Wednesday 5-30-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 05:33 AM

Washington Capitals vs. Vegas Golden Knights Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
those looking to break the bank in sin city have often tried to disprove the theory that "the house always wins," often times leaving with a bruised ego and a lighter wallet. the vegas golden knights, who have posted better odds at home than most tables in the casino, aim to continue their good fortune at t-mobile arena on wednesday in game 2 of the stanley cup final against the washington capitals.

tomas nosek scored the go-ahead goal midway into the third period and added insurance into the empty net in monday's 6-4 triumph for vegas, which has outscored the opposition 31-16 en route to posting a 7-1 mark at home in the playoffs. the 25-year-old nosek, who has eight regular-season goals in 84 career contests, owns four points (three goals, one assist) in his last three games while fellow fourth-liner ryan reaves has tallied in back-to-back contests for the first time since april 6 and 8, 2017. "we didn't play our best game," capitals superstar captain alex ovechkin told reporters after his club's first contest since a game 7 win over tampa bay on wednesday. "i think next game is going to be different and all the nervousness, all the bad things (go) away (from) this game. we just have to forget about it and bounce back." countryman evgeny kuznetsov notched an assist in the topsy-turvy series opener to extend his franchise-record postseason point streak to 11 games, during which the 26-year-old russian has scored six goals and set up 10 others.
tv: 8 p.m. et, nbc sports network, cbc, sportsnet, tva
about the capitals: habitual line-stepper tom wilson's blindsided hit on jonathan marchessault did not result in a hearing with the nhl's department of player safety on tuesday, with the league citing that it was shoulder to shoulder rather than to the head and that it was in the flow of the game. the 24-year-old wilson, who received a three-game suspension in the eastern conference semifinal series against pittsburgh, said he has no plans to change his playing style. "you always have your reputation," wilson told reporters. "when you play my physical style, you're going to have that reputation. i trust myself. i play the game hard. it's my job to bring that energy, that physicality. right after he got up, he said 'good hit.'"
about the golden knights: reilly smith continued his stellar postseason by scoring a goal and setting up another in the series opener, giving him 18 points (three goals, 15 assists) in 16 outings. fellow forward marchessault has done him one better with 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists), snapping a tie with new york islanders' jude drouin (1975) and san jose sharks' igor larionov (1994) for the most with a franchise in its first-ever postseason. marchessault, who set up smith's second-period goal, has flustered the capitals with four assists in three encounters this season.
overtime
1. washington's john carlson scored his 17th career playoff goal in the opener to move past kevin hatcher for the most by a defenseman in franchise history.

2. vegas' lone postseason home loss came in double overtime on april 28, a 4-3 decision against the sharks in game 2 of the western conference semifinals.

3. capitals rw t.j. oshie set up a pair of goals in the series opener to push his point total to 13 (four goals, nine assists) in the past 12 games.

prediction: golden knights 4, capitals 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:08 AM

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
even with mookie betts on the sidelines, the boston red sox are having no issues scoring runs against the visiting toronto blue jays and aim for a three-game sweep when the teams finish their set at fenway park on wednesday. betts, the major league leader with a .359 batting average, missed the first two games of the series - three straight overall - with tightness in his left side, but the red sox have picked up back-to-back 8-3 victories over their american league east foes.

sandy leon homered and drove in three runs while xander bogearts also went deep in tuesday's triumph, boston's 10th win in its last 13 contests. it was also the fourth consecutive victory for the red sox over the blue jays, who have dropped 12 of 16 overall. third baseman josh donaldson has a hit in seven straight games for toronto but a calf ailment kept the former mvp out of the lineup wednesday. he is aiming to return for the series finale but is just 1-for-16 in his career against left-hander eduardo rodriguez, who gets the nod for the red sox opposite sam gaviglio.
tv: 1:05 p.m. et, mlb network, sportsnet (toronto), nesn (boston)
pitching matchup: blue jays rh sam gaviglio (2-0, 2.30 era) vs. red sox lh eduardo rodriguez (5-1, 4.02)

