Tuesday 5-22-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 05-22-2018

21st May 2018 by Gracenote
all the questions that were raised by the golden state warriors' lackluster performance in game 2, particularly surrounding star guard stephen curry, were answered in emphatic fashion in a dominating performance in game 3. similar questions are now surrounding the top-seeded houston rockets, who will try to bounce back from an embarrassing performance and even the western conference finals at two wins apiece when they visit the warriors for game 4 on tuesday.

curry averaged 17 points and was a combined 2-of-13 from 3-point range as the warriors split the first two games in houston but found his shot during a third-quarter outburst on sunday and finished with a game-high 35 points on 13-of-23 shooting as second-seeded golden state breezed to a 126-85 victory. "a lot of it was just talking to myself, almost like you've got to be your biggest fan sometimes," curry told reporters. "no matter what questions i was being asked over the first two games or what the expectations was, i had the highest expectations for myself. and you've just got to find whatever you want to get going. i mean, obviously, it felt good, and you want to use that energy to show your teammates that you're here, you're with them, get the crowd into it." the rockets, who scored 127 points on 51.1 percent shooting while winning game 2, suffered the worst playoff loss in franchise history in game 3. "it's just one thing led to another," houston coach mike d'antoni told reporters. "played soft, actually. i mean, you can't do that with these guys. these guys are good."
tv: 9 p.m. et, tnt
about the rockets: houston shot 39.5 percent from the floor, including 11-of-34 from beyond the arc, and committed 20 turnovers leading to 28 points on sunday. "we weren't as aggressive as we needed to be," rockets star james harden, who agreed with his coach's assessment of the team, told reporters. "we started off the game pretty solid, and then we let them gain some confidence to end the first quarter. but just defensively, they didn't feel us, and it showed tonight." harden scored a team-high 20 points in the loss but attempted just 16 field goals after averaging 24 attempts in the first two games and attempted a series-low five free throws, converting four.
about the warriors: curry went 3-of-11 from the floor in the first half on sunday but was 7-of-7 in the third quarter, sparking a run that put the game out of reach. "you know, i've seen those explosions happen here and everywhere," warriors forward draymond green told reporters of curry's third-quarter outburst. "it's not just here. nonetheless, definitely get a lot of support from the fans. his 3 is similar to some people's dunk. you go to certain arenas and a guy gets a dunk and it's just absurd. that's how his 3-ball is." green finished with 10 points, 17 rebounds and six assists while serving as the key to the team's much-improved defensive effort.
buzzer beaters
1. warriors f kevin durant is averaging 33.3 points on 52.9 percent shooting in the series.

2. rockets sg eric gordon slumped to 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting in game 3 after recording 27 points on 8-of-15 in game 2.

3. houston pg chris paul is 5-of-20 from 3-point range in the series.

prediction: warriors 116, rockets 110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 1 - Claiming - 8.2f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 67

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES IN 2017-2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 CHICA ZOOM 7/2

# 5 MISTRETTA 8/5

# 2 TWOFREEKNIGHTS 9/2

CHICA ZOOM is my choice. Ran a strong last race. Has run admirably when running a dirt route race. This bunch is much less demanding than the last one she faced. MISTRETTA - Overall the Equibase Speed Figures of this horse look very good in this contest. Ran a sharp last race. TWOFREEKNIGHTS - Players should take a good look at this one as this filly has one of the best win percentages at this distance in this group. Win percentage with this jockey and conditioner combo - 17 percent - strong.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Louisiana Downs
Louisiana Downs - Race 7

Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta / .50 Super High Five


Optional Claiming $17,500 • 7 1/2 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 99 • Purse: $19,500 • Post: 6:05P
(RAIL AT 20 FEET). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $17,500. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE APRIL 22 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $17,500 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $15,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY MANAGEMENT TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT ONE MILE AND SEVENTYYARDS)
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * WHISKEY BRAVO: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highe st TrackMaster Power Rating. Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs. PILOT HOUSE: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Today is a sprint and this is the horse's th ird or fourth start after a layoff. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
4
WHISKEY BRAVO
9/5

