Wednesday 7-11-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:34 PM

Detroit Tigers vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th July 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/10/2018

On the day the Tampa Bay Rays looked ahead to a more promising future, their current club continued a hot stretch. The Rays seek a three-game sweep of the visiting Detroit Tigers when the teams wrap up their set Wednesday afternoon at Tropicana Field.

Hours after unveiling designs for a new stadium in Ybor City - a roughly $900 million proposal - Tampa Bay topped the Tigers 5-2 for its 13th win in the last 14 home games. The Rays have won four consecutive contests overall and they are a season-high three games over .500 at 47-44. Niko Goodrum had two hits and an RBI for Detroit, which is 4-17 in the last 21 games and at a low-water mark of 14 games below .500. Tampa Bay successfully navigated a bullpen day in Tuesday's victory and will try to win another when Hunter Wood starts things off in the series finale opposite veteran Jordan Zimmermann for Detroit.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Detroit, FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (4-0, 3.51 ERA) vs. Rays RH Hunter Wood (0-0, 2.00)

Zimmermann has been one of the best pitchers in the American League since returning from a shoulder injury last month, going 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in four starts. The best of the bunch came at home against Texas on Friday, when the the 32-year-old held the Rangers to one run and four hits with 11 strikeouts in eight innings. He tossed seven scoreless frames against the Rays earlier in the year in Detroit but has a 5.29 ERA in three career starts at Tampa Bay.

Wood will be making his first career start after five relief appearances over the last two years. He made 73 starts in the minor leagues, including two this year for Triple-A Durham. The 24-year-old tossed 2 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out two in the series opener Monday night.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays are 11-3 against AL Central opponents.

2. Goodrum is 18-for-42 in July.

3. Tampa Bay optioned OF Johnny Field to Triple-A Durham and recalled 1B/DH Ji-Man Choi.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Rays 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:34 PM

Washington Nationals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th July 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/11/2018

The Washington Nationals have an opportunity to build some momentum heading into the All-Star break as they look to turn around what has been a disappointing first half. The Nationals' last five games before the break are against losing teams, beginning with the rubber match of a three-game road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.

The Nationals have lost 10 of their last 15 games and averaged two runs in the defeats while totaling 57 runs in the five wins. They evened the series with a 5-1 win Tuesday to move back above .500, but they remain 5 1/2 games behind Philadelphia in the National League East. Pittsburgh has lost six of its last eight and was held without an extra-base hit Tuesday for the ninth time this season. Washington has won five of six in the season series.

TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, Facebook Watch

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-5, 3.76 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (6-7, 4.60)

Gonzalez is winless over his last seven starts and has posted a whopping 7.18 ERA during that stretch. The 32-year-old has struggled with his command of late, issuing 13 walks in 11 innings across his last three outings. Gonzalez is 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA in nine starts against the Pirates.

After going 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA across his first nine starts of the season, Williams is 1-5 with a 7.02 ERA in his last nine. The 26-year-old had another rough outing Friday against Philadelphia, allowing five runs over 2 1/3 innings in his third straight loss. Williams is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in one start and one relief appearance against Washington.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Nationals on Tuesday placed All-Star LHP Sean Doolittle on the disabled list, retroactive to Saturday, with a pinched nerve in his left foot. RHP Kelvin Herrera will take over the closer role in his absence.

2. Pirates RF Gregory Polanco has hit safely in 11 of his last 13 games and is 16-for-46 with four homers and 13 RBIs over that stretch.

3. Pittsburgh CF Starling Marte is 11-for-23 during a six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Pirates 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:34 PM

Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th July 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/11/2018

The Kansas City Royals snapped a pair of streaks with a rare offensive outburst and can pick up consecutive wins for the first time since the end of May when they finish a three-game series at the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. The Royals averaged 2.8 runs during a 10-game slide before erupting for 15 hits in a 9-4 win over the Twins on Tuesday.

Adalberto Mondesi had a home run and four RBIs for Kansas City, which also snapped the Twins' season high-tying five-game winning streak. Brian Dozier slugged a solo homer to provide a highlight for Minnesota and the star second baseman has two home runs, two doubles and two walks during a five-game hitting streak. Burch Smith will be making his first start since Sept. 27, 2013, when he toes the rubber in the series finale for the Royals in place of Jason Hammel, who was moved to the bullpen. Lance Lynn goes for the Twins, who remained 8 1/2 games behind slumping Cleveland in the American League Central.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Kansas City, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Burch Smith (0-0, 5.40 ERA) vs. Twins RH Lance Lynn (6-7, 5.21)

Smith has appeared in 24 games out of the bullpen, including four scoreless innings of relief against the Boston Red Sox on Friday. He was 1-3 with a 7.26 ERA as a starter with the San Diego Padres in 2013 but had 42 strikeouts in only 31 innings while in that role. The 28-year-old gave up seven runs in just three innings of relief in two games against the Twins earlier in the year.

