Friday 5-18-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Winnipeg Jets vs. Vegas Golden Knights Preview and Predictions 05-18-2018

17th May 2018 by Gracenote
the vegas golden knights might be an expansion team, but the play of veteran goaltender marc-andre fleury in back-to-back victories has lifted them to a 2-1 lead over the winnipeg jets entering friday's game 4 of the western conference finals at home. fleury made 33 saves in a 4-2 victory in game 3, surviving relentless pressure from the jets in pushing the first-year club to within two victories of the stanley cup finals - a place fleury reached with pittsburgh the past two seasons.

fleury, who leads all remaining goaltenders in postseason save percentage (.945) and goals against average (1.70), admits nobody thought vegas would play this deep into may, telling reporters after game 3: "it's been a long season. it's been a lot of fun to be a part of. really proud of this team and the way these guys have been working." once again it was forward jonathan marchessault who sparked the golden knights offense, scoring a pair of goals for the second consecutive game and recording his third-straight two-point night in the series. meanwhile, the jets looked sloppy and slow in the initial minutes of game 3 and allowed a goal on a defensive miscue by goaltender connor hellebuyck, but pounded 16 shots at fleury in the final 20 minutes and came close to tying the score several times. "they're playing really well because they're a really good team," jets captain blake wheeler told reporters after recording two assists in game 3. "you put yourself in a tough position when you're down by a couple goals on the road, tough environment against a good team. so, the onus is on us to get off to a better start."
tv: 8 p.m. et, nbc sports network, cbc, sportsnet one, tva
about the jets: winnipeg did get the dynamic duo from its top line rolling again, as mark scheifele scored twice to give him a league-high 14 goals for the playoffs and wheeler boosted his nhl-best assist total to 17. but second-line forward nikolaj ehlers was scratched with an undisclosed injury and the jets looked out of sorts, as hellebuyck got caught behind his net while allowing a goal 12 seconds after scheifele tied the game in the second period. hellebuyck finished with 26 saves as winnipeg lost back-to-back games for the first time since mid-march and now trails a postseason series for the first time this spring.
about the golden knights: marchessault now has 17 points (eight goals) in the playoffs, and along with linemates william karlsson and reilly smith continue to give the jets defense all kinds of trouble. playoff veteran james neal finished with a goal and an assist in game 3, ending the night plus-3 and leading the golden knights with five shots on goal. fleury made a handful of highlight-worthy saves with vegas nursing a one-goal lead in the final period, and got plenty of help as the golden knights finished with 18 blocked shots and 18 takeaways.
overtime
1. the intensity ramped up in game 3 as the two teams combined for 89 hits and 40 penalty minutes.

2. golden knights f david perron, who missed the past two games with an undisclosed illness, skated with the team during thursday's practice.
3. vegas f erik haula picked up his first point of the series, assisting on neal's goal and finishing plus-2 with four takeaways in 13:33.

prediction: jets 3, golden knights 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 3 - Maiden Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $16000 Class Rating: 60

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD ILLINOIS REGISTERED, CONCEIVED AND/OR FOALED. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000, FOR EACH $2,500 TO $10,000 1 LB.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 RISK E LIFESTYLE 3/5

# 2 IT'S SPRINGTIME 6/1

# 4 DISRESPECTFUL 12/1

RISK E LIFESTYLE is the most respectable bet in this race. Looks very strong for the conditions of this race today, showing solid figures in dirt sprint races lately. This animal enters today's race with second time Lasix. I like the jockey on this filly - respectable chance to win the race. IT'S SPRINGTIME - Has some encouraging angles which make this horse a wager. This field of horses is much softer than the last one she faced. DISRESPECTFUL - Must be given consideration based on the solid speed fig posted in the last contest.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Assiniboia Downs
Assiniboia Downs - Race 2

