Saturday 6-9-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #4 - BELMONT PARK - 1:11 PM EASTERN POST
The Acorn Stakes
8.0 FURLONGS DIRT GRADE THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $700,000.00 PURSE

#3 MONOMOY GIRL
#5 CALEDONIA ROAD
#7 TALK VEUVE TO ME
#2 SPECTATOR

The Acorn Stakes is the first leg of the US Triple Tiara and is followed by the Coaching Club American Oaks then the Alabama Stakes. The filly must win all three races to win the Triple Tiara. Here in the 87th running of "The Corn," ... #3 MONOMOY GIRL is both the overall speed and pace profile in this field, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in each of her last five outings, including a quartet of "POWER RUN WINS" being included in the streak of consistency. Jockey Julien Leparoux has been in her irons on 6 previous occasions hitting the board in each, winning 5 times, and is back today here in Elmont for his 7th ride, gunning for a "Double Hat Trick Win." #5 CALEDONIA ROAD has hit the board in each of her four career starts to date, winning three times, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her last start.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Churchill Downs

06/09/18, CD, Race 2, 1.14 ET
1M [Dirt] 1.33.01 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $18,700.
Claiming Price $10,000. FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 2-3-4) - Pick 5 (Races 2-6)
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 38.18, $1 ROI 1.09, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 4 Shanghai Point(b+) 5/2 Cannon D Kenneally Eddie TE
097.9683 2 Kamacha 9/2 Leon S Jurado Luis A. SFL
094.6308 8 Menacing(b-) 3-1 Graham J Wilkes Ian R.
094.4578 5 Travertine 10-1 McMahon C Danner Kelsey
093.6085 1 Drunken Fridays 12-1 Saez G Bauer Philip A. C
093.4900 6 Kid Creed 10-1 Morales E Jurado Luis A. W
093.3197 3 Cofveve 3-1 Lanerie C J Sancal Murat J
091.6332 7 B Efficient 15-1 Miranda R Barnett Bobby C.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 7 - Claiming - 8.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $9200 Class Rating: 101

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MAY 22, 2018 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE MAY 9, 2018 ALLOWED 4 LBS. A RACE SINCE APRIL 9, 2018 ALLOWED 7 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $27,000, IF FOR $25,000, ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 BONITA ROCK 2/1

# 6 BOLD BANKER 3/1

# 3 REMEMBER WILLY 7/2

I have to support BONITA ROCK here. With a formidable 95 average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's race. With Santiago getting the mount, watch out for this pony. With Santiago uptop him, this gelding should be able to break out early in here. BOLD BANKER - Boasts formidable Equibase speed figs on average overall when compared with the rest of this group of horses. He looks formidable in this spot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the halfway point. REMEMBER WILLY - Looks respectable for the conditions of this contest today, showing solid figs in dirt route races recently. Win percentage under similar conditions may be the key for this gelding.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 2 - Trial - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $6000 Class Rating: 68

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR TWO YEAR OLD QUARTER HORSE FOALS OF 2016 WHICH HAVE NOMINATED AND REMAIN ELIGIBLE TO THE FIRECRACKER FUTURITY. $500 DUE AT TIME OF ENTRY TO TRIALS. LATE PAYMENT: $7,500 TO ENTER THE TRIALS PRIOR TO TIME OF ENTRIES CLOSING. WEIGHTS: 122 LBS. (ALL FINAL PAYMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL NOMINATIONS MUST BE ON ACCOUNT WITH THE HORSEMEN'S BOOKKEEPER PRIOR TO 10:30


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 10 FEATURING IVORY 5/2

# 9 HUMBUBBA 10/1

# 3 MEESHA 7/2

I've got to go with FEATURING IVORY. He has garnered very good figs under today's conditions and should fare well against this group. He has respectable class ratings, averaging 79, and has to be given a chance for this event. I expect a decent performance from this equine whose trainer has one of the best return on investment percentages with horses running at this distance and surface. HUMBUBBA - Levario ought to be able to get this gelding to break out quickly in this race. Always tough to beat Almanza and Levario working together, winning 20 percent of their races. MEESHA - Is a very strong contender based on figs posted lately under today's conditions. May best this group here, showing very good figures of late.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Louisiana Downs
Louisiana Downs - Race 6

Daily Double / Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta


Optional Claiming $12,500 • 7 1/2 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 89 • Purse: $23,000 • Post: 5:36P
(RAIL AT 25 FEET). FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $12,500. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MAY 9 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $10,000 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 SEVENTY YARDS)
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. THROWACROSS is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * THROWACROSS: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. HOOK: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race).
3
THROWACROSS
2/1

