Sunday 6-24-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #7 - BELMONT PARK - 1:34 PM EASTERN POST
New York Stallion Stakes - Cupecoy's Joy Division
7.0 FURLONGS TURF THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#5 MENTALITY
#10 GOODBYE BROCKLEY
#13 SHE'S DELIGHTFUL
#6 PURE SILVER

The NEW YORK STALLION STAKES series was created by The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. The races in the series are restricted to the progeny of stallions based in New York State. Contested at one mile in 2006-08. In 2010, The SPECTACULAR BID and CUPECOY'S JOY were merged into a single NYSS race, won by the filly Franny Freud. Here in the 12th running of "The Joy," #5 MENTALITY is both the overall speed and pace profile leader sprinting at today's specialized distance of 7.0 furlongs on the turf, and has turned in "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in three straight, hitting the board in a pair, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her last start. #10 GOODBYE BROCKLEY has hit the board in four of her last five starts, winning twice, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her last outing.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Belmont Park - Race #5 - Post: 3:41pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $33,000 Class Rating: 70

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 GIANT BOO BOO (ML=2/1)


GIANT BOO BOO - Taking a trip down in class; has the ability to make his presence felt.

Vulnerable Contenders: #10 CAN'TWEALLGETALONG (ML=5/2), #5 AMERICAN NINJA (ML=5/1), #3 DAB (ML=6/1),

CAN'TWEALLGETALONG - Based on the pace scenario in this race, this horse doesn't fit in here. With a single front-runner and this animal having to race from behind, he sure has a tough assignment. Improbable that the speed rating he notched on May 24th will be good enough in this event. AMERICAN NINJA - Probably won't make much of an impact this time. DAB - Can't wager on this runner in today's sprint of 6 1/2 furlongs. Hasn't even hit the board in a sprint affair lately. Hasn't been doing anything at all lately.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - GIANT BOO BOO - My data has shown that lone pace on the front end provides an excellent opportunity to the bettor. This thoroughbred fits the bill.





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

EXACTA WAGERS:
6 with 5

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Churchill Downs

06/24/18, CD, Race 10, 5.26 ET
6 1/2F [Dirt] 1.14.02 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. Purse $57,500.
FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Super Hi-5
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 40.51, $1 ROI 1.15, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 7 Celia's Song 3-1 Lanerie C J Kenneally Eddie TW
096.8876 4 Say It Softly 5-1 Hernandez. Jr. B J Lukas D. Wayne
096.6190 5 American Glory 6-1 Santana. Jr. R Asmussen Steven M.
096.6079 6 Complimenti(b+) 8-1 Leparoux J R Walsh Brendan P. JE
095.7260 13 Frittata 6-1 McMahon C Kobiskie Dane FL
095.0065 1 Miz Shelton 8-1 Saez G McGee Paul J.
094.9167 2 J. A. Curlin 10-1 Hill C Catalano Wayne M.
093.5142 12 Trace 12-1 Morales E Colebrook Ben
092.9742 3 Grammajo 10-1 McMahon C Catalano Wayne M.
092.4002 9 She's So Bossy 15-1 Gazader R Glyshaw Tim
092.2282 11 Cacahuatita 15-1 Gilligan J Sims Philip A. C
091.5448 8 Honey Rose 12-1 Beschizza A Calhoun W. Bret
091.4817 10 Straitouttapopcorn 15-1 Rocco. Jr. J Lyster Stephen S.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 1 - Maturity Trial - 400y on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 86

QUARTER HORSE 400Y, WYOMING ALL BREEDS RACING ASSOCIATION MATURITY - FOR WYOMING BRED FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH QUALIFIED FIRST THROUGH TENTH IN TRIALS AND REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR THE WABRA MATURITY. PURSE TO BE DIVIDED: 35% TO WINNER, 16% TO SECOND, 10% TO THIRD, 9% TO FOURTH, 6% TO FIFTH, 5% TO SIXTH, 4.9% TO SEVENTH, 4.8% TO EIGHTH, 4.7% TO NINTH, AND 4.6% TO TENTH. TRIALS HELD


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 TEMPTING FUTURO 9/2

# 6 TDM BIG SHOOTER 7/2

# 4 VVR DAZZLING CORONA 4/1

TEMPTING FUTURO is my choice. Had one of the strongest speed figures of this field in his last race. This gelding obviously likes the distance, going 4 out of 16 in his races recently. This equine has some longshot handicapping angles going for him. TDM BIG SHOOTER - His 84 average has this gelding with among the most respectable speed figures in this contest. Cervantes should be able to get this gelding to break out sharply in this race. VVR DAZZLING CORONA - Carrillo will probably be able to get this filly to break out early here. With a strong 69 speed rating last time out, will definitely be a factor in this outing.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta $.10 Superfecta


