Sunday 4-1-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Golden Gate Fields - Race #3 - Post: 1:19pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $20,000 Class Rating: 93

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 TOP TIZZY (ML=6/1)
#3 BROOKES ALL MINE (ML=9/5)
#2 CRIMSON CLOUD (ML=9/2)


TOP TIZZY - In this race here, this horse has registered the highest Equibase speed fig at the distance, so I have to give her the edge. Stand by this horse. No other viable pace gives this animal a strong chance at the winner's circle. This mare is in fine form, having run a nice race on March 10th, finishing third. BROOKES ALL MINE - The most recent speed fig of 89 is the best last race speed rating in the field. I like to wager on this angle, a thoroughbred coming back off a solid contest within the last thirty days. Recent speed figs show powerful pattern of improvement. CRIMSON CLOUD - Utilizing this rider/conditioner combination is a good decision. Had a powerful closing move last time around the track, running the last quarter in less than 25 seconds. A similar race today, and it's straight to the winner's circle.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 CHEROKEE IN ME (ML=3/1), #1 BISHOPS OF COMPTON (ML=7/2),

CHEROKEE IN ME - This mount ran a disappointing speed figure last out. She shouldn't run better and will probably suffer defeat in today's race running that rating. BISHOPS OF COMPTON - This mare finished out of the money on February 18th and wasn't close to victory last out either.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #4 TOP TIZZY to win if you can get odds of 3/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4] Box [2,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,3,4] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[2,3,4] with [2,3,4] with [1,2,3,4,6] with [1,2,3,4,6] Total Cost: $36

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Golden Gate Fields

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

Race 5 - Maiden Claiming - 8.5f on the Turf. Purse: $13000 Class Rating: 85

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000, IF FOR $18,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 GO BABY RUN 2/1

# 4 AUSTRIA 5/1

# 3 VICTORIA FALLS 5/2

GO BABY RUN has a solid shot to take this race. Could best this group of horses based on the Equibase Speed Fig - 61 - of her last outing. Is tough not to consider given the company run in as of late. Has been running soundly and has among the top speed in the race for today's distance. AUSTRIA - The price could be just right on this entrant. Could best this field based on the speed figure - 76 - of her last effort. VICTORIA FALLS - Reliable average speed figures in turf route races make this equine a solid contender. The quick return to racing points to a formidable effort this time out.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park - Race 3

$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 $.50 Bet 3 (Races 3-4-5)


Maiden Claiming $20,000 • 5 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 81 • Purse: $26,000 • Post: 1:00P
(RAIL AT 72 FEET). FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000. (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT FIVE FURLONGS)
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. ASKED AND ANSWERED is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * ASKED AND ANSWERED: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. FAMILY JUSTICE : Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. VISIONS OF YOU: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equ ibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. PARTICULARITY: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff.
7
ASKED AND ANSWERED
3/1

7/2
5
FAMILY JUSTICE
5/2

5/1
2
VISIONS OF YOU
7/2

6/1
8
PARTICULARITY
8/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
ASKED AND ANSWERED
7

3/1
Front-runner
81

70

88.1

59.2

54.2
5
FAMILY JUSTICE
5

5/2
Stalker
84

77

87.8

67.2

62.2
2
VISIONS OF YOU
2

7/2
Stalker
75

78

74.0

70.4

64.9
8
PARTICULARITY
8

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
76

66

77.6

63.0

52.0
3
GIOVANNA PONTI
3

10/1
Alternator/Trailer
0

0

44.6

69.2

60.2
1
COPPER VESSEL
1

4/1
Alternator/Non-contender
77

73

58.1

57.5

50.0
4
MISS PADDY
4

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
78

69

46.0

54.8

42.8








Unknown Running Style: PROUD VENEZUELAN (15/1) [Jockey: Boraco David - Trainer: Arrieta Michel].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park - Race #3 - Post: 1:00pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $26,000 Class Rating: 81

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 PARTICULARITY (ML=8/1)


PARTICULARITY - Abarrio brings this gelding back into a race rather than a workout. He knows his gelding is on top of his game. Zayas and Abarrio partnered with one another are a horse gambler's friend. I think this gelding is ready to run a good one. He's had enough races since the vacation and should be fit.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 FAMILY JUSTICE (ML=5/2), #7 ASKED AND ANSWERED (ML=3/1), #2 VISIONS OF YOU (ML=7/2),

