Thursday 4-26-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview and Predictions 04-26-2018

25th April 2018 by Gracenote
the home team has won each of the first five games of the first-round series between the boston celtics and the milwaukee bucks, a trend the bucks hope to maintain when they host a do-or-die game 6 on thursday. the second-seeded celtics took a 3-2 series lead with a 92-87 win at home tuesday night, moving to within a victory of a second-round matchup with the philadelphia 76ers.

al horford switched from power forward to center and led boston with 22 points and 14 rebounds as the celtics survived a sluggish affair to push seventh-seeded milwaukee to the brink of elimination. "we needed to make an adjustment and do something," horford told reporters of the lineup changes, which included the return from injury of guard marcus smart and a rare start for rookie forward semi ojeleye. "coach (brad stevens) saw that and he went with his gut and that, and a combination of marcus smart, i think paid off for us tonight." the bucks shot well over 50 percent from the floor in the previous three games before being held to 36.8 percent in game 5, and superstar giannis antetokounmpo was limited to just 10 shot attempts. "it's on me. i had open shots, but they wasn't my shots," antetokounmpo told the media. "i think my teammates did a great job finding me, but coming the next game, game 6, i've got to be more aggressive and make more plays."

tv: 8 p.m. et, tnt, nbcs boston, fs wisconsin (milwaukee)

about the celtics: smart, who was out since march 11 with a thumb injury, added an instant dose of defense and toughness that boston lacked while allowing an average of 110 points in losing games 3 and 4. "you can look at stat sheets all you want; with marcus it just doesn't tell the story," stevens told reporters. "it's his energy, it's his emotion, it's little plays that turn out to be game-changing plays. ... those are huge plays. and we have other guys that are making them when he hasn't been here, but he makes them every night. he makes them every night that he plays." horford is averaging 18.2 points on 54.5 percent shooting and 8.6 rebounds in the series.
about the bucks: while antetokounmpo vows to be more aggressive in game 6, some of his teammates hailed him for doing other things to keep his team in it tuesday night. "i felt like he had a great game tonight," khris middleton told reporters of antetokounmpo, who had 10 rebounds and handed out nine assists, his best total in over two months. "he played more as a playmaker, which they wanted him to do, i guess. he's got to trust us and we've got to trust him. he's going to find ways to get his shot, get to the paint, or his midrange or threes or whatnot. when he sees everybody crowding in on him, he's got to trust us and trust the pass and that's what he did tonight." middleton led the bucks with 23 points but was 9-of-21 from the floor after shooting 40-for-65 through the first four games of the series.
buzzer beaters

1. bucks c john henson (back) missed the last three games and remains day-to-day.

2. celtics c greg monroe had a double-double in game 3 but played five scoreless minutes in game 4 and did not appear in tuesday's win.

3. boston is 99-for-130 from the foul line in the series, compared to 68-for-100 for milwaukee.

prediction: bucks 108, celtics 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals Preview and Predictions 04-26-2018

25th April 2018 by Gracenote
the term "three-peat" is in play for both the pittsburgh penguins and washington capitals, as the former hopes to travel a path to a third consecutive stanley cup while the latter is bidding to prevent being a speed bump on the route for the third straight year. the penguins make what has become a familiar march to washington on thursday to play the opener of their eastern conference semifinal series versus the capitals.

pittsburgh eliminated washington in six games in the 2016 conference semifinals and seven in the same round in 2017 to improved to 9-1 in postseason series between the metropolitan division rivals. "we've seen them a lot the past couple of years. both teams know each other well, i think both teams know what to expect," said superstar captain sidney crosby, who collected 13 points (six goals, seven assists) as the penguins began their 12th straight postseason berth by dispatching keystone state rival philadelphia in six games. alex ovechkin, who recorded five points (three goals, two assists) to help washington split a four-game regular-season series versus pittsburgh, made good on a guarantee as the capitals set up another meeting with the penguins after winning four straight to eliminate columbus in six games. "i don't know. one day, it has to happen," the three-time hart trophy recipient said of upending pittsburgh to advance to the conference final. "if we want to get success, we have to beat pittsburgh and move forward."

