Friday 4-13-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Preview and Predictions 04-13-2018

12th April 2018 by Gracenote
the series opener saw the pittsburgh penguins look every bit the part of a two-time reigning stanley cup champion while the philadelphia flyers matched the profile of a club that has been in desperate search of a goaltender for arguably the last 30 years. the penguins look to repeat the feat of the series-opening whitewash when they host the flyers in game 2 on friday.

"it's one game. whether it's 7-0 or 1-0 in double overtime, it's one game," said superstar captain sidney crosby, who netted a franchise record-tying third postseason hat trick in wednesday's 7-0 romp at ppg paints arena. crosby's natural hat trick fueled him to a game high-tying plus-5 rating (with bryan rust) for the penguins, who have scored 27 goals in five meetings - all wins - with the flyers this season. while pittsburgh's players did their best to downplay their achievement, philadelphia center sean couturier gained strength in the team's resolve to overcome a 10-game winless skid earlier this season and navigate their way to a playoff berth. "it's not a time to panic," the 25-year-old said. "we've been through a lot this year and been through some adversity. it's no different right now. we just have to regroup and get better.
tv: 7 p.m. et, nbcsn, cbc, tvas, at&t sportsnet-pittsburgh

about the flyers: coach dave hakstol initially said on wednesday that he would be inclined to stick with brian elliott (five goals on 19 shots) for game 2, and he kept that mindset the following day. "i fully stand by what i said (wednesday) night. that was how i felt. i'm not going to move away for sure from that," hakstol said on thursday. petr mrazek permitted two goals on 14 shots in place of the 33-year-old elliott, who has struggled in two of three outings since returning from a near-two-month absence following core muscle surgery.

about the penguins: jake guentzel is once again proving that the postseason is his time to shine, as he followed up his nhl-best 13 goals last season with four points (one goal, three assists) on wednesday. "it's just exciting," the 23-year-old said of postseason time. "whenever you can play playoff hockey and with the atmosphere of the building, it's definitely a fun time to play." matt murray received a maintenance day in practice on thursday, one day removed from turning aside all 24 shots he faced -- including scott laughton's bid from the doorstep in the first period -- to extend his franchise-record shutout streak to 206:26. murray owns a sterling home playoff mark of 14-2 with a 1.69 goals-against average and .939 save percentage.

overtime

1. philadelphia's line of lw michael raffl, giroux, couturier combined for three shots on goal and was a collective minus-11 in game 1.

2. rust scored 2:38 into the first period on wednesday after failing to notch a point in 13 of his previous 17 contests.

3. the flyers, who boasted the nhl's 16th-ranked power play, failed to record a shot on four opportunities with the man advantage in game 1.

prediction: penguins 4, flyers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Wild vs. Winnipeg Jets Preview and Predictions 04-13-2018

12th April 2018 by Gracenote
the minnesota wild enter game 2 of their first-round playoff series friday at the winnipeg jets looking to shore up their defense, after two costly turnovers led to third-period goals in a 3-2 loss in wednesday's opener. the task of slowing down one of the nhl's top offenses already was difficult with defenseman ryan suter out for the playoffs due to a leg injury, but minnesota's shaky play in its defensive zone did not help its chances in game 1.

in the words of 41-year-old center matt cullen, who helped pittsburgh win the past two stanley cups and netted the wild's first goal wednesday: "i think we view this as a missed opportunity. i don't think we played as well as we can. i think we showed pieces of our game, but i don't think we played to our level to be honest with you." on the other hand, winnipeg played with the poise of a playoff veteran in earning the first postseason victory in franchise history, getting the game-winning tally from defenseman joe morrow with 7:13 to play. winnipeg kept its cool after cullen and zach parise scored early in the third to put the wild ahead 2-1, getting a patrik laine goal off a turnover just 53 seconds later to even the score. "nothing changed on the bench," jets coach paul maurice told the media in describing his team's demeanor after falling behind. "the next guys over the boards had a job to do and then they did it, and very quickly we got that game back to tied."
tv: 7:30 p.m. et, usa, tva2, sportsnet (winnipeg), fs north (minnesota)

about the wild: goaltender devan dubnyk was outstanding in making 37 saves, stopping several high-quality chances, but faced steady pressure in the first period (13 shots) and third period (19 shots). minnesota outshot the jets 12-8 in the second period as the wild found some rhythm offensively, but did little after parise scored while going 12 minutes without a shot on net. forward jordan greenway, who played in six regular-season games after leaving boston university, assisted on cullen's goal and finished plus-1 in 11:54 of ice time.

about the jets: winnipeg's power play, fifth-best in the nhl during the regular season, cashed in with a mark scheifele goal late in the second period to open the scoring. while not challenged nearly as often as dubnyk, goaltender connor hellebuyck played steady in making 18 saves in his first postseason contest and benefited from a strong game by the jets defense. defenseman ben chiarot finished with 10 hits and defenseman jacob trouba blocked five shots, while fourth-line center adam lowry - selected as the first star - won 69.2 percent of his faceoffs, including three in a row in the final seconds.

overtime

1. cullen scored his 19th career playoff goal in his 124th postseason game.

