Tuesday 4-3-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 05:56 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #1 - Post: 12:45pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $16,900 Class Rating: 68

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 DIVINE APPOINTMENT (ML=8/1)
#1 TIA GEGO (ML=5/1)
#6 SINCERE DEVOTION (ML=6/5)

DIVINE APPOINTMENT - A wise man taught me to bet on the lone speed horse. Take a look at this horse. The jock and trainer combination have a beneficial ROI when they unite. TIA GEGO - This rider and conditioner's horses have been generating a lucrative ROI. Ran last time around the track against a high class rated field at Mahoning Valley Race Cour. The move down the class ladder should suit her well. Classic angle - 3rd or 4th start after a layoff generally leads to a big effort. A live horse today. SINCERE DEVOTION - Entered at the same class level and distance of her last win, which is a big plus for this filly. I think this filly is coming into top form. I like to play this angle, a thoroughbred coming back off a strong outing within the last month or so.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 CIRCLE CAN WIN (ML=2/1),

CIRCLE CAN WIN - Didn't do alot last time out of the box. Probably won't make a winning move today. I find it hard to play any thoroughbred in a sprint contest at 2/1 when she hasn't shown any on the board results in sprints in the last 60 days. Improbable that the speed fig she recorded on Mar 5th will be good enough in this event.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #4 DIVINE APPOINTMENT on top if we're getting at least 4/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 05:56 AM

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

Race 4 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $28000 Class Rating: 73

FOR MAIDENS, FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $30,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 SMOOTH DON B 2/1

# 2 SHIMERVILLE 5/1

# 4 THORN HILL CAT 3/1

SMOOTH DON B looks solid to best this field. Has garnered reliable Equibase Speed Figures in dirt sprint races in the past. Sanchez has been scorching the last month, winning at a nifty 17 percent clip. Has to be given a shot - I like the figs from the last affair. SHIMERVILLE - Will most likely compete quite well in the early pace battle which bodes well with this field. With a solid 78 speed fig last time out, will unquestionably be a factor in this race. THORN HILL CAT - This equine is in the upper half of this field in earnings per start at the distance/surface. Have to examine solely on class, with some of the strongest class figs of this group.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 05:57 AM

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

Race 6 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $20400 Class Rating: 61

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

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 K P PERGOLISCIOUS (IRE) 5/1

# 4 LOVABLE LILLY 5/1

# 3 TIZ ALL BEHIND US 4/1

K P PERGOLISCIOUS (IRE) has a very good shot to take this race. She should be considered given the competitive speed figures. Make a note that this one runs with second time Lasix today. Always good to invest in a trainer with this kind of very good win percentage - 27 percent - at this distance & surface. LOVABLE LILLY - Ran a solid last race. TIZ ALL BEHIND US - Must be given a shot as she drops to compete against this softer field of horses. In this field, this horse is ranked high in earnings per start in dirt sprint events.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 05:58 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Turf Paradise
Turf Paradise - Race 5

$1 Exacta / $1 Quinella / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta $1 Double (Races 5-6) / $.50 Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7) / $.50 Pick 4 (Races 5-6-7-8)

Claiming $3,000 • 4 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 82 • Purse: $7,000 • Post: 3:17P
(PLUS UP TO 10% PLUS 10%) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED AT THE 2017-18 TURF PARADISE MEET FOR $3,500 OR LESS AND HAVE NOT FINISHED 1ST, 2ND, OR 3RD AT THE MEET OR HAVE STARTED IN A RACE RESTRICTED TO HORSES THAT HAVE NOT FINISHED 1ST, 2ND, OR 3RD, AT THE CURRENT MEET AND HAVE NOT WON A RACE AT THE CURRENT MEET OR HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE APRIL 3, 2017. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,000 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $2,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED).
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 * COZY BAR: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. KISS MY HENNESSY: Ho rse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. MY LITTLE TWEETY: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. HIGH ON FINAL: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. MAYS OR MANTLE: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
6
COZY BAR
5/1

5/1
3
KISS MY HENNESSY
3/5

6/1
8
MY LITTLE TWEETY
4/1

7/1
1
HIGH ON FINAL
30/1

9/1
4
MAYS OR MANTLE
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
7
REALLY BOPPIN
7

