Monday 4-9-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 05:40 AM

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

Race 3 - Maiden - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $7600 Class Rating: 61

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. PAINTS PREFERRED.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 SIZZLIN BLUE CORONA 7/2

# 4 CATCHN ROYAL CORONA 8/1

# 5 VP AWESOME CORONA 12/1

SIZZLIN BLUE CORONA is my choice. Sire has produced competitive profits with his offspring in their first tries. Will most likely be one of the early speedsters of the pack going into the midpoint of the race. CATCHN ROYAL CORONA - Respectable gains have been scored by investors following this sire's offspring in their first starts. Ought to compete very well in the pace contest which bodes well with this group. Sire figs (21 percent win percentage) give this horse a very good shot. VP AWESOME CORONA - Special Royal Coro first time starters are typically ready to score first time out of the box.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 05:41 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #7 - Post: 3:33pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,100 Class Rating: 83

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 SANDCAT (ML=6/1)
#4 RAPID ROUGE (ML=8/1)
#9 FOREVER KRZ (ML=5/1)

SANDCAT - Ran last out against tougher competition at Mahoning Valley Race Cour. The move to a lower class rank should suit him well. Winless in his last three starts, this gelding did win on Dec 11th at Mahoning Valley Race Cour versus tougher competition. You should disregard that last race at Mahoning Valley Race Cour on the mud where he finished off the board. Should do well right here with the benefit of a fast track. RAPID ROUGE - Jockey hops up on board after getting to know the horse by riding last out. That's always a positive sign. I like to wager on this angle, a campaigner coming back off a sharp effort within the last month. I think that a sprinter coming off a layoff will usually run his best in the 3rd or 4th start back. FOREVER KRZ - Have to give this gelding a fair chance. Ran a strong contest last time out within the last month.

Vulnerable Contenders: #12 FIFTY SHADES (ML=5/2), #11 BRYNDIES JEWEL (ML=9/2),

FIFTY SHADES - Hasn't raced or had any works since March 7th. Not much value on this favorite. BRYNDIES JEWEL - Don't think this less than sharp equine will do much running in today's event. That last speed figure was pedestrian when compared with today's class figure.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #7 SANDCAT on the nose if you can get odds of 3/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
7 with [4,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [4,7,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 05:41 AM

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

Race 1 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $21500 Class Rating: 87

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MARCH 9 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 9 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 HE'S COTTON 8/5

# 4 TEXAS TWO STEP 3/1

# 1 TRUE TO HIS WORD 6/1

I have to consider HE'S COTTON here. Overall the Equibase Speed Figures of this equine look solid in this outing. Put up a strong Equibase Speed Figure in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this contest. Has very good Equibase Class Figures relative to this field - worth a look. TEXAS TWO STEP - Shows evidence of the look of a lucrative play, averaging a solid 81 speed figure which is one of the top in this group. Ought to be given a chance for this event if only for the very good Equibase Speed Figure earned in the last contest. TRUE TO HIS WORD - Taylor has this colt racing well and is a formidable choice based on the solid Equibase Speed Figs garnered in sprint races lately. Taylor and Sanchez have a very good win percent together.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 05:42 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Turf Paradise
Turf Paradise - Race 6

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

Allowance • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 76 • Purse: $14,000 • Post: 3:45P
(PLUS UP TO 10% PLUS 10%) FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 9, 2018 ALLOWED 2 LBS. (CLAIMING RACES FOR $10,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * I DOUBLE DARE YOU: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highes t average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. SWEETCHINAPRINCESS: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. TIZ THE STORM: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs. ACHARNEMENT: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
3
I DOUBLE DARE YOU
7/2

9/2
1
SWEETCHINAPRINCESS
5/2

5/1
4
TIZ THE STORM
8/1

7/1
5
ACHARNEMENT
9/5

10/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
4
TIZ THE STORM
4

8/1
Front-runner
79

72

82.6

61.8

55.3
8
SPECIAL PORTION
8

12/1
Front-runner
66

54

80.2

52.4

39.4
5
ACHARNEMENT
5

9/5
Front-runner
73

74

79.6

43.8

37.3
1
SWEETCHINAPRINCESS
1

5/2
Front-runner
65

73

65.4

69.2

64.2
6
VIDIRA
6

10/1
Front-runner
70

72

63.3

61.7

52.2
3
I DOUBLE DARE YOU
3

7/2
Stalker
76

74

82.5

73.9

67.9
7
GRAY BRIDE
7

10/1
Trailer
67

61

45.5

57.8

48.8
2
FIRST SUMMER
2

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
55

55

72.1

49.4

34.9

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 05:42 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #8 - Post: 4:41pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 75

