Saturday 7-7-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Edmonton Eskimos vs. Toronto Argonauts Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in CFL

CFL Previews 4th July 2018 by Gracenote
Eskimos vs. Argonauts Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/04/2018

The Toronto Argonauts begin life without Ricky Ray when they host the Edmonton Eskimos on Saturday. Ray suffered a serious neck injury in the 41-7 loss to Calgary in Week 2 and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, thrusting James Franklin - who spent the previous three seasons in Edmonton - into his first start for the Argonauts as the club hopes to avoid going 0-3 for the first time since 2001.

"It's definitely exciting, but it's also tough because I've had injuries before and I feel bad for Ricky having this taken away from him," Franklin told reporters. "It's difficult, but I'm excited to get out there and play and help our team get its first win." The Eskimos bounced back from a 38-21 setback against Hamilton by downing BC 41-22 in Week 3. Edmonton erased a 12-point deficit en route to its fourth consecutive win against the Lions and hopes to stay within striking distance of unbeaten Calgary by avenging a 34-26 loss to the Argonauts at BMO Field last season. "I think that speaks for the character in this room, just having pure believe in each other,' Edmonton linebacker J.T. Sherritt told reporters. "We don't panic as we know how the CFL works."

TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, TSN

ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (2-1): C.J. Gable was named one of the CFL's Top Performers of the Week after rushing for 165 yards and a touchdown in the win against BC. Mike Reilly threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns versus the Lions to move past Dave Dickenson (22,913) for 23rd place on the CFL's all-time passing list. D'haquille 'Duke' Williams, who was named one of the league's Top Performers of the Month for June, continued his scorching start to the season as he hauled in six passes for 129 yards and a touchdown to take his season total to a league-leading 308 receiving yards.

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (0-2): Toronto acquired edge rusher Eric Striker, who was named an AP Second-Team All American with the Oklahoma Sooners in 2015, from Saskatchewan in exchange for the rights to ex-Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson. The Argonauts released linebacker Khalil Bass, who appeared in two games after joining the club in November 2017, on Tuesday. Wide receiver Brian Tyms also was let go after Toronto signed Myles White, who spent four years bouncing around the NFL with various teams, to the practice squad.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Eskimos have won four of their last five regular-season meetings with the Argonauts.

2. Toronto is averaging a league-low 13 points per game.

3. Reilly leads the league with 10 total touchdowns.

PREDICTION: Eskimos 27, Argonauts 21

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BC Lions vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in CFL

CFL Previews 4th July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/04/2018

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers look to avoid their second 1-3 start in three years when they host the BC Lions in the first game of a home-and-home series on Saturday. The Blue Bombers dropped a 31-17 decision to Hamilton in Week 3 to fall four points behind Calgary in the West Division standings and hope to stay in the race by beating the Lions for the fourth time in the last five home meetings.

Winnipeg quarterback Matt Nichols, who suffered a knee injury a month ago, was taken off the six-game injured list on Tuesday and shared first-team reps in the lead-up to what could be his first start of the season on Saturday. BC suffered its first defeat of the 2018 campaign as it squandered a double-digit lead late in the second quarter en route to a 41-22 setback against Edmonton last Friday. The Lions have lost 12 of their last 15 road games against West Division rivals and hope to avoid falling into the division cellar after missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 1996. "This is our first taste of adversity," BC coach Wally Buono told reporters. "Now we'll see what kind of team we are and we'll see what kind of veteran players we have."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, TSN

ABOUT THE LIONS (1-1): Jonathon Jennings was limited to 199 yards on 13-of-24 passing against Edmonton and finished without a touchdown toss for the first time since Nov. 4. Jeremiah Johnson rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown while short-yardage quarterback Cody Fajardo added a rushing TD, but it wasn't enough as the Lions surrendered 511 yards of offence. Either Hunter Steward or Chris Greaves will get the start at left tackle on Saturday while defensive back Marcell Young, who was picked on repeatedly by Edmonton quarterback Mike Reilly, could be replaced by Winston Rose.

ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (1-2): Chris Streveler struggled in his third career start as he was held to 146 yards passing and finished without a touchdown pass in the loss to Hamilton after throwing six in his previous two outings. "There's not really a worse feeling in the world," Streveler told reporters. "The feeling of losing is what motivates me every week to get better and try to fix some of those mistakes." Special-teams standout Derek Jones suffered a lower-body injury against the Tiger-Cats and is expected to be placed on the six-game injured list while defensive back Brandon Alexander is likely to miss his second straight contest with an undisclosed ailment.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Winnipeg has lost four of its last five home games, including playoffs.