8/1
Front-runner
79

67

84.2

65.6

57.1
1
HIGH ON FINAL
1

30/1
Front-runner
77

73

82.9

54.6

41.1
8
MY LITTLE TWEETY
8

4/1
Front-runner
72

71

0.0

77.6

71.1
3
KISS MY HENNESSY
3

3/5
Stalker
83

82

66.4

72.0

66.0
4
MAYS OR MANTLE
4

15/1
Stalker
75

79

43.8

59.8

53.8
6
COZY BAR
6

5/1
Alternator/Stalker
81

76

80.6

75.8

71.8
2
WILDCAT PARTY
2

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
81

83

91.0

60.6

49.1
5
MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
5

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
77

76

64.6

57.2

44.7

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 05:58 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #5 - Post: 3:17pm - Claiming - 4.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 82

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 COZY BAR (ML=5/1)
#8 MY LITTLE TWEETY (ML=4/1)
#1 HIGH ON FINAL (ML=30/1)
#4 MAYS OR MANTLE (ML=15/1)

COZY BAR - Good trainers run fit horses. The fact that Esquibel worked this gelding at a long distance tells me this one should be ready today. Esquibel drops him down to this level. You don't need too much more handicapping information to think this one should have a chance to win at this level. Just missed hitting the board on March 20th at Turf Paradise. With respectable odds today, he has my interest. MY LITTLE TWEETY - Gelding took a little vacation, but has been racing into shape. This gelding is in good condition, having run a nice race on Mar 11th, finishing first. This gelding's last figure is strong enough to score here, I'll play him back again this time. HIGH ON FINAL - Generally, I don't play a thoroughbred off drills alone, but when I see a gelding work at the same distance or longer than a race he's entered in, I become interested. This gelding likes to be near the lead. Today's race is a shorter distance and should promote his chances of winning. Last time around the track was at Turf Paradise in a race with an Equibase class figure of 89. Dropping considerably in Equibase class figure today puts him in a solid position right here in this race. MAYS OR MANTLE - The jock and conditioner combination have a lucrative return on investment when they join forces.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 KISS MY HENNESSY (ML=3/5), #7 REALLY BOPPIN (ML=8/1),

KISS MY HENNESSY - Would be taking an underlay on this thoroughbred at the probable odds of 3/5. REALLY BOPPIN - Doubtful that the speed fig he registered on March 18th will be enough in this affair. Ran a great speed fig last race out, but the struggle will probably take too much out of him.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #6 COZY BAR on the win end if we get at least 9/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 05:59 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Will Rogers Downs
Will Rogers Downs - Race 6

Exacta / Quinella / Trifecta (.50) / Superfecta (10.)

Claiming $7,500 • 5 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 64 • Purse: $8,250 • Post: 3:21P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.
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 * BATTLE ADMIRAL: Horse has a TrackMaster "B" designation. Horse has run a Good Race withi n the last 30 days. FREE MUSIC: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. DANNY PAYCHECK: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse h as the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. JACK BE COOKIN: Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs.
5
BATTLE ADMIRAL
4/1

9/2
4
FREE MUSIC
3/1

6/1
6
DANNY PAYCHECK
7/2

7/1
2
JACK BE COOKIN
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
4
FREE MUSIC
4

3/1
Front-runner
58

64

85.8

51.4

44.9
5
BATTLE ADMIRAL
5

4/1
Front-runner
72

66

80.0

53.0

48.5
9
LINDA'S VICTORY
9

6/1
Alternator/Front-runner
54

55

60.8

48.4

37.9
2
JACK BE COOKIN
2

8/1
Stalker
68

63

51.4

56.0

43.5
6
DANNY PAYCHECK
6

7/2
Alternator/Stalker
66

62

64.4

55.2

48.2
8
MIDE
8

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
62

55

56.4

50.4

38.9
1
THREE WILD RUMORS
1

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
68

53

51.0

39.4

29.4
7
PAINTED LEGACY
7

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
71

57

48.0

41.2

30.2
3
GOINGTOGIVE'EMHALE
3

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
64

58

33.5

40.8

25.8

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 08:08 AM

Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

3rd April 2018 by Gracenote
Scoring runs was bound to be a problem for the Kansas City Royals this season, but the team's offensive woes have been even worse than expected during their 0-3 start. The Royals will try to get the bats going against Detroit Tigers left-hander Matthew Boyd in the second of a three-game series Tuesday in Detroit.

