Tuesday 6-26-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jesse Schule

Jun 26 '18, 10:00 AM in 34m
Soccer | France vs Denmark
Play on: Draw +176 at BMaker

The French can clinch first place in Group C with a draw, and the Danish would also be guaranteed to move on to the next round with a draw. As that result works perfectly for both teams, it wouldn't be a shock at all to see this game end in a draw.
Over the years conspiracy theorists have speculated that teams have fixed matches in these type of situations. One of the most notable examples of this that I can think of, actually involves Denmark. It was back in 2004 when the Danish played Sweden in the European Championship. The only score that would ensure Italy would be eliminated would be if the two teams played to a 2-2 draw. That's exactly how the match finished, after a soft goal was scored in the 89th minute, after the keeper fumbled the ball.I don't expect any match fixing here, but I do think both teams will be content to play a certain style that a draw is the most likely result.
Take Draw.
GL,
Jesse Schule

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Nationals vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 25th June 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 06/26/2018

The rejuvenated Tampa Bay Rays look to extend their home winning streak to eight when they face three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and the visiting Washington Nationals on Tuesday afternoon. Wilson Ramos launched two homers and Kevin Kiermaier belted a grand slam in an 11-0 rout of the Nationals on Monday for Tampa Bay's first win in eight interleague contests this year.

The Rays swept the powerful New York Yankees over the weekend and have won six of their last eight overall with strong performances from young players such as 22-year-old Jake Bauers, who is 6-for-11 with a walk-off homer in the last two games. Nathan Eovaldi looks to match Blake Snell's dominant performance Monday when he takes the mound for Tampa Bay in the finale of the two-game set while Scherzer tries to win for the first time in four starts. Anthony Rendon broke up Snell's no-hitter in the seventh inning with a double to extend his hitting streak to nine games (15-for-35) and teammate Juan Soto matched that streak with a single in the ninth as the Nationals settled for two hits. Washington has dropped 10 of its last 14 games overall and six of its past seven on the road while being shut out six times in June.
TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Washington), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (10-3, 2.09 ERA) vs. Rays RH Nathan Eovaldi (1-3, 4.91)

Scherzer is winless in his last three starts, but allowed a combined six runs over 20 innings and the Nationals were shut out in twice during that stretch. The 33-year-old Missouri product has posted 13 quality starts in his last 14 appearances, including eight innings of two-run ball with 13 strikeouts against Tampa Bay on June 5 in a win. Matt Duffy is 3-for-5 with a double and a homer versus Scherzer, who is 5-2 with a 2.82 ERA in nine career starts against the Rays.
Eovaldi is winless in four starts since his dazzling season debut when he held Oakland hitless over six innings with four strikeouts and one walk on May 30. The 28-year-old Texan has given up 16 runs and 23 hits across 23 1/3 innings over his last four outings, including five innings of four-run ball versus Scherzer and Washington on June 5. Daniel Murphy is 8-for-19 with four doubles and a homer against Eovaldi, who is 2-5 with a 5.30 ERA in 10 career outings versus Washington.
WALK-OFFS

1. Washington RF Bryce Harper is 7-for-46, including three hits Sunday, with 13 strikeouts in his last 14 games.

2. Duffy has hit safely in his last five games, going 7-for-19 with three walks in that stretch to raise his batting average to .318.
3. The Nationals activated RHP Brandon Kintzler (forearm) from the 10-day disabled list Monday and optioned RHP Jefry Rodriguez to Triple-A Syracuse.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Rays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 26th June 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 06/26/2018

The New York Yankees snapped their longest losing streak of the season at three contests and now get behind their ace as they continue a three-game interleague series at the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday. Aaron Judge homered and Giancarlo Stanton had a two-run single to back a combined three-hitter as the Yankees took the series opener 4-2.