5/2
7
PILOT HOUSE
3/1

3/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
PILOT HOUSE
7

3/1
Front-runner
97

93

125.9

93.7

87.7
5
DEVILISHLY CLEVER
5

10/1
Front-runner
84

85

123.2

80.6

63.6
8
ITS ABOUT THE CAT
8

8/1
Front-runner
94

83

87.9

84.6

74.1
3
TIZ A MELODY
3

8/1
Front-runner
82

80

87.0

76.9

63.4
4
WHISKEY BRAVO
4

9/5
Alternator/Stalker
108

99

88.8

96.8

94.3
9
MR. BANDINI'S BAND
9

15/1
Alternator/Stalker
89

85

39.2

83.2

69.7
6
CAMERON RULES
6

6/1
Trailer
95

88

0.0

0.0

0.0
2
BACK STAGE BOY
2

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
81

81

71.4

72.6

56.1
1
GOTTHERIGHTONEBABY
1

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
93

94

0.0

0.0

0.0
10
POTOMAC RIVER
10

2/1
Alternator/Non-contender
98

89

0.0

0.0

0.0
11
CHONGO
11

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
101

100

0.0

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 5 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $6300 Class Rating: 76

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE APRIL 22 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 CRUSHING POWDER 7/5

# 1 GO FOR FOUR DUDE 8/1

# 6 READY RIGHT NOW 5/1

CRUSHING POWDER is my choice. Has been running admirably lately and will almost certainly be on or close to the front end early on. Should be given consideration in this race if only for the very good Equibase speed fig garnered in the last contest. Earning some nice profits in dirt sprint races. GO FOR FOUR DUDE - Has formidable speed figures and has to be considered for a bet in this race. READY RIGHT NOW - He has been running strongly and the speed figs are among the most competitive in this group. Has earned solid Equibase Speed Figures in dirt sprint races in the past.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Presque Isle Downs - Race #4 - Post: 6:40pm - Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 82

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 QUALIFYING (ML=9/2)


QUALIFYING - Morales and Girten perform well when they are put together. It's hard to beat a +131 return on investment for a jock and trainer. This mare is very familiar with the winner's circle at Presque Isle Downs. I expect a repeat appearance right here.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 ORZO (ML=3/1), #2 BARBIE LOCA (ML=4/1), #9 WORKERBEE (ML=5/1),

ORZO - The result of third in the last race shows me that this animal may be getting out of condition. BARBIE LOCA - Finished seventh in her most recent race with a run-of-the-mill speed fig. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this field. WORKERBEE - Didn't finish in the money on Nov 23rd at Fair Grounds. Followed it up with another lackluster try.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#8 QUALIFYING is the play if we get odds of 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
8 with [2,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Parx Racing
Parx Racing - Race 1

Daily Double / Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3) Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta / 10 cent Superfecta


Claiming $5,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 79 • Purse: $20,000 • Post: 12:55
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE NOVEMBER 22. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE APRIL 22 ALLOWED 3 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: Lone Trailer. HOT SPICE GIRL is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * EXCHANGING SECRETS: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. HY RAPID LAD Y: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. HOT SPICE GIRL: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse's average winning distance is wit hin half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race).
1
EXCHANGING SECRETS
3/5

3/1
3
HY RAPID LADY
3/1

6/1
6
HOT SPICE GIRL
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
2
WILMA LYNN
2

10/1
Front-runner
73

71

84.6

45.2

35.7
3
HY RAPID LADY
3

3/1
Front-runner
78

68

70.4

65.4

59.9
1
EXCHANGING SECRETS
1

3/5
Alternator/Front-runner
83

81

70.8

69.6

67.6
6
HOT SPICE GIRL
6

5/1
Alternator/Trailer
78

67

46.6

59.0

51.5
5
MARNESIA BIG GIRL
5

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
79

77

59.6

55.8

48.8
4
BACKYARD BOOGIE
4

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
76

57

45.2

45.4

35.4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #1 - Post: 1:40pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,700 Class Rating: 70

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 LEI IT ON ME (ML=5/2)


LEI IT ON ME - This mare is a gem of consistency, almost always on the board. I look for this steed to sit chilly and make a solid move on the turn, cruising straight on to the winner's circle. Shipped in on May 8th to finish first here. Take right back again. This mare recorded a strong speed figure of 70 in her last race. That speed fig should be lofty enough to score this time.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 HOTSPUR HARRIET (ML=3/1), #3 LAINEY LUCK (ML=7/2), #2 EPIC STORY (ML=9/2),