.20 PICK 3 (Races 2-3-4) / .20 SUPERFECTA / .20 TRIACTOR / EXACTOR / QUINELLA


Claiming $5,000 • 5 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 71 • Purse: $9,700 • Post: 8:01P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 117 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MARCH 18, 2018 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
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 * SHILOH'S PHIL: Horse is dropping into a race which has an Class Rating at least five poin ts lower than the Class Rating of its last race. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. DESERT SUMMER: Horse is dropping in class, has an inside post position and isn't a Trailer. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Powe r Rating. SILENT AUCTION: Horse is dropping in class, has an inside post position and isn't a Trailer. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. RUSH TO JUDGMENT: 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.
7
SHILOH'S PHIL
4/1

9/2
4
DESERT SUMMER
2/1

6/1
2
SILENT AUCTION
12/1

7/1
5
RUSH TO JUDGMENT
3/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
SHILOH'S PHIL
7

4/1
Front-runner
76

75

76.6

72.4

66.4
5
RUSH TO JUDGMENT
5

3/1
Front-runner
74

69

58.8

50.2

42.7
2
SILENT AUCTION
2

12/1
Stalker
78

69

78.5

70.6

63.1
4
DESERT SUMMER
4

2/1
Stalker
82

72

65.3

69.2

64.2
6
HIT IT UP
6

8/1
Stalker
71

72

64.0

62.2

54.2
1
TRUE ATTRACTION
1

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
81

78

60.8

62.0

55.0
3
REEL GOOD MOVIE
3

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
76

59

54.4

63.8

54.3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park
RACE #8 - BELMONT PARK - 5:13 PM EASTERN POST
6½ FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $25,000.00 CLAIMING $36,000.00 PURSE

#2 DARIA'S ANGEL
#3 INPAZIBLE CREEK
#7 MERCURIAN
#6 MY GIRL ANNIE

#2 DARIA'S ANGLE takes a class drop (-12), is the overall speed leader, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in five straight, hitting the board in three of those outings. Jockey David Cohen, and Trainer Robertino Diodoro send her "postward today ... they've hit the board with an impressive 51% of more than 130 entries saddled as a team to date. #3 IMPAZIBLE CREEK has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in three of her respective last five outings, including a nearly 10-length, "POWER RUN WIN" in her last start.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Evangeline Downs - Race #9 - Post: 9:34pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,500 Class Rating: 54

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 BIG EM C (ML=5/1)
#1 BE THE LIGHT (ML=10/1)


BIG EM C - This horse's last race was at Evangeline Downs in a race with a class figure of 60. Dropping considerably in class figure in today's event puts him in a solid position in this field. BE THE LIGHT - This gelding should give a strong showing of himself in today's race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 REYDELL (ML=3/1), #9 DEBDURITE (ML=4/1), #6 GUITARIST (ML=6/1),

REYDELL - Not easy to wager on any horse in a sprint affair at 3/1 when he hasn't shown any successful efforts in sprints in the last 60 days. This morning-line favorite ran on April 20th and hasn't had a drill since. This pony ran a run-of-the-mill speed figure in the last race. He shouldn't show signs of improvement and will probably get beat in today's race running that figure. Can't really back the favorite when he has multiple failures as the public's top choice. DEBDURITE - I can't play this perpetual non-winner. Gets the assignment fulfilled from time to time. GUITARIST - Disappointing speed fig last time around the track at Evangeline Downs at 6 1/2 furlongs. Don't feel this racer will improve too much in today's event.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #5 BIG EM C to win if you can get at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 2 - Claiming - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $8000 Class Rating: 82

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE IN 2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $2,500