Claiming $15,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Age 3 • CR: 79 • Purse: $13,600 • Post: 5:59P
FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 121 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000, IF FOR $12,500, ALLOWED 3 LBS. (MAIDEN RACES, CLAIMING RACES AND STARTER RACES FOR $12,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Trailer. BELL OF RAINIER is the Lone Trailer of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * CURIOUS RUMOR: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. DAKOTA'S TANGO: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. OH YES I DID: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. WHIRLINGTON: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. PEACEFUL PRESENCE: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff.
4
CURIOUS RUMOR
5/2

9/2
8
DAKOTA'S TANGO
6/1

6/1
6
OH YES I DID
7/2

8/1
5
WHIRLINGTON
6/1

8/1
7
PEACEFUL PRESENCE
8/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
5
WHIRLINGTON
5

6/1
Front-runner
63

70

84.1

61.0

53.0
8
DAKOTA'S TANGO
8

6/1
Front-runner
75

73

74.5

52.9

42.9
1
A FILLY CAN DREAM
1

12/1
Front-runner
63

64

68.6

58.0

47.5
6
OH YES I DID
6

7/2
Stalker
69

78

58.5

54.1

45.6
4
CURIOUS RUMOR
4

5/2
Alternator/Stalker
78

79

83.0

65.2

61.7
7
PEACEFUL PRESENCE
7

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
66

70

57.0

60.2

49.7
3
BELL OF RAINIER
3

5/1
Trailer
70

72

42.7

54.6

46.1
2
SHOPPING TIZZY
2

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
72

54

33.0

57.0

47.0
9
FORTUNATE COOKIE
9

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
58

59

28.1

48.9

31.9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Fair Meadows
Fair Meadows - Race 8

Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 8-9-10)


Maiden Claiming $10,000 • 870 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 63 • Purse: $6,500 • Post: 7:55P
QUARTER HORSE 870Y, FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * AINT NO SECRET: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rati ng. HEZ THE FIRST STONE: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
7
AINT NO SECRET
8/5

3/2
1
HEZ THE FIRST STONE
9/2

9/2




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
HEZ THE FIRST STONE
1

9/2
Slow
69

48

7.9

0.0

0.0
2
DANCES WITH WHOOVES
2

12/1
Slow/Trouble-prone
0

0

6.9

0.0

0.0
3
LINDASNIGHTTRAIN
3

7/2
Slow
0

0

7.7

0.0

0.0
4
COUNT SPIRITS
4

10/1
Slow
0

0

6.9

0.0

0.0
5
SAIL ON BABY SAIL ON
5

5/1
Slow
57

40

6.1

0.0

0.0
6
EYES TROX
6

20/1
Slow/Trouble-prone
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0
7
AINT NO SECRET
7

8/5
Average
64

63

4.4

0.0

0.0
8
W G THUNDER
8

8/1
Slow
56

13

6.3

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 9 - Optional Claiming - 8.5f on the Turf. Purse: $45000 Class Rating: 98

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, WAIVER CLAIMING, STATE SIRED RACES OR STATE BRED RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $25,000-$20,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE APRIL 24 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE MARCH


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 AMIGO 8/1

# 4 BARNEY REBEL (IRE) 7/2

# 10 DOTHAT DANCE 8/1

AMIGO is the most competitive bet in this affair especially at a long price. Has to be given a shot here on the basis of the figures in the speed department alone. Clearly will improve with change in blinkers (going on) today. BARNEY REBEL (IRE) - Must be given consideration given the class of races run as of late. Could best this group here, showing competitive numbers of late. DOTHAT DANCE - Has performed soundly as of late in route races, posting a nifty 92 avg Equibase Speed Figure.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Lone Star Park - Race #4 - Post: 4:05pm - Claiming - 7.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 92

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 DEMANDS ATTENTION (ML=7/2)
#1 GHURAIR (ML=2/1)
#11 ITS ABOUT THE CAT (ML=15/1)


DEMANDS ATTENTION - Horses out of the barn of Cravens have been strong on the grass. Should perform well. Have to make this gelding a serious competitor; he comes off a nice outing on June 15th. GHURAIR - In this race here, this magnificent animal has garnered the highest speed rating at the distance, so I have to give him the edge. This horse coming off a good try in the last 30 days is a win candidate in my opinion. Ran last time out against tougher competition at Lone Star Park. The move down in class ranks should suit him well. I think that a sprinter coming off a layoff will usually run his best in the 3rd or 4th start back. This horse wins a lot of cash per start. Number one in this affair. ITS ABOUT THE CAT - I seem to always make money betting Cravens horses on the grass. That barn has a dominant win pct for this distance/surface. Always watch out for the longer priced equine when a trainer has an 'uncoupled' entry in a race. Trainer, Cravens, has been deliberate with this gelding off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today. Ran last time out against a high class rated field at Lone Star Park. The move to a lower class rank should suit him well.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 WELL'S GOLD (ML=3/1), #6 THETRAILERGUY (ML=8/1),

WELL'S GOLD - The third place finish in the last race was not the greatest. This gelding hasn't had any recent good fortune in short distance races. Tough to invest in him in this contest. THETRAILERGUY - Can't bet on this vulnerable equine in today's sprint of 7 1/2 furlongs. Hasn't even hit the board in a sprint race of late.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #8 DEMANDS ATTENTION to win if we can get at least 7/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [8,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,8,11] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Mariners at Red Sox
Gracenote
Jun 24, 2018

The Seattle Mariners knew their mettle was going to be tested 1 1/2 weeks ago when they were about to begin a stretch of 10 games against two of the best teams in baseball. Although three wins in their first nine contests were not what they had in mind, the Mariners still can make a statement on Sunday as they attempt to take the season series against the host Boston Red Sox with a win in the rubber match of their three-game series.

Seattle moved 21 games over .500 for the first time since 2003 following last Saturday's 1-0 win over Boston but lost the next day to split the four-game series and begin a five-game slide. Two of the five losses came after the Mariners blew five-run leads, but they weren't about to let another fast start go for naught on Saturday as Mike Leake worked eight scoreless frames to lead his team to a 7-2 victory. Boston (51-27) was unable to find the offense that scored 23 runs over its previous two contests and instead remained one game behind the American League East-rival New York Yankees for the best record in the majors. The absences of Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts did not help the Red Sox's cause as the former was "under the weather," according to manager Alex Cora, while the latter sat out after spraining his left index finger on Friday.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (7-4, 3.80 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (6-4, 2.74)

Gonzales' four-game winning streak came to an end with his worst performance of the season Tuesday in New York as he surrendered six runs and eight hits - three homers - over 6 1/3 innings in a loss to the Yankees. The poor effort ended a stretch of six starts during which the Gonzaga product permitted a total of six earned runs and one homer over 38 1/3 frames. Gonzales has given up eight of his nine homers on the road this season as he faces Boston for the first time in his career.

Sale allowed fewer than three earned runs for the 11th time in 16 starts Tuesday in Minnesota, but he settled for a no-decision despite yielding two runs and three hits while fanning 11 in seven frames. The six-time All-Star recorded at least 10 strikeouts for the fifth time the season and is holding opponents to a .188 average - his lowest since becoming a full-time starter in 2012. Nelson Cruz is 8-for-26 with two homers versus Sale, who is 5-1 with a 2.09 ERA in 10 career games (eight starts) against Seattle.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cruz is 7-for-9 with two homers and seven RBIs in this series and has recorded at least three hits in consecutive games for the first time since 2014.

2. Bogaerts and Betts tentatively are expected to play on Sunday.

3. Seattle SS Jean Segura missed his third straight game on Saturday with an arm infection but is hopeful he can play in the finale.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Mariners 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Cubs at Reds
Gracenote
Jun 24, 2018

The Cincinnati Reds are still a long way from being a National League Central contender, but they’re playing the part well this weekend. The surging Reds will try to complete a four-game sweep of the visiting Chicago Cubs when the division rivals wrap up their series Sunday.

Cincinnati has won six straight overall, matching its longest streak of the season, and owns a 5-3 edge over the Cubs in the season series. The Reds kept the offense rolling in an 11-2 rout Saturday and are hitting .322 with 12 home runs and 45 runs during the winning streak. The Cubs have dropped five of their last seven but didn’t lose ground in the NL Central race Saturday, staying two games back with Milwaukee’s loss to St. Louis. Chicago is hitting .220 and has totaled 16 runs over its past seven contests.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (3-5, 3.95 ERA) vs. Reds RH Sal Romano (4-7, 5.18)

Chatwood is in line for his regular turn in the rotation but could be called away - his wife is expecting the couple’s first child - in which case left-hander Mike Montgomery would get the nod. Chatwood is winless in his last seven starts and continues to struggle with his command, as he has issued a league-high 63 walks - 16 more than any other pitcher - in 68 1/3 frames. Chatwood is 0-4 with a 4.18 ERA in five starts against the Reds.