HOTSPUR HARRIET - When looking at today's class rating, she will have to register a much better fig than last out to vie in this dirt sprint. LAINEY LUCK - In any event of 6 furlongs, I like to play a contender that has been sharp in sprint events of late. Extended vacation, then came back and finished fourth. Tough to expect much better in today's event. EPIC STORY - Finished first in her most recent performance with a run-of-the-mill speed figure. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to win after that in this group.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - LEI IT ON ME - I start with the top class horse in the field then work my way down. This one's got the top earnings per start. No need to look further.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #5 LEI IT ON ME to win. Have to have odds of at least 1/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
5 with 6

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 05-22-2018

21st May 2018 by Gracenote
After a successful weekend in Cincinnati, the Chicago Cubs will take on the team from the other end of Ohio when they host the Cleveland Indians for a two-game series starting Tuesday. The Cubs and Indians split a two-game series in Cleveland last month in the teams' first meetings since the 2016 World Series.

The Cubs are 1 1/2 games behind Milwaukee in the tightly-packed National League Central in spite of an inconsistent offense and underperforming pitching rotation. Chicago took three of four at Cincinnati over the weekend, outscoring the Reds 28-7. The Indians sit atop the American League Central despite a losing record (22-23). Cleveland has started 2-4 on its current eight-game road trip, dropping two of three at Detroit and Houston, and has won just one of its last six series.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Trevor Bauer (3-3, 2.59 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (3-3, 3.14)

Bauer is coming off a dominant outing at Detroit on Wednesday in which he struck out 10 and allowed four hits over eight scoreless innings. The 27-year-old has put together quality starts in seven of his nine outings this season and has allowed more than two earned runs only twice. Bauer is 2-0 with a 0.66 ERA in two regular-season starts against the Cubs.
Chatwood has won his last three decisions, including a win at Cleveland on April 24 in which he allowed one run over six-plus innings. The 28-year-old didn't factor in the decision last time out despite allowing one run and four hits over 5 1/3 frames at Atlanta. Chatwood is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in four games (three starts) against the Cubs.
WALK-OFFS

1. Indians OF Michael Brantley is 15-for-43 with four homers and 12 RBIs during a 10-game hitting streak, and OF Tyler Naquin is 10-for-24 during an eight-game streak.

2. The Cubs have hit 26 home runs in 18 games this month, including nine contests with two or more blasts.

3. Cubs INF/OF Ian Happ drew nine walks in the four-game series at Cincinnati after being walked nine times in his first 35 games of the season.

PREDICTION: Indians 3, Cubs 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 05-22-2018

21st May 2018 by Gracenote
home has been very good for the philadelphia phillies, who have won 17 of their 23 games at citizens bank park this season entering tuesday's contest against the visiting atlanta braves. the phillies captured the opener of a three-game series monday in a matchup between the top two teams in the national league east, winning 3-0 to pull within one-half game of the division-leading braves and improve their record at home since sept. 12 last season to 28-11.

this week's matchup represents the fourth series between the two biggest surprises in the national league in the season's opening eight weeks, and much-improved pitching for both teams is a big reason why atlanta and philadelphia sit at or near the top of the division a week before memorial day. that good work on the mound was on display in the series opener, as phillies starter nick pivetta gave up four hits in seven shutout innings and braves starter mike foltynewicz allowed just one run on six hits in six innings. the series began with the top two hitters in the nl on the same field, as philadelphia center fielder odubel herrera finished 2-for-4 to raise his average to a league-leading .348 and atlanta right fielder nick markakis went 1-for-4 to give him the second-best average in the league at .341. the braves have defeated the phillies six times in 10 meetings in 2018, but after this series the two teams will not meet again until sept. 20 in atlanta.
tv: 7:05 p.m. et, fs southeast (atlanta), nbcs philadelphia
pitching matchup: braves rh brandon mccarthy (4-2, 5.05 era) vs. phillies rh vince velasquez (4-4, 4.37)
arguably the braves best starter through the first four weeks of the season, mccarthy rebounded after two ugly starts kicked off may. the 34-year-old, who allowed 14 runs on 23 hits in just 8 1/3 innings during losses to san francisco and miami, held the chicago cubs to one run on five hits with eight strikeouts over six innings wednesday. three of mccarthy's four victories this season have come against the phillies, logging a 2.25 era in three starts with 17 strikeouts in 16 innings.
velasquez ended april with three consecutive losses, but has bounced back with three wins in a row to begin may. the 25-year-old has allowed only four earned runs on 11 hits across those three starts, striking out 21 in 17 1/3 innings - including a season-high 12 in six innings on may 10 against san francisco. velasquez has lost all three of his starts against atlanta in 2018, posting a 9.24 era with 13 earned runs surrendered in 12 2/3 innings.
walk-offs

1. philadelphia of-inf scott kingery is 3-for-7 with two doubles and a walk against mccarthy, while markakis is 6-for-16 with a double and two walks against velasquez.

