Tuesday 7-3-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Boston Red Sox vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd July 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/03/2018

The Boston Red Sox used an unlikely source of run production to get the jump on the Washington Nationals and can clinch a series win when the teams continue a three-game interleague set Tuesday night in the nation's capital. Rick Porcello's three-run double - his first extra-base hit in 35 career at-bats - off Nationals ace Max Scherzer fueled a 4-3 win for the Red Sox in Monday's opener.

Porcello also tossed six solid innings and Mookie Betts smacked a solo homer for Boston, which improved to 5-1 against National League teams. Anthony Rendon, Daniel Murphy and Bryce Harper each went deep for Washington, but the hosts left 10 runners on base while losing their third straight - all by one run. The Nationals have dropped eight of 10 overall and are a loss away from falling back to .500 for the first time since they were 17-17. Left-hander Brian Johnson gets the start Tuesday for the Red Sox opposite Tanner Roark for Washington.

TV: 6:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (1-2, 4.28 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (3-9, 4.10)

Johnson is making his second straight start since knuckleballer Steven Wright went on the disabled list. He was sharp Thursday at home against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing one run and three hits over four innings in a 4-2 win. The 27-year-old, who will be facing the Nationals for the first time, is 3-1 with a 4.14 ERA in eight career starts.

Roark finished June with his best start of the month by allowing one earned run across six innings in a hard-luck loss at Philadelphia. It was the only time in six outings last month that the 31-year-old did not allow a home run. Roark, who is 1-7 over his last 11 appearances (10 starts), owns a 3.22 ERA in 22 career games (19 starts) in interleague play and will be making his first career start versus the Red Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Murphy's home run was his first regular-season blast since Sept. 23, 2017.

2. Harper has two homers, four runs scored and seven walks over his last four games.

3. Boston optioned RHP Justin Haley to Triple-A Pawtucket and selected the contract of RHP William Cuevas from Pawtucket.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Red Sox 4

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Atlanta Braves vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd July 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/03/2018

Two of the best teams in baseball and two of the highest-scoring offenses in the sport square off Tuesday in the middle contest of a three-game series when the Atlanta Braves visit the New York Yankees. Monday's series opener did not disappoint as the Braves captured a tense 5-3, 11-inning victory, powered by rookie left fielder Ronald Acuna's two-run homer in the 11th in a matchup of two teams at the top of their division standings.

Atlanta entered the series opener fifth in the majors in runs scored at 413, four runs behind the Yankees for fourth at 417, and rode homers from Acuna - who finished with three RBIs - and third baseman Johan Camargo to improve to 4-0 on its 10-game, three-city road trip. The Yankees continued their homer frenzy when right fielder Aaron Judge hit his 23rd longball of the season into the front row of the right-field seats in the first inning, giving New York its major league-leading 138th homer of the season. The Yankees have blasted 16 homers in their past eight games but dropped to 4-4 in that span. Second baseman Gleyber Torres finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored in the opener to raise his average to .296 on the season.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Southeast (Atlanta), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Sean Newcomb (8-2, 2.71 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Domingo German (2-4, 5.32)

Newcomb began the week fifth in the National League in wins, seventh in hits per nine innings (6.774) and eighth in ERA. The 25-year-old, who in his first full big-league season is a candidate to make the All-Star team, gave up three runs on seven hits in six innings with six strikeouts Wednesday against Cincinnati. Newcomb has allowed more than three earned runs only three times in his first 16 starts, limiting opponents to one run or fewer eight times while holding opposing hitters to a .210/.293/.321 slash line.

German has been inconsistent since moving into the starting rotation in early May, posting a 5.88 ERA with nine homers allowed in 49 innings across nine starts. The 25-year-old, who pitched one inning of perfect relief Wednesday against Philadelphia, gave up six runs on nine hits in three innings to lose his last start June 24 at Tampa Bay after holding Seattle to one earned run over seven innings five days earlier. German is holding left-handed hitters to a .207 average but has surrendered four or more runs in five starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Camargo, who led the Braves with 20 RBIs in June, finished 2-for-5 on Monday and is hitting .361 during his eight-game hitting streak.

2. Yankees 3B Miguel Andujar, who was named American League Rookie of the Month for June on Monday, has 39 extra-base hits through his first 77 career games.

3. Atlanta recalled RHP Evan Phillips and promoted OF Michael Reed from Triple-A Gwinnett, optioned RHP Matt Wisler to Gwinnett and placed RHP Peter Moylan on the disabled list (right forearm strain).

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Yankees 3

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Baltimore Orioles vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd July 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/02/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies find themselves as legitimate contenders in the National League East as well as likely buyers at the trade deadline later this month. The Phillies (45-37) vie to improve their standing as they enter an enviable stretch of their schedule with the opener of an abbreviated two-game interleague series against the visiting Baltimore Orioles (24-59).