Romano has recorded only five quality starts in 15 outings this season, but that includes each of his last two turns. The 24-year-old has allowed one run and eight hits over 15 innings over that span and threw seven scoreless frames to beat Detroit on Tuesday. Romano was roughed up for seven runs in five innings in a loss to the Cubs on May 19.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez is 18-for-48 with five homers and 13 RBIs during a career-best 13-game hitting streak.

2. Cubs 2B/OF Ben Zobrist is batting .337 in 32 road games this season.

3. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto has 10 RBIs during the Reds’ six-game winning streak.

PREDICTION: Reds 7, Cubs 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Tigers at Indians
Gracenote
Jun 24, 2018

The Detroit Tigers entered the week as one of the hottest teams in baseball, but a trip to Ohio has them on the verge of losing their ability to keep any kind of heat on the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians. The Tigers will try to remain competitive in the division race and attempt to break even on their eight-game road trip Sunday, when they wrap up a three-game series with the host Indians.

Detroit (36-41) began its trek with a sweep of the Chicago White Sox and took a five-game winning streak into Cincinnati on Tuesday before the Reds stopped them from reaching .500 for the first time since April 8, The Tigers remained 0-for-Ohio and dropped to 3-4 on their trek with Saturday's 4-1 setback in Cleveland, falling seven games back in the Central after trailing by only 2 1/2 prior to their four-game skid. Meanwhile, the Indians have won six straight - matching their longest winning streak of the season - and have done so in dominant fashion, outscoring the opposition 42-7 during the streak and 26-1 over their last three contests. Cleveland has enjoyed similar success against Detroit in 2018, winning nine of the 12 meetings by a 64-28 margin.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (4-5, 3.63 ERA) vs. Indians RH Adam Plutko (3-1, 5.04)

Boyd lost for the first time in five turns since May 22 on Tuesday as he surrendered a season-high five runs on six hits and three walks in four innings at Cincinnati. The Oregon State product has struggled on the road, going 1-4 with a 4.74 ERA in seven turns. Francisco Lindor is 6-for-17 with a solo homer against Boyd, who did not factor in the decision at Cleveland on April 10 despite allowing one run in seven frames.

Plutko will make his first start since June 12 after a one-game stint in the bullpen in which he served up a solo shot among the two hits he allowed in two frames on June 16 against Minnesota. The 26-year-old opened the season strong by permitting three runs over his first 13 1/3 innings, but he has since surrendered 11 runs across his next 11 2/3 frames. Plutko faced Detroit once near the end of the 2016 season, yielding three runs in two innings of relief.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians are 18-4 in their last 22 games against the Tigers (allowing three runs or fewer in every win) and 36-13 overall versus Detroit since the start of the 2016 season.

2. Tigers OF JaCoby Jones is batting .333 during his career-best nine-game hitting streak.

3. Cleveland 3B Jose Ramirez went 1-for-4 on Saturday to extend his on-base streak to a career-high 30 games - the second-longest such active run in the majors (Texas' Shin-Soo Choo, 38 games).

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Tigers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Dodgers at Mets
Gracenote
Jun 24, 2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to continue their dominance of the New York Mets when the teams conclude their three-game series Sunday at Citi Field. The Dodgers have won 11 straight against the Mets dating back to May 2016, with each of the last nine victories coming by at least three runs.

Clayton Kershaw returned from the disabled list and Matt Kemp belted a pinch-hit grand slam in Saturday’s 8-3 win as the Dodgers improved to 24-9 since May 17. Making his first start since June 1 due to a lower back strain, Kershaw was on a pitch limit and exited after giving up two runs over three innings. “It was good to be back,” the seven-time All-Star told reporters. “Now I can focus on getting better. Health-wise, it’s there. Now it’s just a matter of performance. It’s a good first step.” The Mets have lost five straight overall and 12 of 13 at home but continue to receive consistent production at the top of the order from Brandon Nimmo, who is batting .284 with 12 home runs, 25 RBIs and seven stolen bases after going 3-for-5 in Saturday’s loss.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Rich Hill (1-2, 4.99 ERA) vs. TBD

After missing nearly a month due to a blister, Hill returned with a stellar effort against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, allowing three hits with six strikeouts over six scoreless innings. “He was outstanding,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters. “The fastball, curveball command was on point. You hope to get something like that, but you never know first start off a rehab.” The 38-year-old Hill is 1-2 with an 8.00 ERA in six career games (four starts) versus the Mets.