2. jets f mathieu perreault, who left game 1 with an upper-body injury, will be a game-time decision for game 2.

3. game 1 was relatively clean with only three penalties issued.

prediction: jets 2, wild 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights Preview and Predictions 04-13-2018

12th April 2018 by Gracenote
the vegas golden knights set one record after another in a captivating inaugural season and the team showed it was not about to blink under the bright lights of the postseason. the golden knights made an early goal stand up in a 1-0 victory over los angeles and looks to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series friday night against the visiting kings, who will be without one of their elite players.

los angeles will try to level the series without its top defenseman after drew doughty was suspended one game by the nhl on thursday for an illegal hit to the head of vegas forward william carrier. "i mean, he's the best defenseman in the league," kings forward dustin brown said after learning of doughty's punishment. "so it's a huge hole." the knock on the golden knights was how they would stand up to the tighter, physical style of the playoffs, but the pacific division champions prevailed in a tense duel that featured a staggering 127 hits. "it's another first for our organization, it's a big playoff game and i love the way our team responded," vegas coach gerard gallant said.
tv: 10 p.m. et, nbc sports network, cbc, tvas, prime ticket (los angeles), at&t sportsnet-rocky mountain (las vegas)

about the kings: the suspension of 2016 norris trophy winner doughty is a massive blow for los angeles, robbing the team of a player who established career highs this season with 50 assists and 60 points and who routinely plays huge minutes (28:02 in game 1). complicating matters for the kings is the absence of fellow blue-liner jake muzzin, who has been sidelined since march 26 and skated thursday wearing a non-contact jersey. "i have not talked to the trainers since he skated today," coach john stevens said of muzzin after practice. "i think every day he's getting closer, but what that means, i'm not sure yet."

about the golden knights: one player on the roster with ample playoff experience is goaltender marc-andre fleury, and he stood tall in the series opener by turning aside 30 shots to register his 11th career postseason shutout. "he was great," said defenseman shea theodore, who netted the only goal. "(fleury) was solid all night and it's good to have a confident guy like that in front of the net, and he's fun to play in front of. he's a playoff guy and has tons of experience. that's something that will help us out throughout this playoff run." carrier, who delivered a game-high 10 hits before he was leveled by doughty, is listed as day-to-day.

overtime

1. los angeles' top-ranked penalty kill has snuffed out all 16 power-play chances by vegas this season.

2. theodore had two goals and eight points in 14 playoff games with anaheim last season

3. doughty has played at least 25:50 in all five meetings versus the golden knights.

prediction: kings 2, golden knights 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT - 2:18 PM EASTERN POST
6.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEAR OLDS STARTER ALLOWANCE $55,000.00 PURSE

#6 MONTELONE
#4 FIFTY
#3 VICAR'S LEGEND
#5 REGALIAN

#6 MONTELONE, the overall speed leader in this allowance field sprinting at today's distance of 6.0 furlongs on the dirt, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of his last four starts, hitting the board in three, including a "POWER RUN WIN" to break his maiden in his 3rd race back. Jockey Albin Jimenez and Trainer Wesley Ward send him "postward" today ... they've hit the board with 51% of nearly 60 entries saddled as a team to date. #4 FIFTY, the morning line favorite, has nice early speed abilities to compliment for this sprint, and comes off a maiden-breaking, "POWER RUN WIN" in his last start, which was just the 2nd race of his young career to date.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #3 - Post: 7:57pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,000 Class Rating: 51

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 WEST OF LOYAL (ML=7/2)


WEST OF LOYAL - Was in a $25,000 Maiden Claiming race at Presque Isle Downs last time out. That clash had an Equibase class figure of 66 and he is moving down in this event. A certain contender. Locklear adds Lasix to this one today. I'd look for a chance at a big improvement.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 AIRFARE (ML=8/5), #3 PLEASANTLY ROYAL (ML=3/1), #4 WASUP WILKO (ML=4/1),