"It shows we're here to stay," said Andrew Knapp, whose mammoth home run in the 13th inning of Sunday's 4-3 victory over Washington kept Philadelphia within earshot of first-place Atlanta. The Phillies, winners of four of their last five and 10 of 15 overall, could take another step toward closing the gap with the Braves as they begin a stretch of 20 of their next 23 games against teams with a losing record. Manny Machado, who is the unquestioned prize heading into the trade deadline, homered to highlight his third straight multi-hit performance as Baltimore snapped a seven-game skid Sunday with an 8-2 romp over the Los Angeles Angels. The 25-year-old Machado has two homers and four RBIs during his five-game hitting streak, although he went 0-for-4 in his lone encounter with Philadelphia -- a 4-1 loss May 16.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Alex Cobb (2-9, 6.75 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Zach Eflin (6-2, 3.02)

Cobb saw his winless stretch extend to four starts Wednesday after allowing five runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings of a no-decision versus Seattle. The 30-year-old was taken deep once in that contest and five times total during his last four outings, a span in which he has permitted 20 runs and 30 hits in 22 1/3 frames. Cobb has yet to face Philadelphia, although he has seen Carlos Santana go 3-for-12 in his career against him.

Eflin aims to follow a sterling June in which he posted a 5-0 mark with a 1.76 ERA, highlighted by his seven scoreless innings against the New York Yankees during Wednesday's 3-0 victory The 24-year-old yielded four hits and allowed one runner to reach second base against the Yankees as he continued his transformation from a pitcher who posted a bloated 5.85 ERA in 22 starts over his first two seasons. "Being able to be healthy and to focus on pitching alone is probably the biggest thing," Eflin told reporters.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 2B Cesar Hernandez, who homered against Baltimore in the previous meeting, has eight hits and four walks over his last six games.

2. Orioles CF Adam Jones has scored three times during his five-game hitting streak.

3. Santana has walked at least once in eight straight games to run his total to 63 on the season, third to to Washington's Bryce Harper and Cincinnati's Joey Votto in the NL.

PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Orioles 2

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New York Mets vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd July 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/02/2018

The New York Mets are gearing up for the trade deadline and trying to stay out of the basement in the National League East, but that doesn't mean the players on the field have stopped trying. The Mets will try to post back-to-back wins for the first time in two weeks when they visit the Toronto Blue Jays in the opener of a two-game interleague series on Tuesday.

New York dropped 10 of its last 12 games to fall 15 below .500 but is coming off a win after avoiding a sweep at Miami with a 5-2 victory on Sunday. "I think we're all disappointed where we're at right now. We all had higher expectations for ourselves," Mets left-hander Steven Matz, who earned the win on Sunday, told reporters. "But we have a second half here. We got a win today. We're just going to keep pushing, keep fighting." The Blue Jays are not happy with their position in the standings at six games under .500 and are coming off a disappointing series split after taking two from the lowly Detroit Tigers but dropping the last two while totaling three runs. Toronto will try to get the upper hand in the short series with veteran right-hander Marco Estrada on the mound Tuesday while New York counters with righty Zack Wheeler.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (2-6, 4.47 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (4-7, 4.53)

Wheeler is winless in his last 11 starts but dominated the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday while scattering five hits over seven scoreless innings. The 28-year-old surrendered two or fewer earned runs in four of his last six outings but is frequently the victim of poor run support. Wheeler was not at his best at home against Toronto on May 16, when he was ripped for six runs on seven hits and three walks in four innings to suffer the loss.

Estrada should be sad to see June go after posting a 2-1 record with a 2.35 ERA and a .207 batting averaging against in the month. The Long Beach State product logged four straight quality starts to begin the month before lasting just five innings and surrendering three earned runs at Houston on Wednesday. Estrada is 6-7 with a 3.98 ERA in 27 career interleague games - 20 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets 1B Dominic Smith (wrist) was held out of the starting lineup in each of the last four games and is day-to-day.

2. Toronto recalled INF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday.

3. New York RF Jose Bautista, who spent the previous 10 seasons in Toronto, went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts on Sunday to snap a four-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Mets 2

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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd July 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/03/2018

The Tampa Bay Bays were cooled off in the opener of the Citrus Series and will try to avoid falling back below .500 when they continue the three-game set at the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. Coming off an 8-1 homestand, the Rays managed just six hits in 10 innings of a 3-2 loss to the Marlins on Monday.