The Royals are hitting just .206 as a team following Monday's 6-1 loss in the series opener. No regular is hitting over .250, but Kansas City hopes to change that against Boyd - third baseman Mike Moustakas is 5-for-13 with a double and a homer against the Tigers' southpaw, while second baseman Whit Merrifield is 4-for-10 with two doubles and a triple. Detroit swung the bats well in the opener, picking up its first win of the season as Nicholas Castellanos and Victor Martinez delivered the biggest hits of the game. Castellanos is off to a hot start, as he is 7-for-17 with a double and a pair of triples through four games.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Kansas City, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jakob Junis (2017: 9-3, 4.30 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (2017: 6-11, 5.27)

Junis put together a solid rookie campaign, especially down the stretch, as he allowed two or fewer earned runs in six of his last eight starts in 2017. The 25-year-old had an excellent spring, racking up 20 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings. Junis was 2-1 with a 6.75 ERA in three games (two starts) against Detroit last year.

Boyd took a step backward last year, as his walk rate crept up. The 27-year-old followed a strong September with a solid spring, though, giving the Tigers hope he can take the next step in his development. Boyd is 2-4 with a 7.91 ERA in nine starts against the Royals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals 1B Lucas Duda left Monday's game with a tight right hamstring after running out a grounder in the fourth inning.

2. Detroit catchers have thrown out five of seven potential base-stealers.

3. Kansas City claimed OF Abraham Almonte off waivers from Cleveland on Monday and designated RHP Miguel Almonte for assignment.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Royals 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 08:08 AM

Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
Yankee Stadium was shrouded in snow Monday, forcing the postponement of New York's home opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. The teams are now scheduled to meet up Tuesday, although rain and cold temperatures are expected and could damper the home debut for Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton.

The 2017 Major League home run king crushed a pair of homers in his debut with New York to lift them to a season-opening win at Toronto last week, but was 1-for-9 in the next three games as the Yankees split the four-game set with the Blue Jays. New York led 4-1 into the seventh inning Sunday before the bullpen faltered for the second straight day in a 7-4 defeat. The Yankees are 16-4 in home openers since 1998 and will take on a Tampa Bay squad that managed three runs over the course of three straight losses to the Boston Red Sox. Tampa Bay was planning on using reliever Austin Pruitt as the starter before the postponement, which allows them to turn to Chris Archer on Tuesday.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (0-0, 6.00 ERA) vs. Yankees LH Jordan Montgomery (2017: 9-7, 3.88)

Archer gave up four runs and six hits with six strikeouts in six innings against the Red Sox on Thursday. He was 1-2 with a 4.24 ERA in four starts against the Yankees last season, including one outing in the Bronx in which he fanned 10 batters in six innings. The 29-year-old owns a 2.96 ERA in 17 career encounters with New York and Stanton is 0-for-6 with two strikeouts against Archer.

Montgomery struck out 144 and allowed 140 hits in 155 1/3 innings during a solid rookie campaign in 2017. He was 6-3 with a 3.43 ERA in 15 starts at Yankee Stadium, including six innings of one-run ball against the Rays on Sept. 26 to pick up his ninth and final win of the year. The 25-year-old posted a 3.43 mark in six spring training appearances to help lock down the last spot in the rotation.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York C Gary Sanchez is hitless in his last 11 at-bats.

2. Yankees 3B Brandon Drury slugged a two-run homer Sunday and is 5-for-13 with four RBIs through the first four games.

3. Rays RH Yonny Chirinos made his major league debut a memorable one with four scoreless innings of relief against the Red Sox on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Rays 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 08:09 AM

Seattle Mariners vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The San Francisco Giants play their home opener versus the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday after setting a franchise record for fewest runs scored in the first four games of a season. San Francisco, though, remarkably gained a four-game split with the Los Angeles Dodgers despite getting outscored 14-2 with the runs coming on Joe Panik home runs.

"We won two out of four," Evan Longoria, who is hitless in his first 15 at-bats with the Giants, told reporters. "I guess that's what we take out it. For me, I've got a long way to go, but we've got a lot of games left." Seattle hits the road for eight games after taking two of three from Cleveland to open the season with Mitch Haniger (5-for-8, two home runs) and Robinson Cano (6-for-10) off to blazing starts. The Mariners' Marco Gonzalez opposes Ty Blach, who won on Opening Day, in a matchup of left-handers who know each other well from their travel-team days growing up in Colorado. "We have very similar pitching styles, for sure," Blach told reporters. "He's got a good changeup, good off-speed, he mixes his pitches well and swings the bat pretty well. It'll be fun to go up against him."