gaviglio has been a bright spot since entering the rotation two turns ago, going 1-0 with a 2.38 era as a starter. he allowed three hits - two home runs - and struck out six in six innings to defeat the philadelphia phillies his last time out. the 28-year-old let up a run in 4 1/3 frames while fanning six in two relief appearances against the red sox earlier this month.
rodriguez completed six innings in just one of his last six starts but he has yielded only five runs in 21 1/3 innings over a four-start span. included in that run was 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball in a win over the atlanta braves on friday. the venezuela native, who has 65 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings, defeated toronto with a season-high 6 2/3 innings earlier in the year but has a 5.44 era in nine career meetings (eight starts).
walk-offs

1. blue jays cf kevin pillar was 0-for-5 with four strikeouts in tuesday's loss and is 3-for-34 over an 11-game stretch.

2. red sox dh j.d. martinez has 17 rbis in his last 10 games against toronto.

3. boston rhp joe kelly allowed one run in 25 2/3 innings over his last 24 appearances.

prediction: red sox 6, blue jays 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:08 AM

Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
michael brantley has already matched his home run total from last season for the resurgent cleveland indians, who will look to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting chicago white sox on wednesday afternoon. the indians have scored 34 runs during a four-game winning streak after coasting to a 7-3 victory over major league-worst chicago on tuesday night.

brantley belted his ninth homer of the season as part of a 3-for-4 night to extend his hitting streak to 18 games -- the longest active run in the majors and one shy of the second-longest string of his career. teammate jose ramirez, linked to erroneous rumors out of the dominican republic that he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, responded by clubbing his 16th homer of the season and ninth this month. daniel palka has hit safely in five straight games after homering tuesday for chicago, which has dropped five of its last six. the white sox will try to avoid the sweep by sending reynaldo lópez to the mound against reigning cy young award winner corey kluber, who has posted a quality start in each of his 11 outings.
tv: 1:10 p.m. et, mlb network, nbcs chicago, sportstime ohio (cleveland)
pitching matchup: white sox rh reynaldo lópez (1-3, 2.93 era) vs. indians rh corey kluber (7-2, 2.17)

it took nine starts and eight scoreless innings for lopez to earn his first win of the season but his misfortunes continued last time out when he settled for a no-decision despite seven innings of two-run ball at detroit. it was the seventh quality start for the 24-year-old dominican, who has permitted four hits or fewer six times. lopez lost his lone start versus cleveland last september despite six innings of one-run ball.
kluber also did not factor in the decision last time out, limiting houston to seven hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings six days after beating the astros with seven innings of two-run ball. he has walked only one batter in 33 1/3 innings spanning his last five starts. jose abreu is 16-for-45 with five homers off kluber, who is 9-4 lifetime against the white sox and posted a 3-0 mark and 2.70 era in five starts against them in 2017.
walk-offs

1. indians 2b jason kipnis is 8-for-22 with two homers and five rbis during a five-game hitting streak.

2. white sox 3b yolmer sánchez collected his major league-leading sixth triple in tuesday's loss.

3. indians lhp andrew miller visited a specialist in new york on tuesday to have his left knee examined.

prediction: indians 4, white sox 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:08 AM

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
the st. louis cardinals will get a look at their no. 1 prospect for the first time since the end of the 2016 season when right-hander alex reyes faces the host milwaukee brewers on wednesday afternoon in the rubber match of a three-game series. milwaukee will look to avoid consecutive defeats for the first time since a four-game skid from april 26-29.