2. atlanta has not scored in two of its past four contests, after being shut out just once in its first 42 games.

3. phillies rhp jerad eickhoff, out all season with a strained right lat muscle, left sunday's rehab start with triple-a lehigh valley after feeling a twinge in a couple of fingers on his right hand.

prediction: braves 5, phillies 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego Padres vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 05-22-2018

21st May 2018 by Gracenote
the washington nationals got a jolt from their latest teenage sensation and will try to build off the momentum of a series-opening victory over the visiting san diego padres when the teams continue a three-game series tuesday. the franchise that brought up bryce harper six years ago when he was 19 did the same for juan soto this weekend, and the rookie slugged a three-run homer on the first pitch he saw in his first career start.

the blast sparked a 10-2 win over the padres on monday night as the nationals snapped a three-game slide. harper also went deep and mark reynolds smacked a pair of home runs to give him four long balls in his first six games with washington. franmil reyes also launched the first home run of his career to provide all the offense for san diego, which had won a season high-tying three in a row prior to the loss. jeremy hellickson dominated the padres on the road earlier in the year and will try for a similar effort opposite san diego rookie eric lauer on tuesday.
tv: 7:05 p.m. et, fs san diego, masn (washington)
pitching matchup: padres lh eric lauer (1-2, 8.14 era) vs. nationals rh jeremy hellickson (1-0, 2.20)

since tossing six scoreless innings to pick up his first career win three turns ago, lauer has been tagged for 10 runs and 13 hits across seven innings over his last two outings. he is 0-1 with a 9.24 era in his first three road starts, giving up 19 hits and nine walks in 12 2/3 frames. right-handed hitters are batting .389 with five home runs in 72 at-bats against the 22-year-old lauer.
hellickson is 1-0 over his last three starts while allowing one run and eight hits in 17 1/3 dominant innings. included in that run was the outing at san diego on may 8 in which the veteran yielded two hits and struck out eight in 6 2/3 scoreless frames. despite that outstanding result, the 31-year-old has a 5.80 era in nine career starts versus the padres.

walk-offs

1. nationals ss trea turner has three doubles and a home run during a three-game hitting streak.
2. the padres recalled lhp tyler webb from triple-a el paso and optioned if carlos asuaje to el paso.

3. washington placed rhp ryan madson (pectoral) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled lhp tim collins, who worked a scoreless inning in monday's win.

prediction: nationals 7, padres 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 05-22-2018

21st May 2018 by Gracenote
the los angeles angels have found a safe haven on the road with wins in 14 of 18 such contests this season. los angeles (26-21) aims to continue its stellar play away from angel stadium on tuesday as it begins a 10-game road trip with the opener of a three-game series versus the toronto blue jays (22-25), who have dropped four in a row and seven of eight overall.

los angeles concluded a disappointing 11-game homestand with just four wins, including sunday's 5-2 triumph over tampa bay that ended a streak of five straight losses. mike trout answered an uncharacteristic 0-for-15 skid with three hits - including two homers - three rbis and four runs scored in his last three games and is 5-for-14 with six rbis against tuesday starter j.a. happ. while the angels are drawing rave reviews on the road, the blue jays didn't give their fans much to cheer as they committed four errors on sunday and were outscored 27-12 en route to dropping all four contests to oakland to begin their seven-game homestand. "it was ugly," manager john gibbons told reporters following sunday's 9-2 shellacking. "we're on a bad stretch right now. we're not playing real good baseball in a bunch of different areas."
tv: 7:07 p.m. et, fs west (los angeles), sportsnet (toronto)
pitching matchup: angels rh garrett richards (4-2, 3.47 era) vs. blue jays lh j.a. happ (5-3, 4.15)

