Tuesday 4-24-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics Preview and Predictions 04-24-2018

23rd April 2018 by Gracenote
superstar forward giannis antetokounmpo looks to help the milwaukee bucks win their third straight postseason game when they visit the boston celtics in tuesday's game 5 of the eastern conference first-round series. the "greek freak" is enjoying his time in the spotlight and his reputation for being a clutch player took a rise when he tipped in the winning basket with 5.1 seconds left in game 4 to give the bucks a series-tying 104-102 victory.

seventh-seeded milwaukee dropped two games in boston to start the series before winning the past two at home and will ride its star player as far as possible. "at the end of the day in the playoffs, we know we have the best player on the floor," bucks guard malcolm brogdon told reporters of antetokounmpo. "so we rely on him, and he comes through." the second-seeded celtics are without their top player in guard kyrie irving and are finding themselves in more of a tussle than they were hoping. "we're battling, we're playing hard, but it's not good enough just to play hard," veteran center al horford said after game 4. "this is why the playoffs are so challenging. but i think it's good for our group. i think we're learning. we're looking forward to being able to go back home."

tv: 7 p.m. et, nbatv, fs wisconsin (milwaukee), nbcs boston

about the bucks: backup forward jabari parker came up big in the back-to-back victories by averaging 16.5 points, six rebounds, two blocked shots and 1.5 steals after averaging one point and three rebounds with no blocks or steals in the first two games. his emergence was crucial as small forward khris middleton (25.5 points, 6.5 rebounds) had been the lone consistent compliment to antetokounmpo, who is averaging 27.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists. "we've been saying from the beginning that we need him," middleton told reporters. "he is one of the best scorers in the league and one of the best players. for him to come off the bench for us is a huge boost. we just want him to be ready and stay locked in."
about the celtics: shooting guard jaylen brown continues to excel while picking up the scoring slack associated with irving's absence and he had 34 points, eight rebounds and three steals in game 4. it was the second 30-point effort of the series for brown, who made five 3-pointers in two of the past three games while averaging a team-best 23.8 points in the series. point guard terry rozier came back to earth by averaging 9.5 points on 5-of-19 shooting in the two losses in milwaukee after averaging 23 points over the first two games when he badly outplayed bucks veteran eric bledsoe.

buzzer beaters

1. the bucks set a franchise record with 14 blocks in game 4, with 21-year-old backup c thon maker swatting away five shots for the second straight game.

2. boston pg marcus smart (thumb) is eyeing a return for game 6 if he gets cleared for contact.

3. milwaukee c john henson (back) is questionable after missing the past two games.

prediction: celtics 112, bucks 110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz Preview and Predictions 04-23-2018

22nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Utah Jazz stole homecourt advantage in their best-of-seven first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a win on the road in Game 2 and made sure they held onto the edge with an emphatic win in Game 3. The Jazz will try to ride their hot-shooting backcourt to a 3-1 series advantage when they host the Thunder in Game 4 on Monday.

Utah went 28-13 at home during the regular season and treated their fans to strong Game 3 effort that included a triple-double from point guard Ricky Rubio and a double-double from shooting guard Donovan Mitchell. "The atmosphere was tremendous," Jazz coach Quin Snyder told reporters after the 115-102 win. "We're grateful for our fans and that they were that engaged. It has an impact on our players. They've been like that all year, and I think tonight they hit a new high. We know and appreciate what we have with our fans. It's not something that we take for granted, but we've come to expect it on some level." Rubio's triple-double mostly came while he was being guarded by reigning MVP Russell Westbrook, who promised to tighten up the defense in Game 4. "He made some shots," Westbrook told reporters of Rubio. "Too comfortable. But I'm gonna shut that (stuff) off next game, though. Guarantee that."
Video: Thunder practice - Carmelo Anthony


TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT, FS Oklahoma, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah)

ABOUT THE THUNDER: Westbrook, who averaged a triple-double in each of the last two regular seasons, finished with 14 points on 5-of-17 shooting, 11 rebounds and nine assists in Saturday's loss but also committed eight turnovers. "Just gotta take what's given," Westbrook told reporters. "I'm getting myself jumping in the air trying to look back to find (Paul George) and (Carmelo Anthony) and other guys on the floor. I've got to stay in attack mode and read my first option and go with that." George, who dubbed himself "Playoff P," scored a team-high 23 points in Game 3 and is averaging 25.7 points in the series.