Stanton had a pair of hits in three at-bats after going 5-for-5 in an extra-inning loss at Tampa Bay on Sunday. Luis Severino gets the start Tuesday for New York while trying to build on a stellar interleague career in which he is 5-1 with a 1.07 ERA. Jake Arrieta goes for the Phillies, who have lost two straight following a 6-1 stretch. Maikel Franco homered in Monday's loss for Philadelphia, which saw its first five hitters in the lineup combine to go 0-for-17 with nine strikeouts.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (11-2, 2.24 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (5-5, 3.42)

Severino enters the week tied atop the majors in wins after allowing three runs over 5 2/3 innings in a victory over the Seattle Mariners last time out. He tied a season high with eight hits allowed and matched a season low with five strikeouts in the effort. The 24-year-old, who is facing the Phillies for the first time, yielded three runs or fewer in each of his last 13 starts.
Arrieta was 5-2 with a 2.16 ERA entering June but has gone 0-3 with a 6.97 mark in four starts this month. The best of those outings came in a no-decision against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, when he let up three runs and four hits over six frames. The former Cy Young Award winner is 3-1 with a 3.83 ERA in eight career meetings (seven starts) versus New York.
WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees placed C Gary Sanchez (groin) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled C Kyle Higashioka from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

2. New York is 45-10 when scoring four runs or more.

3. The Phillies recalled RHP Hector Neris from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and placed RHP Edubray Ramos (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list.

PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Phillies 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seattle Mariners vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 25th June 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 06/26/2018

James Paxton looks to move on from back-to-back bumpy starts when his Seattle Mariners visit the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday for the second contest of their four-game series. Paxton has been roughed up for 10 runs and 14 hits - three homers - over 7 1/3 innings while losing one outing and escaping with a no-decision in the other.

Paxton won six straight decisions before falling to the New York Yankees in his last turn and will aim to help Seattle defeat the Orioles for the second straight night. The Mariners won for only the second time in eight games with Monday's 5-3 victory and got back shortstop Jean Segura, who went hitless in four at-bats, after a four-game absence due to a right forearm infection. Dee Gordon recorded two hits and two RBIs while Denard Span homered for Seattle, which sent struggling Baltimore to its 13th defeat in 17 games. Orioles star Manny Machado notched two of his team's four hits in the opener and Jonathan Schoop belted his eighth homer of the campaign.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH James Paxton (6-2, 3.72 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (3-6, 4.38)

Paxton struck out nine over five innings in the loss to New York but served up two homers while allowing four runs and seven hits. The 29-year-old is 2-1 with a 5.73 ERA in four starts this month after being spectacular in May, when he gave up just 21 hits in 43 frames while going 3-0 with a 1.67 ERA and 0.70 WHIP. Paxton is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two career starts versus the Orioles, with the win coming when he gave up four runs - three earned - and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings on July 2, 2016.
Gausman is 0-4 over his last seven starts, allowing five or more earned runs in three of the setbacks. The 27-year-old settled for a no-decision against Washington in his last turn after giving up just two runs and four hits over six innings. Gausman is 1-2 with a 3.04 ERA in four career starts against the Mariners and has experienced difficulties with Span (6-for-13, three doubles).
WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners DH Nelson Cruz was named American League Player of the Week after hitting .500 with three homers and eight RBIs in 24 at-bats.

2. Baltimore activated INF Tim Beckham (core muscle surgery) from the 60-day disabled list, optioned LHP Donnie Hart to Triple-A Norfolk and transferred INF Luis Sardinas (ankle) to the 60-day DL.

3. Seattle C Mike Zunino sat out the series opener with a swollen right thumb.

PREDICTION: Mariners 5, Orioles 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 25th June 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 06/26/2018

A visit to the struggling New York Mets was just what the doctor ordered for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who aim for their second straight win at Citi Field when the teams continue a three-game set Tuesday. The Pirates lost five straight games before racing to a 5-0 lead and hanging on for a 6-4 win in the series opener.

Losers of seven in a row, the Mets committed three errors while falling for the 14th time in their last 15 home games. Starling Marte had a single, a walk, two steals and three runs scored to lead the way for Pittsburgh, which matched their scoring total from the previous four games combined. They will try to build off the momentum against New York lefty Steven Matz, who opposes Chad Kuhl for the Pirates. Center fielder Brandon Nimmo, one of the only bright spots for the Mets over the past month or so, did not start Monday due to a finger injury but an MRI came back negative and he was able to enter the game in the eighth.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Chad Kuhl (5-5, 4.56 ERA) vs. Mets LH Steven Matz (3-5, 3.68)

Kuhl allowed three runs or fewer in five straight starts before getting rocked for a season-high eight runs in just two frames against Arizona on Thursday. He has faced the Mets just once in his career - last year at home - and was reached for five runs in just 4 1/3 innings. The University of Delaware product owns a 6.04 ERA with opponents hitting .319 against him in 10 starts at night.