FAMILY JUSTICE - This gelding hasn't been showing me anything in the last couple of efforts. This runner ran a most unsatisfactory speed rating last race out. He shouldn't show signs of improvement and will likely suffer defeat in today's event running that figure. This less than sharp equine has no victories at Gulfstream Park. ASKED AND ANSWERED - This questionable contender ran a mediocre speed figure last time around the track. He shouldn't run much better and will probably get beat in today's race running that figure. VISIONS OF YOU - Tough to wager on any animal to turn things around if there is no large gain to taking the chance. This gelding hasn't had any promising efforts in short distance contests in the last two months.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #8 PARTICULARITY on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
8 with 3

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park - Race 4

$1 Exacta /$0.50Trifecta / $2 Rolling Double $1 Rolling Pick Three (Races 4-5-6) / $2 Pick Six Starts (Races 4-9) $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.) / $1 Rolling Super High 5


Starter Handicap • 1 1/8 Miles • Turf • Ages 4 and up • CR: 99 • Purse: $40,000 • Post: 1:04P
(RAIL AT 10 FEET). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $25,000 OR LESS IN 2017-18. (PLUS UP TO $4,800 TO CAL BRED WINNERS FROM CBOIF). FREE NOMINATIONS CLOSE SATURDAY, MARCH 18 CLOSED WITH 12. $300 SUPPLEMENTARY NOMINATIONS DUE AT TIME OF ENTRY CLOSED WITH 1. $64 TO START. THE ADDED MONIES AND ALL FEES TO BE DIVIDED 60% TO THE WINNER, 20% TO SECOND, 12% TO THIRD, 6% TO FOURTH AND 2% TO FIFTH. WEIGHTS TO BE ASSIGNED AT THE DRAW. HIGHWEIGHTS PREFERRED. STARTERS TO BE NAMED THROUGH THE ENTRY BOX BY THE USUAL TIME OF CLOSING. THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A SIGNED NCAA BASKETBALL.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Trailer. SO GOLDEN is the Lone Trailer of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * MELISSA JANE (GB): Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. VASILIKA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. MISS BOOM BOOM: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. REVENUE VIRGINIUS: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20.
1
MELISSA JANE (GB)
3/1

4/1
5
VASILIKA
2/1

5/1
4
MISS BOOM BOOM
5/2

10/1
6
REVENUE VIRGINIUS
8/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
SAIDA
7

6/1
Front-runner
94

94

104.6

82.2

70.2
3
LOOKINFORADANGER
3

12/1
Front-runner
96

92

92.2

88.8

79.3
5
VASILIKA
5

2/1
Stalker
102

101

92.6

96.2

90.7
4
MISS BOOM BOOM
4

5/2
Stalker
98

96

83.0

92.2

87.2
6
REVENUE VIRGINIUS
6

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
98

93

71.1

85.3

76.8
2
SO GOLDEN
2

20/1
Trailer
90

86

71.6

84.6

70.6
8
PRINCESS KENDRA
8

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
92

89

68.3

81.5

69.5








Unknown Running Style: MELISSA JANE (GB) (3/1) [Jockey: Blanc Brice - Trainer: Powell Leonard].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 4 - Maiden Special Weight - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $23400 Class Rating: 57

FOR REGISTERED NEW MEXICO BRED MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 11 LA JAQUESITA 4/1

# 10 PRINCESS JAZZ 5/1

# 4 OH SO ATTRACTIVE 10/1

LA JAQUESITA gets the edge as the bet in here. Don't let this mare slip past you. Could score at a juicy mutuel. The average class fig of 48 makes this horse tough to beat. This handler has done strongly as of late with entries moving at this distance and surface. PRINCESS JAZZ - With one of the most favorable jocks in terms of dividends at the window, don't count this filly out. OH SO ATTRACTIVE - A solid 59 avg Equibase class rating may give this filly a distinct class edge versus this group. It's a good signal that Gonzalez is using Hebert on this horse.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 04-01-2018

1st April 2018 by Gracenote
The month of April has not been kind to Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, but he's hoping to reverse that trend Sunday in the rubber match of a three-game series against the visiting Minnesota Twins. Gausman owns a 5.88 ERA in 15 career April appearances and has a history of struggling against the Twins, who evened the season-opening set with Saturday's 6-2 victory.