reyes, who missed all of 2017 after undergoing tommy john surgery, warmed up for his season debut with a pair of 13-strikeout performances at double-a and triple-a in his last two rehab stints. harrison bader and francisco pena each went 3-for-4 with a home run in tuesday's 6-1 victory for st. louis, which has split eight games with the brewers this season. milwaukee had scored 37 runs during a four-game winning streak before scratching out only three hits to lose for just the fifth time in the last 19 contests. the defeat came at a cost for the national league central division leaders as shortstop tyler saladino suffered a sprained left ankle and will be heading to the disabled list.
tv: 1:10 p.m. et, facebook watch
pitching matchup: cardinals rh alex reyes (2016: 4-1, 1.57 era) vs. brewers rh junior guerra (3-3, 2.98)

reyes made three of his five starts and seven of his 12 appearances on the road in 2016 but compiled a 3-1 record with a 1.95 era while striking out 33 in 27 2/3 innings. right-handed batters have hit only .170 overall against the 23-year-old, who was untouchable during four rehab starts. although two of the outings were at class a, reyes did not allow a run and yielded seven hits while striking out 44 in 23 innings.
guerra has rebounded from a pair of clunkers during a three-start losing streak, turning in a solid effort last time out by holding the new york mets to two runs on five hits over six innings. it marked the seventh time in nine starts this season that he has limited the opposition to two runs or fewer. matt carpenter is 4-for-8 against guerra, who beat the cardinals by allowing one run in 5 1/3 innings on april 11.
walk-offs

1. carpenter has hit safely in five straight after homering for the third time in four games.

2. brewers 2b jonathan villar had a pinch-hit, run-scoring double to give him five rbis in the last three games.

3. cardinals rhp carlos martinez will make a rehab start thursday at double-a springfield.

prediction: cardinals 4, brewers 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:09 AM

Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

30th May 2018 by Gracenote
after breaking out of an extended offensive slump with a total of 17 runs in back-to-back wins, the arizona diamondbacks aim for a sweep of their three-game series against the visiting cincinnati reds on wednesday. arizona improved to 21-3 when scoring four or more runs with tuesday's 5-2 victory.

daniel descalso hit a two-run homer and brad boxberger recorded his first save in two weeks on tuesday as the diamondbacks won for the fourth time in their last 19 games. jarrod dyson scored two runs while hitting leadoff in place of injured center fielder a.j. pollock (broken left thumb) but is batting .185 with seven extra-base hits and eight rbis in 119 at-bats. the reds have the worst record in the national league at 19-37 but have the reigning nl player of the week in second baseman scooter gennett, who was 12-for-25 with three home runs and 10 rbis over the six-game stretch. left fielder adam duvall is trending in the opposite direction after going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts on tuesday, leaving him with 14 hits in 75 at-bats this month.
tv: 3:40 p.m. et, fs ohio (cincinnati), fs arizona
pitching matchup: reds rh sal romano (2-6, 5.89 era) vs. diamondbacks lh patrick corbin (5-1, 2.47)

romano's rotation spot is in jeopardy after allowing 18 earned runs over 12 2/3 innings in his last three starts. the 24-year-old suffered his third straight loss last friday, when he allowed five runs on eight hits with four walks over 5 1/3 innings. romano, who is making his first career appearance against arizona, owns a 2-2 record and 4.68 era in six starts at home this season compared to a 0-4 mark and 7.66 era in five starts away from great american ball park.
corbin is looking to build on a stellar performance against oakland last friday, when he allowed one run on four hits with seven strikeouts in a 7-1 victory. the 28-year-old native new yorker has been sharp at home this season, going 4-1 with a 2.03 era in six outings at chase field. joey votto is 3-for-16 with five strikeouts against corbin, who owns a 2-2 record and 3.06 era in eight career games (seven starts) versus cincinnati.
walk-offs

1. cincinnati interim manager jim riggleman indicated that struggling rhp homer bailey could be moved to the bullpen this week.

2. arizona rhp shelby miller (elbow) tossed five innings of one-run ball tuesday in his minor league rehab debut with high-a visalia.