TV: 4:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network; ROOT Sports Northwest (Seattle), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (2017: 1-1, 6.08 ERA) vs. Giants LH Ty Blach (1-0, 0.00)

Gonzales made one start for St. Louis last season before he was traded to Seattle, when he went 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 10 games (seven starts) - all after the All-Star break. Gonzales, who appears on an Opening Day roster for the first time, went 4-2 with a 4.15 ERA in 10 games (five starts) with the Cardinals in 2014 before he missed most of 2015 with shoulder injuries and all of 2016 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Gonzales was sharp in spring training, yielding six runs and 22 hits while striking out 21 in 26 innings.

Blach yielded three hits and three walks while striking out three in five innings of a 1-0 victory over Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Thursday. "We knew he wouldn't be nervous or scared or in awe of everything," San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy told reporters. "We were very confident he would give us a chance to win today." Blach has been more effective at AT&T Park than on the road during his career, going 6-5 with a 3.83 in 19 home games (14 starts) versus 4-7, 4.86 in 20 outings (13 starts) in opposing ballparks.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Francisco's Buster Posey is 4-for-13 to start the season as he bids to become the fourth catcher in baseball history to record seven consecutive years with 150 or more hits (Jason Kendall, Mike Piazza, Ted Simmons).

2. Seattle OF Ichiro Suzuki (2-for-9 this season) has 3,082 hits and needs 29 to pass Dave Winfield and move into 20th on the all-time list.

3. The Giants, who trail the Mariners 16-13 in the series, play their home opener against an American League team for the first time since interleague play began in 1997.

PREDICTION: Giants 1, Mariners 0

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 08:09 AM

Boston Red Sox vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Boston Red Sox wrap up a season-opening six-game road trip Tuesday at the Miami Marlins, and strong starting pitching along with excellent defense have led them to four victories in their first five contests. Red Sox starters have posted a 0.90 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP in the early days of the season while allowing a total of three earned runs, and defensively the Red Sox have yet to commit an error, the longest Boston streak of flawless baseball to open a season since 2013.

Shortstop Xander Bogaerts continued his hot start to the season with two hits in Monday's 7-3 victory at Miami, and is hitting .455 through five games with five runs scored and five doubles. Marlins pitching has allowed six runs or more three times in five games while starting the season 2-3. Second baseman Starlin Castro finished 3-for-5 Monday and is hitting .364 through his first five games with Miami, and his next homer will give him 100 for his career. The Marlins travel to Philadelphia for three contests after wrapping up their six-game homestand, then return home for their next six against the New York Mets and Pittsburgh.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Chris Sale (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (0-1, 11.25)

Sale, who led the majors with 308 strikeouts while going 17-8 with a 2.90 ERA in his first season with Boston in 2017, opened his 2018 with six shutout innings of one-hit pitching in a no-decision Thursday against Tampa Bay. The 29-year-old struggled a bit with his control on Opening Day, walking three while throwing just 54 of his 92 pitches for strikes. Sale has pitched once in Miami - for the White Sox in 2016 - giving up five runs on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings to take the loss.

It would be difficult for Urena's second start of the season to be worse than his first, considering he allowed five runs on six hits with four walks and three hit-batsmen in four innings of a loss to the Chicago Cubs on Thursday. The 26-year-old, who shared the major league lead by hitting 14 hitters a season ago, hit three hitters in a nightmarish first inning Thursday in which he gave up a homer on the first pitch and also walked in a run. Urena, a 14-game winner last season, makes his first career appearance against the Red Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. After scoring 18 runs on 38 hits in splitting a four-game series against the Cubs to open the season, Miami was limited to three runs (two scoring after Boston built a 6-1 advantage) on 10 hits in the series opener Monday - finishing 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position and leaving 10 runners on base.

2. Boston 1B Hanley Ramirez, who ranks in the top five in Marlins history in hits, runs scored, doubles and homers, slugged his first homer of the season Monday while finishing 2-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

3. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts has hit safely in 22 of his past 23 games in games at National League stadiums, including each of his past 12 games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Marlins 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 08:09 AM

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

3rd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs are expected to have one of the most potent lineups in the majors, which makes their early struggles all the more surprising. The slumping Cubs hope to break out of their offensive funk when they wrap up a two-game road set with the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday.