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 THESHEETSGUY (ML=7/2)
#1 OUTLAW BY NATURE (ML=5/1)

THESHEETSGUY - The most dangerous animal in racing is the lone speed horse. If they let him get away early they probably won't catch him. This gelding likes to be near the lead. Today's contest is a shorter trip and should enhance his likelihood of winning. I like that recent effort on March 24th at Turf Paradise where he ended up third. Earnings per start (EPS) is something that I feel can be a key factor. This entrant is ranked number one in this group. OUTLAW BY NATURE - This jockey/trainer duo has been producing a very profitable ROI, right at +33. I like to wager on this handicapping angle, a campaigner coming back off a nice contest within the last 30 days.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 CROWN KING (ML=3/1), #3 ROB'S GOLDEN TOUCH (ML=9/2), #8 BRENDA'S BAR (ML=6/1),

CROWN KING - March 11th is the last time we've seen this gelding around. Have to be a little bit leery. ROB'S GOLDEN TOUCH - He showed not much at all in the last event. Finished seventh in his most recent race with a somewhat easily forgotten speed rating. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to prove victorious after that in this bunch. BRENDA'S BAR - Tough to wager on any horse like this that didn't end up on the board after the very long layoff and comes right back. You always figure that this horse has a shot to cross the finish line in first, but he falls short regularly.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #7 THESHEETSGUY to win if you can get odds of 7/5 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 05:43 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Will Rogers Downs
Will Rogers Downs - Race 3

Exacta / Quinella / Trifecta (.50) / Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5)

Allowance • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 77 • Purse: $26,400 • Post: 2:01P
FOR ACCREDITED OKLAHOMA-BREDS THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. (MULTIPLE WINNERS PREFERRED).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Lone Front-runner. SEATTLE THUNDER is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SEATTLE THUNDER: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three i n average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. KIRK OF DIAMONDS: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the dist ance/surface.
4
SEATTLE THUNDER
8/5

7/5
5
KIRK OF DIAMONDS
7/5

6/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
4
SEATTLE THUNDER
4

8/5
Front-runner
85

82

71.8

71.0

66.5
5
KIRK OF DIAMONDS
5

7/5
Trailer
76

71

54.8

67.8

63.3
3
BAD BOY BROWN
3

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
60

60

73.0

38.9

30.9
2
IMALITTLEHAZEY
2

9/2
Alternator/Non-contender
77

74

65.4

63.4

58.9
1
REDBANK ROAD
1

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
66

56

50.0

31.2

22.7

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 09:31 AM

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
Two teams coming off demoralizing series sweeps try to turn things in a positive direction when the Tampa Bay Rays visit the Chicago White Sox on Monday afternoon for the opener a three-game set. Tampa Bay coughed up a five-run lead in the eighth inning Sunday to lose its eighth straight game - 8-7 at Boston - while the White Sox were losing 1-0 against Detroit, their fifth setback in six contests.

The Rays, who also squandered a 2-0 lead in the ninth inning of the series opener on Thursday, had rolled to a 7-2 lead while collecting 11 hits in the finale - prompting center fielder Kevin Kiermaier to tell the Tampa Bay Times, "That's about as deflating of a loss as you can have right there." Chicago gave up 15 runs in the first two games of the series against the Tigers before managing just three hits against five Detroit pitchers in frigid conditions in the finale. Avisail Garcia went 5-for-13 in the series to push his season average to .343 for the White Sox while slugger Jose Abreu slumped to 1-for-13 in the last three contests. Veteran Miguel Gonzalez will try to end the slide for Chicago when he heads to the mound to face Chris Archer, a two-time All-Star who goes after his first victory in his third start of the season for the Rays.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (0-0, 6.55 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Miguel Gonzalez (0-1, 9.00)

Archer did not post a decision or a quality start in his first two outings of the season, allowing eight runs on 12 hits and four walks with 14 strikeouts over 11 innings. The 29-year-old North Carolina native registered a 4.97 ERA on the road as opposed to 3.26 at home in 2017 and lost both starts against Chicago. Yolmer Sanchez is 5-for-14 with three homers and Garcia 4-for-11 with a blast against Archer, who is 3-2 with a 4.29 ERA in eight career appearances (seven starts) versus the White Sox.