3. the reds recalled jesus reyes from double-a pensacola and optioned fellow rhp tanner rainey to triple-a louisville.

prediction: diamondbacks 7, reds 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:09 AM

Houston Astros vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
gleyber torres looks to build off his latest clutch performance as the new york yankees (34-17) vie for their second series victory against the visiting houston astros (35-21) this season in the finale of their three-game set on wednesday. torres, who was named the american league player of the week earlier on tuesday, ended the night with an rbi single in the 10th inning of a 6-5 triumph.

torres has three hits in the series and is 10-for-28 with five homers and 11 rbis in his last eight games for new york, which overcame a five-error, 17-strikeout performance to post its third win in seven outings. brett gardner highlighted a four-hit performance with a pair of homers -- including a two-run shot in the ninth inning -- to give him 22 hits in his last 15 games to boost his batting average from .198 to .256. houston's marwin gonzalez collected his second straight two-hit performance of the series after going 2-for-13 with seven strikeouts in the previous set versus new york. the 29-year-old has enjoyed some success in his career against wednesday starter luis severino, going 2-for-7 with a homer and three rbis.
tv: 6:35 p.m. et, espn, at&t sportsnet-southwest (houston), yes (new york)
pitching matchup: astros lh dallas keuchel (3-6, 3.39 era) vs. yankees rh luis severino (7-1, 2.28)

keuchel pitched well on friday by allowing two runs in six innings but was in line for the loss before houston erupted for 11 runs against cleveland's bullpen. the 2015 al cy young award winner has struggled to consistency find the winner's circle despite posting a 1.17 whip while limiting the opposition to a .239 batting average this season. keuchel fell to 4-3 in his career against the yankees after surrendering a pair of homers and three runs total over seven innings in a 4-0 defeat on may 2.
severino got the better of keuchel in that may 2 outing after highlighting his complete-game gem by striking out 10 and scattering five hits. that sterling effort is part of a 5-0 surge with a 1.87 era in his last eight outings. george springer is just 1-for-10 with five strikeouts versus severino, although the hurler has struggled mightily against yuri gurriel (5-for-9).
walk-offs

1. new york has scored 11 runs in 12 1/3 innings against houston relievers this season, as opposed to 11 runs in 42 1/3 frames versus its starters.

2. astros dh evan gattis has three homers in his last three games and nine rbis and seven runs scored in his last five overall.

3. yankees c gary sanchez is 0-for-16 with seven strikeouts in his last four contests.

prediction: astros 4, yankees 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:09 AM

Washington Nationals vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
bryce harper looks to build off a potential slump-busting performance as his washington nationals go for a three-game sweep in the beltway series when they visit the baltimore orioles on wednesday night. harper launched a solo homer in the first inning and added a pair of singles - after going 3-for-20 with 12 strikeouts over the previous five games - in washington's 3-2 victory on tuesday.

harper leads the national league with 17 homers despite batting just .238 while 19-year-old rookie outfielder juan soto is starting to make an impact after going 8-for-15 with three doubles in the last four games for the nationals, who have won five straight. three-time cy young award winner max scherzer has won seven straight decisions and goes for his 150th career victory wednesday when he takes the mound for washington against baltimore rookie david hess. the orioles have cooled off with the bats again, managing just six runs during a four-game losing streak after leaving two runners on base in the ninth inning during tuesday's loss. manny machado belted his 16th homer in the setback - his first in eight games - for baltimore and has hit safely in four straight despite his batting average slipping slightly to .326.
tv: 7:05 p.m. et, masn2 (washington), masn (baltimore)
pitching matchup: nationals rh max scherzer (8-1, 2.13 era) vs. orioles rh david hess (2-1, 4.15)

scherzer had his streak of eight straight quality starts halted at miami last friday when he allowed four runs and seven hits over six innings in a victory. the 33-year-old missouri product, who boasts a national league-leading 108 strikeouts along with just 18 walks, also saw a run of 10 straight games giving up two or fewer earned runs end. adam jones is 13-for-29 with four homers versus scherzer, who is 5-2 with a 3.20 era in 10 career games against the orioles.
hess earned his second win in three starts last friday when he permitted four hits and three walks across 6 2/3 scoreless innings to beat tampa bay. the 24-year-old tennessee native blanked the rays in 11 2/3 frames during two wins after surrendering a three-run homer to matt duffy in the first inning on may 12 in his major league debut. hess has struck out 10 and walked five over 17 1/3 innings overall while opponents have smacked four homers against him.
walk-offs

1. jones had a pair of hits with an rbi on tuesday and is batting .325 in 50 career games against the nationals.