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 LAND OF THE FREE 2/1

# 3 LITTLE JACK 5/1

# 4 MY SECRET AFFAIR 5/2

LAND OF THE FREE looks strong to best this field. Has very good speed figures and has to be considered for a bet in this race. Going in a dirt sprint race gives this gelding a respectable shot. Is a contender - given the 84 speed rating from his most recent race. LITTLE JACK - Could beat this group given the 77 Equibase Speed Figure posted in his last outing. Have to examine solely on class, with some of the most respectable class figs of this group of horses in this race. MY SECRET AFFAIR - Is worth taking a close look at and may be a bet - strong Speed Figures (75 average) at today's distance and surface as of late. With a very good 76 speed figure last time out, will surely be a factor in this affair.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Lone Star Park - Race #7 - Post: 9:23pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,500 Class Rating: 73

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 MEDIEVAL MEDICINE (ML=12/1)
#10 MOUNT ERRIGAL (ML=7/2)


MEDIEVAL MEDICINE - Comes out of a last event against 'open' company on May 12th and faces what I believe are easier 'state breds' today. I sense a pace scenario where the early speed will fail to hang on, setting up a perfect situation for his late kick. MOUNT ERRIGAL - This gelding faced open company last time out. Moving into a restricted state bred today. Is well worth a look. Taking a big drop in class rating points from his January 20th race at Sam Houston. Based on that knowledge, I will give this thoroughbred the edge. Recent speed ratings show solid pattern of improvement.

Vulnerable Contenders: #11 NASTY CRITTER (ML=2/1), #5 WELSH WIZARD (ML=4/1), #3 TRISTAN'S DREAM (ML=6/1),

NASTY CRITTER - This less than sharp equine hasn't been on the track since April 22nd. Not even any morning drills. Difficult to put any cash on this gelding on the win end. Likes to hit the board though. Substandard speed rating last time around the track at Lone Star Park at 7 furlongs. Don't think this horse will improve too much in today's race. WELSH WIZARD - You figure that this horse is going to finish first just because he's always close. Just doesn't finish first frequently. TRISTAN'S DREAM - Hard to bet on at 6/1 odds after the most recent efforts. Quite unimpressive speed figure last race out at Lone Star Park at 5 1/2 furlongs. Don't believe this vulnerable equine will improve too much in today's event.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #6 MEDIEVAL MEDICINE to win. Have to have odds of at least 3/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [6,10]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Pimlico
RACE #12 - PIMLICO - 5:22 PM EASTERN POST
The Hilltop Stakes
8.0 FURLONGS TURF THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#8 THEWAYIAM
#1 PEACH OF A GAL
#2 SOUPER STRIKING
#7 SECRET MESSAGE

#8 THEWAYIAM, a French bred entry, drops in class (-9) is the overall speed leader, has produced "POWER RUN EFFORTS" in each of her last five outings, hitting the board in four, including three straight "POWER RUN WINS" in her 2nd through her 4th races back. #1 PEACH OF A GAL, a 10-BOMB, has won two of her last four starts, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her last start.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Sunray Park
Sunray Park - Race 5

Daily Double / $1 Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta Last Leg Pick 4


Maiden Claiming $10,000 • 870 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 57 • Purse: $8,500 • Post: 4:36P
QUARTER HORSE 870Y, FOR REGISTERED NEW MEXICO BRED MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * JESS BNA TYGER: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. IM BIGTIME SOUTHERN: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
6
JESS BNA TYGER
10/1

5/2
4
IM BIGTIME SOUTHERN
9/2

3/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
KIM CAN DASH
1

20/1
Average/Trouble-prone
0

0

5.6

0.0

0.0
2
ONE FEARLESS GIRL
2

12/1
Slow
0

0

6.2

0.0

0.0
3
BALDERINAS WINNER
3

7/2
Average
69

40

4.5

0.0

0.0
4
IM BIGTIME SOUTHERN
4

9/2
Fast
72

65

3.0

0.0

0.0
5
GENUINELY THORNY
5

8/1
Slow
0

0

7.8

0.0

0.0
6
JESS BNA TYGER
6

10/1
Average
74

70

5.5

0.0

0.0
7
GRADE ONE STORM
7

3/1
Slow
0

0

7.2

0.0

0.0
8
MIRACLE GOLD
8

5/2
Average
65

50

3.6

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 05-18-2018

17th May 2018 by Gracenote
the washington nationals are hoping to complete a contest for the first time since the beginning of the week when they open a three-game series versus the visiting los angeles dodgers on friday. the nationals (24-18) had won 13 of 15 before mother nature cooled them down by effectively suspending one contest, its subsequent make-up game and a regularly scheduled outing heading into their series opener against the dodgers (17-26).