5/2
6
HOOK
4/1

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
THROWACROSS
3

2/1
Front-runner
93

97

111.0

86.5

80.5
6
HOOK
6

4/1
Front-runner
89

87

110.9

66.4

60.9
5
FANCY THIS
5

15/1
Front-runner
83

78

83.5

64.0

49.0
7
CHARLIE'S AFFAIR
7

10/1
Front-runner
85

75

43.5

72.4

63.4
4
THAT'S MY BROTHER
4

15/1
Stalker
74

60

40.8

38.9

24.9
1
OLE SKIP ROPE
1

9/2
Alternator/Stalker
91

86

74.9

82.5

75.0
8
SAND PIT ROAD
8

9/2
Trailer
92

85

63.5

78.7

67.7
9
DELAWARE BASIN
9

9/2
Trailer
82

68

62.5

65.3

52.8
2
CAMERON RULES
2

5/1
Trailer
95

88

60.7

78.7

70.7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel - Race #12 - Post: 6:20pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $27,000 Class Rating: 71

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 FORTHEGREATERGOOD (ML=5/1)
#8 TICKER TAPE PARADE (ML=5/2)


FORTHEGREATERGOOD - Trainer Lockard moves this horse down the ladder based on class rating points to face a weaker level today. Look for a solid performance in this race. TICKER TAPE PARADE - You have to be keen on that most recent race speed fig, 73, which is the best latest race figure of this bunch. The November 23rd race at Laurel was at a class level of (78). Dropping down the class ladder drastically, so he should be in a good spot to win. He has the top earnings per race entered. Take a good look at this one. This gelding is most certainly on the improve with speed figs of 41, 69, 73 last three out.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 FEDERAL WALK (ML=7/2), #9 JO SHO (ML=9/2), #1 EAGLE CAVIAR (ML=6/1),

FEDERAL WALK - Pace makes the race. Difficult for this speed merchant to be able to manage the early pressure from the rest of this bunch. JO SHO - I just don't possess a good intuition about this pony in this event. EAGLE CAVIAR - All types of crazy early speed entered for this event. Slight chance for this front-runner.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Turf Man - TICKER TAPE PARADE - With the dominate speed number in sprint races on the turf, this gelding is going to walk all over these ponies.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#3 FORTHEGREATERGOOD is going to be the play if we are getting 2/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #1 - Post: 12:55pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $24,000 Class Rating: 54

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 SWEET SUMMER STAR (ML=9/2)


SWEET SUMMER STAR - Great chance for this horse. Strong late speed and should have good position. Speed figs on the turf point to this thoroughbred as a legit contender. Has the best in the field for this dist-surf. This mare is in good condition, having run a nice race on May 21st, finishing third. This horse has the class to win the race. A tactical ride by Drexler, and this one could bound home the winner.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 MISS IMPAZIBLE (ML=2/1), #3 PRIMED TO FIRE (ML=3/1), #4 RISQUE EXPRESS (ML=5/1),

MISS IMPAZIBLE - Tough to put your money on this oft beaten public's top choice. Not much value. PRIMED TO FIRE - Finished sixth in her most recent effort with a pedestrian speed fig. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to win after that in this field.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 SWEET SUMMER STAR to win at post-time odds of 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Ruidoso Downs
Ruidoso Downs - Race 10

2nd Half Late Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / .10 Superfecta 4th Leg Pick 4 / 3rd Leg Pick 3


Maiden Special • 5 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3-5 • CR: 49 • Purse: $8,100 • Post: 5:10P
FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE, FOUR, AND FIVE YEARS OLD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 117 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. LIL MISS DE BUY is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * LIL MISS DE BUY: Today is a sprint, horse is a Front-runner with an inside post position. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. OFFENDED: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has a 4F workout since its last race, and the workout time is faster than its own half-mile time in its last ra ce. Maiden finished second in its last race and finished three lengths or more ahead of the third place horse.
4
LIL MISS DE BUY
2/1

8/5
5
OFFENDED
5/2

7/2




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
4
LIL MISS DE BUY
4

2/1
Front-runner
59

56

62.0

43.4

39.4
5
OFFENDED
5

5/2
Front-runner
42

45

57.2

32.4

29.4
1
SHEZAFFIRMEDBEAUTY
1

10/1
Alternator/Trailer
0

0

8.6

30.3

25.3
7
BEACON'S LITTLE MA
7

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0








Unknown Running Style: SUFFICIENT GRACE (5/1) [Jockey: Martinez L Salvador - Trainer: Roberts Jr J Doyal], SOFIA'S SUMMER (9/2) [Jockey: Shepherd Justin - Trainer: Martin Weston], JUDY'S GIVENANGEL (6/1) [Jockey: Rodriguez Luis H - Trainer: Rojero Lu