Matz also had a nice run going before a rocky outing at Coors Field on Thursday, when the Colorado Rockies got to him for five runs over 5 2/3 innings. Opponents are hitting .119 with runners in scoring position in Matz's last nine starts. Josh Harrison is 3-for-3 with a triple against the 27-year-old Matz, who lost his one prior matchup with the Pirates despite allowing two runs in five innings.
WALK-OFFS

1. Harrison is batting .389 over his last 18 games against New York.

2. Mets 1B/3B Wilmer Flores slugged a three-run homer Monday and has eight RBIs over his last eight games.
3. New York recalled RHP Tyler Bashlor from Double-A Binghamton and optioned RHP Chris Flexen to Triple-A Las Vegas.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Mets 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 25th June 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 06/26/2018

Rookie Brian Anderson and Derek Dietrich look to continue their hot hitting in June when the host Miami Marlins go for a fourth straight win Tuesday against the National League West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks. Anderson extended his on-base streak to 22 games with two hits and two RBIs while Dietrich, who is batting .402 since May 31, singled home a run as Miami defeated Arizona 9-5 in Monday's series opener.

Anderson played in all 79 games for the Marlins this season and has hit safely in six straight, going 9-for-30 in that stretch with four RBIs, and Dietrich is 11-for-19 with three homers during a five-game hitting streak. Miami can match its longest winning streak of the season when it sends rookie Elieser Hernandez to the mound in search of his first major league win and the Diamondbacks counter with Zack Godley. Arizona saw its four-game winning streak come to an end after giving up three more runs that it did during a four-game sweep at Pittsburgh over the weekend. Diamondbacks star Paul Goldschmidt went 1-for-4 after being rested Sunday and is batting .419 with nine homers and 21 RBIs over his last 18 contests.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (8-5, 4.64 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Elieser Hernandez (0-4, 5.12)

Godley has won his last three starts with some solid pitching (seven runs allowed, 18 1/3 innings) and quality run support (24). The 28-year-old Tennessee product owns a 5.40 ERA in his four June starts and has been better at home (2.89 ERA) than on the road (6.07) overall. J.T. Realmuto is 1-for-3 with a homer versus Godley, who gave up two runs across six innings in his one career meeting against Miami in 2016.
Hernandez makes his fifth start and first since June 1 when he permitted five runs on five hits (three homers) in a loss at Arizona. The 23-year-old Venezuela native yielded four runs on 14 hits (two homers) over 15 innings in his previous three starts and has been much better at home (3.15 ERA). David Peralta, Jake Lamb and Daniel Descalso all went deep against Hernandez in their previous meeting.
WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks placed RHP Clay Buchholz (oblique) on the 10-day disabled list and announced LHP Robbie Ray (oblique), out since April, will start Wednesday.

2. Realmuto, who has six RBIs in his last six games, sat out Monday's contest after suffering a wrist injury Sunday at Colorado and is day-to-day.

3. Arizona SS Ketel Marte is 6-for-13 with two homers, three triples, five runs scored and four RBIs against the Marlins in 2018.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Marlins 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oakland Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 25th June 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 06/26/2018

A week ago, the Detroit Tigers were riding a five-game winning streak and sitting just 2 1/2 games off the American League Central lead, but now they're gasping for air. The Tigers will try to end their slide and cool off the visiting Oakland Athletics in the second of a four-game series Tuesday.

