encounters, with Maikel Franco (.333) and Herrera (.313) faring well against him while going deep on one occasion.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia optioned 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner RHP Jake Arrieta to Advanced Class-A Clearwater on Thursday as he continues to round into shape for his expected first appearance on April 8.

2. Braves CF Ender Inciarte, who is 4-for-7 in his career versus Pivetta, batted .354 against the Phillies last season.

3. Atlanta's Kurt Suzuki is expected to get the start on Friday after relieving fellow C Tyler Flowers, who exited the season opener with left oblique discomfort.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Phillies 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-30-2018, 10:57 AM

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Texas Rangers have typically had their way with their Silver Boot Series rival - especially at home - over the course of time, but the Houston Astros have left little doubt recently which team holds the edge at the moment. The Astros eye a sixth straight victory in Globe Life Park on Friday when they continue a four-game set against the host Rangers.

Justin Verlander worked six scoreless innings while George Springer and Jake Marisnick clubbed solo homers en route to a 4-1 win on Opening Day against Texas. Houston has been even more dominant at Globe Life Park since the start of last season, outscoring the Rangers 70-31 while taking eight of the last 10 meetings at the venue after dropping 32 of the previous 41 in Arlington. Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre each had two hits in a losing cause for Texas, which went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and managed its only run on a wild pitch. The Rangers have suffered five straight defeats overall to their in-state rival and haven't won any of their previous three season-opening series under fourth-year manager Jeff Banister.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (2017: 14-5, 2.90 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Doug Fister (2017: 5-9, 4.88)

Keuchel recaptured the form last season that allowed him to claim the American League Cy Young Award in 2015, keeping his ERA below 3.00 and WHIP under 1.20 for the third time in four seasons after struggling in 2016. The 30-year-old, who drew the Opening Day nod for the team over each of the previous three years, is 40-24 with a 3.29 ERA in 89 career games (82 starts) prior to the All-Star break. Keuchel mostly had his way with the Rangers last season, going 3-1 with a 2.92 ERA in four turns.

Fister signed with Texas in late November after logging 18 games (15 starts) with the Boston Red Sox last season, going 5-2 with a 2.79 ERA for a seven-game stretch before finishing 0-2, 9.18 over his final four appearances. The Fresno State product will be joining his fifth team in six seasons, including a one-year stint with the Astros in 2016 during which he finished 12-13 with a 4.64 ERA. Fister dropped his only start against Houston last season, giving up three runs across 5 1/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Springer became the first player in major-league history with leadoff homers in consecutive season openers with his leadoff blast Thursday - the 100th home run of his career.

2. Andrus made his 10th consecutive Opening Day start Thursday, one shy of matching the club record held by Ivan Rodriguez and Michael Young.

3. Houston placed 1B Yuli Gurriel on the restricted list prior to the opener to start the clock on his five-game suspension, allowing for the possibility he could return as early as Tuesday if he doesn't need to go on the disabled list following February hand surgery.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Rangers 2

Friday 3-30-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Friday 3-30-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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