Lynn gave up seven runs over 1 2/3 innings two turns ago at Wrigley Field before bouncing back against the last-place Baltimore Orioles on Friday. He held them to a run and six hits over six innings to post his sixth quality start in the last nine outings overall. One of those quality starts came May 28 at Kansas City, as the former first-round pick limited the Royals to two runs across six innings to get the win.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals 2B Whit Merrifield is hitting .460 during a 12-game hitting streak.

2. Twins 1B Joe Mauer remains tied with Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett for the franchise lead with 414 career doubles.

3. Minnesota LF Eddie Rosario has hit safely in 10 straight against the Royals.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Royals 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:34 PM

Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th July 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/11/2018

The Chicago Cubs haven't exactly been tearing the cover off the ball, but they have a chance to win their fourth consecutive series when they visit the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday afternoon for the rubber match of their three-game set. The Cubs produced only four hits in their series-opening 2-1 loss and managed only six in the middle contest but came away with a 2-0 victory.

Victor Caratini recorded an RBI double for Chicago and David Bote went 2-for-2, giving him hits in four of his last five games. San Francisco registered only three singles in Tuesday's loss, which dropped it to 3-3 on its 10-game homestand. Brandon Belt recorded one of them, making him 8-for-15 during his four-game hitting streak. Chase d'Arnaud also singled for the Giants as he made his first start since having his contract purchased from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (3-3, 3.68 ERA) vs. Giants RH Johnny Cueto (3-1, 1.95)

Montgomery is coming off a loss to Cincinnati on Friday in which he yielded three runs and six hits in five innings. It was the second straight five-frame outing for the 29-year-old Californian after five consecutive turns in which he worked six innings - four of which saw him allow just one run. Montgomery is 0-1 with a 3.78 ERA in two starts and two relief appearances against San Francisco in his career.

Cueto's return from the disabled list did not go as planned as he suffered the loss against St. Louis on Thursday after surrendering five runs and 10 hits in five innings. It was the first outing since April 28 for the 32-year-old Dominican, who missed over two months with elbow inflammation after allowing three runs over 32 frames in his first five turns of the season. Cueto has made 25 career starts versus the Cubs, going 9-9 with one complete game and a 3.35 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 3B Kris Bryant (shoulder) went 0-for-2 in the second game of his rehab assignment with Double-A Tennessee and could be activated from the disabled list and in the lineup on Wednesday.

2. San Francisco 3B Pablo Sandoval was hitless on Wednesday after going 5-for-10 over his previous two contests.

3. Chicago sent LHP Brian Duensing (shoulder) on a rehab assignment to Tennessee.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Cubs 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:34 PM

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th July 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/10/2018

The New York Yankees' aspirations to reside in the penthouse of the American League East have taken an inexplicable hit by the team languishing in the cellar of the division. The Yankees (59-31), who have lost five of nine encounters this season to the beleaguered Baltimore Orioles (26-66), bid for a split of their four-game series at Camden Yards on Wednesday.

All-Star shortstop Manny Machado, who has been the subject of consistent trade rumors, belted a pair of game-tying homers before Jonathan Schoop's RBI single in the ninth inning gave Baltimore a 6-5 triumph over New York. Machado is a robust 14-for-37 with six homers and 10 RBIs against the Yankees this season and 7-for-21 with six RBIs in his career versus Wednesday starter Sonny Gray. New York's Greg Bird launched a three-run homer to extend his hitting streak to four games, but saw Schoop's hard bouncer carom off his glove and into right field for the winning single. Didi Gregorius is 8-for-20 during his five-game hitting streak overall and 13-for-31 against Baltimore this season.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Sonny Gray (5-7. 5.85 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (6-8, 4.08)

Gray fell to 0-3 with a bloated 12.27 ERA in his last three starts after allowing five runs on six hits in two innings of Friday's 6-2 setback at Toronto. The 28-year-old has permitted 15 runs and three homers in that three-game stretch heading into Wednesday's tilt versus Baltimore, against which he yielded one run on four hits in six innings of a 4-1 victory on June 1. "I had two bad starts in a row. It's no secret," Gray told the New York Daily News. "But at the end of the day I get a chance to compete, a chance to go out there and try to win a baseball game."

Bundy saw his three-start winning streak halted on Friday as he was blitzed for six runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings of a 6-2 setback at Minnesota in his first start off the disabled list. The 25-year-old had worked at least six innings in eight straight starts prior to injuring his ankle while running the bases. Brett Gardner is 6-for-16 in his career versus Bundy, who owns a 2-3 mark with a 5.34 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in seven career appearances against the Yankees.