Gonzalez, who was re-signed after being traded to Texas late last season, struggled in his 2017 debut by yielding six runs - five earned - on eight hits and two walks over five innings in a loss to Toronto. The 33-year-old Mexican went 7-10 with a 4.31 ERA in 22 starts with the White Sox last year before finishing the season 1-3 in five turns with the Rangers. Carlos Gomez is 1-for-3 with a home run against Gonzalez, who is 7-4 with a 2.76 ERA in 16 career outings against the Rays - none last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago recalled RHP Bruce Rondon on Sunday, and he struck out all four batters he faced in his White Sox debut.

2. Tampa Bay 1B Brad Miller (groin) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday and RHP Ryan Weber was recalled from Triple-A Durham.

3. The teams split six games last season, but the White Sox took two of three at home to open September.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, White Sox 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 09:31 AM

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

9th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs' home opener is always a special occasion on the North Side, but this year's event might have even more buzz. The Cubs make their debut at Wrigley Field on Monday afternoon, when they open a three-game series against the red-hot Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates are the early front-runners in the National League Central, having won seven of their first nine contests. Pittsburgh is benefiting from a balanced lineup - six everyday starters are batting over .300, and its bullpen is well-rested entering the series after James Taillon tossed a one-hit shutout against Cincinnati on Sunday. The Cubs also are coming off a shutout, having blanked Milwaukee 3-0 on Sunday to take three of four in the series. Chicago's offense has been spotty in the early going, but the team managed to get through a nine-game road trip to start the season with a winning record and its pitching has been excellent of late, allowing two or fewer runs in four of the last five games.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, ABC 7 (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (0-1, 6.10 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (0-1, 1.50)

After a decent showing on Opening Day at Detroit, Nova had a tough second outing Wednesday against Minnesota. He allowed five runs and five hits over 5 1/3 innings, as things fell apart during a snowy sixth inning. The 31-year-old Dominican is 2-1 with a 4.09 ERA in four career starts against the Cubs.

Chatwood was excellent in his Cubs debut, holding Cincinnati to one run and four hits with six strikeouts over six innings. The only thing missing was run support, as the 28-year-old suffered a tough-luck loss in a 1-0 defeat. Chatwood has posted a 1.50 ERA without recording a decision in two career starts against the Pirates.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs are the only team in the majors that has yet to play a home game.

2. The Pirates have scored 58 runs in nine contests - a total they didn't reach last season until their 17th game.

3. Chicago 1B Anthony Rizzo has missed three straight games with tightness in his lower back and is considered questionable for Monday.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Cubs 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 09:32 AM

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Cleveland Indians hope to build off the emotion of a walk-off victory when they begin a four-game home set against the Central Division-rival Detroit Tigers on Monday. The Indians manufactured a run without a hit in the eighth inning to tie the game before Yan Gomes delivered a two-run homer in the ninth for a 3-1 victory over Kansas City on Sunday, earning their first series win of the season.

"We needed the win and we got a win," Cleveland manager Terry Francona told reporters after his team improved to 4-5 overall. "We obviously have some work to do offensively, and we will. But it's nice to win a game like that." Reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber will try to make it two in a row for the Indians and gain his first victory of the season Monday against Francisco Liriano, who is coming off a strong outing. The Tigers come in hot off a three-game sweep on the road against the Chicago White Sox, scoring 15 runs to win the first two games before recording a 1-0 triumph on Sunday to even their record at 4-4. Former AL MVP Miguel Cabrera knocked in the only run in the finale with a sacrifice fly and leads the way with nine RBIs for Detroit, which has managed just two home runs in the early going.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit Plus, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (1-0, 1.35 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (0-1, 2.40)

Liriano was outstanding in his Tigers debut, allowing just one run on four hits and two walks with three strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings in a 6-1 win over Kansas City last Monday. The 34-year-old Dominican was used as a reliever 20 times in 38 appearances with Houston and Toronto last season, finishing with a 6-7 record and 5.66 ERA. Rajai Davis is 12-for-34 with a homer versus Liriano, who gave up seven runs over two innings but escaped with a no-decision in his lone start against the Indians in 2017.