2. Streveler is tied for the league lead with six touchdown passes.

3. BC is ranked last in time of possession (26 minutes, 29 seconds).

PREDICTION: Blue Bombers 33, Lions 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Belmont Park

07/07/18, BEL, Race 5, 4.00 ET
1M [Dirt] 1.32.01 ALLOWANCE. Purse $90,000.
(UP TO $16,200 NYSBFOA) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $10,000 ONCE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES
Exacta, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Pick 3 Races (5-7), Pick 6 Races (5-10) - Double
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 30.07, $1 ROI 0.96, For Race Category Non-Maiden Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 7 Fallinginloveagain 20-1 Castellano J Nevin Michelle FEC
099.0361 2 Wine Not 3-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Weaver George W
097.5403 6 Nigel's Destiny 5/2 Ortiz J L Englehart Jeremiah C. T
097.5111 5 Candygram 6-1 Velazquez J R Jerkens James A. JL
097.4643 8 Mr. Dougie Fresh 6-1 Rosario J McLaughlin Kiaran P. S
096.8645 3 Harangue 15-1 Santana. Jr. R Guerrero Juan Carlos
096.4393 4 Split Verdict 8-1 Franco M Violette. Jr. Richard
094.6784 9 Exulting 4-1 Alvarado J McLaughlin Kiaran P.
092.1445 1 Clutch Cargo 20-1 Saez L Serpe Philip M.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Belmont Park - Race #7 - Post: 5:11pm - Stakes - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $350,000 Class Rating: 119 Belmont Sprint Championship S. (Grade 2)

Rating: Golden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 WHITMORE (ML=2/1)
#4 SHAFT OF LIGHT (ML=7/2)
#1 LIMOUSINE LIBERAL (ML=9/5)


WHITMORE - I like this gelding a lot here. He shows a lot of consistency, finishing in the money frequently. A campaigner coming back this soon after a sharp effort is a good signal. Is ranked at the top in earnings per start. A solid performance in this race will add to the lifetime bankroll. SHAFT OF LIGHT - I figure that this shorter trip should help this gelding. When Ferrer and Navarro join forces on animals the winning pct has been good at 43. Based on morning drills, I look for this gelding to run a big race. LIMOUSINE LIBERAL - I like to see consistency in a racehorse. Look at this gelding's PPs. Almost always in the money. This gelding is in exceptional physical condition right now. Finished third last time out and comes back soon.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 FAVORABLE OUTCOME (ML=4/1), #3 EYE LUV LULU (ML=8/1),

FAVORABLE OUTCOME - Really don't think the last speed figure was earned legitimately. The wet conditions may have lead to such a high rating. Don't feel this racer will make an impact in today's race. That last speed rating was common when compared with today's Equibase class figure. EYE LUV LULU - Tough to bet on any questionable contender in a short distance event if he hasn't finished in the money in a sprint in the last two months.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Skip the win bets in this race

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,4] Total Cost: $6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Delaware Park - Race #2 - Post: 1:45pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $16,000 Class Rating: 72

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 STORM CRY (ML=6/1)
#3 LOST SCROLL (ML=10/1)


STORM CRY - Many positive 'vibrations' joined to this thoroughbred and her barn. LOST SCROLL - You'll be generating profits left and right by turning your bankroll onto this jockey/trainer combination.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 LUSITANIA (IRE) (ML=4/1), #5 ANIMAL LADY (ML=5/1), #10 BODELLA (ML=8/1),

LUSITANIA (IRE) - Didn't hit the board on Jun 4th at Delaware Park. Followed it up with another lackluster performance. ANIMAL LADY - Recent decreasing speed ratings of 66/62/56 give a sign that this equine may be going off form. This filly recorded a fig in her last race which probably isn't good enough in today's event. BODELLA - This filly hasn't been showing me anything positive in the last two efforts. When examining today's class figure, she will have to notch a better rating than last out to compete in this turf route.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#9 STORM CRY is the play if we get odds of 3/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes - Race 6

EXACTA * TRIFECTA * SUPERFECTA (10 Cent Minimum) * PICK 3 (50 Cent Minimum: Races 6-7-8) * DAILY DOUBLE (Races 6-7)


Claiming $10,000 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 84 • Purse: $15,300 • Post: 3:25P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES SINCE JUNE 7 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $7,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * FLEETING: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest Tr ackMaster Power Rating. BOLDLEE: Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. SHADOW SURPRISE: Horse ranks in the top three in T rackMaster Power Rating. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). GYM TOO: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in av erage Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
2
FLEETING
8/1