three-time cy young award winner max scherzer, who was slated to pitch against the new york yankees on wednesday, will take the mound on friday as washington bids for its eighth victory in its last nine home contests. bryce harper answered an 0-for-16 effort by going 5-for-18 with a homer and two doubles in four outings before the suspended contest for the nationals, who embark on a stretch of playing 12 consecutive games against teams with losing records (dodgers, san diego, miami and baltimore). los angeles hadn't been faring well against last-place teams, as it had lost six in a row to such clubs before justin turner matched a career high with five rbis in thursday afternoon's 7-0 romp over the marlins. "we had felt like we were close to breaking out and having a good day. hopefully this can stick, and we can put together a run," said turner, who finished 6-for-13 in the series.
tv: 7:05 p.m. et, mlb network, sportsnet la, masn (washington)
pitching matchup: dodgers rh ross stripling (0-1, 2.20 era) vs. nationals rh max scherzer (7-1, 1.69)

stripling remains in search of his first win this season despite allowing just two runs and striking out seven without walking a batter in 5 1/3 innings of saturday's no-decision against cincinnati. the 28-year-old got a brief taste of facing the nationals in september, as he permitted one run in one-third of an inning of relief on sept. 16 before serving up a three-run homer to ryan zimmerman the following day. zimmerman aside, the rest of the current crop of nationals are 2-for-14 with four strikeouts against stripling.
scherzer has won six straight decisions after defeating arizona with seven innings of one-run ball last friday on the road. the 33-year-old struck out 11 batters in the outing to record his sixth double-digit effort in that category this season. scherzer fanned nine in six innings of a 5-2 win against the dodgers on april 20, improving to 4-4 with a 2.79 era in 12 career appearances versus the club.
walk-offs

1. los angeles of yasiel puig has hit all three of his homers this season in the last four games.
2. washington's pedro severino is expected to see consistent playing time after fellow c matt wieters underwent surgery on thursday to repair a left hamstring strain that landed him on the disabled list last week.

3. dodgers cf chris taylor went 5-for-11 with three runs scored in his last three games.

prediction: nationals 6, dodgers 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego Padres vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 05-18-2018

17th May 2018 by Gracenote
the pittsburgh pirates are proving to be incredibly difficult to beat at home, and it has been the club's ability to win the close ones that has it nursing a slim lead atop the national league central. the pirates set their sights on a ninth victory in their last 10 outings friday when they host the second of four games against the san diego padres.

pittsburgh moved to 15-6 at home following thursday's 5-4 series-opening triumph over san diego, notching its second straight one-run victory while improving to 9-3 in such contests in 2018. the pirates are 6-0 in those same games at pnc park, posting exactly half of the wins while going 5-1 two-thirds of the way through their nine-game homestand. the padres are in last place in the nl west, but they entered this series having won three of four and have stabilized themselves after recording a 10-20 combined record over march and april by going 7-8 in may. eric hosmer had three rbis on thursday and has been a big part of the recent resurgence, driving in six runs over the last three games.
tv: 7:05 p.m. et, fs san diego, at&t sportsnet pittsburgh
pitching matchup: padres rh tyson ross (2-3, 3.40 era) vs. pirates rh ivan nova (2-3, 5.01)