Kluber has yet to find the win column despite producing two quality starts, yielding four runs on nine hits and three walks in road games against Seattle and the Los Angeles Angels. The 31-year-old native of Alabama has struck out 14 over 15 innings thus far and was dominant at home last year with a 10-2 record and 1.81 ERA with 157 strikeouts over 114 2/3 frames. Cabrera (22-for-57, six homers, 12 RBIs) and Victor Martinez (14-for-43, three, seven) have hit well against Kluber, who was 3-1 versus Detroit last year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit 2B Dixon Machado was 4-for-12 in the last series and has registered six doubles and seven RBIs overall.

2. Cleveland's Lonnie Chisenhall (calf strain) was placed on the 10-day disabled list and fellow OF Tyler Naquin was recalled from Triple-A Columbus.

3. The Indians have won 27 of their 37 meetings with the Tigers over the last two seasons, including each of the last seven.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Tigers 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 09:32 AM

Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia Phillies surpassed their sum total over their first six games of the season with a 20-run output this weekend, only to struggle with their offense in their failed bid for the series sweep. The Phillies look to regain their mojo on Monday when they open a three-game set against the visiting Cincinnati Reds, who mustered just one hit on Sunday.

Rhys Hoskins hasn't lost a step as he is 11-for-25 with six extra-base hits and seven RBIs in eight games, highlighted by a double to left-center field in the third inning of Sunday's 6-3 setback to Miami. Odubel Herrera has done well in his own right, collecting two hits and two runs scored in the series finale to give him seven hits and five runs in his last three games. Troublesome pitching has plagued Cincinnati (MLB-worst 6.13 ERA), although the club won four of six versus the Phillies last season - including two of three to win a series in Philadelphia for the first time since August 2006. The Reds enter the set on a sour note as third baseman Eugenio Suarez (team-leading two homers, seven RBIs) sustained a fractured right thumb after he was hit by a pitch in Sunday's 5-0 setback to Pittsburgh.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), NBCS Philadelphia Plus

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH Cody Reed (2017: 1-1, 5.09 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Ben Lively (0-1, 3.18)

Mother Nature brought an end to Reed's scheduled debut before it could begin on Tuesday, relegating him to tossing 89 pitches in a simulated-game performance with Triple-A Louisville. Speaking of Louisville, left-hander Brandon Finnegan is slated to make a rehab appearance with the Bats and soon could draw back in the rotation at the expense of the 24-year-old Reed. "I will just go out there and compete and hope for the best. I can only control what I can control. I can control the game (Monday). After that, it's not really in my hands."

Lively turned in a strong performance in his debut but saw his pitch count elevate before he departed after an RBI single by Travis d'Arnaud in the sixth inning, resulting in a 2-0 loss to the New York Mets on Tuesday. The performance was labeled as "exceptional" by manager Gabe Kapler, who also said the 26-year-old "showed that tremendous competitiveness." Lively will get his first look at the team that selected him in the fourth round of the 2013 draft.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 3B Maikel Franco is 6-for-12 with two homers, 10 RBIs and four runs scored in his last three games after going 1-for-11 in his previous four.

2. Cincinnati 2B Scooter Gennett is 0-for-12 in his last three contests after hitting safely in his previous five.

3. Phillies SS J.P. Crawford is 0-for-16 with seven strikeouts in his last five games.

PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Reds 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 09:32 AM

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
While the Toronto Blue Jays have recorded a win in six of the last eight games, the Baltimore Orioles overcame an early five-run deficit Sunday to give them victories in three of their last four. The American League East rivals look to continue their good fortune at the other's expense on Monday when they open a three-game series at Camden Yards in Baltimore.