Jason Castro, Miguel Sano and Max Kepler each belted solo home runs Saturday in support of starter Kyle Gibson, who did not allow a hit through six scoreless innings. Byron Buxton went 0-for-4 while hitting eighth in the order for the Twins but carries lofty goals and a streak of 25 consecutive steals into Sunday's contest. "I want to get 50 bases. That's my biggest goal for this year - I'm definitely going to go more," Buxton told reporters. "If I can get 50, that helps the team. It's how I can help - get on base, get in scoring position." Jonathan Schoop is 1-for-9 with four strikeouts through two games for the Orioles, who have been held to a total of eight hits - including Adam Jones' walk-off homer on Opening Day.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH José Berríos (2017: 14-8, 3.89 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (2017: 11-12, 4.68)

Berrios appears primed for a breakout season after reducing his walks and posting an impressive strikeout rate of 8.6 per nine innings last year. The 23-year-old was sharp during spring training, going 2-1 with a 1.42 ERA over 19 frames in six starts. Manny Machado is 4-for-8 with a home run against Berrios, who owns a 2-0 record and 4.67 ERA in three career starts versus Baltimore - including a victory at Camden Yards on May 24, 2017.

Gausman is aiming for a strong start after posting a combined first-half ERA of 5.05 over the past two seasons. The 27-year-old native of Colorado worked with new teammate Andrew Cashner on his two-seam fastball during spring training and said he's focused on being a more consistent starter in his sixth season. Joe Mauer is 5-for-10 against Gausman, who is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in five career starts versus Minnesota.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Twins are 7-3 in their last 10 meetings with Baltimore.

2. Orioles OF Colby Rasmus is 10 RBIs away from reaching 500 for his career.

3. Twins RHP Phil Hughes (oblique) worked four innings in a minor-league rehab start Saturday and could rejoin the rotation on April 11.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Orioles 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 04-01-2018

1st April 2018 by Gracenote
The Toronto Blue Jays needed to prove something to themselves while showing the rest of baseball that the New York Yankees aren't invincible after all. The Blue Jays finally were able to muster up some offense in their third game of the season and have a chance to earn a split of a four-game set against the visiting Yankees on Sunday afternoon.

Toronto set a dubious record with its fewest hits (seven) through the first two games of a season before collecting nine in Saturday's 5-3 win, punctuated by a tiebreaking home run from ex-Yankee Yangervis Solarte in the eighth inning. Kevin Pillar also manufactured an insurance run in historical fashion, becoming the first Blue to swipe three bases in one inning, including a steal of home in the ninth. Giancarlo Stanton collected his fourth extra-base hit of the series, but Tyler Austin did the heavy lifting for New York, accounting for all its runs with a pair of massive homers measuring a combined 853 feet. Yankees reliever Dellin Betances yielded Solarte's homer, his second in as many outings, after allowing only three in 66 appearances a year ago.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, YES (New York), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Sonny Gray (2017: 10-12, 3.55 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (2017: 10-9, 4.98)

Gray was somewhat of a disappointment after he was acquired from Oakland, where he won 14 games in back-to-back seasons (2014-15). Granted, he didn't get a ton of offensive support from New York, which backed him with one run or less in five of his seven losses with the Yankees. Gray was 1-2 in three starts at Rogers Centre last season despite a 1.50 ERA, but he tossed six innings of one-run ball to earn a win on Sept. 23.

Stroman was initially expected to draw the start on Opening Day but he was pushed back after dealing with shoulder inflammation early in training camp. The 26-year-old saw plenty of the Yankees in 2017, making five starts against them and posting a 1-2 mark with a 5.32 ERA and .297 batting average against. Aaron Judge did plenty of damage in his rookie season against Stroman, going 6-for-12 with three home runs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Austin has nine career homers and eight have either tied the game or put New York ahead.

2. Blue Jays 1B Justin Smoak was 3-for-4 with two RBIs Saturday, but he's 4-for-25 with 10 strikeouts versus Gray.

3. Yankees LF Billy McKinney (left shoulder AC sprain) and RHP Adam Warren (ankle contusion) each were hurt in Saturday's game. McKinney was later placed on the 10-day disabled list, while INF Miguel Andujar was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in a corresponding move.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 04-01-2018

31st March 2018 by Gracenote
It is only two games but the New York Mets appear to have their power pitching back on track as they aim to complete a season-opening home sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. Two days after Noah Syndergaard fanned 10 hitters in Thursday's season opener, Jacob deGrom and three relievers combined for 12 punch outs in a 6-2 victory Saturday, giving New York pitchers 27 strikeouts through the season's first 18 innings.