richards was outdueled by justin verlander on wednesday to fall to 1-2 in his last four outings despite allowing just two unearned runs on four hits over seven innings of a 2-0 setback to houston. the 29-year-old was taken deep for the second straight contest after keeping the ball in the park in four of his previous five. curtis granderson has shredded richards to the tune of going 4-for-6 with three homers in a small sample size, although the right-hander has flustered justin smoak (2-for-19, six strikeouts) and former angel kendrys morales (2-for-18, five strikeouts).
happ answered a horrific outing with a stellar one, as he bounced back from a seven-run effort in a 9-3 rout by seattle on may 10 with a two-hit, 10-strikeout gem six days later in a 12-1 romp at the new york mets. "it was just a fun game. ... have to feel good about that one," said the 35-year-old, who also had a pair of singles to record his first multi-hit performance since 2011. justin upton is 4-for-8 with a pair of homers and ian kinsler is 6-for-19 with two blasts against happ, who is languishing with a 1-6 mark and 6.17 era in seven career appearances against the angels.
walk-offs
1. toronto inf yangervis solarte is 7-for-18 with three extra-base hits during his last four contests.

2. los angeles of kole calhoun is 2-for-21 in his last eight games to drop his batting average to a career-worst .161.

3. blue jays 3b josh donaldson is 0-for-13 to begin the homestand.

prediction: angels 4, blue jays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 05-22-2018

21st May 2018 by Gracenote
boston expected big things from j.d. martinez when they signed him to a five-year, $110 million contract during the offseason, and he's done nothing to disappoint as the red sox hit the road for a three-game series against the tampa bay rays beginning tuesday. martinez is hitting .343 with 15 home runs and 41 rbis and, along with mookie betts (.365, 15, 32), has helped boston (32-15) garner the most victories in baseball.

"(martinez) puts himself in such a good position to hit," red sox manager alex cora told reporters. "he's ready for what he wants to hit." boston and tampa bay are quite familiar with each other as the red sox own seven wins in 10 meetings this season, but the rays have kept martinez in check as he has one home run and seven rbis with 13 strikeouts in 38 at-bats in those games. tampa bay (22-23) is experiencing a roller coaster season with a pair of eight-game streaks - one winning and one losing - and had won six in a row before sunday's 5-2 loss to the los angeles angels wrapped up a 7-4 road trip. boston's chris sale hasn't allowed more than three runs in his 10 starts this season and tuesday opposes jake faria, who is 2-0 with a 1.74 era in four home outings this season.
tv: 7:10 p.m. et, nesn (boston), fs sun (tampa bay)
pitching matchup: red sox lh chris sale (4-1, 2.29 era) vs. rays rh jake faria (3-2, 5.20)

sale allowed two runs, two hits and four walks - his most since 2016 - while striking out nine in five innings of a 6-4 victory over oakland on wednesday. the 29-year-old floridian, who has struck out 36 in his last three starts, is 2-1 with a 2.48 era in six road outings this season. wilson ramos is 4-for-13 with two home runs and c.j. cron is 0-for-13 with eight strikeouts versus sale, who is 8-5 with a 3.10 era in 17 games (15 starts) versus tampa bay after earning a no-decision when he pitched six shutout innings in boston's 6-4 opening day loss at tropicana field.
faria earned a no-decision after yielding three runs, four hits and four walks while striking out two in 4 1/3 innings of the rays' 5-3 victory at kansas city on wednesday. the 24-year-old californian has permitted three or fewer runs in six of his nine starts this season, allowing eight runs, five hits and five walks in 1 2/3 innings of a 10-3 loss at boston on april 7 when xander bogaerts hit a grand slam in the second inning. faria is 1-1 with a 6.14 era in four outings (three starts) against the red sox, including 1-0, 1.38 versus boston in three home games.
walk-offs
1. martinez has 47 home runs and 116 rbis in 120 games since july 1 and joins betts as the first players in red sox history with 15 homers in the first 50 games of a season.

2. rays inf joey wendle is 8-for-19 versus boston this season while bogaerts is 16-for-35 with two home runs and 11 rbis against the rays.

3. boston lf andrew benintendi (.285) is batting .338 with four home runs and 14 rbis in 18 may games after hitting .242 with one homer and 15 rbis in his first 26 contests of the season.

prediction: red sox 3, rays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 05-22-2018

21st May 2018 by Gracenote
pittsburgh pirates right-hander jameson taillon provided the explanation point on a series victory against the cincinnati reds last month with a one-hit shutout. mired in a seven-start winless skid, taillon will take the mound as the visiting pirates (26-20) bid to snap a three-game losing streak heading into tuesday's opener of a three-game series against the reds (16-32) at great american ball park.