Steve Pearce, who played parts of five seasons in Baltimore, set the tone early for Toronto by depositing the first pitch he saw from Cole Hamels out of the park in Sunday's 7-4 triumph over Texas. "Just ready to hit, ready to attack him early," said Pearce, who has gone deep in back-to-back outings while extending his runs scored streak to six games. Baltimore's Manny Machado has collected 10 hits over his last six outings and five RBIs over his last three, highlighted by two solo homers in Friday's 7-3 win in 14 innings over the New York Yankees. The Orioles weren't shy about working overtime again on Sunday, posting an 8-7 triumph in 12 frames for their fourth victory - three of which required more than nine innings.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, TVA, Sportsnet (Toronto), MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (1-1, 5.40 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (0-0, 0.69 ERA)

Happ, who is Toronto's Opening Day starter, evened his record last Tuesday despite surrendering two solo homers and four runs total over 5 1/3 innings in a 14-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox. The 35-year-old helped himself by striking out nine in that contest, but his fortunes haven't been favorable versus Baltimore as he owns a 4-6 career mark - including 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA in six starts at Camden Yards. Pedro Alvarez (6-for-12) has flustered Happ while all four of Chris Davis' hits have been for extra bases despite going just 4-for-20 versus the hurler.

Bundy is off to a fast start despite failing to record a positive decision this season, yielding just one earned run and striking out 15 in 13 innings. "I feel good about where I'm at right now and my body and the way I'm recovering," the 25-year-old Bundy told reporters. "So, you just want to take the ball when you're told to and go out there and try to give your team a chance to win." Bundy certainly has done his best versus Toronto, posting a 3-0 mark with an 0.76 ERA in seven career appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore LF Trey Mancini has answered a slow start by going 6-for-19 in his last four games.

2. Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales, who belted a three-run homer on Sunday, went deep four times versus the Orioles last season.

3. Baltimore has won 12 of the 19 meetings between the teams in 2017.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Orioles 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 09:32 AM

Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
Things have gone downhill in a hurry for the Milwaukee Brewers, but they look to begin a turnaround when they visit the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday for the opener of a three-game series. Milwaukee began the season by sweeping a three-game set in San Diego but went 2-5 on a homestand that concluded with Sunday's 3-0 setback against the Chicago Cubs.

It was the third shutout loss in five games for the Brewers, who managed only three hits - including a pair of singles by Lorenzo Cain. The 31-year-old center fielder matched his hit total from the previous six games after going 8-for-14 in the series against the Padres. St. Louis dropped two of three to Arizona in its first home series of 2018, including a 4-1 decision on Sunday in which Kolten Wong recorded two of the team's five hits and drove in the lone run. It was the first RBI of the season for the 27-year-old Hawaiian, who went 1-for-18 over his first seven games - with the only hit coming during the Cardinals' three-game set at Milwaukee last week in which they won twice.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (0-1, 7.00 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (1-0, 6.35)

Chacin has struggled out of the gate, surrendering 10 runs and 14 hits in nine innings over his first two starts. The 30-year-old Venezuelan looks to avenge a home loss to St. Louis on Wednesday in which he was tagged for six runs - three earned - and seven hits in 5 2/3 frames. Chacin has yet to defeat the Cardinals in his career, going 0-6 with a 5.89 ERA in six starts and a relief appearance.

Mikolas, who went 2-5 with a 6.44 ERA in 10 starts for Texas in 2014, is back in the majors after spending the last three seasons in Japan as he signed a two-year contract with St. Louis in December. The 29-year-old Floridian yielded four runs and seven hits - three homers - in 5 2/3 innings at Milwaukee on April 2 in his Cardinals debut but picked up the win as he helped himself at the plate by belting a two-run shot. It was the second career appearance against the Brewers for Mikolas, who worked two scoreless frames of relief at Milwaukee on Oct. 2, 2012 while with San Diego.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Brewers have committed a major league-high 14 errors this season, including seven in the four-game set against Chicago.

2. Milwaukee placed OF Christian Yelich (oblique) on the 10-day disabled list Sunday and recalled RHP Taylor Williams from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

3. St. Louis placed LHP Ryan Sherriff (toe) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled RHP John Brebbia from Triple-A Memphis.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Brewers 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 10:38 AM

New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

9th April 2018 by Gracenote
The New York Mets own the best record in the National League and look to extend their winning streak to six contests when they open a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins on Monday. The Mets improved to 7-1 when Yoenis Cespedes knocked in the go-ahead run in the 12th inning on Sunday to help the team complete a three-game sweep at Washington with a 6-5 victory.