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 06-09-2018

8th June 2018 by Gracenote
gio gonzalez is unbeaten in his last seven starts since dropping a decision at san francisco on april 23, a loss he will try to avenge when the washington nationals continue a three-game series against the visiting giants on saturday afternoon. gonzalez allowed three runs over five innings in the previous meeting, one of only two starts in which he has yielded more than two earned runs.

center fielder adam eaton could be activated off the disabled list saturday for washington, which could use a solid outing from gonzalez after stephen strasburg lasted only two innings in the series opener due to shoulder inflammation. gonzalez will have a tough act to follow -- the newly minted champion washington capitals will be at the game with the stanley cup in tow and captain alex ovechkin will throw out the ceremonial first pitch saturday. andrew mccutchen has hit safely in five straight games and is 9-for-24 with three homers and six rbis in that span for the giants, who pounded out 15 hits in the opener of a 10-game road trip. gorkys hernández belted a two-run homer and hunter pence had two hits and two rbis as san francisco rolled to a 9-5 victory in the series opener to improve to 7-1 in its last eight games.
tv: 12:05 p.m. et, mlb network, nbcs bay area (san francisco), masn (washington)
pitching matchup: giants rh dereck rodríguez (1-0, 1.93 era) vs. nationals lh gio gonzalez (6-2, 2.27)

rodriguez rebounded from a shaky performance in his major league debut to win his first career start in his second appearance, limiting philadelphia to one run and five hits while striking out six over six innings. the son of hall of fame catcher pudge rodriguez gave up four runs (one earned) in 3 1/3 innings of relief at colorado on may 29. opponents are 3-for-15 against him with runners on base.
gonzalez did not factor in the decision last time out at atlanta despite striking out a season-high nine and allowing three runs on five hits over seven innings. he has five quality starts during his current unbeaten streak and has yet to permit more than three runs this season. buster posey (9-for-29) and mccutchen (7-for-23) have fared well against gonzalez, who has split 10 decisions against the giants.
walk-offs

1. giants ss brandon crawford is riding an eight-game hitting streak, including six multiple-hit contests.

2. nationals rh justin miller has retired 22 of 23 batters this season, including 14 strikeouts.

3. giants right-hander johnny cueto (elbow) threw off a mound friday for the first time since his last start on april 28.

prediction: nationals 5, giants 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 06-09-2018

8th June 2018 by Gracenote
ryan braun has flexed his muscles at citizens bank park throughout his career and all it took was another visit there to break the former national league mvp out of a slump. braun homered twice and drove in five runs in friday's 12-4 romp for the visiting milwaukee brewers, who will try to make it two straight over the philadelphia phillies on saturday afternoon.

in a 2-for-18 slide entering the series, braun clubbed a three-run homer and a two-run shot as milwaukee built an 11-run lead en route to snapping a three-game losing streak. braun has put up staggering numbers in 32 games at citizens bank park: 13 homers, 39 rbis and a .400 batting average (52-for-130). carlos santana homered and had a sacrifice fly for philadelphia, which has dropped three in a row and six of seven in june. phillies right-hander jake arrieta will try to rebound from a rare clunker and takes a career 8-4 record and 2.74 era into saturday's start against milwaukee and lefty brent suter.
tv: 1:05 p.m. et, fs wisconsin (milwaukee), nbcs philadelphia
pitching matchup: brewers lh brent suter (5-4, 4.55 era) vs. phillies rh jake arrieta (5-3, 2.66)

although he had a three-start winning streak halted at the chicago white sox on sunday, suter turned in another strong effort by allowing two runs and three hits over five innings. the 28-year-old has permitted only eight runs and 17 hits over 21 1/3 innings spanning his last four outings. suter has been solid in six road starts with a 2-2 record and 3.77 era -- 1 1/2 runs lower than his home era (5.29).
arrieta cruised through five scoreless innings at san francisco last time out before he was battered for five runs in the sixth inning in a 6-1 setback to the giants. the former cy young award winner surrendered only three earned runs in five starts in may, including 14 scoreless innings in two outings at home. arrieta is 3-0 with an 0.84 era in five home starts, holding opposing batters to a .182 average.

walk-offs

1. brewers cf lorenzo cain has three straight multiple-hit games, going 6-for-13 in that span.
2. phillies rf dylan cozens left friday's game due to left quadriceps tightness.