2. washington ss trea turner is 13-for-46 with seven rbis during a 10-game hitting streak.
3. orioles of/dh mark trumbo had two hits tuesday and is 6-for-10 in his last three contests, improving his batting average to .310.

prediction: nationals 5, orioles 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:09 AM

Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs - and especially star first baseman Anthony Rizzo - aren't making any friends during their three-game road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Rizzo and the Cubs will try to wrap up a sweep of the slumping Pirates when the series concludes Wednesday.

A day after angering the Pirates and their fans by making contact with catcher Elias Diaz on a controversial slide to break up a double play, Rizzo homered to set off a three-run seventh inning in Chicago's 8-6 win Tuesday. Although Rizzo was ruled safe on the slide and the call was upheld after a replay review, Major League Baseball said Tuesday that the slide was not legal and Rizzo should have been called out. The three-time All-Star first baseman was booed in each of his at-bats Wednesday, but he went 2-for-3 with a double and a home run to help send Pittsburgh to its fourth straight loss and its ninth in 11 games. The Cubs have won three straight overall and four in a row on the road.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (4-3, 3.16 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Joe Musgrove (1-0, 0.00)

Hendricks has posted quality starts in five of his last six outings and seven of his 10 starts this season. The 28-year-old was dominant last time out, striking out seven and allowing only two hits, including a solo homer, over seven innings to beat San Francisco. Hendricks is 4-3 with a 3.21 ERA in 11 starts against the Pirates, including a 2-0 mark and a 3.00 ERA in five outings at PNC Park.
Musgrove was outstanding in his first big-league start of the season Friday against St. Louis, striking out seven and allowing five hits over seven scoreless innings. The 25-year-old bounced between the bullpen and the rotation with Houston the past two seasons but had more success as a reliever. He is 9-12 with a 5.11 ERA in 26 career starts, including a loss to the Cubs in 2016.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rizzo is 15-for-42 with two homers and 14 RBIs during an 11-game hitting streak.

2. Pittsburgh RF Gregory Polanco has been out of the lineup the past two games while he is mired in an 0-for-16 slump, but he should be back Wednesday, as he is 10-for-25 with two homers versus Hendricks.
3. Pirates C Francisco Cervelli (illness) missed his third straight start Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Pirates 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:09 AM

Los Angeles Angels vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
rookie sensation shohei ohtani returns to the mound after an extended layoff on wednesday when the los angeles angels play the third contest of their four-game series against the host detroit tigers (24-30). the angels (30-25) opted to take a bigger-picture view in pushing back ohtani's scheduled start from sunday, with the team calling it a "workload management" situation.

luis valbuena and former tiger ian kinsler ended significant dry spells in monday's 9-2 romp, as the former snapped an 0-for-21 drought with an rbi single and a pair of homers while the latter entered the tilt mired in a 2-for-31 stretch before launching a three-run shot. valbuena and kinsler joined albert pujols with three-hit performances and martin maldonado capped the power surge with a two-run homer in the eighth inning for los angeles, which evened its mark at 4-4 on its season-high 10-game road trip. detroit's jeimer candelario also flexed his muscles with a solo homer to reach base for the 23rd straight game, accounting for the longest active streak in the majors. jacoby jones also went deep, improving to 4-for-10 with three extra-base hits and three runs scored in his last three games.
tv: 7:10 p.m. et, fs west (los angeles), fs detroit
pitching matchup: angels rh shohei ohtani (4-1, 3.35 era) vs. tigers rh mike fiers (4-3, 4.78)

ohtani worked a season-high 7 2/3 innings in his last outing on may 20, improving to 2-0 in his last three starts after allowing two runs while striking out nine in a 5-2 triumph versus tampa bay. "my performance is somewhat there. so i'm satisfied so far," the 23-year-old japan native said through an interpreter. ohtani has permitted five runs on 15 hits while striking out 26 batters over his last three starts.
fiers surrendered four runs for the second straight outing on friday but was fortunate to walk away with a no-decision despite permitting nine hits in 5 2/3 innings against the chicago white sox. the 32-year-old has struggled with the home run ball this season, as he was taken deep for the ninth time in his last six trips to the mound against the white sox. zack cozart (5-for-12) and mike trout (5-for-15) each recorded four extra-base hits versus fiers, but the right-hander posted a 2-1 mark against the angels in 2017.
walk-offs

1. detroit dh victor martinez has answered an 0-for-16 stretch by going 13-for-37 in his last 11 contests.