New York has not lacked for offensive production in the series, scoring 15 runs in two games as Yoenis Cespedes and Travis d'Arnaud slugged homers in Saturday's triumph and Todd Frazier added three RBIs. It has been a miserable start offensively for the Cardinals, who are hitting .194 in the two defeats. One St. Louis hitter locked in is first baseman Jose Martinez, who is 5-for-8 in the series with a homer and three RBIs. But the Cardinals are 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position in the series, and their bullpen has surrendered six runs in seven innings.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), SNY (New York), ESPN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Luke Weaver (2017: 7-2, 3.88 ERA) vs. Mets LH Steven Matz (2017: 2-7, 6.08)

After an impressive 2017 in which he compiled a 2.05 ERA before struggling in his final two starts, Weaver looks to solidify his spot in the St. Louis rotation. The 24-year-old allowed more than two earned runs just once in his first 11 appearances last season before surrendering 14 earned runs in his final two outings. Weaver was outstanding in spring training, holding opponents to a .113 batting average with a 0.67 WHIP, 19 strikeouts and one run allowed in 16 1/3 innings.

The Mets are hoping Matz can break through in 2018 after elbow issues and eventual surgery limited him to only 13 starts a season ago. His numbers this spring were not great - a 6.30 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP - but Matz only allowed four earned runs across his final 18 1/3 innings and, more importantly, reported no health issues. The 26-year-old lost in his only start against the Cardinals last season, giving up five runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings on July 9.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets closer Jeurys Familia, who made seven saves in an injury-riddled 2017 after saving 51 games the previous season, earned his first save of the season Saturday with two strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings.

2. New York 1B Adrian Gonzalez, who hit .242 in 71 games with the Dodgers last season, is 3-for-7 with two walks through two games.

3. St. Louis was busy roster-wise Saturday, disabling P Brett Cecil (left shoulder strain), promoting P Ryan Sherriff from Triple-A Memphis, officially signing new closer Greg Holland, transferring P Alex Reyes to the 60-day disabled list and trading P Josh Lucas to Oakland.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Cardinals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 04-01-2018

31st March 2018 by Gracenote
The real winner of the season-opening series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers is Mother Nature, with inclement weather Saturday forcing a second postponement in two days and resulting in a split doubleheader Sunday in Detroit. The two teams may have needed the rainout to recover from a wild opening day Friday (following a Thursday rainout), a game the Tigers appeared to have won before a reversed call at home plate led to a 13-10 Pirates victory in 13 innings.

Detroit spent Friday evening and undoubtedly Saturday seething after Nick Castellanos was initially called safe in the bottom of the 10th with the game-winning run, only to have replay reverse the call, setting off an argument that resulted in Ron Gardenhire being ejected in his debut as Tigers manager. "We've had plenty of plays that need clear and conclusive evidence to overturn, and there was one angle that maybe looked like it could have gotten my sleeve, and let's over turn the game and not let the Tigers win," Castellanos told reporters afterward. Both teams had plenty of chances in the opener, however, as the Pirates blew a four-run ninth-inning lead and Detroit relievers surrendered nine runs and 11 hits in seven innings. "We fight as a family," Pittsburgh right fielder Gregory Polanco told the media after he finished 3-for-5 with four RBIs, three runs scored,and the go-ahead three-run homer in the 13th. "We've got to fight every pitch, every at-bat, every inning, and you see what happens."

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Trevor Williams (2017: 7-9, 4.07 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (2017: 10-12, 3.83)

Originally scheduled to start Saturday, Williams looks to build off a steady second half of 2017 in which he posted a 3.35 ERA in 13 starts. The 25-year-old, who began the season in the bullpen before joining the rotation in May, received two runs of support or less in seven of his 25 starts, but also got seven runs or more in six appearances. Williams finished spring training with a 5.87 ERA, giving up 10 runs on 18 hits in 15 1/3 innings.

Fulmer also was slated to make his season debut Saturday, and the 25-year-old enters the campaign looking to prove he is healthy. The 2016 American League Rookie of the Year and an All-Star a season ago, Fulmer underwent elbow surgery that ended his 2017 in September, and had an MRI exam in early March after experiencing elbow soreness, but the tests came back clean. Fulmer, considering the young ace of Detroit's rebuilding team, struck out 15 while walking two and posting a 2.12 ERA in four spring training starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The two teams combined for 23 runs, 31 hits and five errors in Friday's opener.

2. Pittsburgh OF Starling Marte is hitting .335 in interleague play since the start of 2014, the highest average by any National League player.