tv: 7 p.m. et, nbc sports network, cbc, sportsnet, tvas

about the penguins: forwards evgeni malkin (lower body) and carl hagelin (upper body) have been ruled out of the series opener despite skating with the team on wednesday following injuries sustained in games 5 and 6, respectively versus the flyers. riley sheahan and dominik simon replaced those two forwards and skated with phil kessel during wednesday's practice while jake guentzel filled in for malkin on the team's top power-play unit. "we've played together a little bit this year," kessel said of sheahan. "whenever you get a chance to play with someone for an extended stretch it helps. i was able to play with him for 20 games or so. you build a little chemistry. he's a good player."
about the capitals: braden holtby started game 3 of the first-round series against the blue jackets and returned to his vezina trophy-winning form by winning four straight games for the first time in his playoff career. the 28-year-old saskatchewan native turned aside 137 of 147 shots in the series to set up a date versus pittsburgh, against which he struggled this season (1-2-0, 3.60 goals-against average, .897 save percentage). evgeny kuznetsov collected four points in the season series with the penguins and has six (two goals, four assists) in the final three games of the first-round series.
overtime

1. washington matched a franchise record by scoring nine power-play goals in a series while killing off the last 16 short-handed opportunities in the first round.

2. guentzel scored five goals and set up four others during his four-game point streak, but was limited to just two assists in four games versus the capitals this season.

3. washington d john carlson recorded eight power-play points (one goal, seven assists) in the first round.

prediction: penguins 4, capitals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Jose Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights Preview and Predictions 04-26-2018

25th April 2018 by Gracenote
only two teams swept their first-round postseason series, but one of those streaks will end thursday night when the expansion vegas golden knights host the san jose sharks in the opener of their western conference semifinal. vegas allowed three goals to los angeles in its half of the pacific division derby while san jose manhandled anaheim, outscoring the ducks 16-4.

the golden knights rely on a raucous crowd at t-mobile arena and were dominant against pacific opponents, finishing 20-6-3 in division play and winning three of four matchups (3-0-1) against the sharks that included three one-goal decisions. "i think they're a lot like us," vegas defenseman nate schmidt said of san jose. "a very balanced, quick team that can play a lot of different ways. they can play a heavy game or a fast game. all of our games have been really good games. no team dominated the other." the sharks were the most impressive team in the first round of the playoffs, opening with two wins in anaheim before rolling up eight goals in game 3, and expect to handle the atmosphere at t-mobile better than they did in the regular season. "we might have taken them for granted the first time," defenseman justin braun said. "i think a couple times there you kind of get used to the mindset. it's a little different. at this time of your season you have it dialed in and not looking at the bright lights as much."

tv: 10 p.m. et, nbc sports network, cbc, tvas

about the sharks: san jose will be able to counter vegas' four lines thanks to the trade-deadline acquisition of forward evander kane, who had nine goals in 17 regular-season games with the sharks before scoring three times in the first round on the top line with captain joe pavelski and joonas donskoi. logan couture scored a team-high 34 goals during the regular season and has 74 points in 90 career postseason games, including a playoff-high 30 in leading san jose to the stanley cup final in 2016. goaltender martin jones was outstanding against anaheim but posted a 1-2-0 mark with a 3.32 goals-against average and .899 save percentage versus vegas.
about the golden knights: marc-andre fleury had plenty of playoff experience as part of three stanley cup-winning teams with the pittsburgh penguins and was unflappable against the kings with four one-goal victories, including a pair of 1-0 shutouts and a 2-1 overtime win. vegas managed only seven goals against los angeles but featured four players with at least 25 goals during the regular season, led by william karlsson, who pumped in a team-high 43 tallies and scored four times to go with an assist in the four matchups against san jose. reilly smith had a team-high three points in the first round after missing the last two meetings versus the sharks.
overtime

1. sharks f joe thornton (knee), sidelined since jan. 23, could return in the series but has been ruled out for game 1.