Tampa Bay (42-42) allowed more than two runs for the first time in a span of seven games while falling to 2-12 in its last 14 road affairs. The Rays will attempt to continue their recent success on the mound behind left-hander Ryan Yarbrough, who will be making his fifth start of the season. Yadiel Rivera's infield hit in the 10th scored Brian Anderson to give the Marlins the game-winning run Monday in front of an announced attendance of 6,004. Starlin Castro went 4-for-4 in the victory and he is 12-for-22 over a six-game stretch for Miami, which is 5-10 at Marlins Park against the Rays.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Ryan Yarbrough (7-4, 3.76 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Trevor Richards (2-5, 5.06)

Yarbrough allowed one run across 6 1/3 stellar innings of relief but was still charged with the loss in a 1-0 decision against Houston on Thursday. The rookie out of Old Dominion has a 5.23 ERA in his four starts, compared to 3.24 in 15 games out of the bullpen. Yarbrough was rocked for 15 runs (11 earned) in his first 15 innings of interleague action.

Richards followed up a solid start at Colorado two turns ago with four innings of three-run ball in a loss to Arizona at home Thursday. He has gone four straight outings - spanning 19 1/3 innings - without allowing a home run. The 25-year-old gave up 11 runs and 17 hits in 7 2/3 innings in his first two career interleague starts earlier this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins LF Derek Dietrich is 1-for-18 with six strikeouts during a six-game slump.

2. Tampa Bay starters own a 1.82 ERA over their last 15 games.

3. Realmuto has four home runs in five interleague contests this year.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Marlins 5

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Chicago White Sox vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd July 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/03/2018

Jose Abreu is unlikely to be available when the Chicago White Sox visit the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game interleague set. The slugger departed the series opener in the seventh inning with a bruised left ankle suffered when he fouled off a pitch in the previous frame.

The Reds rallied for four eighth-inning runs to post a 5-3 victory on Monday, with Alex Blandino delivering the tiebreaking two-run double. Cincinnati has outscored its opponents 25-8 during a three-game winning streak and has won 12 of its last 15 contests. Chicago has dropped four of its last five games and 13 of 18 as it sits 26 games below .500. Outfielder Leury Garcia (finger), who missed the series opener, could return for the White Sox after going 0-for-12 in a three-game span prior to Monday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (5-7, 6.59 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (3-1, 4.45)

Giolito settled for a no-decision against Minnesota in his last start despite giving up just one run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 6-6, 245-pounder was reached for 13 runs over 17 1/3 frames in his previous three turns before the solid outing versus the Twins. The 23-year-old Giolito is 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA in seven road starts this season.

DeSclafani has gone 3-0 in his last four turns, allowing two earned runs in each of the victories. The 28-year-old did not factor in the decision in his last outing after yielding four runs and five hits over 6 1/3 frames against Milwaukee. DeSclafani has served up 28 homers in 194 2/3 career innings at Great American Ball Park compared to 15 in 174 2/3 frames on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. Monday's victory was just Cincinnati's fifth in 21 all-time meetings with the White Sox.

2. Reds 1B Joey Votto was hitless in five at-bats in the series opener and is just 4-for-24 over his last seven games.

3. Chicago LF Avisail Garcia went 2-for-4 with a homer on Monday and is 16-for-46 with four blasts and seven RBIs in 11 contests since returning from a hamstring injury.

PREDICTION: Reds 7, White Sox 4

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Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd July 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/02/2018

The Houston Astros enjoyed a rare day off Monday, but that didn't stop Alex Bregman from collecting American League Player of the Month (June) and Player of the Week honors. Bregman bids to continue his torrid stretch as the Astros (55-31) aim to snap a three-game losing skid Tuesday when they open an abbreviated two-game series against the host Texas Rangers (38-47).

Bregman has five homers, 10 RBIs and seven RBIs during his eight-game hitting streak (13-for-28), but is 12-for-54 versus Texas this season. Evan Gattis, who matched Bregman with an AL-best 30 RBIs in June, belted a pair of solo shots in Sunday's 3-2 setback to Tampa Bay. While the Astros have won 10 of 14 encounters versus the Rangers this season, the latter had won 11 of 13 before dropping a 10-5 decision to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. Shin-Soo Choo carries a 42-game on-base streak into Tuesday's contest versus Houston, against which he is 12-for-52 with 17 strikeouts this season.


TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (4-8, 4.22 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Austin Bibens-Dirkx (1-1, 3.57)

Keuchel answered a scoreless outing with a disastrous one Wednesday, allowing six runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings of a no-decision versus Toronto. The 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner sports a 1-3 mark with a 5.68 ERA in his last eight starts, with a six-run, 13-hit effort in a no-decision against Texas included in that stretch. He fared significantly better versus the Rangers on May 13, scattering three hits and striking out eight over seven scoreless innings in a 6-1 victory.