2. los angeles' matt shoemaker underwent surgery on his forearm on tuesday while fellow rhp blake wood will also go under the knife on wednesday on the damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
3. tigers rf nicholas castellanos is 14-for-39 with six runs scored and four rbis in his last nine contests.

prediction: angels 5, tigers 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:10 AM

New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

30th May 2018 by Gracenote
the new york mets keep finding a way to lose on and off the field entering the finale of a four-game series wednesday at the atlanta braves. noah syndergaard, slated to start the series finale, instead landed on the disabled list with a sore right index finger on tuesday afternoon, hours before tuesday's starter steven matz left the game with discomfort in his pitching hand in a game new york led 6-2 before its bullpen imploded once again in a 7-6 loss.

the mets bullpen responded tuesday with its fifth rotten performance in the past six games, giving up seven runs on 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings - capped by atlanta third baseman johan camargo hitting a walk-off solo homer in the bottom of the ninth inning as the braves scored five times in the final three innings. it marks the second time in three games in the series where atlanta - the national league east leader - has belted a game-winning walk-off homer off a new york bullpen that has allowed 28 runs on 39 hits in 24 1/3 innings across the past six games. the braves won in their final at-bat for the eighth time this season, the fifth time they have prevailed after trailing after seven innings. atlanta got plenty of production tuesday from the bottom of its lineup, as camargo, charlie culberson and dansby swanson combined for six hits, four runs scored and two rbis.
tv: 7:35 p.m. et, sny (new york), fs southeast (atlanta)
pitching matchup: mets tbd vs. braves rh julio teheran (4-2, 4.20)

instead of syndergaard the mets potentially could turn to right-hander jason vargas (1-3, 10.62 era) for the series finale, four days after he allowed five runs on six hits in three innings in a no-decision at milwaukee. the 35-year-old, who joined new york's rotation in late april, has surrendered four runs or more four times in five starts, and gave up six runs on 11 hits with three homers in an 11-0 loss to the braves on may 3. vargas has given up six homers in 20 1/3 innings.
teheran had not lost a start since early april before falling in boston on friday, giving up just four hits but three runs with three walks and two homers in a 6-2 defeat. the 27-year-old has surrendered 13 runs in his past three starts (17 innings) after only allowing three runs in his previous four outings (23 innings). teheran, who has held opponents to a .217 batting average through his first 11 starts, is 1-0 in two starts against new york this season while allowing six hits in 14 scoreless innings.
walk-offs

1. atlanta 1b freddie freeman extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a single in four at-bats tuesday.
2. mets 2b asdrubal cabrera recorded his eighth career two-homer game tuesday, finishing with three rbis in raising his average to .315.

3. the start of tuesday's game was delayed 40 minutes by rain -- one day after 3 hours, 28 minutes of delays -- and more rain is in the forecast for wednesday's series finale.

prediction: braves 5, mets 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:10 AM

Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

30th May 2018 by Gracenote
the minnesota twins will take aim at a fill-in starter as they try to shake out of an offensive funk in the rubber match of a three-game series at kansas city on wednesday. the twins are 1-5 in their last six games after tuesday's 2-1 loss in 14 innings, scoring a total of seven runs in those five defeats.