Jason Vargas was expected to start Sunday’s contest but will be placed on the disabled list instead after suffering a strained calf during conditioning drills. The Mets are promoting Chris Flexen from Triple-A Las Vegas to replace Vargas on the roster but haven't announced who will start the series finale. “We’re going to see how everyone is feeling when they come in Sunday and then make a decision,” manager Mickey Callaway told reporters.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers INF Chris Taylor has been held out of the starting lineup with a tight left hamstring for the past two games but entered as a pinch-hitter on Saturday and delivered a two-run double.

2. The Mets have scored four runs or fewer in 15 straight home games dating to May 20.

3. The Dodgers optioned LHP Adam Liberatore to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room for Kershaw.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Mets 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Yankees at Rays
Gracenote
Jun 23, 2018

The New York Yankees will try to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season when they face the host Tampa Bay Rays in the finale of a three-game set Sunday afternoon. The Rays have taken the first two of the series while holding the powerful Yankees to a total of one run.

Wilmer Font and four relievers combined on a four-hit shutout in Tampa Bay's 4-0 triumph Saturday, its third straight triumph over New York after dropping the first five meetings this season. The Yankees last went this deep into a season without losing three straight in 1954, and they are 6-0 this year when in danger of dropping a third consecutive game. They'll try to get a little more run support for right-hander Domingo German, who opposes Tampa Bay's Matt Andriese in the finale. The Rays have won five straight at home and they've allowed one run or fewer in each of the last four at Tropicana Field.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Domingo German (2-4, 4.77 ERA) vs. Rays RH Matt Andriese (1-3, 3.68)

German struck out a career-high 10 batters over six innings of three-run ball to defeat Tampa Bay two turns ago, and he was even better five days later against Seattle. He held the Mariners to two runs in seven frames while fanning nine, giving the surging 25-year-old 28 strikeouts - against two walks - over his last three starts. Opponents are hitting just .213 against German overall and .201 in his eight starts.

Andriese takes the spot of originally scheduled starter Blake Snell, who was pushed back a day to gain some extra rest. The 28-year-old Andriese has made his last eight appearances out of the bullpen, giving up six runs over 9 2/3 innings across four outings this month. Aaron Judge has hammered Andriese by going 7-for-12 with three home runs and two doubles in their previous encounters.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees are 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position in the series.

2. Rays SS Willy Adames is 4-for-8 with a home run and three RBIs in the series.

3. New York SS Didi Gregorius is 13-for-35 over a nine-game span.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Rays 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Orioles at Braves
Gracenote
Jun 24, 2018

The Baltimore Orioles still own one of the worst records in the majors but have not played like it as they aim for a road sweep of the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. Baltimore has found its offense against the National League East leaders as Mark Trumbo belted a grand slam and Chris Davis added a three-run double in Saturday’s 7-5 victory, and in the series the Orioles have collected 17 runs on 22 hits, after averaging just 3.2 runs and 7.5 hits in losing 11 of their previous 13 outings.

Davis – who had not played since June 11 until Friday – has five RBIs through the first two contests of the series, while Trumbo slugged his fourth homer in his past six outings to extend his hitting streak to seven games. The Braves are struggling offensively, hitting just .246 as a team while going 6-5 in their last 11 games with 75 runners left on base – 25 in the past two games. First baseman Freddie Freeman struck out twice Saturday and has whiffed 10 times in his past 24 at-bats. Second baseman Ozzie Albies extended his hitting streak to five games with a career-high four hits and is hitting 9-for-22 in that stretch.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH David Hess (2-3, 4.82 ERA) vs. Braves RH Brandon McCarthy (5-3, 4.89)

Hess makes his eighth major-league start looking to rebound after giving up five runs in each of his past two turns, walking seven in eight combined innings against Boston and Washington. The Tennessee Tech product has surrendered one earned run or fewer in three outings and is holding right-handed batters to a .229 average. Hess went 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Norfolk this season.

McCarthy makes his first start since June 15 after moving into the bullpen temporarily, although he did not make a relief appearance. The 34-year-old held San Diego to two runs on eight hits with four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings in his last appearance and has surrendered two earned runs or fewer in four of his past six outings. McCarthy last faced the Orioles in 2014, going 0-1 with a 3.65 ERA in two starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Orioles have won a road series for just the third time in 13 tries and aim Sunday for their first three-game sweep of the season.

2. Baltimore SS Manny Machado tripled in the seventh Saturday, moving within 50 hits of 1,000 for his career.

3. Atlanta optioned OF Preston Tucker to Triple-A Gwinnett Saturday and recalled RHP Lucas Sims.

PREDICTION: Braves 7, Orioles 6