3. brewers ss orlando arcia and of christian yelich each have hit safely in three straight games.

prediction: phillies 4, brewers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 06-09-2018

9th June 2018 by Gracenote
instead of relying on late offense to beat the baltimore orioles again, the toronto blue jays turned to a rotation that has been more than holding its own of late. the blue jays eye their first three-game winning streak since april 29-may 1 on saturday, when they try to secure a series victory against the visiting orioles with a win in the third contest of their four-game set.

despite winning three of the first four meetings with their american league east rival this season, the blue jays had scored 10 of their 18 runs against baltimore after the eighth frame in those contests, including four in thursday's 10-inning 5-4 victory. russell martin, randal grichuk and kevin pillar supplied plenty of offense before the final inning in friday's 5-1 victory, as each player hit a solo home run to complement toronto's fifth straight quality start - its longest such run since it posted seven in a row in september 2016. backup outfielder craig gentry went 3-for-3 in what was another listless offensive performance by baltimore, which owns the worst overall record in the major leagues (19-43) as well as the worst road mark (9-25). the orioles have lost nine of 11 overall, scoring two runs or fewer in eight of those contests.
tv: 1:07 p.m. et, masn2 (baltimore), sportsnet, tva (toronto)
pitching matchup: orioles rh kevin gausman (3-5, 4.63 era) vs. blue jays rh aaron sanchez (3-5, 4.48)

gausman struck out nine but otherwise was hit hard saturday in a loss to the new york yankees, giving up six runs and nine hits - including a pair of homers - in 5 1/3 innings. the outing marked the third time in four tries the lsu product has surrendered at least five earned runs, dropping him to 0-3 with an 8.53 era over that span. curtis granderson has homered twice in seven at-bats versus gausman, who defeated toronto on april 11 after allowing three runs over six frames.
sanchez stopped a three-game losing streak with a strong effort in sunday's win at detroit, yielding only two hits - including a solo homer - while walking three and striking out seven in six innings. the 25-year-old is fourth in the majors with 38 walks, issuing at least three in eight of his 12 turns this season. sanchez overcame the first of his two five-walk starts this season in a win at baltimore on april 10, permitting one run over a season-high eight frames.
walk-offs

1. the blue jays' rotation has not allowed more than one earned run in any of the last five games and is holding opponents to a .155 average over that span.
2. baltimore lhp zach britton (achilles') is expected to come off the disabled list monday to rejoin the team for its series opener against boston.

3. toronto ended its 33-day stretch without consecutive wins on friday, halting the third-longest such streak in team history.

prediction: blue jays 6, orioles 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 06-09-2018

9th June 2018 by Gracenote
just over a week into june, the los angeles angels have endured a forgettable month in the injury department, but that hasn't kept them from playing some of their best baseball of the season. the angels attempt to match their longest winning streak of the season saturday when they continue a three-game set in minnesota against the twins.

los angeles announced early friday that two-way rookie sensation shohei ohtani (elbow) would be sidelined at least three weeks, joining a growing list of teammates on the disabled list this month that includes andrelton simmons, kole calhoun and kaleb cowart. the angels haven't missed their ailing comrades lately, however, winning five straight and six of seven overall in june following friday's 4-2 triumph over minnesota. the twins began the month with four straight victories but dropped to 5-4 on their 11-game homestand following their third setback in the last four contests. miguel sano was awarded an rbi double on a high chopper friday that bounced over third baseman luis valbuena in the second inning, but the struggling slugger is still only batting .189 in in 53 at-bats with 24 strikeouts since coming off the disabled list on may 25.
tv: 2:10 p.m. et, fs west (los angeles), fs north (minnesota)
pitching matchup: angels lh tyler skaggs (4-4, 3.27 era) vs. twins rh kyle gibson (1-3, 3.54)

skaggs ended a three-game losing streak with his third scoreless outing in 12 turns following sunday's victory against texas, giving up four hits and three walks while striking out six over as many innings. the 26-year-old has permitted two runs or fewer in nine times this season, but all four of his wins have come during starts in which has yielded a total of one run. brian dozier singled and homered against skaggs on may 11, when he allowed two hits and struck out seven in a no-decision.
gibson's unlucky season continued sunday against cleveland, as he picked up his eighth no-decision in 12 trips to the mound and remained winless since prevailing in his season debut on march 31. the indiana native surrendered two runs in 5 2/3 frames in the outing, marking the seventh time in eight turns he has given up three runs or fewer. ian kinsler is 14-for-44 with two homers and six walks versus gibson, who did not factor into the decision despite allowing two runs over six innings against los angeles on may 12.
walk-offs

1. after going hitless in 12 at-bats over his previous three games, kinsler has tallied two hits - including a two-run homer - in each of the last two contests.
2. minnesota ss/3b eduardo escobar is 11-for-22 with eight extra-base hits and eight rbis during his six-game hitting streak.