leadoff hitter brian dozier was hitless in five at-bats in the loss as minnesota managed seven total hits - all singles. the slumping lineup gets a look at right-hander brad keller, who will try to lead the royals to consecutive home wins for the first time in nearly a month. alcides escobar's second home run of the year delivered the walk-off victory tuesday night as kansas city survived an 0-for-9 effort with runners in scoring position. rookie fernando romero gets the nod in the finale for the twins, who play their next 11 at home after finishing up with the royals.
tv: 8:15 p.m. et, fs north (minnesota), fs kansas city

pitching matchup: twins rh fernando romero (2-1, 1.88 era) vs. royals rh brad keller (1-1, 2.01)
romero suffered his first career loss friday at seattle despite limiting the mariners to two runs and five hits in seven innings. the outing left him with a stellar 1.50 era in three road starts, during which he has registered 22 strikeouts in 18 innings. the 23-year-old will be facing a divisional opponent for the first time.

keller will make his first career start in place of the injured eric skoglund after 21 relief apperances. the rule 5 selection last pitched on saturday, allowing his first run in nearly a month in a two-inning stint at texas. keller, 22, has a 1.80 era in 10 outings at home.
walk-offs

1. twins if eduardo escobar is 0-for-9 in the series and 2-for-29 over a seven-game span.

2. kansas city is 4-for-28 with runners in scoring position in the last two contests.

3. royals lf alex gordon is 11-for-26 during a six-game hitting streak.

prediction: twins 4, royals 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:10 AM

San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

30th May 2018 by Gracenote
the colorado rockies have scored 17 runs in the first two games of the series and look to complete a series sweep when they host the san francisco giants on wednesday. colorado has won three straight games overall while san francisco has dropped three in a row and six of seven on an eight-game road trip that concludes against the rockies.

colorado right fielder carlos gonzalez is suddenly swinging a hot bat with three straight multi-hit outings and he is 8-for-13 with a homer during the stretch. gonzalez was one of five players with two hits as part of a 15-hit attack in tuesday's 11-4 win as the rockies defeated the giants at coors field for the 12th time in the past 13 meetings. san francisco third baseman evan longoria hit two homers on tuesday for his first multi-homer outing with the giants and 18th of his career. buster posey also went deep for just the third time this season.
tv: 8:40 p.m. et, nbcs bay area (san francisco), at&t sportsnet rocky mountain (colorado)

pitching matchup: giants lh derek holland (2-6, 4.73 era) vs. rockies rh jon gray (5-6, 5.40)
holland has dropped back-to-back starts and three of his past four outings. the 32-year-old fell to the chicago cubs in his last start when he gave up three runs - two earned - and five hits over six innings. holland is 0-2 with a 9.00 era in two career outings against the rockies, including a loss on may 18 when he allowed four runs and six hits over six innings.

gray defeated the cincinnati reds in his last turn when he gave up four runs and six hits over six innings. the 26-year-old was roughed up by the giants on may 19 when he allowed five runs and nine runs in 3 2/3 innings while suffering the loss. gray is 0-2 with a 4.26 era in four career outings against the giants - all in san francisco - and has experienced difficulties retiring andrew mccutchen (5-for-10).
walk-offs

1. the rockies have scored 25 runs during their three-game winning streak.

2. san francisco rhps jeff samardzija (shoulder) and dereck rodriguez (calf) both departed tuesday's game due to injuries.

3. colorado of david dahl (shin, calf) wasn't in tuesday's lineup after being injured in the series opener but slugged a two-run homer as a pinch hitter.

prediction: rockies 11, giants 9

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:10 AM

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

30th May 2018 by Gracenote
nathan eovaldi steps on a major-league mound for the first time in 21 1/2 months when the tampa bay rays visit the oakland athletics on wednesday in the third contest of a four-game set. eovaldi underwent the second tommy john surgery of his career in august 2016 and missed all of last season while recovering from the elbow reconstruction.