ABOUT THE JAZZ: Rubio collected 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in Game 3 and is averaging 20.3 points in the series - up from a regular season mark of 13.1. "He's a great player who turned it on at the right time for us," power forward Derrick Favors told the Salt Lake Tribune of Rubio. "A lot of people are surprised by the way he's shooting and the way he's playing offense. But the guys saw it all the way back in training camp. He was hitting shots, making plays, getting to the rim, making plays for other guys. He's played great for us." Mitchell continues to play great for the Jazz as well and is averaging 25.7 points in the series with a pair of double-doubles.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Jazz SF Joe Ingles scored 21 points and went 5-of-10 from 3-point range in Game 3 after slumping to three points on 1-of-6 from the floor in Game 2.

2. Anthony went 6-of-10 from the floor in Game 3 after going a combined 11-of-31 in the first two contests.

3. Utah enjoyed a 56-37 advantage on the glass in Game 3.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 04-24-2018

23rd April 2018 by Gracenote
the san antonio spurs had too much pride to get swept on their homecourt by the golden state warriors for the second straight season and earned a 103-90 win in game 4 on sunday behind a vintage performance from manu ginobili. the 40-year-old future hall of famer will try to get the spurs back home with another win when they visit the warriors for game 5 of the best-of-seven series on tuesday.

san antonio, which will be operating without head coach gregg popovich for the third straight game following the death of his wife, leaned on ginobili down the stretch on sunday and was rewarded with 16 points off the bench. "i cannot lie to you," interim head coach ettore messina told reporters. "even if it's awful, because nobody would like to be in this situation for obvious reasons. at the same time, there is a little part of that that moves me to be there with manu in these playoff games. really, that's something that pushes you to try to be the best possible helper for him and the team, and don't mess up anything; just help him to have a great game." even golden state coach steve kerr, who played with ginobili in san antonio in 2003, found a way to be happy for his former teammate. "i smiled when he made that corner 3 right in front of us at the end of the game," kerr told reporters. "it was just so typical manu: (40) years old and 16 points and hits the clinching 3. he's manu. that's what he does. i know he's old because he was my teammate, and i'm old as dirt. so, if i played with him, he must be old."

tv: 10:30 p.m. et, tnt, fs southwest (san antonio), nbcs bay area (golden state)

about the spurs: san antonio went 15-of-28 from 3-point range in game 4, with ginobili (3-of-5), point guard dejounte murray (3-of-4) and power forward lamarcus aldridge (3-of-3) leading the way. "we're not the best shooting team in the league, but we're not that bad either to shoot 20 percent every game," ginobili told reporters. "(sunday), we had a good night shooting. we'll see if we can maintain that for next game. there's not much you can do. you try to get the best shots possible, try to find the open teammate." aldridge finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the win for his third straight double-double in the series.
about the warriors: golden state all-star shooting guard klay thompson shot 63.3 percent from the floor and 65 percent from 3-point range while averaging 25.7 points in the first three games of the series but slumped to 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting in game 4. the warriors committed seven of their 18 turnovers in the first quarter, setting the tone for a sloppy performance. "you can't turn the ball over seven times and spot them a 10- or 12-point lead and make them play at their pace," thompson told reporters. "come tuesday, we're going to start better."

buzzer beaters

1. ginobili and pg tony parker set an nba record on sunday with their 132nd playoff win as teammates.

2. warriors sf kevin durant is averaging 29 points and 9.3 rebounds in the series.

3. golden state pf draymond green is shooting 33.3 percent from the field in the series.

prediction: warriors 121, spurs 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 7 - Allowance - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $35500 Class Rating: 75

FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS SIRED BY REGISTERED INDIANA STALLIONS FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MARCH 24 ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 MY ROCKET LADY 8/1

# 9 ENTRUSTED 7/2

# 4 COOK MEMORIES 9/2

MY ROCKET LADY has a decent shot to take this affair and the potential return justifies the dangerous nature of the long odds. Could best this group of animals based on the speed rating - 72 - of her last outing. ENTRUSTED - Is worth serious consideration and may be a wager - strong speed figs (53 average) at today's distance and surface recently. Put up a solid Equibase Speed Figure in the last race. Can run another good one in this race. COOK MEMORIES - Ran a strong last race. With a sound 50 average speed figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's contest.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Mahoning Valley Race Course
Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race 6

Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta / 10 cent Superfecta / 50 cent Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8)


Starter Allowance $5,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 79 • Purse: $18,000 • Post: 3:04P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR LESS AT MAHONING VALLEY RACE COURSE ON OR SINCE OCTOBER 28, 2017. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MARCH 24 ALLOWED 2 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $4,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN WEIGHT ALLOWANCES) (MULTIPLE WINNERS FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR MORE IN 2018 PREFERRED)(2ND PREFERENCE - MOST STARTS AT MAHONING VALLEY RACE COURSE IN 2018)(OHIO REGISTERED FOALS PREFERRED).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. HUMOROUS CHANT is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * HUMOROUS CHANT: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top t hree in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. MT HAYNESFIELD: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaste r Power Rating.
7
HUMOROUS CHANT
5/2

3/1
2
MT HAYNESFIELD
2/1

5/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
HUMOROUS CHANT
7

5/2
Front-runner
79

76

88.0

73.4

69.9
2
MT HAYNESFIELD
2

2/1
Front-runner
79

74

67.0

72.8

64.3
1
HOTSPUR HARRIET
1

5/1
Stalker
83

69

78.0

65.6

60.6
6
OH SO QUICK
6

12/1
Stalker
70

66

57.4

58.0

46.5
5
MONBA NUMBER FIVE
5

10/1
Stalker
70

61

55.6

59.8

46.3
4
QUEEB
4

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
81

70

58.6

67.8

61.8
3
LOW TIRE
3

9/2
Alternator/Stalker
78

71

45.2

67.8

54.8
8
MOUNT EAGLE
8

10/1
Trailer
80

63

45.0

60.8

51.3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #1 - Post: 12:45pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $16,500 Class Rating: 57

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 FUSION (ML=5/2)
#2 MISTER GRITTY (ML=2/1)


FUSION - Last time out, finished sixth on a sloppy track at Mahoning Valley Race Cour. Will most certainly do better right here in this race. MISTER GRITTY - Horses that finish second in Maiden races and finish well clear of the show horse are generally good bets next time out. This gelding is in exceptional form right now. Finished second last time around the track and comes back soon. The 52 latest race fig looks strong in black and white.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 MELTDOWN MAX (ML=3/1), #1 SEAS COURAGE (ML=5/1),

MELTDOWN MAX - Tough to support any horse that runs as well as he did and then lays up and doesn't workout at all. This steed has not won here today in 14 starts. Little chance he wins today. SEAS COURAGE - This animal doesn't have a tenacious demeanor. Regularly finishes in the place and show spots. This animal doesn't win here at Mahoning Valley Race Course. He needs a different track configuration to show his best. Earned a quite unimpressive speed rating in the last race in a Maiden Special race on April 11th. Unlikely to see an improved performance off of that fig.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#5 FUSION is going to be the play if we are getting 3/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Parx Racing
Parx Racing - Race 3

First Half Daily Double / Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5) Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta / 10 cent Superfecta


Claiming $8,000 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 82 • Purse: $26,000 • Post: 1:49P
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MARCH 24 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 24 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $5,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Stalker. HALF DREAMIN is the Lone Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * TRIPOCHA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. COURTMEWITHCARATS: 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. HALF DREAMIN: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of toda y's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race).
3
TRIPOCHA
2/1

9/2
2
COURTMEWITHCARATS
4/1

5/1
5
HALF DREAMIN
7/5

5/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
COURTMEWITHCARATS
2

4/1
Front-runner
76

78

104.0

70.2

65.2
1A
DAN'S GIRL
6

6/1
Front-runner
73

57

83.6

59.8

50.8
5
HALF DREAMIN
5

7/5
Alternator/Stalker
81

81

70.0

67.2

61.2
3
TRIPOCHA
3

2/1
Trailer
81

80

49.8

76.6

70.6
6
LOOKINGFORANEWSPOT
7

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
81

67

64.4

50.0

37.0
4
NATALIE LA ROSE
4

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
84

83

61.6

67.0

62.5
1
HERSISTERISACHUB
1

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
78

68

55.8

61.4

52.9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #6 - Post: 3:10pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $24,000 Class Rating: 66

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 ARGUMENTATIVE (ML=4/1)


ARGUMENTATIVE - This horse gets a barn change by way of a claim out of the last race. Trainer here is terrific off of the claim, so no reason why this campaigner won't have a chance at a big race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 LUXICHARM (ML=9/5), #7 CLEO (ML=2/1), #6 CHERRY PEPPER (ML=8/1),