AIRFARE - Don't figure that this questionable contender has what it takes to win today. PLEASANTLY ROYAL - This horse gave a lackluster effort last time finishing fifth. Don't expect any improvement in today's race. WASUP WILKO - Hasn't finished in the money in any short distance affairs of late. Improbable to see him doing it in today's event either. Finished sixth in his most recent performance with a run-of-the-mill speed rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to prove victorious after that in this field.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #2 WEST OF LOYAL to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Exacta / 50-cent Trifecta / Daily Double


Claiming $7,500 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 80 • Purse: $8,000 • Post: 5:42P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500. NEBRASKA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. LOVE AT NIGHT is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * INNOCENT STORM: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. MANGO'S MUSE: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. IMA DANGER: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. FREE AND PROUD: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. LOVE AT NIGHT: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surfac e (dirt or turf) is at least 50.
2
INNOCENT STORM
7/2

5/1
4
MANGO'S MUSE
5/2

7/1
5
IMA DANGER
6/1

7/1
7
FREE AND PROUD
9/2

7/1
1
LOVE AT NIGHT
6/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
LOVE AT NIGHT
1

6/1
Front-runner
70

56

73.6

60.0

44.5
6
SPELL WINDER
6

10/1
Stalker
75

66

75.0

69.8

60.8
8
EMMY GOT EVEN
8

12/1
Stalker
73

75

53.6

67.6

54.1
2
INNOCENT STORM
2

7/2
Stalker
83

76

50.6

73.8

68.8
7
FREE AND PROUD
7

9/2
Stalker
79

73

50.2

72.8

63.8
5
IMA DANGER
5

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
74

78

57.6

69.4

63.4
4
MANGO'S MUSE
4

5/2
Alternator/Trailer
80

75

53.6

71.6

66.1
3
BE A FACTOR
3

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
74

74

63.0

68.8

62.3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)
Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse) - Race 2

$1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $1 Superfecta (.10 cent minimum wager $1 Pick Three


Claiming $2,500 • 4 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 69 • Purse: $8,000 • Post: 7:28P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE IN 2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $2,500 (MAIDEN RACES AND RACES FOR $2,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. JENNIFER DOLL is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * JENNIFER DOLL: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. 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. THAMES VALLEY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top th ree in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
6
JENNIFER DOLL
3/1

2/1
2
THAMES VALLEY
5/2

6/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
6
JENNIFER DOLL
6

3/1
Alternator/Front-runner
71

67

73.5

59.8

54.8
2
THAMES VALLEY
2

5/2
Alternator/Trailer
75

65

43.0

63.4

57.9
1
TWENTY FOUR BLACK
1

10/1
Alternator/Trailer
70

67

29.5

60.0

52.0
3
BELLA ANGELINA
3

6/5
Alternator/Non-contender
78

67

73.3

58.8

53.8
4
STATELY COMMAND
4

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
79

61

41.3

49.2

42.7
5
PAPA'S LADY
5

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
70

63

33.5

44.2

32.2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 2 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $22000 Class Rating: 91

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 13, 2017. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 13, 2017 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $6,250, ALLOWED 4 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 SAMMY WONDER STONE 3/1

# 9 CHEBURASHKA 10/1

# 8 SHOOT CRAPS 7/2

I lean toward SAMMY WONDER STONE here. Asmussen has this gelding running well and is a solid choice based on the respectable speed figures put up in sprint races lately. With better than average trips to the winner's circle, Santana will probably have this gelding in excellent position to win the outing. Will probably come out sharp - I have liked the way this gelding has moved swiftly to the lead recently. CHEBURASHKA - Might go off at a nice price and has some positive angles going for him.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 8 - Optional Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $56000 Class Rating: 94

DOWNHILL TURF FOR CALIFORNIA BRED OR CALIFORNIA SIRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $10,000 OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $16,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 LI'L GRAZEN 15/1

# 8 PROMNESIA 3/1

# 4 WONDERFUL LIE 5/1

LI'L GRAZEN looks to be a formidable contender especially at 15/1. With Vandyke in the saddle guiding her, this filly will almost certainly be able to break out sharply here. Recently Vandyke has been sizzling which may give the edge to this filly. PROMNESIA - Gutierrez should be able to get this filly to break out quickly for this race. Looks like a strong player for the exotics. WONDERFUL LIE - Is worth looking at and may be a wager - strong Speed Figures (94 average) at today's distance and surface recently. She has decent class ratings, averaging 99, and has to be considered in this race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Tampa Bay Downs - Race #7 - Post: 4:16pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $15,200 Class Rating: 80

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 RUCKUS (ML=4/1)
#3 IRISH LETTERS (ML=9/2)