Chicago was limited to two hits in a 1-0 loss to the Reds on Monday - the Cubs' second straight shutout loss - and has racked up a National League-record 58 strikeouts through five games, but manager Joe Maddon says the struggles are temporary. "We're going to be a really good offensive club," Maddon told reporters. "This is what is going on now." The Reds didn't have much more going at the plate Monday, but Eugenio Suarez tripled and scored on Adam Duvall's sacrifice fly for the only run of the game to give Cincinnati its first win. The running game might help the Reds get their offense going against Tuesday starter Jon Lester, who has a tough time holding runners.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (0-0, 8.10 ERA) vs. Reds LH Cody Reed (2017: 1-1, 5.09)

Lester struggled on Opening Day against the Marlins, lasting only 3 1/3 innings and allowing four runs (three earned) and seven hits. The 34-year-old is a notoriously slow starter, as he's 15-17 over his career in March and April but has a winning record in every other month. Lester is 5-1 with a 4.27 ERA in 13 starts against the Reds, including a 2-1 mark and 3.66 ERA in six outings at Great American Ball Park.

Reed was slated to begin the season in the bullpen, but Thursday's rainout meant the Reds needed a fifth starter sooner than expected. The 24-year-old struggled during the spring but showed signs of reining in the control problems that plagued him a year ago, when he walked 19 batters in 17 2/3 innings across 12 appearances in the majors. Reed is 0-3 with a 16.20 ERA in three starts against the Cubs, who tagged him for seven runs in two innings in his only big-league start last year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds OF Billy Hamilton (7-for-19, two homers) and SS Jose Peraza (9-for-20) have enjoyed success against Lester.

2. Cubs 3B Kris Bryant (4-for-5, home run), C Willson Contreras (4-for-6, two homers) and 1B Anthony Rizzo (2-for-6, two homers) have hit Reed hard, while SS Addison Russell and CF Albert Almora Jr. also have taken him deep.

3. The Cubs are 7-for-51 with runners in scoring position through five games.

PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Reds 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 08:09 AM

Chicago White Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

3rd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago White Sox rank among the major's most homer-happy teams this season, and their first meeting certainly did not disappoint in that regard. One night after the teams combined to score all six of their runs via the long ball, the host Blue Jays and White Sox hope to flex their muscles yet again in the second of three-game set Tuesday.

Russell Martin delivered a go-ahead two-run blast while Josh Donaldson and Aledmys Diaz contributed solo shots to send Toronto to a third straight victory following Monday's 4-2 triumph over Chicago. Martin's home run propelled the Blue Jays to their third consecutive comeback victory - a stretch during which they have connected on six of their eight homers. The White Sox have belted an American League-high nine home runs despite playing only three games, six of which came during their 14-run outburst in an Opening Day win over the Kansas City Royals. Welington Castillo continued to be a thorn in the side of Toronto with two solo shots Monday after going deep five times against the Blue Jays in 2017 - his highest total against any opponent.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Miguel Gonzalez (2017: 8-13, 4.62 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (0-1, 3.86)

Gonzalez went 1-3 with a 6.45 ERA over the final five games of 2017 with the Texas Rangers after he was traded by the White Sox on Aug. 31 before returning to Chicago on a one-year deal in January. The 33-year-old did not fare much better during exhibition play despite winning both of his decisions, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in four turns. Donaldson is 4-for-12 with three RBIs against Gonzalez, who is 7-4 with a 3.63 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) versus the Blue Jays.

Happ pitched better than his final line indicated in Thursday's Opening Day 6-1 loss against the New York Yankees, as Curtis Granderson's error on the first play of the game eventually led to Giancarlo Stanton's two-run homer. The Northwestern product departed after 4 2/3 innings and 96 pitches, giving up three runs (two earned) on four hits and a walk while striking out five. Happ toyed with the White Sox in two starts last season, winning both outings while posting a 2.63 ERA and striking out 19 in 13 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Blue Jays have scored 13 of their 19 runs this season in the seventh inning or later.

2. Chicago 1B Jose Abreu went 3-for-4 in the series opener and is batting .374 over his last 23 games.

3. After serving as the DH in each of the last four games due to a "dead arm," Donaldson is expected to return to the third base Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, White Sox 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 08:09 AM

Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

3rd April 2018 by Gracenote
The New York Mets look to continue their dominance in the series when they host the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday in the opener of a two-game set, shortened by Monday's postponement due to snow. The Mets have won the last six season series with the Phillies after taking 12 of 19 contests last year and they beat the St. Louis Cardinals in two of three at home to open 2018.