LUXICHARM - Last ran on April 10th at Parx Racing, finishing fourth. Unlikely to perk up off of that try in today's event. The speed rating last out doesn't fit very well in this affair when I look at the class figure of today's race. Mark this horse as a likely underpriced equine. CLEO - I find it hard to bet on this less than sharp equine this time out. Make her show you something in a short distance event before you play her in a race of 6 furlongs. This mount hasn't shown much in the last pair of contests. CHERRY PEPPER - Hasn't hit the board in any sprint affairs recently. Not likely to see her doing it today either.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#3 ARGUMENTATIVE is going to be the play if we are getting 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Will Rogers Downs
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 10 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $19800 Class Rating: 76

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 CRAYON 5/2

# 11 GRAYDAR LOVE 6/1

# 5 BELLEBREAKSTHECODE 4/1

CRAYON is my choice. She has been racing soundly recently while recording strong speed figures. McNeil's return on investment over the last 30 days automatically makes this racer a sharp contender. Will most likely come out sharp - I have liked the way this mare has moved quickly to the lead recently. GRAYDAR LOVE - Cunningham ought to be able to get this filly to break out early in this race. Could beat this group of animals given the 53 speed fig garnered in her last outing. BELLEBREAKSTHECODE - Put up a very good Equibase speed fig last time out. Might best this group here, showing very strong figs of late.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Predictions 04-24-2018

23rd April 2018 by Gracenote
the philadelphia 76ers are winners of 19 of their last 20 games and are one victory away from advancing to the eastern conference semifinals. the 76ers will try to put the finishing touches on a first-round series win when they host the miami heat on tuesday.

philadelphia shot 7-of-31 from 3-point range and committed 27 turnovers in game 4 but used a 19-2 run in the fourth quarter to take the lead and hold on for a 106-102 victory, and the team plans to use monday's practice day to iron out some of the rough patches. "we are just trying to do our job," 76ers coach brett brown told reporters. "we are going to come in, bunker down, and get better. we sure hope that equals a win." the heat are looking to become the 12th team in nba history to rally back from a 3-1 deficit in a best-of-seven series and are aware that the margin for error is slim. "we need to be smarter," miami point guard goran dragic told reporters. "our spacing needs to be better. when they blitz us, our other guys need to be available so when we pass it, we need to make the right reads for the open shot or penetration. everybody needs to be on this train."

tv: 8 p.m. et, tnt, fs sun (miami), nbcs philadelphia

about the heat: miami was outscored 27-19 in the fourth quarter on saturday and went 13-for-25 from the free-throw line in the loss. "we all feel that we're this close," heat coach erik spoelstra told reporters. "that's what makes this game tough. they made bigger plays than us in the fourth quarter. we played really good basketball through most of the game, but we've had a tough time finishing games against philadelphia and that's been the issue." veteran shooting guard dwyane wade continues to provide a boost to the team off the bench and is averaging 18 points in the series after scoring a team-high 25 in game 4.

about the 76ers: philadelphia placed seven scorers in double figures in game 4 but the clear star was rookie point guard ben simmons, who recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. "ben is ben," shooting guard jj redick told reporters. "it's almost become expected now that he's going to go average a triple-double. he's very tough physically, but i think he's even tougher mentally. the last four games he's been as vocal and demonstrative as i've seen him all season. he's been fantastic. he's been coming out of his shell in regard to leadership, and that's huge for us." simmons is the first rookie since magic johnson in 1980 to record a triple-double in the playoffs.

buzzer beaters

1. heat c hassan whiteside collected 13 points and 13 rebounds in game 4 after totaling 11 points and 12 boards in the first three games.

2. philadelphia c joel embiid went 2-of-11 from the floor in game 4 and committed eight turnovers.