ross remained winless over his last five outings despite yielding only one run on three hits and two walks while fanning seven over six innings in a no-decision saturday against st. louis. the california native, who has struck out 39 in 29 2/3 frames and held the opposition to one run three times over that span, has logged at least six frames in all but one of his eight turns. corey dickerson is 5-for-16 with two homers against ross, who is 1-2 with a 3.29 era in five starts versus pittsburgh.
nova hasn't been the same since a sterling eight-inning effort on april 26, as he lost for the second time in three outings after getting roughed up for four runs across 5 2/3 frames by san francisco on sunday. the 31-year-old dominican has surrendered a total of 17 runs (14 earned) and 25 hits over his last 12 1/3 innings after opening the campaign with five quality starts in six tries. nova went 0-1 with a 4.09 era in two turns against san diego last season.
walk-offs

1. with cf starling marte (strained right oblique) expected to miss a third straight game friday, the pirates are expected to recall top prospect of austin meadows from triple-a indianapolis.

2. hosmer is hitting .370 on the road as opposed to .216 at home.

3. pittsburgh is batting .293 as a team during its 8-1 surge.

prediction: padres 5, pirates 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oakland Athletics vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 05-18-2018

17th May 2018 by Gracenote
slugger khris davis hopes to continue a power surge when his oakland athletics visit the toronto blue jays for the second of a four-game set friday night after taking the series opener. davis went 4-for-4 with his fourth homer in seven games thursday for a 10-5 victory as the athletics improved to 9-4 against american league east opponents with a third win in four contests overall.

davis, who belted 85 homers over the past two seasons combined, has registered 15 rbis in his last 13 games and is 7-for-15 in the past four contests while matt olson and matt chapman also went deep thursday for oakland. brett anderson, who went 2-2 in seven starts with toronto last season, gets the start for the athletics on friday and the blue jays will counter with veteran right-hander marco estrada. toronto has lost four of its last five - giving up 32 runs in the four setbacks - while dropping to the .500 mark (22-22) and is just 11-12 at home in the early going. justin smoak is 6-for-18 with seven rbis during a five-game hitting streak for the blue jays and teammate kevin pillar is 4-for-9 with a pair of runs batted in in the past two contests.
tv: 7:07 p.m. et, nbcs california (oakland), sportsnet (toronto)
pitching matchup: athletics lh brett anderson (0-2, 8.16 era) vs. blue jays rh marco estrada (2-3, 5.32)

anderson registered a quality start in his season debut on may 2, holding seattle to two runs over six innings, but has struggled in his last two outings. the 30-year-old texan gave up 13 runs (11 earned) on 18 hits and five walks with four strikeouts over eight innings in his last two trips to the mound. curtis granderson is 5-for-12 with a homer versus anderson, who took the loss while yielding two runs across six innings in his only appearance against toronto.
estrada has allowed at least four runs in five of his last six outings after starting the season with two straight quality starts and a victory. the 34-year-old mexico native, who gave up four runs across six innings against boston last time out, has permitted 10 homers and a .281 batting average over 44 innings. jed lowrie is 3-for-6 and marcus semien owns a homer against estrada, who is 0-2 with a 6.75 era in three career starts versus the athletics.
walk-offs

1. toronto of teoscar hernandez, who boasts a five-game hitting streak (7-for-20), sat out thursday due to a sore back.

2. semien is 11-for-34 with six rbis during a seven-game hitting streak after recording a single in five at-bats thursday.

3. toronto 3b josh donaldson is 5-for-24 with 11 strikeouts over the last six contests, dropping his average to .233.

prediction: blue jays 6, athletics 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 05-18-2018

17th May 2018 by Gracenote
the arizona diamondbacks and new york mets each got off to sizzling starts but have been coming back to the pack since. the diamondbacks are still atop the national league west but have lost seven of their last eight as they prepare to open a nine-game road trip with the first of three against the mets on friday night at citi field.