3. despite a 3-for-4 effort monday against kansas city, los angeles of mike trout is 4-for-18 during his team's winning streak.

prediction: angels 3, twins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 06-09-2018

8th June 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs battled an inconsistent offense and an underachieving starting rotation for most of the first two months of the season, but they're starting to look like the World Series contender they were expected to be. The Cubs have won 10 of their last 12 games to move a season-best 12 games over .500, and they'll try to continue that trend in the second of a three-game series with the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.

Chicago won its third straight and seventh in eight contests with a 3-1 victory in Friday's series opener, remaining a half-game back of National League Central leader Milwaukee. "We've been playing great," Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant told reporters. "It's something we've all known we can play like. We expected to go on a run here like this." Bryant batted leadoff for the first time in his career Friday and went 3-for-4 for his team-best eighth three-hit game of the season. The Pirates have lost five of their last six games and 15 of 20 to drop below .500 for the first time all season.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, ABC 7 (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Nick Kingham (2-2, 4.03 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (6-2, 2.44)

After winning his first two starts, the Pirates have dropped Kingham's last three and he has taken the loss in two of them. The 26-year-old rookie gave up four runs (three earned) over five innings in a 5-0 defeat at St. Louis on Sunday. Kingham started against the Cubs on May 29 in Pittsburgh and gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision.
Lester has been the Cubs' best starter and has been outstanding for an extended period, posting a 1.94 ERA over his last nine starts. The 34-year-old has allowed two or fewer runs in six of his last seven outings, including Sunday when he held the New York Mets to two hits over seven scoreless innings in a road win. Lester improved to 6-5 with a 3.68 ERA in 14 starts against the Pirates with a win on May 29 in Pittsburgh.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago OF Jason Heyward went 2-for-4 on Friday for his 12th multi-hit game of the season, five of which have come in his past nine contests.
2. Pirates LF Corey Dickerson is 13-for-33 during an eight-game hitting streak and 3B Colin Moran has reached base in nine straight games.

3. Bryant is 13-for-31 during a seven-game hitting streak but has not hit a home run in 20 games, his longest such drought since 2015.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Pirates 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 06-09-2018

9th June 2018 by Gracenote
without their top two sluggers, the boston red sox have seen their offense grind to a halt. they'll try to get the bats going again when they continue a three-game series with the visiting chicago white sox on saturday.

j.d. martinez, who leads the majors in home runs with 20, left boston's 7-2 loss to the detroit tigers on thursday due to a back strain, joining fellow star mookie betts (abdominal strain) on the sidelines for the opener with the white sox on friday. a makeshift red sox lineup managed three hits and drew one walk against four chicago pitchers in a 1-0 loss, dropping boston into second place in the american league east. martinez told reporters he expects to play saturday and betts is scheduled to hit outside, according to manager alex cora. the white sox have won five of their last eight to crawl out of the basement in the al central and now turn to carlos rodon, who will be making his season debut saturday after recovering from shoulder surgery in september when he opposes fellow lefty david price.
tv: 4:05 p.m. et, mlb network, nbcs chicago, nesn (boston)
pitching matchup: white sox lh carlos rodon (2017: 2-5, 4.15 era) vs. red sox lh david price (6-4, 4.08)

rodon was limited to 12 starts in his injury-plagued 2017 campaign, although he dominated the red sox in one of them with 11 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings of two-run ball. the former first-round pick made three rehab starts for triple-a charlotte and recorded 22 strikeouts in 12 2/3 frames while allowing two runs. rodon is 0-1 with a 3.29 era in two career starts versus boston.
price gave up three runs in six innings with seven strikeouts to win at houston his last time out. he has had some ups and downs at fenway park, where he is 2-2 with a 5.66 era over his last four outings and where he's issued 13 walks in 27 2/3 innings overall. slugger jose abreu is just 2-for-18 with a home run against price, who is 5-5 with a 3.41 mark versus chicago.

walk-offs

1. red sox lf andrew benintendi boasts seven extra-base hits in his last six games.
2. the white sox are 5-6 against the al east and 16-34 against all other opponents.

3. boston recalled rhp justin haley from triple-a pawtucket while optioning lhp jalen beeks, who made his major-league debut thursday against detroit.

prediction: red sox 5, white sox 3