WALK-OFFS

1. Schoop is 16-for-37 during his nine-game hitting streak.

2. New York 3B Miguel Andujar has hit safely in eight of his last nine contests.

3. While the Orioles have the edge in the season series against the Yankees, they are just 6-20 against the other AL East representatives.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Orioles 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:35 PM

Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th July 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/10/2018

The battle for the Ohio Cup shaped up as a mismatch with last-place Cincinnati taking on first-place Cleveland in a three-game interleague series. However, the visiting Reds ignored the script and can complete a three-game sweep of the Indians with a win in Wednesday night's series finale following a stunning comeback 24 hours earlier.

Cincinnati trailed by four runs and was one out from defeat when it scored seven times in the ninth for a 7-4 victory, sending Cleveland to its season high-tying fourth consecutive defeat. Joey Votto provided the decisive blow with a bases-clearing, three-run double and Adam Duvall added a two-run double for the Reds, who improved to 7-3 in their last 10 and have scored at least five runs nine times in that span. All-Stars Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor each homered -- their 25th and 24th, respectively -- for the Indians, who will be looking to avoid dropping five straight at home for the first time since May 2017. Lindor is 13-for-37 with four homers, 13 RBIs and 14 runs scored in nine games this month.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Tyler Mahle (7-6, 3.66 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (9-5, 4.28)

Mahle is coming off his longest outing of the season, yielding one run and five hits over 6 2/3 innings to beat the Chicago Cubs and improve to 4-0 in his last eight starts. The 23-year-old struck out a career-high 12 over 5 2/3 innings in his previous turn but had to settle for a no-decision after giving up three runs and six hits. Mahle is 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 10 road starts.

Carrasco had put together two of his best starts of the season before he took a line drive off his pitching arm on June 16 and landed on the 10-day disabled list. He finally returned on Friday and picked up the win against Oakland, giving up two homers and three runs over 5 1/3 innings. Votto is 5-for-11 with a home run against Carrasco, who is 2-0 with a 4.45 ERA versus the Reds.

WALK-OFFS

1. Lindor and Ramirez have homered in the same game nine times this season, the most by any tandem.

2. Cincinnati is 10-2 in interleague play this season.

3. Indians RF Lonnie Chisenhall (calf) will miss 8-10 weeks while RHP Josh Tomlin (hamstring) went on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Reds 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:35 PM

Texas Rangers vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/10/2018

Chris Sale has followed a three-start losing streak with a dominating stretch, allowing only four runs and striking out 56 batters while going 4-0 over his last five outings. Sale has allowed a scant 15 hits during that span and will look to give the Boston Red Sox a three-game sweep of the visiting Texas Rangers on Wednesday night.

Boston's Andrew Benintendi is in second place entering the final day of balloting for the All-Star Final Vote, but he staked his claim with a pair of RBI doubles in Tuesday's 8-4 victory. Jackie Bradley Jr. matched Benintendi with two RBI doubles as the Red Sox ran their winning streak to eight games to improve to a major league-best 64-29. Shin-Soo Choo walked twice to extend his on-base streak to 48 games, tying Cincinnati's Joey Votto for the second-longest string since 2007. Texas' Bartolo Colon, who opposes Sale, will surpass Dennis Martinez (245) as the all-time winningest Latin American pitcher with his next victory.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Southwest (Texas), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (5-6, 4.65 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (9-4, 2.36)

Colon was denied in his bid to break Martinez's record last time out at Detroit, taking the loss despite working a season-high eight innings and allowing three runs on five hits. The 45-year-old was taken deep in that loss to boost his total to 22 homers allowed, including four solo shots by the Red Sox in a 5-1 setback on May 4. Colon owns a 7-6 record with a 3.74 ERA at Fenway Park.

Sale reached double digits in strikeouts for the fourth consecutive outing, fanning 12 while giving up one run on five hits over six innings to win his third start in a row. It marked the eighth time this season that Sale has registered at least 10 strikeouts, including 12 in an overpowering win at Texas on May 6. Sale has flustered Choo, who is 2-for-26 with 12 strikeouts against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston has won five straight and 11 of its last 13 games against Texas.

2. Rangers DH Adrian Beltre is 5-for-16 versus Sale but only 4-for-28 with zero extra-base hits and RBIs in July.

3. Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia (knee), sidelined since May 29, will head to Arizona to continue his rehab program.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Rangers 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:35 PM

Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th July 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/10/2018

Jacob deGrom will make his last scheduled start prior to the All-Star Game as the New York Mets (36-53) bid to salvage a split of their four-game series against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies (51-39) on Wednesday. The Mets' lone representative in the Midsummer Classic, deGrom has been plagued by a lack of offensive support to sport just a 5-4 mark despite leading the majors with a 1.79 ERA.