2. golden knights f james neal, a 25-goal scorer during the regular season, has 14 tallies and 10 assists in 31 games versus san jose.

3. pavelski had three goals and five points during the season series against vegas.

prediction: sharks 3, golden knights 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 5 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $6000 Class Rating: 66

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE APRIL 26, 2017 AND WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $8,000 OR LESS. WEIGHT, 121 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE APRIL 8 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE MARCH 26 ALLOWED 3 LBS. A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 26 ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 JAPONESA 7/2

# 8 LADY ANN 9/2

# 12 ELITA 10/1

JAPONESA looks decent to best this field. Must be given a shot here on the basis of the numbers in the speed department alone. Going in a dirt sprint race gives this mare a quite good shot. Posted a respectable Equibase speed fig last time out. LADY ANN - Has the look of a money-making wager. Has quite good speed figs and has to be considered for a bet in this race. ELITA - Earning some nice paychecks in dirt sprint races.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Evangeline Downs - Race #3 - Post: 6:46pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $9,500 Class Rating: 47

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 CAJUN DUDE (ML=7/2)
#3 RAIL'S GENUINE BOY (ML=20/1)
#9 PAPA BUCK (ML=10/1)


CAJUN DUDE - A pony coming back this soon after a nice race is a good sign. RAIL'S GENUINE BOY - Last race at Fair Grounds on Mar 9th was a big class drop for this horse. Facing similar foes in this race. He should do well in today's event. 31-35-37 are last three speed figures. Improving each time out is something he should do again in today's race. PAPA BUCK - This horse's last race was at Evangeline Downs in a race with a class rating of 58. Dropping significantly in class figure this time around puts him in a solid position in this race. Ranks at the top in earnings per start. A solid try right here will boost the lifetime bankroll.

Vulnerable Contenders: #12 RELENTLESS ATTACK (ML=4/1), #10 MAGIC MANIAC (ML=5/1), #5 RED NICK CARL (ML=6/1),

RELENTLESS ATTACK - Finished third in his most recent performance with a common speed figure. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this group. MAGIC MANIAC - Most of the time I need a sprinter to have some recent success in short distance events in order to support him. Difficult to wager on at 5/1 odds after the two most recent outings. RED NICK CARL - 6/1 is not worth it for any horse in a sprint of 6 1/2 furlongs that hasn't finished in the money in a short distance race lately.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #6 CAJUN DUDE on the win end if we get at least 3/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,6,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,6,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Golden Gate Fields
Golden Gate Fields - Race 2

$1 Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $2 Rolling Double $1 Superfecta (.10 min) / $1 Pick 3 (Races 2-3-4) $0.20 Golden Pick 6 (Races 2-7) / $0.50 Pick 4 (Races 2-3-4-5) $1 Rolling Super High Five


Starter Allowance $50,000 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • All-Weather • Age 3 • CR: 91 • Purse: $17,000 • Post: 12:47
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $50,000 OR LESS AND WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MARCH 1 ALLOWED 2 LBS. (ONE WIN FOR $20,000 OR LESS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. JOE JACKSON is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * JOE JACKSON: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. HOT ENCOUNTER: Horse's win per centage 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. CASH LIMIT: Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race).
4
JOE JACKSON
5/2

5/2
3
HOT ENCOUNTER
3/1

9/1
1
CASH LIMIT
8/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
8
JIMMYTHISNJIMTHAT
8

9/2
Front-runner
76

80

87.5

79.8

72.8
4
JOE JACKSON
4

5/2
Stalker
89

91

88.8

87.2

80.2
7
RIDE INTO THE SKY
7

15/1
Stalker
80

77

74.5

68.2

56.2
2
PLAYING THROUGH
2

8/1
Stalker
76

76

47.0

62.3

46.8
5
CANNONBALL COMIN
5

4/1
Alternator/Stalker
83

74

77.6

66.8

60.8
3
HOT ENCOUNTER
3

3/1
Trailer
84

82

48.5

78.8

73.8
1
CASH LIMIT
1

8/1
Alternator/Trailer
86

86

68.0

82.4

72.9
6
IRISH SKY
6

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
84

82

82.4

63.0

54.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Hawthorne - Race #5 - Post: 5:02pm - Maiden Special - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $20,000 Class Rating: 82