3. The Tigers did not hit a homer in Friday's marathon game, but seven of their 14 hits were doubles.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Pirates 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 04-01-2018

31st March 2018 by Gracenote
Xander Bogaerts struggled through a difficult season in 2017 in large part because he played through a lingering wrist injury, but it appears the Tampa Bay Rays are getting a taste of what he is capable of when he is healthy. Boston's red-hot 25-year-old shortstop attempts to cap off an incredible four-game series Sunday when the visiting Red Sox eye a series victory over the Rays.

Bogaerts is 8-for-12 through three games in 2018 and has multiple extra-base hits in every contest, making him only the second player in the last 100 years (Adrian Gonzalez, 2015) to accomplish that feat over the first three games of a season. The two-time Silver Slugger Award winner padded those totals in Saturday's 3-2 victory, going 3-for-4 with an RBI double and solo homer. Hector Velazquez will try to be the latest Boston starting pitcher to baffle Tampa Bay after Chris Sale, David Price and Rick Porcello combined to allow one earned run over 18 1/3 innings through the first three games of the series. The Rays matched their hit total from the first two contests (eight) in Saturday's defeat, getting five of them from Carlos Gomez (2-for-4, solo home run) and Matt Duffy (3-for-4).

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Hector Velazquez (2017: 3-1, 2.92 ERA) vs. Rays RH Jacob Faria (2017: 5-4, 3.43)

With three projected starters beginning the season on the disabled list, Velazquez will attempt to build on his success in 2017, transitioning from a non-roster invitee who had spent the previous seven years in the Mexican League. The 29-year-old was much more successful as a reliever, however, going 3-0 and did not allow an earned run in five appearances (he was 0-1 with a 5.02 ERA in his three starts). Over his final five outings last season, Velazquez allowed a total of six hits over 11 scoreless frames.

Faria posted a 4-0 record and 2.11 ERA in six turns prior to the All-Star break last season before going 1-4, 4.47 in 10 appearances (eight starts) following the Midsummer Classic. The California native surrendered 13 runs (11 earned) on 19 hits and 12 walks over 19 1/3 exhibition frames but capped off his spring by tossing six no-hit innings Tuesday. Boston hitters on the 40-man roster went 3-for-29 with no extra-base hits last year against Faria, who yielded one run in two games (one start) spanning nine innings against the Red Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Bogaerts didn't connect on his first homer last season until May 25 and needed 28 games to hit five doubles.

2. Sunday will mark the 564th straight game the Rays' starting pitcher is below 30 years of age, the longest such streak in the majors.

3. Boston closer Craig Kimbrel hasn't allowed a hit to the last 34 Tampa Bay batters he has faced.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Rays 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 04-01-2018

1st April 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins have wound up seeing even more of each another than they expected in their season-opening four-game series. After working extra innings for two straight games, the teams wrap up the set Sunday in Miami.


The Marlins prevailed in a 17-inning marathon on Friday, but the Cubs returned the favor the following day by winning 10-6 in 10 frames and taking a 2-1 advantage in the series. Chicago's bullpen continued its outstanding work in the series and has allowed only two runs in 22 innings. Miami's relievers didn't fare as well, as closer Brad Ziegler was tagged for four runs in his second frame. Derek Dietrich hit the Marlins' first home run of the season Saturday, while the Cubs have belted five shots in the first three games.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago Plus, FS Florida (Miami)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jose Quintana (2017: 11-11, 4.15 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Dillon Peters (2017: 1-2, 5.17)

Quintana got off to a rocky beginning last season before turning things around and going 7-3 with a 3.74 ERA in 14 starts after being acquired from the White Sox. The 29-year-old has been a slow starter in his career, as he is 8-8 with a 4.02 ERA in 25 starts before the month of May. Quintana never has faced the Marlins.

Peters was sent to minor-league camp before getting the call to join the rotation following Dan Straily's injury. The 25-year-old had command issues during a September call-up last year, issuing 19 walks and hitting two batters in 31 1/3 innings, and his control was a problem again this spring. Peters was excellent in three starts at Marlins Park, however, going 1-1 with a 1.53 ERA in 17 2/3 frames.


WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs have homered in each of the first three games and will try to do so for four straight to start a season for the first time since 2009.