RUCKUS - I like that most recent outing on Mar 14th at Tampa Bay Downs where he finished second. IRISH LETTERS - Personally, I wouldn't worry about where he finished in his last race (fourth). Should rebound today, with some decent odds. The improved speed ratings over the last three races is solid. Rountree drops him in this affair ready to go.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 KINGDOM KEPT (ML=9/5), #4 TONY (ML=3/1),

KINGDOM KEPT - I don't normally play a favorite that hasn't been to the track in the last 3 weeks. TONY - Don't figure that this mount is worth 3/1 in this race.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #6 RUCKUS on the win end if we get at least 9/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 04-13-2018

12th April 2018 by Gracenote
The upstart Atlanta Braves have held their own against some of the National League's best teams, and they'll face another big test with a three-game road series against the Chicago Cubs that begins Friday. Atlanta has split six games with Washington en route to a 7-5 start and now faces another of the expected contenders for the NL pennant.

The Cubs are off to a bit of a disappointing start, sitting at .500 after dropping two of three to visiting Pittsburgh to begin the week. Chicago's inconsistency at the plate continued, as it followed a season high for runs in Wednesday's 13-5 victory with a weak effort en route to a 6-1 loss in Thursday's series finale. The Braves had a much-needed day off Thursday after concluding their three-game set at Washington with a 5-3 win in 12 innings. Atlanta's bats have cooled off after a hot start, as the team has scored a total of only 12 runs over its last five games after averaging eight in its first seven contests.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS South (Atlanta), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (0-0, 2.25 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Yu Darvish (0-0, 5.23)

Sanchez is hoping to revive his career after a couple of rough years to end his tenure with Detroit. The 34-year-old worked three strong innings of relief in his Braves debut and was effective in his first start Saturday at Colorado, allowing two runs and seven hits with six strikeouts over five innings. Sanchez is 3-2 with a 3.82 ERA in seven career turns against the Cubs, with the last occurring in 2015.

After a lackluster debut, Darvish was dominant in his second start with the Cubs. The 31-year-old native of Japan registered nine strikeouts and allowed only two hits - including a solo homer - over six innings Saturday at Milwaukee. Darvish will be facing the Braves for the first time in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs LF Kyle Schwarber went 3-for-4 with a homer on Thursday and is batting .339 with 11 blasts in his last 37 home games.

2. Braves 2B Ozzie Albies has recorded five multi-hit performances in his last eight games, batting .382 with five doubles and three homers over that stretch.

3. Chicago has homered in 12 straight home games dating to last season, which matches its longest streak since a 17-game run in 2015.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Braves 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 04-13-2018

12th April 2018 by Gracenote
the cincinnati reds' pitching staff seemingly has gone to great lengths to make opposing offenses look good this season, and the series opener against the st. louis cardinals was no exception. after surrendering four homers and 11 walks - three with the bases loaded - en route to their fifth straight loss, the reeling reds aim to stop the bleeding friday in the second contest of their four-game set versus the visiting cardinals.

jose martinez homered to highlight his four-hit, six-rbi performance and marcell ozuna also went deep to extend his hitting streak to 11 games in thursday's 13-4 rout of cincinnati, which is saddled with the majors' worst era. st. louis gleefully accepted the offense as its season-high run total in the opener eclipsed its sum from its previous four games by one run. cincinnati's jose peraza continued his torrid display at the plate with two doubles and a single, as he has hit safely in four straight contests and seven of his last eight. peraza joined the speedy billy hamilton in scoring twice for the reds, who are in the midst of their worst start since 1955.
tv: 6:40 p.m. et, mlb network, fs midwest (st. louis), fs ohio (cincinnati)

pitching matchup: cardinals rh luke weaver (1-0, 1.59 era) vs. reds rh tyler mahle (1-1, 4.22)

weaver has recorded a pair of strong outings out of the gate this season, allowing just one run in each turn while scattering three hits and striking out seven in a no-decision versus arizona on sunday. the 24-year-old was in line for the win versus the diamondbacks before the cardinals' bullpen let a one-run lead slip away. adam duvall homered for his lone hit in career five at-bats against weaver while the right-hander has struck out tucker barnhart three times in five at-bats.

mahle's brilliant season-opening performance in which he allowed one hit over six scoreless innings against the chicago cubs was answered with a pair of homers in a 5-0 setback at pittsburgh on sunday. the 23-year-old required 29 pitches to get through the first frame and was able to work his way out of trouble until the fifth, when he yielded four of his five runs. mahle permitted four hits and overcame three walks over five scoreless innings in a 6-0 rout of st. louis on sept. 13.

walk-offs

1. st. louis cf tommy pham has scored five runs in his last four games.