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#11 MY MAN JAX (ML=5/1)
#9 PAPA RIZZO (ML=6/1)


MY MAN JAX - You always have to be on the prowl for bankroll building jockey/conditioner combos; we have one right here. The latest speed rating of 79 is the best last race speed rating in the field. When I handicap a race on the grass, I think sometimes class ratings are more important than speed figs. This race horse has the highest average class in the entire bunch. Ranked number one in earnings per start (EPS). Another indication that this horse has class. PAPA RIZZO - Horses out of the barn of Rodriguez have been solid on the turf. Should perform well right here. The rider and trainer combination have a beneficial ROI when they are put together. Carrying 5 pounds less this race. Trainer has him in a good spot.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 DR. BOMBAY (ML=7/2), #3 HERO OF THE HOUR (ML=9/2), #6 SWITHERAL (ML=6/1),

DR. BOMBAY - This pony gave a less than rousing performance last time finishing sixth. Can't expect any improvement in today's event. Can't play this probable favorite off the extended layoff. HERO OF THE HOUR - Doesn't seem to have enough good qualities to justify the value. SWITHERAL - When scrutinizing today's class rating, he will have to register a better speed fig than in the last race to compete in this turf route.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #11 MY MAN JAX to win if you can get at least 6/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [9,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Penn National
Penn National - Race 4

W-P-S/ Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta / Daily Double $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6) / $.20 Penn Pick 6 (Races 4-9)


Claiming $5,000 • 1 Mile 70 yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 86 • Purse: $11,800 • Post: 7:22P
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 26 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE MARCH 26 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 26 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $4,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * RARE ART: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the h ighest TrackMaster Power Rating. PERSIE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. CLOUD CHASER: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top t hree in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. DUEL AT DUSK: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Jockey/Trainer combination win percentage is at least 30.
9
RARE ART
6/1

4/1
10
PERSIE
7/2

5/1
12
CLOUD CHASER
8/1

10/1
11
DUEL AT DUSK
6/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
6
SMARTCOOL
6

50/1
Front-runner
77

77

93.4

29.6

11.1
10
PERSIE
10

7/2
Front-runner
82

86

82.4

73.0

69.0
11
DUEL AT DUSK
11

6/1
Front-runner
84

82

75.0

66.8

53.3
4
NO TANX BLUE CHIP
4

8/1
Stalker
74

64

64.4

63.2

45.2
9
RARE ART
9

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
93

82

87.8

82.2

78.2
8
HALIBUT COVE
8

4/1
Alternator/Stalker
86

79

69.8

73.4

63.4
2
ABRUZZI'S STAR
2

10/1
Trailer
74

68

52.0

60.0

42.0
12
CLOUD CHASER
12

8/1
Alternator/Trailer
84

87

81.4

72.2

64.7
7
UNTAMED
7

20/1
Alternator/Trailer
83

80

62.0

68.8

56.8
3
MAJESTIC WOODY
3

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
77

77

79.8

64.0

50.0
5
WILLOW BOB
5

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

64.2

61.4

44.9
1
BOGEY BOB
1

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
80

73

56.8

66.4

52.4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 8 - Maiden Special Weight - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $54000 Class Rating: 101

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 11 AHA 30/1

# 8 CURLIN'S JOURNEY 6/1

# 4 PARTY DANCER 7/2

AHA figures to be the wager in here and is a competitive value-based bet given the 30/1 line. Wagerers ought to note that this animal runs with second time Lasix today. Is a contender - given the 94 speed figure from her most recent race. The average Equibase class rating of 86 makes this entrant tough to beat. CURLIN'S JOURNEY - Has to be considered against this field displaying very good numbers recently and an average Equibase Speed Figure of 93 under similar conditions. This handler has done quite well recently with entries racing at this distance and surface. PARTY DANCER - Demonstrates the look of a lucrative play, averaging a solid 88 speed figure which is one of the most favorable in this group of horses. Have to bet on this money-making rider and trainer tandem.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 04-26-2018

25th April 2018 by Gracenote
the atlanta braves had dropped the first two contests of their four-game series at the cincinnati reds before entering thursday afternoon's series finale looking for a split after getting a boost from several of their talented young prospects. outfielder ronald acuna, jr. made his major-league debut in wednesday's 5-4 victory, contributing an eighth-inning single and scoring the game-tying run before third baseman johan camargo doubled home ozzie albies with the decisive run in the ninth.

albies and camargo both made their major-league debut last season, and rookie a.j. minter earned his first save as the braves - who are a surprising 13-10 on the season - look to exit the rebuild stage and push toward contention. cincinnati battled back from an early deficit as first baseman joey votto, who was homerless after his first 21 games, went deep for the second consecutive night. the reds (5-19), who averaged 2.9 runs on 7.3 hits per game during a 3-18 start, have scored 23 runs on 34 hits through the first three games of the series. cincinnati relievers gave up two runs on six hits in four innings wednesday, and its bullpen enters the series finale at 2-6 on the season with a 5.34 era.

tv: 12:35 p.m. et, fs southeast (atlanta), fs ohio (cincinnati)

pitching matchup: braves lh sean newcomb (1-1, 3.74 era) vs. reds rh homer bailey (0-3, 3.68)

newcomb has cut his walks per nine innings so far this season to 4.6 from 5.1 last season, and is striking out 11.2 hitters per nine innings. the 24-year-old gave up three runs (two earned) in six innings against the mets on friday, and has struck out six hitters or more in three of his four starts. newcomb, whose lone victory this season featured six scoreless innings at colorado on april 8, won his only appearance against cincinnati as a rookie in 2017.
bailey has pitched far better than his record would indicate, as he has surrendered more than three earned runs just once in five starts and is holding opposing batters to a .218 average. he drew a no-decision saturday at st. louis, giving up three runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings in a game the reds would lose 4-3. the 31-year-old owns a 2-2 lifetime record with a 4.54 era in six career starts against the braves, but has not faced atlanta since 2014.
walk-offs

1. cincinnati if cliff pennington snapped an 0-for-19 skid with an infield single in the sixth inning.

2. atlanta cf ender inciarte extended his hitting streak to nine games with a three-hit performance, and stole two bases to give him nine steals through 22 games.

3. albies' fifth-inning homer marked his 17th extra-base hit in april, tying the franchise record.

prediction: braves 4, reds 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 04-26-2018

26th April 2018 by Gracenote
After splitting a doubleheader, the visiting Detroit Tigers and the Pittsburgh Pirates play the rubber match of a three-game interleague series Thursday at PNC Park. The Pirates are trying to avoid their third straight series loss.

Detroit's offense stayed hot in a 13-10 win in Game 1 of Wednesday's twinbill - the Tigers' third time scoring in double digits in the past seven contests - but the Pirates cooled off Detroit's lineup in an 8-3 win in the nightcap. Pittsburgh had totaled just five runs during a four-game skid before putting up 18 runs in the doubleheader. Both teams will look for deep outings from their starters in the finale, as Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer and veteran Ivan Nova of the Pirates look to give taxed bullpens a break. Detroit used 10 relievers Wednesday while Pittsburgh used seven.

TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Detroit, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (1-2, 3.47 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Ivan Nova (2-1, 4.20)

Fulmer bounced back from a disastrous outing at Cleveland with a quality start Friday against Kansas City. The 25-year-old held the Royals to two runs and eight hits over seven innings while matching his season-high with four strikeouts. Fulmer shut down the Pirates on April 1, allowing one run and four hits over eight innings in a 1-0 loss.
Nova has posted three straight quality starts but was denied his third consecutive win Friday at Philadelphia because of poor run support. The 31-year-old held the Phillies to one run and five hits over six innings but didn't get a decision in the 2-1 loss. Nova is 0-3 with a 6.56 ERA in seven games (six starts) against the Tigers.
WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh C Francisco Cervelli had six RBIs in Game 1 on Wednesday and boasts 18 in 19 games. His career high is 43 in 2015.

2. Tigers C James McCann is 10-for-28 with two homers during a seven-game hitting streak.

3. Pirates OF Jose Osuna was added as the team's 26th man for the doubleheader and hit a three-run homer in his first big-league at-bat of the season in Game 2, but he will likely be sent back to Triple-A Indianapolis.

PREDICTION: Tigers 8, Pirates 6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 04-26-2018

26th April 2018 by Gracenote
the philadelphia phillies aim to hand arizona its first series loss of 2018 on thursday afternoon, one day removed from snapping an eight-game home losing streak to the diamondbacks. arizona (16-7) put itself in the equation to win its eighth straight series by doubling up philadelphia (15-8) in tuesday's opener before aaron altherr helped level the set with a go-ahead three-run homer the following night.

cesar hernandez, who has five multi-hit performances in his last eight games, collected three hits to improve to 5-for-8 with three runs scored in the series. the 27-year-old venezuelan is 16-for-43 at citizens bank park this season for the phillies, who improved to 5-1 on their 10-game homestand and 10-2 overall in the city of brotherly love. arizona felt the love by outscoring the hosts 45-18 in the previous eight encounters before mustering just five hits to suffer its first loss in philadelphia since may 17, 2015. a.j. pollock had one of the hits to improve to 8-for-24 with two homers, five rbis and as many runs scored during his six-game hitting streak, although he'll get his first look at thursday starter ben lively.

tv: 1:05 p.m. et, facebook watch

pitching matchup: diamondbacks rh matt koch (0-0, 1.13 era) vs. phillies rh ben lively (0-1, 4.64)

koch distinguished himself after being recalled from triple-a reno by allowing just one run - albeit a mammoth 489-foot homer by franchy cordero - on two hits in six innings of a no-decision versus san diego on friday. "i thought matt koch threw the ball extremely well," manager torey lovullo said of the 27-year-old. "... he was mixing his pitches. when you're walking a young pitcher into that kind of environment and he goes out there with that great mound presence and executes, it's definitely noticed and he did a great job." koch, who is filling the rotation spot of taijuan walker (tommy john surgery), is slated to make his first appearance versus philadelphia on thursday in his fourth career start and 11th overall game.
lively received his third straight no-decision despite yielding one run on five hits in six innings against pittsburgh on friday. the 26-year-old credited a text from his grandfather, who implored him to slow everything down for his strong performance versus the pirates. paul goldschmidt, jake lamb and chris owings have each homered against lively, who is 0-1 versus the diamondbacks with eight runs and 15 hits allowed over two starts (11 1/3 innings)
walk-offs

1. philadelphia cf odubel herrera has reached safely in a career-high 25 consecutive games.

2. arizona ss ketel marte has four hits in his last three contests after going 1-for-19 in his previous five.

3. phillies lf rhys hoskins has hit safely in four straight games and 10 of his last 11.

prediction: diamondbacks 3, phillies 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 04-26-2018

26th April 2018 by Gracenote
the new york yankees continue to feast on the minnesota twins and can finish off a four-game sweep when the teams meet thursday in yankee stadium. with wednesday's 7-4 win, the yankees improved to 17-4 against the twins since july 2015, 53-21 since 2008 and 81-31 since 2002.

didi gregorius wasn't around for most of the one-sided stretch but he's doing his part to keep it going and homered for the fourth straight game while going 3-for-3 on wednesday. gregorius is the first yankees shortstop to go deep in four consecutive contests and he has nine rbis in the series to push his major league-leading total to 29. the twins, losers of six in a row, will try to slow down the bronx bombers' bats behind right-hander kyle gibson, who has given up nine runs on nine hits and seven walks in 10 career innings at yankee stadium. lefty jordan montgomery goes for new york, which has won five straight overall and eight of its last 10.

tv: 1:05 p.m. et, mlb network, fs north (minnesota), yes (new york)

pitching matchup: twins rh kyle gibson (1-1, 4.29 era) vs. yankees lh jordan montgomery (2-0, 3.80)
after allowing one earned run in 10 1/3 innings through his first two starts, gibson has given up nine in 10 2/3 frames over his last two. he suffered his first loss at tampa bay his last time out despite striking out a season-high seven and walking one in 6 1/3 innings. the 30-year-old is 1-4 with a 9.31 era in his career against new york, his highest mark against any opponent he has faced at least twice.
montgomery has followed up a solid rookie sason with a nice beginning to his 2018 campaign, winning his last two outings while lasting six innings both times. he allowed a run and four hits while striking out five to defeat toronto at home on saturday. the university of south carolina product faced the twins once in 2017, giving up six runs in six innings of a loss at target field.

walk-offs

1. twins ss eduardo escobar is 5-for-7 with two walks in the last two games.

2. yankees 1b tyler austin has three homers and nine rbis over a four-game stretch.

3. new york rf aaron judge has reached safely in 29 straight games at yankee stadium, the second-longest streak since 2009.

prediction: yankees 7, twins 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 04-26-2018

26th April 2018 by Gracenote
st. louis cardinals right-hander carlos martinez has flourished since struggling out of the blocks in his opening day start against the new york mets. after permitting five runs in that contest, martinez has yielded a total of one over his last 27 1/3 innings heading into thursday afternoon's rubber match of the three-game series at busch stadium.

paul dejong had two hits and scored twice during st. louis' 9-1 romp on wednesday to improve to 8-for-20 with two homers and six rbis during his five-game hitting streak. the 24-year-old has flustered the mets to the tune of going 7-for-19 with two homers this season while helping the cardinals (14-9) to their ninth win in 11 outings overall. while st. louis is heating up, new york (15-7) has cooled considerably with losses in six of its last 10 after a blistering-hot 11-1 start to the season. the mets aim to improve to 6-0 when noah syndergaard takes the mound this season on thursday, as the right-hander opposes martinez in a rematch of the season opener.

tv: 1:15 p.m. et, sny (new york), fs midwest (st. louis)

pitching matchup: mets rh noah syndergaard (2-0, 3.29 era) vs. cardinals rh carlos martinez (2-1, 1.42)

syndergaard settled for his second straight no-decision on friday after allowing three runs and striking out six in as many innings at atlanta. the 25-year-old improved to 1-2 in his career versus st. louis despite permitting four runs - including two homers - while fanning 10 in a 9-4 victory on march 29. jose martinez went deep in that outing and is 3-for-3 in his career versus syndergaard, although the right-hander has handled marcell ozuna (3-for-17, six strikeouts) and dexter fowler (0-for-6, three strikeouts).
martinez has scattered 15 hits and struck out 32 batters over his last four starts on the heels of issuing six walks over 4 1/3 innings in a 9-4 setback to the mets on march 29. the 26-year-old dominican was in line for his third win of the season on saturday before the bullpen allowed cincinnati to tie the game and spoil his three-hit effort over six innings. yoenis cespedes is 5-for-15 with a homer against martinez, who owns a 3-3 mark with a 3.08 era in nine career appearances versus new york.
walk-offs

1. new york 2b asdrubal cabrera is considered day-to-day after sitting out wednesday's tilt with a tight right hamstring.

2. cardinals cf tommy pham's availability for the finale is in question after he exited wednesday's contest with a head injury sustained earlier in the day.

3. mets lhp jason vargas, who has been on the disabled list with a broken bone in his non-throwing hand, is expected to make his season debut against san diego on saturday.

prediction: mets 3, cardinals 1