Bibens-Dirkx followed up a sterling performance in a win at Kansas City with another one strong one versus San Diego last Tuesday, scattering two hits over five innings while striking out six. The 33-year-old didn't help himself with four walks against the Padres after issuing two free passes in his previous three trips to the mound. Bibens-Dirkx has limited experience against the current crop of Astros after he made his major league debut in 2017 following 12 years in the minors.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas SS Elvis Andrus has hit safely in six straight games overall and is 7-for-13 versus Houston this season.

2. Astros 2B Jose Altuve is a robust 20-for-55 against the Rangers this season.

3. Texas 3B Joey Gallo has four extra-base hits (two homers, triple, double) with four RBIs and six runs scored in his last four games.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Rangers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd July 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/03/2018

The San Francisco Giants hit a bump on their road trip in the series opener but hope to bounce back when they visit the Colorado Rockies for the middle contest of their three-game set. San Francisco began its trek by sweeping a three-game series in Arizona but squandered a two-run lead in the late innings on Monday and dropped a 5-2 decision at Coors Field.

Buster Posey celebrated being inducted into the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame earlier in the day by hitting a pair of doubles and driving in a run. The veteran has gone 7-for-13 during his four-game hitting streak and is riding back-to-back multi-hit performances. Nolan Arenado went 2-for-3 with an RBI as the Rockies scored three times in the seventh inning and twice in the eighth to post their fourth win in five games. Arenado is 6-for-18 with three home runs and five RBIs in his last five contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Chris Stratton (8-5, 4.45 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (2-1, 6.23)

Stratton looks to atone for his last start as he surrendered five runs and eight hits over four innings against Colorado but escaped with a no-decision. The 27-year-old native of Mississippi also served up a homer in the outing after keeping the ball in the park in each of his previous five turns. Stratton has yet to lose to the Rockies, going 1-0 despite posting a 6.19 ERA in three starts and one relief appearance - with the victory coming at home on May 19.

Senzatela will be making his first start of the season for the Rockies - and first appearance since April 27, when he picked up the win after working 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief at Miami. The 23-year-old Venezuelan made eight starts for Triple-A Albuquerque before being recalled, going 3-1 with a 2.15 ERA. Senzatela went 3-0 with a 4.24 ERA in three starts and two relief appearances against San Francisco as a rookie last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies starting pitchers have gone 3-0 with a 2.49 ERA over the last seven games.

2. San Francisco OF Gorkys Hernandez has hit five of his 11 homers this season against the Rockies.

3. Colorado RHP Chad Bettis (finger) is questionable to make his scheduled start against Seattle on Friday.

PREDICTION: Giants 7, Rockies 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd July 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/03/2018

Francisco Lindor failed to reach his lofty expectations in June, but he is setting an incredibly high bar for himself only two games into July. The two-time All-Star attempts to maintain his torrid offensive pace and continue his recent domination of the Royals when the Cleveland Indians visit Kansas City for the second of three games between the best and worst teams in the American League Central.

Lindor finished June with a bit of a flurry to raise his offensive marks for the month to a .243 batting average, six homers and 12 RBIs. The 24-year-old Puerto Rican shortstop began July by going 3-for-4 with two doubles, a homer, two RBIs and four runs scored in Sunday's 15-3 rout in Oakland and may have outdid himself in Monday's 9-3 series-opening win versus Kansas City, hitting a grand slam and a three-run homer for a career-high seven RBIs to go along with three runs scored. The Royals own the worst offense in the majors and have totaled 21 runs while dropping five of seven against Cleveland this season. The Royals have scored four runs or fewer in 23 of their last 24 games and dropped 23 of 28 since the beginning of June.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Shane Bieber (3-0, 2.22 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (4-7, 4.94)

Bieber has permitted a total of two runs and struck out 21 versus only three walks while winning all three of his starts since his recall from Triple-A Columbus on June 17. The 23-year-old gave up one run on six hits while fanning five en route to a victory at St. Louis on Wednesday. Bieber earned his promotion by going 6-1 with a 1.29 ERA in 12 turns with the Clippers and will make his fifth career big-league start - first against Kansas City - on Tuesday.

Duffy has settled into a bit of a groove over his last seven turns, yielding one run or less in five of those outings while logging at least six innings six times. The former third-round pick is 0-3 with a 6.32 ERA in six home turns this season but allowed one run and fanned seven in a win at Milwaukee on Wednesday. Duffy is 2-8 with a 5.06 ERA all-time versus the Indians and has surrendered 12 runs over nine innings while losing both of his starts against them this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Lindor is 9-for-12 with four home runs, 10 RBIs and eight runs scored in his last three games versus Kansas City. His 17 career homers against the Royals are seven more than he has against any other opponent.