arizona, which bolted to a 11-3 start and was 21-8 before dropping 10 of its next 14, has been limited to two runs or fewer in six of its last seven games. "obviously a frustrating homestand but we've got to put it behind us," manager torey lovullo said. "things are not moving in the direction we want them to every single moment, and we've just got to keep plowing away." the mets will be hoping to get a boost from right-hander jacob degrom, who is making his second start since suffering a hyperextended elbow. new york is 3-10 in may following a franchise-best 11-1 start and is without slugger yoenis cespedes, who went on the disabled list wednesday due to a right hip straight.
tv: 7:10 p.m. et, mlb network, fs arizona, sny (new york)
pitching matchup: diamondbacks rh zack godley (4-2, 4.08 era) vs. mets rh jacob degrom (3-0, 1.83)

godley has struggled in his last two starts, giving up four runs in each, but manage to escape with no-decisions against washington and the dodgers despite allowing four runs. he went 4-1 over his first five starts and opened the season with two wins by allowing only one run and eight hits while going seven innings each time. godley has made four career appearances against the mets, going 1-1 with a 2.25 era.
degrom labored in his first start since hurting his elbow and was pulled after throwing 45 pitches versus philadelphia, although he enters friday's game riding a scoreless streak of 19 1/3 innings. he was 3-0 over his first six starts of the season, a stretch in which he settled for two no-decisions despite striking out 22. degrom won his only career start against arizona, striking out 10 over seven innings.

walk-offs
1. mets ss asdrubal cabrera is batting .320 but is only 8-for-48 lifetime against arizona.

2. diamondbacks 1b paul goldschmidt went 3-for-26 with no extra-base hits on the homestand.

3. mets rf jay bruce is mired in a 1-for-13 rut.

prediction: mets 4, diamondbacks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 05-18-2018

17th May 2018 by Gracenote
the host boston red sox will try to extend their winning streak against the baltimore orioles to eight games when the american league east rivals continue a four-game series at fenway park on friday. home runs by j.d. martinez and xander bogaerts backed david price's first complete game since 2016 in a 6-2 win in the series opener as the red sox took their seventh straight over the orioles dating to 2017.

mookie betts added three hits to boost his al-leading average to .364 and martinez went deep for the eighth time in his last 15 games before leaving early due to a stomach ailment. the orioles won five of six while scoring at least five runs in each victory before being held to a total of three runs and nine hits in back-to-back losses. manny machado broke up price's shutout bid with a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth for his fifth home run in a seven-game span. he and his teammates will take aim at boston southpaw drew pomeranz, who opposes alex cobb for baltimore in friday's tilt.
tv: 7:10 p.m. et, masn2 (baltimore), nesn (boston)
pitching matchup: orioles rh alex cobb (0-5, 7.06 era) vs. red sox lh drew pomeranz (1-1, 5.47)

cobb remains in search of his first win of 2018, although he has recovered from a dismal april to produce a 3.06 era in three may starts. the boston native allowed three earned runs over 5 2/3 innings in a loss to tampa bay on saturday while getting through a start without issuing a walk for the first time this year. the 30-year-old was pounded for eight runs (seven earned) in 3 2/3 innings at fenway park in his season debut but is 5-2 in eight career starts at boston.
pomeranz produced a pair of quality starts to begin the month before lasting just four innings while giving up three runs on five hits and five walks at toronto on sunday. the big lefty has allowed 28 hits and 13 walks in 24 2/3 innings overall to register an early whip of 1.66, which would be his highest mark since 2013. pomeranz owns a 3.34 era in eight career matchups (five starts) against the orioles and baltimore's 2-6 hitters in thursday's contest - adam jones, machado, jonathan schoop, chris davis and mark trumbo - are a combined 14-for-68 with just one home run and 20 strikeouts versus the 29-year-old.
walk-offs

1. davis was hitless in three at-bats thursday and is 1-for-15 with six strikeouts over a four-game span.

2. bogaerts has a three-run homer in each of his last two games.

3. the red sox are hitting .331 in four meetings with the orioles this year.

prediction: red sox 6, orioles 4