3. miami sf josh richardson (shoulder) left game 4 briefly after bumping into embiid but does not expect to miss game 5.

prediction: 76ers 120, heat 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 04-24-2018

24th April 2018 by Gracenote
the first half of the chicago white sox's six-game homestand went about as poorly as they could have imagined, but the second half is off to a fine start. fresh off their first victory in nearly two weeks, the white sox attempt to win two in a row for the first time since the beginning of the season when they continue their three-game set against the seattle mariners on tuesday.

chicago was pounded by houston by a combined score of 27-2 at guaranteed rate field over the weekend, mustering only four extra-base hits and 11 singles in three games. the white sox wasted little time taking out their frustrations on the mariners, however, scoring seven times in the first two innings while jose abreu homered twice to pace an 18-hit attack - including eight for extra bases - and snap a seven-game losing streak. seattle took two of three at texas over the weekend but has dropped five of seven overall, although mitch haniger is setting a blistering pace offensively of late. the 27-year-old is batting .478 with eight rbis during a six-game hitting streak and has homered in four straight contests.

tv: 5:10 p.m. et, root northwest (seattle), nbcs chicago

pitching matchup: mariners lh marco gonzales (1-2, 5.94 era) vs. white sox rh chris volstad (0-0, 4.70)

gonzales failed to make it through five innings for the third time in as many tries thursday against houston, leaving after permitting three unearned runs and striking out eight while making 79 pitches through 4 1/2 frames. the outing was a step forward for the gonzaga product, who surrendered eight runs and 13 hits over his previous two turns spanning 5 2/3 innings. opponents are batting .329 against gonzales, who will be facing chicago for the first time in his career.
volstad, who only has made two starts among his 17 big-league appearances since 2012, will get the nod tuesday after four relief outings to begin the season. the 31-year-old floridian has been mostly effective in three of his four games and worked around some trouble saturday against houston, giving up only a solo homer among the five hits he allowed across three innings. volstad beat the mariners the only time he has faced them in 2011 but is only 34-53 with a 4.92 era in 125 overall career turns.

walk-offs

1. the white sox opened monday's game with seven straight hits, becoming the first team to do so since colorado accomplished the feat on sept. 17, 2014.

2. after breaking out last season with 16 homers and 47 rbis in 96 games, haniger is second in the majors in home runs (eight) and rbis (23) through 21 contests in 2018.

3. of avisail garcia (leg) was diagnosed with a right hamstring strain after pulling up while running out a grounder in the second inning of the opener and will be re-evaluated on tuesday.

prediction: mariners 7, white sox 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 04-24-2018

24th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs return to the scene where they ended a 108-year drought when they open a two-game interleague series against the host Cleveland Indians on Tuesday. It's the Cubs' first trip to Progressive Field since winning Game 7 of the 2016 World Series there to capture their first championship since 1908.

While the Cubs are relishing their return, the Indians have put their near-miss behind them. "It's in the past," Cleveland's Francisco Lindor told reporters. "There's nothing I can do about it. It was definitely a cool experience. I was blessed to be in it, but it didn't turn out the way I wanted, so I kind of forget about it." Cleveland will be happy to be home, though - it is 6-2 at Progressive Field - as it looks to register a fourth straight victory. The Cubs have won three of their last four and scored eight or more runs in four of their last six games after a slow start at the plate.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WGN (Chicago), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (0-3, 4.60 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (0-2, 8.00)
Chatwood has shown nasty stuff in his first three starts with the Cubs, but his command has been shaky. The 28-year-old has issued 14 walks in 15 2/3 innings, including seven over 4 2/3 frames in a loss to St. Louis last time out. Chatwood is 0-1 with a 3.21 ERA in three career games (two starts) against the Indians.

Tomlin skipped his last start because of an ailing back, so he hasn't taken a turn in the rotation since working five scoreless frames against Detroit on April 10. The 33-year-old threw an inning in relief Wednesday against Minnesota, allowing an unearned run and taking the loss in a 16-inning contest. Tomlin never has faced the Cubs in the regular season but made two starts in the World Series showdown, allowing six runs over seven frames.
WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 3B Kris Bryant left Sunday's game at Colorado after taking a pitch to the helmet but showed no signs of a concussion and is not expected to miss time.
2. Indians 2B Jason Kipnis (eight games), C Yan Gomes (eight), and OF Michael Brantley (seven) all had hitting streaks snapped Monday.

3. Chicago 2B Javier Baez (13-for-30, three homers, 13 RBIs) and CF Albert Almora Jr. (12-for-27, homer) are riding six-game hitting streaks.

PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Indians 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 04-24-2018

24th April 2018 by Gracenote
the new york yankees' offense is beginning to flex its muscle amid an impressive three-game winning streak, but it will be tested by red-hot right-hander jose berrios in the continuation of a four-game series with the visiting minnesota twins on tuesday. berrios entered monday's action leading all qualified hurlers in the majors with a 0.58 whip and will contend with a yankees team that has outscored opponents 28-3 during its three-game run.

four players went deep and every starter scored at least one time for new york in a 14-1 win in the series opener monday. rookie miguel andujar had one of the homers and added a double to give him 12 extra-base hits in a span of seven games while driving in at least one run in each of the last six contests. it was the fourth straight loss for the twins, who have allowed an average of 10 runs during the slide. berrios will be opposed by veteran cc sabathia, who will be making his second start since returning from a hip injury.

tv: 6:35 p.m. et, mlb network, fs north (minnesota), yes (new york)

pitching matchup: twins rh jose berrios (2-1, 1.63 era) vs. yankees lh cc sabathia (0-0, 2.70)

berrios is unscored upon in three of his first four starts after limiting cleveland to three hits over seven scoreless innings on wednesday. he has 29 strikeouts against one walk and opponents are hitting .155 against the puerto rico native. berrios is 1-1 with a 3.60 era in two career starts against new york but was reached for three runs on five hits and four walks in just 3 1/3 frames in his only prior outing at yankee stadium.
sabathia returned from an early stint on the disabled list thursday at home against toronto and gave up two unearned runs in 4 1/3 innings. he has completed five frames just once in his first three outings while throwing an average of 71 pitches. the 37-year-old defeated the twins with six solid innings in their lone encounter last season and is 19-9 with a 3.16 era in 38 career starts against them.

walk-offs

1. andujar is 15-for-29 during his seven-game hitting streak.

2. minnesota 1b joe mauer has played 1,747 games with the team, tied with kent hrbek for third on the franchise's all-time list and 36 behind kirby puckett.

3. yankees of/dh giancarlo stanton was 4-for-4 with a home run monday after going 2-for-31 over his previous eight home games.

prediction: yankees 4, twins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 04-24-2018

23rd April 2018 by Gracenote
the cincinnati reds are off to their worst start in franchise history, but enter the second of a four-game home series tuesday against the atlanta braves looking to build off one of their best performances of the young season. the reds, who had scored just seven runs in their previous five games entering monday's series opener, plated that many runs in the fifth and sixth innings en route to a 10-4 victory - cincinnati's fourth triumph in 22 games.

the reds had not homered in six consecutive games entering the series, but right fielder scott schebler cracked a two-run shot in the fifth inning before cincinnati plated five runs in the sixth inning - capped by second baseman scooter gennett's two-run single. the braves began a three-city, 10-game road trip at 12-8 on the season, but their bullpen continued a season-long trend of issuing too many walks to help fuel the reds' rally. atlanta relievers issued three walks in the sixth inning and four on the night, giving the bullpen 61 bases on balls in 80 1/3 innings this season. atlanta right fielder nick markakis finished with three hits, including a solo homer and a two-run single, and center fielder ender inciarte added two hits to extend his hitting streak to seven games.

tv: 6:40 p.m. et, fs southeast (atlanta), fs ohio (cincinnati)

pitching matchup: braves rh brandon mccarthy (3-0, 2.91 era) vs. reds rh tyler mahle (1-3, 5.14)

the 34-year-old mccarthy has been solid in the midst of atlanta's young rotation through the first four weeks, allowing two earned runs or fewer three times in four starts. he struck out six while giving up one run on five hits in 5 1/3 innings wednesday in a victory over philadelphia, and has posted a 1.29 whip with eight walks and 18 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings. mccarthy has made four career appearances against the reds, none since going 1-1 in two starts in 2014.
mahle is one of four rookies on cincinnati's active roster and impressed in four starts last season, posting a 2.70 era without allowing a homer in 20 innings. it has been a different story in 2018 for the 23-year-old, as the californian has allowed 12 earned runs on 26 hits (including five homers) in 21 innings. mahle's last outing was not bad, except for four walks in five innings, as he gave up two runs on seven hits with six strikeouts in a 2-0 loss wednesday at milwaukee.

walk-offs

1. atlanta rookie 2b ozzie albies is in a 0-for-10 skid after collecting 24 hits in his previous 60 at-bats in april.

2. reds rhp raisel iglesias pitched 1 1/3 innings monday for his third save in just the third save opportunity for cincinnati this season.

3. cincinnati is 10-of-11 in stolen base attempts this season, but cf billy hamilton's steal in the eighth inning monday marked the first reds' attempt since april 12.

prediction: braves 5, reds 3