The Tigers have lost a season-high six straight, and the latest one stung - they squandered a 4-1 lead over the final two innings of a 5-4 loss in the series opener. The defeat dropped Detroit 8 1/2 games behind first-place Cleveland and seven games below .500. Jed Lowrie's home run off Shane Greene in the ninth inning gave the A's the lead Monday, as the Tigers lost for the eighth time this season when leading or tied after eight innings. Oakland has won seven of its last nine games to match its high-water mark for the season at three games above .500.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Frankie Montas (4-1, 2.41 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Blaine Hardy (3-1, 3.30)
Montas has pitched better in five big-league starts this season than he did in nine outings at Triple-A Nashville, where he was 1-5 with a 4.39 ERA. The 25-year-old Dominican has posted quality starts in four of his five outings since being recalled May 27, and he gave up just one run over 6 2/3 innings in a win at San Diego on Wednesday. Montas doesn't miss many bats - he has 21 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings for Oakland - but he has drawn soft contact and kept the ball in the park.
After making 164 relief appearances without a start over the past four seasons, Hardy has been used a swingman this year and will make his eighth start Tuesday. The 31-year-old has been effective in his new role, going 3-1 with a 3.40 ERA in seven starts. He gave up two hits and a walk while recording just one out in a relief stint Wednesday but allowed just three runs over 11 1/3 frames in his previous two starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The A's have homered in an MLB-record 26 consecutive road games.

2. Detroit RF Nicholas Castellanos recorded his team-leading 29th multi-hit game Monday.

3. Oakland RF Stephen Piscotty is 9-for-23 with three homers during a six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Tigers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 26th June 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 06/26/2018

The Atlanta Braves have made a habit of thrilling late victories in their rise to the top of the National League East, and second baseman Ozzie Albies continues heating up entering Tuesday's home contest against the Cincinnati Reds. Albies belted the game-winning homer Monday as the Braves topped the Reds 5-4 in 11 innings, extending his hitting streak to seven games and raising his average in that stretch to .455 as Atlanta earned its 10th victory of the season in its last at-bat.

Albies has 10 hits in his past three games to raise his average to .269, and right fielder Nick Markakis added two hits - becoming the first player in the National League to reach 100 hits this season - as the Braves pushed their NL East lead to 3 ½ games over Philadelphia. The Reds remain in last place in the NL Central, but have played far better baseball of late as their seven-game winning streak ended Monday with just their third loss in the past 13 games. Cincinnati averaged 6.3 runs in its previous 12 games but finished 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position in the series opener. First baseman Joey Votto finished 1-for-2 with three walks, moving within three hits of Frank Robinson for ninth place on the franchise's all-time list.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Matt Harvey (2-5, 5.66 ERA) vs. Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (3-1, 2.55)

The results have been mixed for Harvey since he was dealt by the New York Mets after a horrid start to the season, ending with him allowing five runs to the Braves in two innings of relief May 3. The 29-year-old has pitched better of late, holding the Chicago Cubs to two runs with six strikeouts over six innings Thursday to earn his second victory with Cincinnati. Harvey is 3-7 with a 5.27 ERA in 13 career appearances against Atlanta, surrendering six runs in six innings of an April 19 outing, his last starting assignment before New York banished him to the bullpen.
Sanchez aims to display better control after walking a season-high four on Wednesday at Toronto, taking his first loss of the season after allowing four runs on five hits over five innings with a season-best seven strikeouts. The 34-year-old late-spring signing has provided stability to Atlanta's young rotation, posting a 2.22 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP with a .169 opponents batting average in four June starts. Sanchez is 2-2 with a 2.52 ERA in four career starts against Cincinnati, but has not faced the Reds since firing a complete-game two-hit shutout in 2015 while with Detroit.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cincinnati CF Billy Hamilton finished hitless in four at-bats Monday, ending his seven-game hitting streak.

2. Atlanta activated Monday's starter RHP Mike Foltynewicz from the disabled list before the series opener, optioning RHP Evan Phillips to Triple-A Gwinnett.

3. The Reds are 29-31 since interim manager Jim Riggleman took over April 19.

PREDICTION: Reds 5, Braves 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego Padres vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 26th June 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 06/26/2018

The red-hot Texas Rangers hope to remain that way as they seek their ninth victory in 10 games when they host the San Diego Padres on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. The Rangers posted a 7-4 win in the series opener as the torrid Shin-Soo Choo extended his streak of reaching base to 38 games.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

Choo went 3-for-5 with an RBI on Monday and now possesses the fifth-longest single-season streak in franchise history as he closes in on Julio Franco's 46-gamer from 1993. Robinson Chirinos went 2-for-3 with two RBIs in the opener to raise his average to .204, and he is 5-for-10 with a homer, two doubles and five RBIs over his last three games. Manuel Margot belted a three-run homer for San Diego in the opener and is a scorching 10-for-22 with two blasts, six RBIs and three walks during his six-game hitting streak. First baseman Eric Hosmer sat out the opener for the Padres, who have lost three straight games and eight of their last nine.
See all MLB game previews and predictions

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Tyson Ross (5-5, 3.34 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Austin Bibens-Dirkx (1-1, 4.58)

Ross has lost back-to-back starts despite giving up just four runs and seven hits in 13 innings during the stretch. The 31-year-old has enjoyed a strong bounce-back campaign after going 3-3 with a 7.71 ERA in 12 outings (10 starts) for the Rangers last season. Ross, who is 3-2 with a 2.63 ERA in seven career appearances (three starts) versus Texas, posted a 6.75 ERA in six games (five starts) at Globe Life Park last season.

Bibens-Dirkx defeated Kansas City in his last turn as he gave up one run and five hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 33-year-old has walked just two batters in 17 2/3 frames over three starts but has allowed 22 hits for a .306 batting average against. Bibens-Dirkx owns a porous 5.91 ERA over 13 career home appearances (four starts).
Video: Condensed Game: SD@TEX - 6/25/18



WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers 1B Ronald Guzman (concussion) and RF Nomar Mazara (hamstring) each departed Monday's game.

2. San Diego RHP Jordan Lyles (elbow) underwent an MRI exam that merely revealed inflammation.

3. Texas LHP Martin Perez (right elbow) struck out nine and allowed two hits over five scoreless innings in a rehab outing with Single-A Hickory on Monday.

PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Padres 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 25th June 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 06/25/2018

The Chicago White Sox are at the beginning of a rebuilding cycle but are already encouraged by what they are seeing from their young players. The White Sox will try to ride the young core to another win when they host the Minnesota Twins in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.

Second baseman Yoan Moncada was the big prize Chicago got back after dealing ace Chris Sale away prior to last season, and the 23-year-old showed off his skillset on Sunday by busting out of a slump with a homer and six RBIs in the 10-3 win over the Oakland Athletics. "He had some really good at-bats, obviously in big situations," White Sox manager Rick Renteria told reporters of Moncada. "Drove the ball well. Again, you're going to see days like that. Hopefully, there's more days like that than not. Obviously, a little sign of what the young man can do." The Twins have plenty of intriguing young talent as well and used the headliner of that group - right-hander Jose Berrios - to avoid a sweep against the Texas Rangers with a 2-0 victory on Sunday. Minnesota will send a veteran to the mound on Tuesday in right-hander Lance Lynn while Chicago shows off another piece of the future in righty Reynaldo Lopez.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), NBCS Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Lance Lynn (5-5, 4.64 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (2-5, 3.59)

Lynn is 4-1 with a 1.73 ERA over his last six starts and is coming off a win over the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday in which he yielded just one unearned run over five innings. The 31-year-old issued five walks in that outing and has yet to complete seven innings in a start this season due to high pitch counts. Lynn started at the White Sox on May 5 and earned a win while allowing two runs and eight hits over six innings without walking a batter.
Lopez had a string of three straight quality starts come to an end at Cleveland on Wednesday, when he was knocked around for five runs - four earned - on six hits and four walks over 4 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old is allowing opponents a .231 batting average. Lopez dominated Minnesota on June 5, when he allowed one hit and walked four over seven scoreless frames without factoring in the decision.
WALK-OFFS

1. Twins LF Eddie Rosario scored at least one run in 11 of his last 13 games.

2. Chicago LHP Xavier Cedeno has yet to allow a run in nine appearances this season.

3. Minnesota RHP Fernando Rodney struck out three in a perfect inning on Sunday and last blew a save on April 26.

PREDICTION: Twins 4, White Sox 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 26th June 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 06/26/2018

The Toronto Blue Jays look to win their fourth consecutive game when they visit the Houston Astros for the middle contest of their three-game series. The Blue Jays dropped 10 of 11 road games before winning their last three away from home, including Monday's 6-3 triumph against Houston ace Justin Verlander.