New York scored 15 times to win the first two games before losing 5-1 on Sunday and center fielder Juan Lagares has led the way with five hits in nine at-bats, while Yoenis Cespedes hit safely in all three games with four RBIs. Matt Harvey hopes for a healthy season as he takes the mound for the Mets on Tuesday against Ben Lively in a battle of right-handers who were both scheduled to pitch Monday. The Phillies dropped two of three at Atlanta to open the season and gave up 27 runs total to the Braves, including a 15-2 loss on Saturday before taking a much-needed day off after using 22 pitchers in their first series. Last year's rookie sensation Rhys Hoskins has picked up where he left off with five hits, including two doubles and a homer, in 10 at-bats over the first three contests.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SNY (New York), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Ben Lively (2017: 4-7, 4.26 ERA) vs. Mets RH Matt Harvey (2017: 5-7, 6.70)

Lively posted quality starts in five of his first six outings in the major leagues after being recalled last June, including 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball in a tough loss at New York on June 30. The 26-year-old Florida native allowed five runs in 19 1/3 frames spread over three solid matchups with the Mets on the season. Jose Reyes has a triple and a homer against Lively, who posted a 3.13 ERA in six Grapefruit League appearances to earn a spot in the rotation.

A broken bone in his shoulder limited Harvey - who missed all of 2014 and much of 2016 because of injury - to 19 games (18 starts) last year, as he sat out all of July and August. The one-time All-Star returned to go 1-4 with an 11.28 ERA in six appearances in September, ending the season with a loss at Philadelphia in which he was tagged for four runs in four frames. Maikel Franco is 3-for-8 with two homers against Harvey, who is 7-3 with a 3.07 ERA in 11 career starts versus the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia's rookie INF/OF Scott Kingery has registered two hits in each of his first two major-league games, including a pair of doubles.

2. New York 2B Asdrubal Cabrera is 4-for-9 over the last two games and batted .406 with four homers and 13 RBIs against the Phillies in 2017.

3. Monday's game was rescheduled for July 9 as part of a single-admission doubleheader that opens a four-game series.

PREDICTION: Mets 6, Phillies 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-03-2018, 08:10 AM

Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Washington Nationals are off to a 4-0 start for the first time and look to continue their strong early-season showing in Tuesday's middle contest of a three-game set against the host Atlanta Braves. The Nationals, who scored 21 runs in a season-opening sweep at Cincinnati, scored five times in the first two innings Monday en route to an 8-1 victory over the Braves as Bryce Harper continued his opening-week assault on opposing pitchers.

Harper slugged his third homer in two days and drew four walks Monday, driving in three runs and scoring three times as he enters Tuesday hitting .417 through four games. Atlanta, which won two of three against Philadelphia to begin the season, had its hot offense snuffed out in the series opener. Entering the night hitting .325 after scoring 27 runs against the Phillies, the Braves collected just four hits off Washington pitching. Third baseman Ryan Flaherty, signed late in spring training to fill in while Johan Camargo recovers from an oblique injury, finished 1-for-3 in the series opener and is batting .500 through four games with a 1.217 OPS and five runs scored.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Washington), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH A.J. Cole (2017: 3-5, 3.81 ERA) vs. Braves RH Julio Teheran (0-0, 6.35)

The pitching-rich Nationals think they have a solid backup in Cole, who overcame a rough August in 2017 to post a 3.00 ERA while going 2-1 in six appearances (three starts) in September. The 26-year-old posted a 4.85 ERA in 13 innings in spring training but struggled with his control, issuing as many walks (seven) as runs allowed. Cole has made two career appearances against the Braves (one start), giving up seven earned runs in four innings.

Teheran, who went 3-10 with a 5.86 ERA and 17 homers allowed in 17 home starts a season ago, pitched marginally better in the season opener at home Thursday against Philadelphia. The 27-year-old surrendered four runs on four hits with three walks and one homer allowed in 5 2/3 innings, getting a no-decision as the Braves rallied late. Teheran did some of his best work last season against the Nationals, going 3-1 with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP in four starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals OF Adam Eaton, the reigning National League player of the week after hitting .615 with two homers, five RBIs and seven runs scored last week, did not play Monday.

2. Atlanta added RHP Anibal Sanchez and C Carlos Perez to the 25-man roster Monday, designating RHP Miguel Socolovich for assignment and placing RHP Josh Ravin (viral infection) on the disabled list.

3. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman tied a franchise record (held by Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews in 1955) with eight walks in the first four games of a season.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Nationals 4

Tuesday 4-3-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Tuesday 4-3-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment