Wednesday 5-16-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 05:43 AM

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park
RACE #3 - 2:32 PM
8½ FURLONGS INNER TURF FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD $35,000.00 CLAIMING $42,000.00 PURSE

#5 LION IN WAIT
#4 B THERE
#3 TIZ A KITTEN
#1 GIA MICHAEL

#5 LION IN WAIT is the overall speed and pace profile leader in this claiming field racing at, or bout, today's distance of 8½ furlongs on the grass, and has turned in "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in four of her last five outings, hitting the board in three of those efforts, including a "POWER RUN WIN" facing substantially better company (+11) in her 4th race back. #4 TIZ A KITTEN, a 4-1 shot, has hit the board in four of her respective last five efforts, with three of those "board hit efforts," also qualifying as "POWER RUNS."

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 05:43 AM

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

Race 10 - Maiden Claiming - 330y on the Dirt. Purse: $17000 Class Rating: 57

QUARTER HORSE 330Y, FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 JETS FAST DASH 5/2

# 9 FOREVER FANCY ELAINE 8/1

# 6 TM ONESMOOTHMACHINE 7/2

I think JETS FAST DASH is a decent choice. Has performed well as of late in short races, posting a nifty 61 avg speed figure. Appears to be the type to be helped with second time Lasix here. Keith has him trained well to break swiftly out of the starting gate. FOREVER FANCY ELAINE - Has to be given a shot against this group of animals displaying very good numbers as of late and an average speed rating of 53 under similar conditions. With Pina aboard her, this filly should be able to break out early here. TM ONESMOOTHMACHINE - When Haywood uses Marquez there's a good chance for generous winnings. She should have a good showing versus this softer bunch.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 05:44 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Evangeline Downs - Race #3 - Post: 6:46pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $9,500 Class Rating: 56

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 OLD PEP N STEP (ML=4/1)

OLD PEP N STEP - This thoroughbred could be tough this time, especially since Rodriguez rode last out and now should be familiar with this one. This gelding is clearly on the improve with speed figures of 27, 42, 59 last three out. A pony coming back this promptly after a sharp effort is a good sign. A repeat of that last performance on May 5th where he registered a fig of 59 looks high enough to triumph in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 OPEN UP (ML=5/2), #7 CUSTOM BLING (ML=3/1), #1 A HIGHER WAGER (ML=4/1),

OPEN UP - This favorite probably needs at least one race to get back into shape. Pass on him today. Should have at least hit the board in the last 60 days in a short distance affair to be worth the risk at short odds in a sprint. CUSTOM BLING - This gelding hasn't had any promising efforts in sprint affairs in the last sixty days. This gelding hasn't been showing me anything in the last two races. This racer ran a pedestrian fig last time out. He shouldn't improve and will likely get beat in today's event running that figure. A HIGHER WAGER - This equine doesn't have a tenacious attitude. Often finishes in the place and show hole.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - OLD PEP N STEP - Immediate return after just racing on May 5th. Getting my money.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #5 OLD PEP N STEP to win if you can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 05:44 AM

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

Race 3 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $12100 Class Rating: 50

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE APRIL 16 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE MARCH 16 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 MO PROMISE 3/1

# 1 SOARING JAN 2/1

# 6 SPLASHY RISE 5/1

MO PROMISE looks to be a respectable contender. Has to be considered as she drops to compete against this less demanding field. With a nice class fig average of 87, has one of the most competitive class advantages in this group. Shows signs of the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 59 Equibase speed fig which is one of the best in this field. SOARING JAN - Has strong Equibase Speed Figs and has to be considered for a wager in this race. Lecesse has a solid 15 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface. SPLASHY RISE - Looks very good for the conditions of this contest today, showing solid numbers in dirt sprint races lately. Look for this pony to be close up at the finish line versus these racers.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 05:45 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Indiana Downs
Indiana Downs - Race 9

Exacta / Trifecta / 50 Cent Trifecta / Superfecta / 10 Cent Superfecta

Maiden • 300 Yards • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 63 • Purse: $16,000 • Post: 5:49P
QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * TACTEMPTRESS: A first time starter with a trainer that has a win percentage with first time starters of at least 25 (minimum 10 starts). Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. CORONADOS QUIKSILVER: A first time starter with a trainer that has a win percentage with first time starters of at least 25 (minimum 10 starts). Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. Y U FLYIN MY CORONA: A first time starter with a trainer that has a return on investment with first time starters of at least +50 (minimum 10 starts). Horse is a first time starter and its mare's win percentage with first timers is at least 50. RK THE MAGICIAN: A first time starter with a trainer that has a return on investment with first time starters of at least +50 (minimum 10 starts).
8
CORONADOS QUIKSILVER
5/1

6/1
11
Y U FLYIN MY CORONA
8/1

6/1
1
TACTEMPTRESS
8/5

6/1
5
RK THE MAGICIAN
5/1

8/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure

Unknown Running Style: TACTEMPTRESS (8/5) [Jockey: Jackson Shanley - Trainer: Smith Randy M], DYNASTYS PRIM ROSE (15/1) [Jockey: Garrido Gerardo - Trainer: Martin Paul R], COLD LANE (8/1) [Jockey: Hisby Ronald - Trainer: Thompson Erin], GRAND CASH IN

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 05:46 AM

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

$1 Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) $.50 Trifecta $1 Exacta Box ($.20) Superfecta

Claiming $4,000 • 5 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 64 • Purse: $6,300 • Post: 9:12P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE MAY 16, 2017. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000 (W V A BRED RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Lone Trailer. COLLEENS STORM is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * COLLEENS STORM: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and horse has run well in the past in its first and/or second starts after a long layoff. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. RED LETTER: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs. NOCTURNAL Q: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff.
5
COLLEENS STORM
6/1

5/2
7
RED LETTER
3/1

9/2
1
NOCTURNAL Q
7/2

9/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
DISTINCTIVE HUMOR
3

8/1
Front-runner
68

42

40.2

32.8

20.8
7
RED LETTER
7

3/1
Alternator/Front-runner
76

68

68.2

63.6

58.6
2
DISTINCTLY SWEET
2

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
63

50

51.2

55.2

49.7
1
NOCTURNAL Q
1

7/2
Alternator/Stalker
67

56

43.4

40.4

33.9
5
COLLEENS STORM
5

6/1
Trailer
82

63

37.0

65.6

61.1
4
PUMPIDU
4

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
68

70

43.6

35.8

26.8
6
THIS IS ELIZA
6

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
64

60

38.0

36.6

25.1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 05:46 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #1 - Post: 1:40pm - Claiming - 8.2 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,300 Class Rating: 79

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 JESSETHEMARINE (ML=3/1)

JESSETHEMARINE - Taking a trip down the ladder based on class rating points; has the class to make his presence felt. Another way to evaluate class is EPS (earnings per start). This horse has the highest in the group. I think he'll be close at the finish line.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 ALEXANDER THEGREAT (ML=5/2), #3 JOHANNA'S DELIGHT (ML=7/2), #2 HAPPY TO BE HERE (ML=9/2),

ALEXANDER THEGREAT - Really had to show me lots more in the last race. Never made much of an impact. Finished seventh in his most recent performance with a somewhat easily forgotten speed rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to prove victorious after that in this field. JOHANNA'S DELIGHT - Tough to like the downward moving flow (68/65/55) of speed figs. HAPPY TO BE HERE - Will be tough for this horse to beat this field off of that last rating. Unlikely to improve enough to run a figure close to today's class figure, so put him on the possibly overvalued equines list.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #6 JESSETHEMARINE to win if you can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 09:41 AM

Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets Preview and Predictions 05-16-2018

15th May 2018 by Gracenote
the golden state warriors flashed supreme form in the opener of the western conference finals and look to take a 2-0 lead when they visit the houston rockets on wednesday. the warriors outscored the rockets by 13 points in the second half while recording a 119-106 win in game 1.

forward kevin durant scored 37 points and shooting guard klay thompson added 28 as second-seeded golden state was in top form while outclassing james harden and the top-seeded rockets. "i don't know if we're at our peak," durant told reporters. "i think we could be better. i mean, the stakes are high. we're playing the western conference finals against the best team in the league, the no. 1 seed, an mvp on their team. so i think everybody just wants to enjoy this time." harden recorded 41 points and seven assists in the opener but didn't receive enough help from the supporting cast. "we're all in this together," harden told reporters. "it doesn't matter who has a bad game or who is missing shots. ... keep shooting your shot and being aggressive. we got this far doing that and having that mindset, so we're just going to continue it."
tv: 9 p.m. et, tnt
about the warriors: durant was 14-of-27 shooting in game 1 as golden state repeatedly isolated him to take advantage of mismatches with houston defenders. "we want to keep the ball moving, but obviously kevin is the ultimate luxury because a play can break down and you just throw him the ball," warriors coach steve kerr told reporters. "he can get you a bucket as well as anybody on earth. this is why anybody would want him on their team. you think about a couple years ago, and we're in the finals and we couldn't quite get over the hump. kevin is the guy that puts you over the hump." point guard stephen curry was solid all-around with 18 points, eight assists and six rebounds as his team's third-leading scorer for the contest.
about the rockets: harden reached 40 points for the third time this postseason and coach mike d'antoni joked after game 1 that he might need to ask harden to score 55 in game 2. he broke out of a 3-point shooting funk by making 5-of-9 attempts after being just 6-of-32 over the final four contests of the second-round series against the utah jazz. point guard chris paul had 23 points and 11 rebounds in the opener but only had three assists as the rockets were unable to crisply moving the ball in the halfcourt offense.
buzzer beaters

1. both teams made 13 3-pointers in game 1 but the warriors had an 18-3 edge in fast-break points.
2. houston c clint capela had 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the opener.

3. golden state pf draymond green scored just five points in game 1 but also contributed nine rebounds and nine assists.

prediction: rockets 119, warriors 114

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 09:42 AM

Winnipeg Jets vs. Vegas Golden Knights Preview and Predictions 05-16-2018

15th May 2018 by Gracenote
playing on the road has not fazed the winnipeg jets in the stanley cup playoffs, and they need to continue that strong play away from home as the western conference finals shift to las vegas for game 3 wednesday against the golden knights. vegas snatched home ice with a gritty 3-1 victory monday in game 2 at winnipeg, and now the jets - who have lost in regulation just once in six road games during the postseason - look to respond as the golden knights did monday.

but nobody in the jets locker room is panicking after losing one home contest, and as defenseman jacob trouba offered to reporters after monday's game: "we like our road game. we like where it was in the nashville series, and we're going to try and bring the same effort." the golden knights, who did not face the type of firepower winnipeg possesses in the opening two rounds, nonetheless shook off a game 1 loss by surviving an early onslaught against goaltender marc-andre fleury, building a 2-0 lead and making life uncomfortable in the neutral zone for the jets. forward jonathan marchessault, who labeled game 2 a "must win," backed it up with two goals to lead a spirited effort that has the expansion golden knights poised to take the series lead on home ice. "every time we need a big game out of our group, we show up," marchessault told the media after the game. "i think we showed the hockey world that we earned the right to be here, and we are able to play against a great team."
tv: 9 p.m. et, nbc sports network, cbc, sportsnet, tva
about the jets: winnipeg did not play poorly in game 2, but were nowhere near as sharp as they were in the series opener and were victimized several times by turnovers and sloppy puck handling. goaltender connor hellebuyck made 25 saves, but gave up marchessault's second goal 88 seconds after forward kyle connor's power-play marker pulled the jets within one in the third period. connor's linemates - forward blake wheeler and center mark scheifele - have combined for 15 goals and 36 points in the postseason but were held off the scoresheet in game 2.
about the golden knights: marchessault leads vegas in playoff goals (six) and points (15), and the 5-9 forward finished plus-2 monday while sparking his line of center william karlsson and forward reilly smith to a combined plus-6 finish. fleury, who gave up three goals in the opening 7:35 of game 1, fended off several good scoring chances in the opening minutes monday en route to a 30-save performance. vegas was much better in several areas in game 2, blocking 21 shots and winning 51 percent of faceoff attempts.
overtime
1. vegas f tomas tatar, who drew into the lineup for just the fifth time in 12 playoff games, scored the game's opening goal and finished plus-1 in 10:14.

2. winnipeg d dustin byfuglien had maybe his quietest night of the playoffs monday, finishing minus-2 while recording only one hit and one shot on goal.

3. smith assisted on both of marchessault's goals to give him 13 assists for the postseason, two behind wheeler for tops in the nhl.

prediction: golden knights 4, jets 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 09:42 AM

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 05-16-2018

15th May 2018 by Gracenote
the philadelphia phillies have shown they can step to the plate at citizens bank park, with their recent 5-1 homestand improving their mark to 16-6 in the city of brotherly love. the phillies have dropped six of their last nine outside the city limits, however, and they had an extra day to lament those troubles with tuesday's rainout heading into wednesday's clash versus the baltimore orioles.

after initially providing pennies on the dollar, carlos santana has started paying significant dividends on the three-year, $60 million contract he signed in the offseason. the 32-year-old dominican went deep in philadelphia's 4-2 triumph over the new york mets on sunday, marking his fifth homer in nine outings while improving to 12-for-37 with 16 rbis and eight runs scored in that stretch. baltimore has discovered its offense while taking three of four from tampa bay, as the club belted four of its dozen homers in the series in sunday's emphatic 17-1 romp over the rays. the start of wednesday's game was moved up 30 minutes with inclement weather expected while the postponed series opener was rescheduled to july 12.
tv: 12:05 p.m. et, nbcs philadelphia, masn (baltimore)
pitching matchup: phillies rh nick pivetta (2-2, 4.15 era) vs. orioles rh andrew cashner (1-4, 4.84)

pivetta answered a brutal outing with one of his best of the season last wednesday, scattering four hits and striking out seven over five scoreless innings in an 11-3 romp over san francisco. the 25-year-old british columbia native, who emerged victorious for the first time since april 5, had been blitzed for six runs - including two homers - in one inning in his previous start. pivetta and the rest of the phillies starters have stepped up their game this month, with the group posting a 1.99 era with 67 strikeouts in 11 games while holding opponents to a .209 batting average.
cashner received his second straight no-decision and saw his winless stretch extend to six outings (0-3) last wednesday despite allowing three runs on six hits in six innings versus kansas city. the 31-year-old was taken deep for the fifth straight outing against the royals, raising his home run total to 10 in 44 2/3 innings after surrendering just 15 in 166 2/3 frames in 2017. cesar hernandez (5-for-11, four walks) and odubel herrera (6-for-14, two homers) have taken cashner to task, but the right-hander sports a 4-1 career mark versus the phillies.
walk-offs

1. herrera has reached base in 41 consecutive games, which is tied with pete rose (1982) and don hurst (1929) for the fifth-longest streak in phillies' franchise history.
2. orioles ss manny machado is 9-for-24 with four homers, 11 rbis and eight runs scored in his last six games.

3. philadelphia 3b maikel franco has answered a seven-game hitting streak with a 1-for-11 rut with three strikeouts in his last three contests.

prediction: phillies 4, orioles 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 09:42 AM

Chicago White Sox vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 05-16-2018

15th May 2018 by Gracenote
the pittsburgh pirates own the best interleague record in the majors and have beefed up that mark at the expense of the chicago white sox. the pirates have won seven in a row against chicago and look to complete a two-game sweep of the visiting white sox for the second time in as many weeks when the teams square off wednesday afternoon at pnc park.

pittsburgh improved to 11-2 against american league foes with a 7-0 drubbing of chicago on tuesday night but saw two starters exit the game with injuries. starling marte left after the first inning due to discomfort in his right side and catcher francisco cervelli did not return after he was hit by a pitch for the pirates, who also lead the majors with seven shutouts. the return of yoan moncada from the disabled list did nothing to change the sagging fortunes of chicago, which tumbled to a major league-worst 10-28 mark. it was the fifth shutout loss of the season and the 12th defeat in the last 14 games for the white sox, who have been burned for 23 runs in the three losses to pittsburgh.
tv: 12:35 p.m. et, mlb network, nbcs chicago
pitching matchup: white sox lh héctor santiago (0-1, 5.60 era) vs. pirates rh jameson taillon (2-3, 4.08)

santiago has been used primarily out of the bullpen, with nine of his 11 appearances in relief this season. the 30-year-old will look to purge the memory of his last start, when he was hammered for eight runs on six hits and six walks in a 8-4 loss to the minnesota twins on may 5. corey dickerson is 2-for-6 against santiago, who tossed one hitless inning in relief against the pirates on may 8.
taillon had to exit his last start due to a laceration on his middle finger after limiting san francisco to one hit and striking out five over three scoreless innings. he worked five innings of one-run ball in a no-decision at milwaukee in his previous turn and appears to be back on track after giving up 15 runs during a three-start slide. taillon will be making his first career start versus chicago.

walk-offs
1. marte extended his hitting streak to nine games before leaving tuesday's contest.

2. white sox 1b jose abreu is 10-for-23 during a six-game hitting streak.

3. pirates 1b josh bell has eight rbis in his last seven games after knocking in three runs in the series opener.

prediction: pirates 5, white sox 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 09:42 AM

Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 05-16-2018

15th May 2018 by Gracenote
the new york mets were down in the doldrums after losing nine of their previous 11 outings before enjoying a laugher in the opener of their abbreviated two-game interleague series versus the visiting toronto blue jays. the mets (20-18) aim to get the last laugh at the expense of the blue jays (21-21) on wednesday afternoon when the clubs reconvene at citi field.

juan lagares collected a career high-tying four hits and three rbis while recent acquisition devin mesoraco homered and scored four times in tuesday's 12-2 romp for new york, which erupted for a total of 16 hits and plated eight runs over the fourth and fifth innings. the mets converted with runners on base to the tune of going 8-for-14 with runners in scoring position after entering the contest 7-for-61 in the month of may. like new york, toronto has answered a strong start with a less-than-desirable stretch -- the blue jays have dropped eight of the last 11 overall and are 0-12 in queens (0-9 shea stadium, 0-3 citi field). former met curtis granderson had a productive return to citi field with a single, stolen base and a run scored in the third inning, but he'll join the rest of his new team in getting a first look at wednesday starter zack wheeler.
tv: 1:10 p.m. et, sportsnet (toronto), sny (new york)
pitching matchup: blue jays lh j.a. happ (4-3, 4.80 era) vs. mets rh zack wheeler (2-2, 5.03)

happ surrendered a grand slam to kyle seager in the first inning and his thursday evening didn't get much better from there as he allowed seven runs on 10 hits in a 9-3 setback to seattle. the 35-year-old was taken deep twice in the encounter to raise his home run total to nine in eight outings this season after permitting 18 in 25 starts in 2017. former blue jay jose reyes is 2-for-21 and jay bruce is 3-for-15 in his career versus happ, who owns a 3-2 career mark with a 4.41 era in 10 starts (eight appearances) against the mets.
wheeler answered a disastrous start with a strong one last wednesday, but he still was unable to walk away a victory despite allowing one run on four hits in six innings against cincinnati. the 27-year-old drove up his pitch count by issuing three free passes for the second straight outing. wheeler returns home looking for a better effort after getting shellacked for eight runs on 10 hits - including two homers - in an 8-7 setback versus colorado on may 4.
walk-offs

1. new york of yoenis cespedes (team-leading eight homers, 28 rbis) is being mulled for a trip to the disabled list after undergoing an mri that revealed a minor strain of his right hip, general manager sandy alderson said.
2. toronto 3b josh donaldson is 8-for-25 with four doubles in his last six games.

3. the mets' triple-a affiliate (las vegas) scratched if phillip evans from its lineup on tuesday, a move that might suggest that cespedes could be sidelined for wednesday's tilt and beyond.

prediction: mets 4, blue jays 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 09:42 AM

Cleveland Indians vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 05-16-2018

16th May 2018 by Gracenote
the detroit tigers have been producing big numbers without some of their best hitters in the lineup lately and hope to stay hot while completing a three-game sweep of the visiting cleveland indians on wednesday afternoon. two-time mvp miguel cabrera (hamstring) remains on the disabled list for the tigers, who have won three in a row after rallying from an early four-run deficit for the 9-8 win tuesday.

jeimer candelario (wrist) and leonys martin (hamstring) are also on the dl, while right fielder nicholas castellanos homered tuesday after missing two games with a finger injury for detroit, which has scored 46 runs over the last eight contests. the tigers are expected to send rookie ryan carpenter to the mound in the series finale against trevor bauer, who beat detroit earlier in the season with seven innings of two-run ball on april 12. the indians lost for the seventh time in 10 games tuesday after taking a 5-1 lead early on with the help of a grand slam by brandon guyer, but their struggling bullpen gave up five runs over 2 2/3 innings. cleveland's all-star shortstop francisco lindor saw his career-best 15-game hitting streak come to an end in the loss, going 0-for-1 with four walks, but jose ramirez had three hits and knocked in his 13th run in 11 games.
tv: 1:10 p.m. et, sportstime ohio (cleveland), fs detroit
pitching matchup: indians rh trevor bauer (2-3, 3.00 era) vs. lh ryan carpenter (0-0, 7.36)

bauer makes his fourth try at a 50th career victory after allowing a season-high five runs (four earned) and 11 hits over 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision against kansas city on friday. the 27-year-old ucla product registered six straight quality starts before his last outing, giving up two earned runs or fewer five times during that stretch. jose iglesias is 5-for-11 with a double versus bauer, who is 5-5 with a 7.26 era in 13 career appearances (12 starts) against detroit.
carpenter is expected to be recalled from triple-a toledo to make his second major-league start and first since april 1. the 27-year-old gonzaga product gave up three runs on five hits (two homers) and three walks over three innings in his big-league debut april 1 versus pittsburgh before getting two outs in relief against seattle on may 12 without allowing a hit. carpenter is 1-3 with a 5.01 era in seven starts for toledo with 42 strikeouts in 41 1/3 innings.
walk-offs

1. the indians placed cf bradley zimmer (chest) on the 10-day disabled list tuesday and recalled rhp neil ramirez.

2. detroit 2b dixon machado is 8-for-22 during a six-game hitting streak to raise his average from .200 to .225.
3. cleveland 1b/dh edwin encarnacion's status is uncertain for the series finale after sitting out tuesday's game with neck and back stiffness.

prediction: indians 7, tigers 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-16-2018, 09:42 AM

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 05-16-2018

16th May 2018 by Gracenote
The Minnesota Twins will try to complete a season sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals when they host the finale of a two-game interleague set Wednesday. The Twins have held the Cardinals to a total of two runs while winning the first three meetings.

Minnesota has won eight of its last 11 after a 4-1 victory Tuesday, pulling within a half-game of American League Central leader Cleveland. The Twins snapped out of a brief offensive funk in the series opener after scoring only one run in each of their previous two games - both losses. The Cardinals have totaled five runs during a three-game skid and managed only two hits in Tuesday's series opener. They'll try to get the offense going against former St. Louis right-hander Lance Lynn, who has struggled through the worst start of his career in his first season with the Twins.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (5-0, 2.51 ERA) vs. Twins RH Lance Lynn (1-3, 7.34)
After spending the past three seasons in Japan, Mikolas is proving he can be an effective big-league starter. The 29-year-old allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings of a win at San Diego last time out for his fifth consecutive quality start. Mikolas has compiled 35 strikeouts and only three walks in 46 2/3 innings.

Lynn has shown better control over his last two starts, walking only two batters after issuing 23 free passes over his first five outings. The 31-year-old has only one quality start among his seven outings, though, and gave up four runs over 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels last time out. Lynn has allowed six runs in 10 innings across two home starts.
WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals INF Matt Carpenter was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Tuesday and is batting .140 - the lowest mark among qualified hitters in the majors.

2. Twins 1B Joe Mauer is 7-for-24 during a six-game hitting streak.

3. Minnesota OF Eddie Rosario is batting .337 with 10 doubles, seven homers, and 18 RBIs in his last 21 games against National League opponents.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Twins 2

Wednesday 5-16-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Wednesday 5-16-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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