Curtis Granderson belted two solo homers off Verlander, his former teammate with Detroit, while Randal Grichuk slugged a 471-foot, two-run blast off reliever Will Harris as Toronto won for the 11th time in its last 17 overall games. Justin Smoak has emerged from a 5-for-44 funk to go 4-for-8 with three doubles over his last two games and delivered a two-run double in Monday's victory. Houston is 3-3 since matching the franchise record with 12 straight wins and has scored just four runs in the three setbacks. Alex Bregman, who belted a solo homer and added a run-scoring single in the opener, has gone deep seven times and driven in 22 runs this month.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (NR) vs. Astros RH Charlie Morton (9-1, 2.74 ERA)

The Blue Jays need a starter after recently putting Aaron Sanchez (finger) and Jaime Garcia (shoulder) on the disabled list and are expected to recall Borucki from Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday. The 24-year-old, who will be making his major-league debut, has posted a 6-5 record and 3.27 ERA in 13 starts for Buffalo this year. Borucki is making progress after his career was derailed by Tommy John surgery that forced him to miss the entire 2013 season.
Morton defeated Tampa Bay in his last turn as he gave up one unearned run and two hits over six innings. The 34-year-old has experienced some control issues of late, walking 16 in 15 2/3 frames over his last three turns after issuing just six free passes over his previous five outings. Morton never had faced the Blue Jays until last season, when he went 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in two starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Granderson is 4-for-9 with three solo homers over his last two games.
2. Houston OF George Springer was hitless in five at-bats in the opener and is 3-for-40 over his last 10 contests.

3. Toronto OF Teoscar Hernandez went 3-for-5 in the opener for his third multi-hit performance in seven games.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Blue Jays 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 26th June 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 06/26/2018

St. Louis Cardinals pitchers have been hard to hit for the past four games, and that hasn't included their ace. Standout right-hander Carlos Martinez will try to follow suit when he takes the mound Tuesday against Cleveland ace Corey Kluber for the second contest of a three-game series against the visiting Indians.

St. Louis pitchers have tossed 19 consecutive scoreless innings at home after blanking Cleveland 4-0 in the series opener. The Cardinals have won three straight and have allowed a total of six runs in their past four contests, but they need Martinez to return to the dominant form he showed before landing on the disabled list in May. The four runs allowed Monday marked the most for the Indians since June 16, as they had given up only nine runs during a seven-game winning streak. Cleveland is 7 1/2 games ahead of second-place Minnesota in the American League Central but has dropped three of its last four on the road.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (11-3, 2.10 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (3-4, 3.24)

Kluber, who is tied for the major league lead in victories, has recorded a quality start in 15 of his 16 outings this season and has allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of his last eight. The 32-year-old was dominant Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox, striking out seven and allowing one hit over seven scoreless innings. In his only previous start against the Cardinals, Kluber struck out 18 over eight innings of one-hit ball in a 2015 triumph.
Martinez hasn't been himself since returning from a month on the disabled list with a lat strain. The 26-year-old has pitched to an 8.10 ERA in four starts since his return, and he was tagged for seven runs (five earned) over four innings in a loss at Milwaukee on Thursday. Martinez is 4-4 with a 1.97 ERA in 16 games (12 starts) against American League opponents.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland 3B Jose Ramirez has reached base in 32 consecutive games and is 8-for-29 during a seven-game road hitting streak.
2. St. Louis OF Marcell Ozuna has multiple hits in three straight interleague games.

3. Cardinals INF Matt Carpenter has five three-hit games this season and three have come in interleague play.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Cardinals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 26th June 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 06/26/2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been on a roll since losing the final two contests of a three-game set in the Windy City last week and look to keep it going when they continue their four-game set against the visiting Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. After totaling one run in back-to-back losses at Chicago, the Dodgers have won four straight - including a 2-1 triumph in the series opener.