2. Kansas City 2B Whit Merrifield is batting .409 during a five-game hitting streak.

3. Cleveland OF Lonnie Chisenhall, who was a late scratch with a strained left calf Monday, will be placed on the disabled list shortly, according to manager Terry Francona.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Royals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego Padres vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd July 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Athletics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/02/2018

The Oakland Athletics had a six-game winning streak snapped on Sunday but remain one of the pleasant surprises of the first half of the season. The Athletics will try to get back into the win column and keep the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners in sight in the American League West when they host the San Diego Padres in the opener of a two-game interleague series on Tuesday.

Oakland enters the week eight games behind second-place Seattle in the AL West and is staring at a rough schedule heading into the All-Star break, with 11 straight on the road - including trips to Cleveland and Houston - after finishing up with the Padres. The Athletics took the first two from the Indians at home over the weekend but witnessed a rare letdown from the pitching staff in a 15-3 setback on Sunday. San Diego is sitting in last place in the National League West and was outscored 16-6 in dropping two to Oakland at home on June 19 and 20. The Padres are trying to snap a streak of six straight series losses and will send lefty Clayton Richard to the mound on Tuesday opposite Athletics right-hander Chris Bassitt.

TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (7-7, 4.29 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Chris Bassitt (1-3, 2.82)

Richard had a streak of four straight wins come to an end at Texas on Wednesday, when he was reached for four runs and 10 hits in seven innings. The 34-year-old worked at least six innings in each of his last 10 starts and went at least seven frames in seven of those outings. Wednesday's loss dropped Richard to 9-5 with a 3.50 ERA in 23 career interleague games - 18 starts.

Bassitt earned his first win since rejoining the rotation when he held the Detroit Tigers scoreless while scattering two hits and five walks over six innings on Wednesday. The five walks marked a season high for the Ohio native, who issued a total of three walks over 16 1/3 innings in his first three outings. Bassitt is seeing the Padres for the first time and is 0-2 with a 2.45 ERA in two career interleague outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics RHP Trevor Cahill (Achilles) is scheduled to throw at the team's spring training home in Arizona on Tuesday.

2. San Diego CF and leadoff hitter Manuel Margot is 1-for-17 over his last four games, dropping his batting average to .235.

3. Oakland 3B Matt Chapman (hand) made a rehab start for High Class A Stockton on Monday and could return to the majors as soon as Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Padres 6, Athletics 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/03/2018

After enduring a disappointing homestand, the St. Louis Cardinals got their nine-game road trip off to a good start. The Cardinals attempt to clinch a series victory when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game set.

St. Louis, which dropped the final four contests of its six-game homestand, began its trek with a four-run first inning on Monday and rode to a 6-3 victory. Yadier Molina homered and drove in three runs while Jedd Gyorko also went deep and notched a pair of RBIs for the Cardinals, who allowed at least five runs in each game during their slide. Arizona's 8-2 road trip is a distant memory as the club has lost the first four contests of its 10-game homestand. Paul Goldschmidt registered four of the Diamondbacks' nine hits for his second performance with at least three hits in five games and also drove in a run while David Peralta notched a pair to improve to 6-for-16 during his four-game hitting streak.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Jack Flaherty (3-3, 2.92 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (8-5, 3.41)

Flaherty is coming off a loss to Cleveland on Wednesday in which he yielded four runs on six hits - two homers - and two walks in four innings. The 22-year-old Californian was superb in his previous three turns, going 1-0 while allowing two runs and six hits with 26 strikeouts over 18 1/3 frames. Flaherty will be facing the Diamondbacks for the first time in his career.

Greinke helped Arizona go 8-2 on its recent road trip by winning all three of his starts on the trek. The 34-year-old Floridian allowed three runs over 19 1/3 innings on the trip after being tagged by Pittsburgh for five runs on five hits and four walks in 4 2/3 frames in his last turn at home. Greinke fell to 12-5 with a 3.42 ERA in 19 career appearances (17 starts) against the Cardinals on April 7, when he yielded five runs and nine hits in five innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks OF A.J. Pollock (thumb) returned from the disabled list Monday and went 0-for-4 but scored a run.

2. St. Louis placed Dexter Fowler on the paternity list and recalled fellow OF Tyler O'Neill from Triple-A Memphis.

3. Arizona purchased the contract of RHP Joey Krehbiel from Triple-A Reno, optioned 1B Christian Walker and RHP Silvino Bracho to the Aces and released RHP Troy Scribner.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Cardinals 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd July 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/03/2018

Matt Kemp has torched Pittsburgh pitching in four meetings this season and looks to inflict more damage when the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Pirates on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Kemp went 5-for-5 with a homer, four RBIs and four runs scored on Monday as Los Angeles racked up season highs in runs and hits (21) en route to a 17-1 victory.

Kemp recorded a homer and five RBIs versus the Pirates on June 6 and is a lava-like 10-for-17 with two blasts, 12 RBIs and nine runs scored against them this season. Yasiel Puig went 3-for-5 with a season-high four RBIs and the Dodgers batted around three times while winning their second straight game after losing four of their previous five. Pittsburgh allowed a season high in runs and is 2-2 on a six-game road trip that began with three games in San Diego. The slumping Starling Marte is expected to miss his third straight start as the Pirates work with him on the side after he batted just .183 in June.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (4-5, 4.02 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (1-4, 2.84)

Nova did not factor in the decision against the New York Mets in his last turn after giving up three runs and five hits over six innings. The 31-year-old allowed just two runs and 12 hits over 19 2/3 frames in his previous three turns, going 2-0 in that stretch. Nova is 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts versus the Dodgers but has struggled against Kemp (3-for-9).

Kershaw will be making his third start since coming off the disabled list due to a lower back injury. The 30-year-old, who hasn't won since April 15, allowed one run and four hits in five innings against the Chicago Cubs in his last turn. Kershaw is 2-3 with a 3.18 ERA in 11 career starts against the Pirates and has shut down Corey Dickerson (2-for-12, eight strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Kemp, who matched his career high for hits on Monday, is 8-for-9 this month after also notching a homer and four RBIs in Sunday's victory over Colorado.

2. Pittsburgh recalled RHP Nick Kingham - who allowed three homers in three-plus innings on Monday - from Triple-A Indianapolis, optioned OF-1B Jose Osuna to the same affiliate, designated LHP Enny Romero for assignment and sent UTL Sean Rodriguez (quadriceps) to Indianapolis to begin a rehab assignment.

3. Los Angeles 1B Cody Bellinger hit his 17th homer on Monday and has gone deep five times over his last 11 games.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Pirates 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 07-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd July 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Mariners Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/02/2018

The Seattle Mariners continue to keep the pressure on the defending champion Houston Astros in the American League West while Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels struggle to keep pace. The Mariners will try to keep the Angels down when they host the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.

Seattle entered the week a half-game behind the Astros in the AL West standings and owns the major's longest winning streak at seven in a row after picking on last-place clubs Baltimore and Kansas City. The Angels are losers of seven of their last nine but had a chance to sweep the Orioles in a three-game series over the weekend before falling short on Sunday in an 8-2 setback. Los Angeles faces a tough challenge if it hopes to climb back into the race before the All-Star break with six games each against the Mariners and the Los Angeles Dodgers left in the first half. The Angels will try to get off on the right foot Tuesday by sending left-hander Andrew Heaney to the mound while the Mariners counter with lefty Wade LeBlanc.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS West (Los Angeles), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (4-5, 3.95 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Wade LeBlanc (3-0, 3.38)

Heaney is trying to bounce back after getting knocked around for six runs on eight hits and three walks in 3 1/3 innings at Boston on Wednesday. The 27-year-old allowed four runs in 15 innings over his previous two outings but is struggling with his consistency. Heaney preceded the two solid outings by yielding five runs and seven hits over three innings in a loss at Seattle on June 11.

LeBlanc is searching for consistency as well and followed up 7 2/3 scoreless innings against the Red Sox on June 16 by getting pounded for a total of 10 runs - nine earned - and 18 hits across 10 1/3 innings in his next two outings. The veteran is already past his innings total from last season, when he worked exclusively as a reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates. LeBlanc went up against Heaney on June 11 and earned the win while allowing two runs in five frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners RHP Edwin Diaz was named the AL's Reliever of the Month for June after converting 12 of 13 save opportunities in the month.

2. Trout went 0-for-4 on Sunday and failed to reach base for the 12th time in 85 games this season.

3. Los Angeles RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani (elbow) is expected to take batting practice with the team this week.

PREDICTION: Angels 5, Mariners 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arthur Ralph Sports

FREE play:TUES RedSox w/Johnson+105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Tuesday, July 3


National League
Giants (45-41) @ Rockies (42-43)
Stratton is 1-2, 4.70 in his last four starts; over is 8-4 in his last 12 starts. Team in his starts: 9-8
5-inning record: 6-7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Senzatela is making his first ’18 start; he is 3-1, 2.15 in eight AAA starts this year, and is 12-6, 4.86 in 46 MLB games (20 starts, all LY). Team in his starts: 0-0.
5-inning record: 0-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Giants won 1o of their last 13 games; under is 6-2 in their last eight games. Colorado is 4-5 in its last nine games; over is 11-3 in their last 14 home games.

Cardinals (43-40) @ Diamondbacks (47-38)
Flaherty is 2-1, 2.42 in his last four starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 5-6.
5-inning record: 7-2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-11

Greinke is 3-0, 0.93 in his last three starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 10-7.
5-inning record: 10-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Cardinals lost four of their last five games; over is 7-3-1 in their last 11 road games. Arizona lost its last six home games (under 4-2).

Pirates (40-44) @ Dodgers (45-39)
Nova is 2-0, 1.75 in his last four starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 8-7
5-inning record: 7-3-5. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15

Kershaw is 0-0, 2.84 in his last four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 3-7
5-inning record: 5-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-10

Pittsburgh is 4-8 in its last 12 games; they’re 8-13 vs lefty starters. Over is 8-2 in their last ten road games. Dodgers lost four of their last seven games; under is 7-4 in their last 11 home games.

American League
Astros (55-31) @ Rangers (38-47)
Keuchel is 1-0, 4.24 in his last three starts; over is 6-1-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 8-9
5-inning record: 5-9-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-17

Bibens-Dirks is 1-0, 0.77 in his last two starts (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 2-2.
5-inning record: 2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Astros lost their last three games; they’re 11-2 in road series openers- their last four games stayed under the total. Texas is 11-3 in its last 14 games, 5-9 in home series openers. Over is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

Indians (46-37) @ Royals (25-59)
Bieber is 3-0, 0.96 in his last three starts (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 4-0
5-inning record: 4-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Duffy is 2-1, 2.88 in his last four starts; over is 10-4 in his last 14. Team in his starts: 6-11
5-inning record: 5-9-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-17

Indians lost six of last ten road games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Royals are 4-22 in their last 26 games; under is 7-4 in their last 11 home games.

Angels (43-42) @ Mariners (54-31)
Heaney is 1-1, 6.33 in his last four starts; under is 8-1-1 in his last 10. Team in his starts: 5-9
5-inning record: 3-7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

LeBlanc is 3-0, 4.50 in his last six starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 8-3.
5-inning record: 7-2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-11

Angels lost seven of their last nine games, are 7-8 in road series openers. Under is 3-1 in their last four games. Seattle won its last seven games; they’re 10-3 in home series openers. Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Interleague
Tigers (38-48) @ Cubs (47-35)
Fulmer is 0-2, 4.61 in his last two starts; his last four stayed under. Team in his starts: 5-11
5-inning record: 6-7-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16

Hendricks is 1-5, 6.44 in his last six starts (under 10-4-2). Team in his starts: 5-11.
5-inning record: 4-8-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-16

Detroit won its last two games after losing 11 in a row; they’re 4-10 in road series openers. Under is 5-1 in their last six games. Cubs won their last four games, scoring 46 runs; they’re 7-7 in home series openers. Chicago’s last six games all went over.

Twins (45-41) @ Brewers (42-43)
Odorizzi is 0-3, 5.96 in his last five starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 7-10
5-inning record: 6-7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-17

Guerra is 1-1, 3.63 in his last four starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 8-7.
5-inning record: 5-8-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Minnesota lost nine of its last 11 games; their last four games went over. You’re reading ***************.com. Brewers are 4-5 in their last nine games; Milwaukee’s last six games went over.

Red Sox (57-29) @ Nationals (42-41)
Johnson is 1-0, 1.80 in his last two starts (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 2-0
5-inning record: 1-0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Roark is 0-3, 6.64 in his last four starts; under is 9-3 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 5-11
5-inning record: 4-10-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Red Sox lost six of last tene road games; over is 5-2-1 in their last eight road games. You’re reading ***************.com. Washington lost eight of its last ten games; five of their last six games stayed under.

Orioles (24-59) @ Phillies (45-37)
Cobb is 0-2, 8.06 in his last four starts (over 3-0-1). Team in his starts: 3-11
5-inning record: 3-10-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Eflin is 5-0, 1.76 in his last five starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 7-3.
5-inning record: 8-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-10

Orioles lost seven of their last eight games; they’re 5-8 in road series openers. Under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Philly won four of its last five games; they’re 9-5 in home series openers. Under is 6-1 in their last seven home games.

Atlanta (49-34) @ New York (54-28)
Newcomb is 1-0, 1.89 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 9-7
5-inning record: 10-4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-16

German is 2-0, 5.73 in his last four starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 5-4
5-inning record: 2-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-9

Braves won six of their last eight games; over is 8-3-1 in their last 12 road games. New York won eight of their last 11 home games; they’re 20-6 vs lefty starters. Over is 3-2-1 in their last six home games.

White Sox (29-54) @ Reds (36-48)
Giolito is 1-1, 5.32 in his last four starts; under is 5-2 in his road starts. Team in his starts: 6-10
5-inning record: 4-10-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16

DeSclafani is 3-0, 4.18 in his last four starts (over 4-0-1). Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 7-10. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-17

White Sox lost four of their last five games; four of their last five road games went over the total. Cincinnati is 15-5 in its last 20 games; six of Reds’ last seven home games went over the total.

Rays (42-42) @ Marlins (35-51)
Bullpen game for Tampa Bay. Team in bullpen games: 17-17
5-inning record: 17-10-7. Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-34

Richards is 2-2, 5.12 in his last four starts; under is 6-2 in their last eight. Team in his starts: 4-6
5-inning record: 3-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-10

Tampa Bay won eight of its last ten games; under is 16-3 in their last 19 games. Marlins lost four of their last seven games; under is 6-1-1 in their last eight games. 1-18 27-13

Padres (37-49) @ A’s (46-39)
Richard is 4-1, 3.55 in his last five starts; under is 7-3 in his last 10. Team in his starts: 9-8
5-inning record: 5-11-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Bassitt is 1-3, 4.84 in his last four starts (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 1-3
5-inning record: 1-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Padres are 3-10 in their last 13 games, 1-18 in last 19 series openers. Under is 10-3 in their last 13 road games. You’re reading ***************.com. Oakland won 12 of its last 15 games; they’re 6-7 in home series openers. Under is 4-1 in their last five games.

Umpires
SF-Colo: Over is 3-1-1 in last five Hernandez games.
StL-Az: Favorites won last eleven Welke games.
Pitt-LA: Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Gonzalez games.

Clev-KC: Under is 4-1-2 in last seven Conroy games.

Bos-Wsh: Under is 9-3 in last dozen Carapazza games.
Atl-NY: Five of last six Ortiz games went over the total.
Chi-Cin: Four of last five Cooper games stayed under.
TB-Mia: Under is 8-3 in last eleven Meals games.
Min-Mil: Four of last six Foster games went over.

______________________________

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 7/2
Ariz 22-15-5……18-16-8……..40-31
Atl 21-15-7…..18-14-8………39-29
Cubs 16-19-9……20-13-5…….36-32
Reds 11-25-4……16-24-4….…27-49
Colo 25-13-11……21-14-3……46-28
LA 16-16-5…….23-17-9……39-33
Miami 16-23-4…..17-19-7…….33-42
Milw 18-16-8…..21-17-4…….39-33
Mets 17-23-2……16-16-9…..33-37
Philly 15-15-8…..22-14-7……37-29
Pitt 18-18-6……15-15-11……..33-33
StL 20-14-4……19-22-4………39-36
SD 14-22-8……16-21-4…….30-42
SF 21-18-9…..14-17-7………35-35
Wash 19-15-9..…17-18-5………36-33

Orioles 12-21-9…….13-24-5……25-45
Boston 23-16-8……21-13-5……..44-29
White Sox 13-25-4….12-24-7….25-49
Cleveland 19-16-8……27-9-5……46-25
Detroit 16-20-6……18-19-10.……34-39
Astros 21-14-10……20-13-9…….41-26
KC 12-23-8…….14-22-6…..26-45
Angels 22-17-5……16-17-8……38-34
Twins 16-19-8……16-19-6…..32-38
NYY 19-13-6……25-13-7…….44-25
A’s 15-19-8……14-20-9……29-39
Seattle 25-15-6……20-13-9……45-28
TB 19-17-8……20-14-6……39-30
Texas 15-20-5…..14-26-5…….29-46
Toronto 11-21-8……15-19-11……26-40

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 7/2)
Ariz 17-41…….14-41…..….31
Atl 13-42……15-41………28
Cubs 8-44……..17-40………25
Reds 9-39……..10-43………19
Colo 17-47…….18-38..…….35
LA 13-37……..17-46..…..30
Miami 11-43……..12-44…….23
Milw 14-43……..14-41……..28
Mets 16-40……..12-39…….28
Philly 9-39……..15-44…..…24
Pitt 11-42……..11-42……..22
StL 14-37……..11-44…….25
SD 10-44……..8-42………18
SF 10-44………16-40…..26
Wash 17-45……..11-40……..28

Orioles 14-43……..14-42………28
Boston 13-47……16-40………28
White Sox 13-42……12-43…….25
Clev 11-45…….14-40….…25
Detroit 12-41……..14-46….…26
Astros 12-43…..…10-41………22
KC 11-43..…….11-41………22
Angels 13-43…..….10-40…….23
Twins 12-43………9-46……..21
NYY 7-37……..17-44……….24
A’s 8-43…..…..11-42………19
Seattle 15-44………13-42……..28
TB 14-44..……13-40……..27
Texas 6-40…….…10-44……16
Toronto 8-42………11-44….…19

Interleague play- 2018
NL @ AL– 40-35 NL, favorites +$170
AL @ NL– 36-31 NL, favorites -$1,353
Total: 76-66 NL, favorites -$1,183