taillon struck out seven as pittsburgh breezed to a 5-0 romp of cincinnati on april 8, claiming three of four in the series while outscoring its national league central rival by a 28-12 margin. josh harrison went 6-for-15 with four runs scored in that series and returned from over a month-long absence due to a hand injury to collect three hits in sunday's 8-5 setback versus san diego. pittsburgh aims to continue its dominance against its own division as it sports a 10-3 mark heading into tuesday's tilt with cincinnati, which is at the other end of the spectrum with a 4-18 record versus nl central rivals. the reds didn't help themselves in that regard as they were outscored 16-1 over the final two games of a series in which they dropped three of four versus the chicago cubs.
tv: 7:10 p.m. et, at&t sportsnet pittsburgh, fs ohio (cincinnati)
pitching matchup: pirates rh jameson taillon (2-3, 3.97 era) vs. reds rh matt harvey (0-2, 6.17)

taillon was open to suggestion as he works his way through a recovery from a lacerated middle finger, so much so that he told the pittsburgh tribune-review that he would let teammates urinate on the digit if it served to help the cause. while there was no immediate word on whether that situation occurred, the 26-year-old saw his winless skid extend to seven outings (0-3) on wednesday after allowing a pair of solo homers and three walks over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision versus the chicago white sox. scott schebler (1-for-13), eugenio suarez (2-for-15) and joey votto (3-for-19) have been flummoxed by taillon, although scooter gennett (8-for-22) and billy hamilton (7-for-20) have flustered the right-hander.
harvey has worked a pair of four-inning outings since being acquired from the new york mets, but saw his run of no-decisions extend to six on wednesday after allowing three runs on seven hits at san francisco. "it's been a while since i've felt stronger throughout a game, so getting up toward 80 pitches and still feeling strong and noticing the ball coming out the way it was it's definitely a big positive," the 29-year-old told reporters. harrison (5-for-8) and josh bell (3-for-6, homer) have gotten their licks in on harvey, who has split a pair of decisions despite posting a robust 5.46 era in five career meetings with pittsburgh.
walk-offs
1. votto had two of his team's three hits on sunday after being mired in a 2-for-14 stretch with five strikeouts over his previous five games.

2. pittsburgh cf austin meadows acquitted himself well in his first major league series, going 5-for-11 with a homer and two rbis.

3. reds lf adam duvall went just 1-for-15 in the previous series versus the pirates, albeit the hit left the park.

prediction: pirates 5, reds 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 05-22-2018

21st May 2018 by Gracenote
the new york mets have utilized a dominant stretch on the mound to win four straight games and they will try to continue the surge in the second of three straight games against the visiting miami marlins on tuesday. jason vargas and five relievers combined on a five-hitter in monday's 2-0 win in the series opener.

the mets have given up a total of six runs during the winning streak, their longest since a nine-gamer early in the year. asdrubal cabrera had a pair of hits and an rbi for new york, and the veteran infielder is 6-for-16 with two home runs, three rbis and four runs scored in four games - all wins - against the marlins this year. miami has dropped six of its last seven on the road after going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and leaving eight runners on base in the loss. it will aim to provide more support for left-hander caleb smith, who starts tuesday opposite zack wheeler for the mets.
tv: 7:10 p.m. et, fs florida (miami), sny (new york)

pitching matchup: marlins lh caleb smith (2-5, 4.22 era) vs. mets rh zack wheeler (2-3, 5.92)
opponents are hitting just .204 against smith, but a lack of command hurt him thursday against the los angeles dodgers, who had only two hits but drew four walks and scored four runs in smith's 3 2/3 innings. that outing snapped a four-start string in which the 26-year-old had allowed two runs or fewer. smith gave up three runs while striking out seven over five innings in a no-decision against the mets at home april 10.

wheeler has given up 14 runs in 10 innings over his last two home starts after a rocky showing against toronto at citi field on wednesday. the former first-round pick opened the year by tossing seven innings of one-run ball in a win at miami, improving to 3-1 with a 2.15 era in eight career encounters. the marlins are batting a measly .171 in those matchups with wheeler, whose lone career shutout came at miami in 2014.
walk-offs

1. new york's bullpen has tossed 13 scoreless innings with 17 strikeouts during the four-game winning streak.
2. miami activated rhp odrisamer despaigne (forearm) from the 10-day disabled list and optioned lhp dillon peters to triple-a new orleans.

3. mets c devin mesoraco has three home runs, five rbis and eight runs scored in his last six games.

prediction: mets 5, marlins 4