2. cincinnati 2b scooter gennett is 6-for-17 with three rbis and two runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.

3. cardinals ss paul dejong, who launched a mammoth home run in the opener, went deep four times among his 17 hits in 2017 versus the reds.

prediction: cardinals 6, reds 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 04-13-2018

13th April 2018 by Gracenote
dj lemahieu looks to follow up the second multi-homer performance of his career when the colorado rockies visit the washington nationals on friday for the second contest of their four-game set. lemahieu went 4-for-5 with two blasts and four rbis in thursday's series-opening 5-1 victory and already is halfway to last season's total of eight homers.

lemahieu is 7-for-10 with three doubles over his last two games in addition to the two blasts. his hot bat again could come in handy on friday as it appears charlie blackmon (quadriceps) likely will miss his fourth consecutive contest. washington has dropped seven of its last nine games and has seen bryce harper go from lava hot to frigid cold. harper struck out in three of his four hitless at-bats in the opener and is 2-for-14 without an rbi over his last four contests after hitting six homers and driving in 12 runs over the first nine games of the year.

tv: 7:05 p.m. et, mlb network, a&t sportsnet-rocky mountain (colorado), masn2 (washington)
pitching matchup: rockies lh kyle freeland (0-2, 5.56 era) vs. nationals rh tanner roark (1-0, 4.50)

freeland has served up two homers in each of his two starts, accounting for one-third of the hits he allowed during the setbacks. the 24-year-old has lost six consecutive decisions dating back to july 30, when he defeated the nationals in washington. freeland allowed four runs - three earned - and nine hits over five innings in that outing and was taken deep by both wilmer difo and ryan zimmerman.

roark struck out nine over five innings in a no-decision against the new york mets in his last turn but allowed five runs, five hits and four walks. the 31-year-old surrendered two homers in the contest, following a trend as he gave up a career-worst 23 last season. roark is 1-1 with a 4.91 era in three career appearances (two starts) versus the rockies and has struggled against gerardo parra (5-for-14, homer).

walk-offs

1. the rockies have won five of their last six games at washington.

2. colorado ss trevor story struck out four times in five at-bats on thursday and has fanned 20 times in 52 at-bats.

3. zimmerman went 0-for-3 in the opener and is hitting a woeful .103 on the season.

prediction: nationals 5, rockies 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Brewers vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 04-13-2018

12th April 2018 by Gracenote
the new york mets are off to the best start in franchise history and own the top record in the majors as they prepare to open a six-game homestand with the first of three contests against the milwaukee brewers on friday night. the red-hot mets are riding an eight-game winning streak after wrapping up a perfect road trip with a three-game sweep at the miami marlins.

new york swept a road trip of at least six games for only the second time in team history and have already registered six come-from-behind victories under rookie manager mickey callaway. "obviously people didn't believe in us going into the year, and now it's kind of changing their minds," mets first baseman adrian gonzalez said. "but we knew what we had. and we know what we have going forward." the brewers struggled in their opening homestand but they are 5-1 on the road after taking two of three at the st. louis cardinals to open their six-game trek. milwaukee has been hit-or-miss offensively, scoring at least five runs on five occasions while getting shut out three times in its past eight games.
tv: 7:10 p.m. et, fs wisconsin (milwaukee), sny (new york)

pitching matchup: brewers rh zach davies (0-1, 5.40 era) vs. mets lh steven matz (0-1, 3.00)

davies rebounded nicely from a season-opening loss to st. louis by striking out eight and allowing one run on four hits in six innings versus the chicago cubs, although he had to settle for a no-decision. a 17-game winner a year ago, he was rocked for seven runs (six earned) in 5 2/3 innings by the cardinals. davies is unbeaten in four starts (2-0, 4.22 era) against new york and has limited jay bruce to going just 1-for-14.

like davies, matz struggled in his season debut -- also against the cardinals -- and lasted only four innings, giving up three runs on four hits, including a pair of homers. the long island native was strong in his last outing at washington, permitting one unearned run and three hits while striking out eight over five innings. matz is 1-1 with a 4.15 era in two starts against milwaukee, fanning 13 with zero walks over 13 innings.

walk-offs

1. mets ss asdrúbal cabrera has hit safely in 10 straight following the season opener.

2. brewers 1b eric thames, who swatted 11 homers in april last year, has gone deep in four of the past five games.

3. gonzalez has seven rbis during a three-game hitting streak.

prediction: mets 4, brewers 3