2. Marlins 2B Starlin Castro is 0-for-14 with three strikeouts against Quintana.

3. Dietrich has been hit by a pitch three times in the series and 74 times in his career - most in franchise history.


PREDICTION: Cubs 8, Marlins 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 04-01-2018

1st April 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago White Sox aim for their first 3-0 start since 1992 when they wrap up a three-game road series against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. The Royals are trying to avoid starting with three straight losses for the second consecutive season.


After slugging six home runs in a 14-7 win on Opening Day, the White Sox won a defensive struggle in the second game of the series. Yoan Moncada homered and Welington Castillo recorded a two-run double during a three-run eighth inning to lift Chicago to a 4-3 win on Saturday. Matt Davidson continued his hot start for the White Sox with a run-scoring single, giving him six RBIs in two games. The Royals' bullpen has struggled through the first two contests, allowing 12 runs in eight innings.

TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Kansas City


PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (2017: 3-3, 4.72 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jason Hammel (2017: 8-13, 5.29)

Lopez made eight starts for the White Sox last year after a solid campaign at Triple-A Charlotte, where he struck out 131 in 121 innings. The 24-year-old Dominican didn't miss as many bats in the majors last year, but he has good enough stuff to be a strikeout pitcher. Lopez faced the Royals three times last season and was 2-0 with a 3.44 ERA in 18 1/3 innings.

Hammel is coming off his worst season since his rookie campaign in 2007, and that included getting hit hard in two losses to the White Sox. The 35-year-old struggled to a 4-6 record and a 4.94 ERA in 17 home starts a year ago, allowing 11 home runs at Kauffman Stadium. Hammel is 2-4 with a 5.32 ERA in 12 games (seven starts) against the White Sox.


WALK-OFFS

1. Royals OF Jon Jay has led off with a single and scored in each of the first two games and is 3-for-5 when leading off innings.

2. Moncada is 3-for-6 with a triple and a homer against Hammel and has hit safely in nine straight contests against the Royals.

3. Chicago SS Tim Anderson has a 12-game hitting streak against Kansas City.


PREDICTION: Royals 6, White Sox 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 04-01-2018

31st March 2018 by Gracenote
Jake Marisnick has opened the season sharing time with youngster Derek Fisher in left field while batting at the bottom of the Houston Astros' lineup, but his early contributions could force the club to rethink his role. The Astros aim to continue their recent domination of the Silver Boot Series on Sunday when they target a series victory in the finale of a four-game set against the host Texas Rangers.

The right-handed hitting Marisnick batted eighth on Opening Day against Cole Hamels and belted a two-out solo homer off the southpaw, wasting little time building on his breakout 2017 campaign in which he finished with a career-high 16 home runs in only 230 at-bats. Despite moving down to the No. 9 spot in the order Saturday after sitting in favor of Fisher on Friday, the 27-year-old went deep off another left-hander (Matt Moore) and scored twice in 9-3 victory. "I think we can go from any position in the lineup and do some damage. Obviously, Jake at the bottom. If we can continue to get production throughout the lineup, we'll be really hard to kick out of games," manager A.J. Hinch told reporters. Elvis Andrus, who has tallied two hits in every game, scored all three runs - one of which came via a solo homer - for Texas in Saturday's defeat.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, AT&T Sportsnet - Southwest (Houston), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Gerrit Cole (2017: 12-12, 4.26 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Mike Minor (2017: 6-6, 2.55)

The centerpiece of a five-player deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates in January, Cole is coming off the worst of his five major-league seasons, finishing with career highs in ERA, losses, walks (55) and homers allowed (31). The former overall No. 1 pick of the 2011 draft was sharp in the spring, however, going 3-1 with a 2.14 ERA while fanning 24 over 21 frames. Cole struck out nine over seven scoreless innings to get the win versus the Rangers in his first and only start against them as a rookie in 2013.

Minor will draw his first big-league start since 2014 after finding much success in 66 appearances out of the Kansas City Royals' bullpen a season ago, when he compiled six saves and 17 holds while posting a 1.02 WHIP. The 26-year-old Vanderbilt product is coming off a poor showing in exhibition play (1-1, 6.17 ERA) and was tagged for six runs over 5 1/3 innings in his final start of the spring. Minor kept the Astros mostly in check in his three appearances against them in 2017, going 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston has won nine of its last 12 road contests in this series.

2. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre notched his 3,052nd career hit Saturday, one shy of tying Hall-of-Famer Rod Carew for the most ever by a Latin American player.

3. Texas OF Delino DeShields is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after he was placed on the 10-day disabled list Saturday with a fractured left hamate bone.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Rangers 3