Asdrubal Cabrera will take a seven-game hitting streak into the series while Jay Bruce has hit safely in his last six contests for New York, which started 7-3 last season before finishing fourth in the National League East. Noah Syndergaard takes the mound for the Mets on Monday to face Jose Urena in a battle of Opening Day starters taking their third turn of the campaign. The Marlins, who begin a six-game homestand on Monday, snapped a four-game losing streak and rebounded from an embarrassing 20-1 loss with Sunday's 6-3 triumph in which they scored three late runs to snap a tie. Rookie Brian Anderson delivered a go-ahead, two-run double in the victory and leads the team with eight RBIs while hitting safely in eight of nine games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FS Florida

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (1-0, 5.40 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (0-1, 4.91)

Syndergaard was limited to four innings due to a high pitch count (92) last time out against Philadelphia, allowing two runs on four hits and a pair of walks after winning his season debut. The 25-year-old Texan gave up four runs but struck out 10 in six frames to beat St. Louis on Opening Day. Miguel Rojas is 3-for-4 lifetime against Syndergaard, who made two of his seven starts last season versus Miami - going 1-0 while yielding two earned runs and recording 13 strikeouts over 13 innings.

Urena pitched much better in his second start of the season against Boston on Tuesday, giving up one run and four hits with seven strikeouts in seven innings of a no-decision. The 26-year-old Dominican struggled during his turn on March 29, when he surrendered five runs on six hits and four walks in four frames against the Chicago Cubs. Bruce is 4-for-13 with a pair of homers versus Urena, who went 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA in five games (three starts) against the Mets last year.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York RHP Jeurys Familia has allowed two hits while striking out six over six scoreless innings in his first five outings, notching three saves along the way.

2. Miami CF Lewis Brinson, the key acquisition from Milwaukee in the trade involving Christian Yelich, is 0-for-16 with eight strikeouts in his last four games.

3. The Marlins won 12 of their 19 meetings with the Mets last season, including each of the last four.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Marlins 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-09-2018, 10:39 AM

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

9th April 2018 by Gracenote
A season-opening four-game winning streak has become a distant memory for the Washington Nationals, who are in the midst of a five-game slide as they enter the opener of their three-game set against the visiting Atlanta Braves on Monday. Washington rallied from a pair of two-run deficits on Sunday before falling to the New York Mets 6-5 in 12 innings.

Bryce Harper went 3-for-4 with two-run homer - his major league-leading sixth blast of the season - for the Nationals, who were swept by Mets to start their 10-game homestand with an 0-3 record. Atlanta has won three straight series to begin the season, taking two of three from each opponent after posting a 4-0 victory in Colorado on Sunday. Nick Markakis, Dansby Swanson and Ozzie Albies continued their strong starts to 2018 as each went 2-for-4 with a solo homer in the triumph. Markakis has hit safely in eight of his nine games, Swanson recorded five multi-hit performances over his first eight contests and Albies notched three over his last five outings.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (0-0, 10.13 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (1-1, 1.64)

Teheran escaped with a no-decision against Washington on Tuesday after being tagged for five runs on six hits - three homers - and three walks in just 2 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old Colombian didn't fare any better in his season debut as he yielded four runs on four hits and three walks over 5 2/3 frames versus Philadelphia on March 29 but also avoided the loss. Teheran has made 19 career starts against the Nationals, going 6-4 with a 4.18 ERA.

After opening the season with six scoreless innings at Cincinnati, Scherzer had some issues in Atlanta on Wednesday. The 33-year-old two-time reigning Cy Young Award winner, who also claimed the prize in 2013, surrendered five runs - two earned - and six hits en route to a loss while needing 110 pitches to get through five frames. Scherzer is just 7-6 with one complete game and a 3.92 ERA in 18 career games (16 starts) against the Braves.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Braves won two of three against the Nationals at home last week, outscoring Washington 20-7 in the victories.

2. Harper has hit more home runs than five major-league teams and the same amount as one other club.

3. Atlanta 1B Freddie Freeman has hit safely in eight of his nine games this season and went 5-for-10 with a homer and five RBIs in the three contests against Washington last week.

PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Braves 1

Monday 4-9-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Monday 4-9-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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