Both of Los Angeles' runs on Monday came on solo homers, giving the club 48 blasts in June - five shy of tying the franchise record for most in one month (53 in June 2017). Chris Taylor, who is nursing a hamstring injury, was kept out of the starting lineup for a third consecutive game but belted a shot as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning for what proved to be the winning run. Chicago has gone the opposite way since winning two straight against the Dodgers as it enters Tuesday having lost five in a row. The Cubs, who managed only seven singles in the series opener, hope to have Kris Bryant back in the lineup as the former National League Rookie of the Year and MVP has missed the last three games with a sore shoulder.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, WGN (Chicago), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (9-2, 2.10 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Ross Stripling (6-2, 1.99)

Lester is hoping to produce a repeat performance after limiting the Dodgers to five hits over seven scoreless innings in a victory on Wednesday. The 34-year-old native of Washington has won five consecutive starts and seven of his last eight decisions, with the only loss being a seven-frame effort against Cleveland on May 23 in which he gave up just one run. With his latest triumph, Lester evened his record at 3-3 with one complete game and a 3.33 ERA in eight career starts versus Los Angeles.
Stripling has revenge on his mind as he took the loss opposite Lester on Wednesday after yielding three runs and eight hits over six innings. The 28-year-old Pennsylvanian had won six straight starts and gone unbeaten in his previous nine turns before falling in Chicago. Stripling, who made three relief appearances against the Cubs prior to Wednesday's start, is 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA in 10 games (five starts) at home this season.
WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs placed Tyler Chatwood on the paternity list and recalled fellow RHP Duane Underwood Jr., who started Monday and allowed one run over four innings in his major-league debut, from Triple-A Iowa.

2. Los Angeles leads the NL and ranks seventh overall in the majors with 104 home runs.

3. Chicago RHP Yu Darvish (triceps) allowed one run and three hits with five strikeouts in five innings of a rehab start for Single-A South Bend on Monday and could return from the disabled list on the weekend.

PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Dodgers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 06-26-2018

MLB Previews 25th June 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 06/25/2018

The Colorado Rockies were not happy with the way their homestand ended on Sunday and are out to prove they can compete in the National League West when they begin a six-game road trip by visiting the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday. The Rockies, who head to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers after finishing up the three-game set against the Giants, dropped into fourth place in the West after the tough weekend.

Colorado began its homestand by taking three of four from the New York Mets and moved to .500 by blasting the Miami Marlins 11-3 on Friday, but losses on Saturday and Sunday ensured that they would enter the week behind San Francisco in the standings. "It's not a good homestand," third baseman Nolan Arenado told reporters. "Winning homestand or not, we lost a series here the way we did (Sunday) and the way we have the last couple of days is not good. We've got to win series. Homestands don't mean nothing until you win the series." The Giants are enjoying their current homestand after winning five of the first seven to jump one game over .500 at 40-39. San Francisco will try to stay hot behind veteran lefty Derek Holland while the Rockies counter with right-hander Chad Bettis.
TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Chad Bettis (5-1, 5.23 ERA) vs. Giants LH Derek Holland (5-7, 4.48)

Bettis continues to get bailed out by the Colorado offense while struggling on the mound and will try to stop a string of five straight starts allowing five or more runs on Tuesday. The worst start in that span came against the New York Mets on Wednesday, when the Texan was ripped for eight runs on nine hits and five walks across 4 2/3 innings without factoring in the decision. Bettis served up five runs and 10 hits over six innings against San Francisco on May 28, but was again left out of the decision.
Holland allowed three or fewer runs in each of his last four starts and picked up a win against Miami on Wednesday, when he yielded three runs and seven hits in six frames. The 31-year-old failed to complete seven innings in any of his 15 starts and did not get through the sixth in four straight prior to Wednesday's outing. Holland went up against Colorado at home on May 18 and suffered the loss while surrendering four runs and six hits in six frames.
WALK-OFFS

1. Giants CF Gorkys Hernandez is 4-for-13 over the last three games, with all four hits going for extra bases.

2. Arenado is 11-for-25 with five home runs and 13 RBIs in his last six games.

3. Colorado LHP Jake McGee allowed a total of seven runs and nine hits over five innings in his last six appearances.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Rockies 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Wynn

Free Play: Free NY Yankees w/Severino -210 over Philadelphia