eovaldi's comeback attempt hit an obstacle in the spring when he underwent another procedure to clean out loose fragments in his elbow and he is looking forward to his first outing since august 10, 2016. "i'm just trying to think of it as another game," eovaldi told reporters. "the fact (is) that it's been a long time since i've been out there in the actual game. i think once i get out there and start throwing the ball, batter's in the box, take everything as it is, i'll be good to go." tampa bay's c.j. cron, joey wendle and wilson ramos hit consecutive homers in the third inning of tuesday's 4-3 victory and daniel robertson also went deep as the rays won their fourth straight game and fifth in their past sixth. oakland has scored just 15 runs while losing five of its past eight contests.
tv: 10:05 p.m. et, fs sun (tampa bay), nbcs california (oakland)
pitching matchup: rays rh nathan eovaldi (2016: 9-8, 4.76 era) vs. athletics lh sean manaea (5-5, 3.34)

eovaldi has a 38-46 record and 4.21 era in parts of six big league seasons and he was a solid 14-3 for the yankees in 2015. the 28-year-old said his goal is to pitch six innings against oakland as he makes his rays' debut. eovaldi is 0-2 with a 4.97 era in five career starts versus the athletics and has struggled with jonathan lucroy (5-for-7, one homer), matt joyce (3-for-5) and marcus semien (3-for-7).
manaea is just 1-3 with a 7.18 era over his past five starts after compiling a sensational 1.03 era over his first six turns. the 26-year-old was torched for six runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings while losing to the arizona diamondbacks in his last outing. manaea is 1-0 with a 1.20 era in two career starts against the rays and has shut down carlos gomez (1-for-9).
walk-offs

1. the rays have won nine of their past 11 road games.

2. oakland dh khris davis (groin) is expected to be activated from the disabled list on thursday.

3. tampa bay 3b matt duffy had three hits on tuesday for his fourth multi-hit outing in his past eight appearances.

prediction: rays 5, athletics 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 05-30-2018, 08:10 AM

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 05-30-2018

30th May 2018 by Gracenote
the los angeles dodgers could use a lengthy outing wednesday from starter ross stripling when they continue their four-game series against the visiting philadelphia phillies. the team's injury-plagued rotation took another hit tuesday when kenta maeda exited in the second inning with a strained right hip.

maeda is expected to land on the disabled list, joining fellow starters clayton kershaw (biceps tendinitis), rich hill (blister) and hyun-jin ryu (groin injury). the dodgers were forced to use six relievers in tuesday's 6-1 loss, while philadelphia starter jake arrieta cruised through seven scoreless innings to help the phillies even the series. philadelphia left fielder nick williams belted his fifth home run while right fielder rhys hoskins delivered a pinch-hit double in the ninth inning, one day after being hit in the face with his own foul ball and passing the required concussion tests. the phillies collected seven extra-base hits in tuesday's victory but will need to add an infielder to the roster after pedro florimon suffered a broken right foot in the first inning.
tv: 10:10 p.m. et, nbcs philadelphia, sportsnet la (los angeles)
pitching matchup: phillies rh zach eflin (1-1, 3.27 era) vs. dodgers rh ross stripling (2-1, 1.74)

eflin is looking to bounce back from a rough outing against the toronto blue jays last friday, when he allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits over 4 2/3 innings. the 24-year-old native of florida has given up a total of 10 runs (seven earned) over his last two outings after giving up only one run in 12 1/3 innings during his first two starts. eflin has struggled in two previous starts against the dodgers, going 0-1 with an 8.10 era across 10 innings.
stripling recorded his second straight victory last friday, allowing one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings with 10 strikeouts in a 4-1 win over san diego. the 28-year-old has bounced between the bullpen and rotation this season but has settled in as a starter, going 2-1 with a 2.42 era in five outings. stripling has posted a 6.14 era in three career games (one start) covering 7 1/3 innings against philadelphia.
walk-offs

1. dodgers catcher yasmani grandal has a .314 average with eight homers and 17 rbis in 26 career games against philadelphia.

2. the phillies starting rotation has posted a combined 1.98 era in 21 games since may 5.

3. dodgers optioned rhp brock stewart to triple-a oklahoma city and recalled inf/of breyvic valera.

prediction: dodgers 5, phillies 2

Wednesday 5-30-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Wednesday 5-30-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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