5/1
1A
BOLDLEE
8/5

6/1
4
SHADOW SURPRISE
7/2

7/1
1
GYM TOO
8/5

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
5
U ROCK IT
6

12/1
Front-runner
82

88

103.0

52.6

41.6
1A
BOLDLEE
5

8/5
Front-runner
88

88

86.2

84.4

77.9
1
GYM TOO
3

8/5
Front-runner
89

88

86.0

82.0

74.5
4
SHADOW SURPRISE
4

7/2
Front-runner
93

87

85.0

81.4

73.9
2
FLEETING
1

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
92

90

73.8

77.4

72.9
3
JOE MOOCH
2

5/2
Alternator/Stalker
86

82

67.8

81.0

72.0
6
GREEN DIAMOND CAT
7

5/1
Alternator/Stalker
84

82

50.6

74.8

65.8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 8 - Trial - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $1800 Class Rating: 69

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR MAIDENS THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD AS OF TIME OF ENTRY TO THE TRIALS, WHICH HAVE NOMINATED AND REMAIN ELIGIBLE. THREE YEAR OLDS.123 LBS., OLDER.126 LBS., $200 TO NOMINATE BY MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2018; $500 DUE AT TIME OF ENTRY TO THE TRIALS; $1,000 SUPPLEMENTAL AT TIME OF ENTRY FEE


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 TINYS DESI 4/1

# 8 TIMARRED SPECIAL 6/1

# 5 TOASTIN MISS JODY 6/1

TINYS DESI supports the bet in here. With a reliable 71 average speed fig at the distance, seems well suited for today's contest. Should come out strong - I have liked the way this filly has moved swiftly to the lead recently. Could best this group based on the speed figure - 74 - of her last effort. TIMARRED SPECIAL - Could provide positive gains based on strong recent Equibase speed figs with an average of 62. Ran a sharp last race. TOASTIN MISS JODY - Fuentes ought to be able to get this filly to break out early for this event. With a strong 65 Equibase Speed Fig last time out, will clearly be a factor in this affair.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)
Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse) - Race 8

$1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $1 Quinella


Handicap Stakes • 300 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 101 • Purse: $20,000 • Post: 9:16P
QUARTER HORSE 300Y, INDEPENDENCE DAY H. - GRADE 3 THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * ROYALTYS AUTHORITY: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. LOTTA BLUES MAN: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. MY FAVORITE CHECK: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
2
ROYALTYS AUTHORITY
8/5

7/2
4
LOTTA BLUES MAN
5/2

9/2
3
MY FAVORITE CHECK
7/2

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
DUCK DASH N GO
1

7/2
Fast
96

89

3.3

0.0

0.0
2
ROYALTYS AUTHORITY
2

8/5
Average
106

110

4.2

0.0

0.0
3
MY FAVORITE CHECK
3

7/2
Average
100

94

3.8

0.0

0.0
4
LOTTA BLUES MAN
4

5/2
Average
109

106

4.0

0.0

0.0
5
PRECIOUS DOMINIQUE
5

6/1
Average
98

96

3.6

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 4 - Claiming - 8.5f on the Turf. Purse: $16000 Class Rating: 80

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS OR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 7 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000, FOR EACH $1,000 TO $14,000 1 LB.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 SYNDICATE SAVER 6/1

# 8 BARTLEBY 2/1

# 4 MAYRHOFEN 9/2

I lean toward SYNDICATE SAVER here. Has to be considered a key contender on earnings per start at the distance/surface alone. Could best this field based on the Equibase Speed Fig - 82 - of his last affair. BARTLEBY - Ought to be carefully examined in this contest if only for the respectable Equibase Speed Fig recorded in the last race. Seems to have a competitive class edge based on the latest company kept.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

The Minnesota Twins are already well on their way towards erasing the bad vibes that were created from their recently completed 1-8 road trip. The Twins eye their first three-game winning streak since the beginning of June and attempt to continue their recent domination of the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday when the teams meet for the third contest in a four-game set.

Minnesota returned home Thursday after getting swept in back-to-back series by the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers and promptly snapped a six-game skid by getting strong performances from rookies Aaron Slegers and Jake Cave in a 5-2 victory. It was the veterans' turn to rise to the challenge in Friday's 6-2 triumph, as Max Kepler belted a two-run homer to help the Twins race out to an early six-run lead while Lance Lynn held the Orioles in check over six innings. Minnesota has outscored Baltimore 26-9 while taking four of the five meetings this season and won 10 of the last 13 contests between the teams. The Orioles have dropped 11 of their 12 overall, scoring three runs or fewer 10 times over that span.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (4-6, 4.05 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (2-6, 3.58)

Gausman earned his first victory in nine starts since May 11 on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing two runs and six hits across eight innings. The LSU product is winless in eight road turns this season but has yielded two or fewer runs in four consecutive outings overall, posting a 2.46 ERA and 1.09 WHIP over that stretch. Brian Dozier (5-for-18) and Eduardo Escobar (3-for-10) have each homered versus Gausman, who was pounded for six runs over four frames in his season debut against Minnesota on April 1.

Gibson was afforded an unusual amount of run support but could not take advantage Monday at Milwaukee, settling for a no-decision after permitting four runs (three earned) over five innings. The 30-year-old has surrendered more than three earned runs only once in his last seven outings, but Minnesota has won only two of those games and backed him with an average of two runs in the five losses. Gibson walked five but threw six no-hit innings to beat Baltimore in his season debut on March 31.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kepler has hit safely in 11 of his 12 career games against the Orioles, batting .391 with four homers and 15 RBIs in those contests.

2. Baltimore has not scored more than three runs in any game against Minnesota this season.

3. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer is a career .339 hitter versus the Orioles and needs one more double to pass Kirby Puckett (414) for the most in club history.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Orioles 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

The Cincinnati Reds have brought out their best when they face the Chicago Cubs, and they'll try to continue their dominance in the season series when the teams square off Saturday afternoon in the middle contest of their three-game series at Wrigley Field. Cincinnati took the opener 3-2 on Friday, improving to 7-3 against the Cubs this campaign.


The Reds have won five straight against Chicago for the first time since 2014, and though they remain in last place in the National League Central, they've won 14 of their last 18 overall. The loss snapped the Cubs' season-high six-game winning streak, as well as their string of seven straight home victories. After scoring 56 runs during the six consecutive triumphs, Chicago went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left nine on base Friday. The offensive woes are nothing new for the Cubs against the Reds, as they've scored three or fewer runs in five of their 10 meetings.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), NBCS Chicago


PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Matt Harvey (4-5, 4.91 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (3-5, 4.54)

Harvey is showing signs of regaining the form he showed early in his career, as he has allowed three runs over 18 1/3 innings while recording three straight wins. The 29-year-old dominated first-place Milwaukee last time out, striking out six and allowing two hits over 5 2/3 scoreless frames. Harvey beat the Cubs on June 21, improving to 2-1 with a 4.23 ERA in five career starts against Chicago.

Chatwood endured a rocky outing in his first start since coming off the paternity list, as he allowed seven runs over five innings in a no-decision against Minnesota. The 28-year-old issued three walks, running his major league-high total to 66 in 73 1/3 frames. Chatwood is 0-4 with a 4.18 ERA in five career starts against the Reds.


WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs C Willson Contreras is 10-for-18 with four extra-base hits during his five-game hitting streak and has registered a career-high four straight multi-hit performances.

2. Reds 1B Joey Votto has recorded 103 career hits at Wrigley Field, most among active visiting players.

3. Cincinnati 3B Eugenio Suarez is 12-for-35 during his nine-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Reds 5, Cubs 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies have surged into a tie for the lead in the National League East, and if their performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates continues, they'll have a chance to keep climbing this weekend. The Phillies aim for a sixth straight victory when they visit the Pirates for the middle contest of their three-game series on Saturday.


The Phillies have won five in a row and seven of their last eight after rolling to a 17-5 rout in the series opener, pulling into a tie with Atlanta atop the division. After leaning on dominant pitching for its previous four victories, Philadelphia collected 18 hits in Friday's rout. Pittsburgh has lost four straight as its pitching staff has been beaten up, allowing 48 runs - and 12 homers - during the skid. The Phillies have won all five meetings with the Pirates this season, outscoring them 35-10.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh


PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (5-6, 3.54 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (5-6, 4.05)

Arrieta is winless in his last six turns, recording only one quality start over that stretch. The 32-year-old pitched better last time out, allowing three runs - two earned - over five innings in a no-decision against Washington. Arrieta is 11-6 with a 3.01 ERA in 21 career starts against the Pirates, including a victory on April 19 in which he struck out 10 and allowed one hit over seven scoreless frames.

Taillon was excellent in June, going 3-2 with a 2.90 ERA, but he didn't have his best stuff in his first outing of July. The 26-year-old allowed four runs - three earned - over 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision at San Diego on Sunday. Taillon gave up five runs in 1 2/3 frames at Philadelphia on April 19, falling to 1-1 with a 5.68 ERA in three career starts against the Phillies.


WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies C Andrew Knapp is 10-for-24 with three homers during his seven-game hitting streak.

2. Pirates 2B Josh Harrison went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI on Friday to snap a 1-for-16 slump.

3. Philadelphia CF Odubel Herrera, who homered and drove in four runs on Friday, is 4-for-7 with a homer versus Taillon.

PREDICTION: Phillies 7, Pirates 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

After putting an end to their four-game overall slide, the San Francisco Giants aim for their sixth win in eight home contests when they continue their four-game series against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday afternoon. The Giants scored only five runs during their losing streak and again struggled to cross the plate on Friday but managed to eke out a 3-2 victory and even the set at one win apiece.

Pablo Sandoval belted a solo homer and Andrew McCutchen snapped a 2-2 tie with an RBI single in the seventh inning as San Francisco limited St. Louis to five hits after surrendering 18 in the series-opening 11-2 loss. Jedd Gyorko and Kolten Wong each recorded two hits for the Cardinals on Friday, with the latter driving in both runs. Wong, who delivered an RBI double in the second inning and a run-scoring triple in the seventh, has gone 4-for-8 over the first two games of the set. Gyorko also is swinging a hot bat as he is 5-for-8 with a double, a triple, a homer and five RBIs in the series.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (5-4, 3.20 ERA) vs. Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (1-4, 6.56)

Martinez has put together back-to-back solid outings after being pounded at Milwaukee on June 21, allowing two runs over six innings in each - victories over Cleveland at home and Arizona on the road. The 26-year-old Dominican registered 15 strikeouts and issued only three walks in the triumphs while also keeping the ball in the park. Martinez, who owns a 4.32 ERA on the road and a 2.38 mark at home, is 2-1 with a 3.09 ERA in three career starts and two relief appearances against the Giants.

Samardzija returns from shoulder tightness to make his first start since May 29 - a loss at Colorado in which he gave up two runs and three hits in one inning before exiting with the ailment. The 33-year-old native of Indiana, who is winless since his season debut against the Los Angeles Angels on April 20, has made only three of his eight starts this year at home. Samardzija owns a 4-4 record and 3.68 ERA in 23 career games (12 starts) versus the Cardinals.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cardinals activated SS Paul DeJong (hand), who went 1-for-3 and scored twice, from the 10-day disabled list on Friday and optioned LHP Austin Gomber to Triple-A Memphis.

2. San Francisco 2B Joe Panik left Friday's win with a strained left groin and is expected to land on the DL.

3. St. Louis sent LHP Tyler Lyons (elbow) and RHP Luke Gregerson (shoulder) to Memphis on rehab assignments.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 8, Giants 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

Luis Severino has emerged as a bona fide ace for the New York Yankees, leading the major leagues in wins and looking like the starter for the American League in the All-Star Game. Severino could be facing a future teammate in his next start when the Yankees resume their three-game series at the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon.

Severino, who will match his career-high win total with his next victory, is 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA versus the Blue Jays this season, allowing one run and four hits over 12 2/3 innings. He will be opposed by left-hander J.A. Happ, a 10-game winner for Toronto who has been the subject of rampant trade speculation -- with New York considered among the top suitors. Justin Smoak clubbed a three-run homer to spark a five-run second inning as the Blue Jays won the series opener 6-2 to improve to 4-7 against the Yankees this season. Aaron Hicks drove in both runs for New York, including his career-high 16th homer -- his fifth blast in the last five games.

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, YES (New York), SNET (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (13-2, 1.98 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (10-4, 4.03)

Severino has won four consecutive starts and has not allowed a run in three of them, including 13 2/3 scoreless innings over his last two turns. He blanked the Boston Red Sox on two hits over 6 2/3 innings last time out -- the fifth time in his last eight starts he has permitted four hits or fewer. Smoak has had success against Severino, going 6-for-16 with a pair of home runs.

Happ had his six-game winning streak halted by Detroit on Sunday, getting tagged for seven runs and 10 hits to absorb his first defeat since May 10. He has surrendered four of his 14 homers in his last three turns and also yielded a two-run shot to Giancarlo Stanton in an Opening Day loss to New York. Happ won both his starts against the Yankees last season, giving up a combined two runs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Hicks has homered nine times in the last 16 games.

2. Blue Jays 3B Yangervis Solarte is 5-for-12 during a three-game hitting streak.

3. Yankees RHP Masahiro Tanaka will return from the disabled list on Tuesday to start against Baltimore.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 1