DeGrom would be wise to keep an eye on Maikel Franco, who homered for the second time this series to highlight a four-RBI performance in Tuesday's 7-3 victory. The 25-year-old Franco is 11-for-25 with seven RBIs since batting out of the No. 8 spot in the lineup for Philadelphia, which has won 10 of its last 13 contests to climb back into first place in the National League East. New York, which is battling Miami to stay out of the division's cellar, has scored just eight runs while losing four of its last five games overall and 19 of its last 23 at Citi Field. Amed Rosario legged out two triples to highlight a three-hit performance on Tuesday after going 1-for-17 in his previous contests in July.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (5-8, 4.69 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (5-4, 1.79)

Velasquez will make his first start since landing on the 10-day disabled list after getting drilled on the right forearm by a line drive. The 26-year-old threw left-handed to get the out at first base before departing that game, but he is just 1-4 in his last eight starts. Asdrubal Cabrera is 5-for-11 and Michael Conforto is 4-for-7 with two homers versus Velasquez, who sports a 1-3 mark with a 4.61 ERA in six career starts against the Mets.

Limited offensive support has been a constant story for deGrom, who owns a 1-4 mark in his last nine outings despite allowing just 15 runs in 64 innings over that span. The 30-year-old yielded just one run on four hits over eight innings of a no-decision against Tampa Bay on Friday. DeGrom, who tossed 45 pitches in one inning before being removed as a precaution versus Philadelphia on May 13, owns a sterling 6-1 mark in 12 career starts against the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia RF Nick Williams recorded his second three-hit performance of the series to improve to 10-for-24 with two homers, seven RBIs and four runs scored in his last seven games.

2. New York CF Brandon Nimmo is 6-for-46 with 20 strikeouts in his last 15 contests.

3. Cabrera is expected to play in the series finale after aggravating his hyperextended left elbow on Tuesday, manager Mickey Callaway said.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Phillies 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:35 PM

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th July 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/11/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers are closing in on taking the National League Central lead into the All-Star break for a second consecutive year. The Brewers will try to maintain their slim margin atop the division when they face the host Miami Marlins in the rubber match of a three-game series Wednesday.

Milwaukee, which has won or split its last six series, evened the series with an 8-4 win Tuesday to maintain a chance of extending that streak. The Brewers rallied from an early 2-1 deficit to claim their 24th comeback win of the season and improve to 15-8 against the NL East. Milwaukee outfielder Christian Yelich has torn up his former team in his return to Miami, going 5-for-10 with two doubles and four RBIs in the first two games of the series. The Marlins, who had won two straight before Tuesday's setback, are trying to win a third consecutive home series.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Dish455 (Milwaukee), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Freddy Peralta (4-1, 2.14 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Dan Straily (3-4, 4.55)

Peralta is putting together an impressive rookie campaign, especially since being recalled June 19. The 22-year-old Dominican has posted quality starts in three of his last four outings, going 3-1 with a 1.50 ERA over that stretch. He allowed one run and three hits over six innings while striking out six in a win over Atlanta last time out.

Straily has only one win in his last nine outings, but he has posted three straight quality starts. The 29-year-old held Washington to two runs and five hits over six innings in a no-decision Friday. Straily is 4-0 with a 2.12 ERA in six games (five starts) against the Brewers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yelich has recorded multiple hits in three consecutive games.

2. Marlins RF Brian Anderson collected his 30th multi-hit game Tuesday, most among MLB rookies.

3. Miami SS JT Riddle is 11-for-29 during a season-long six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Marlins 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:35 PM

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th July 2018 by Gracenote
Blue Jays vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/10/2018

The Toronto Blue Jays sit five games under .500 on the road this season entering the finale of a two-game interleague set Wednesday at the Atlanta Braves, but come into the contest bolstered by a late rally that carried them to victory in the series opener. The Blue Jays took advantage of two eighth-inning errors to score five times during Tuesday's 6-2 victory in the first game of a stretch in which Toronto will play 16 of 22 away from home.

First baseman Justin Smoak blasted a solo homer, improving to 7-for-15 during a four-game hitting streak for the Blue Jays, and shortstop Aledmys Diaz added a two-run double in the pivotal eighth inning. Atlanta's loss dropped it out of first place in the National League East with Philadelphia's victory over the New York Mets as the Braves fell for the 11th time in their past 18 games - including five losses in their past seven home contests. Second baseman Ozzie Albies finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored and is hitting .438 during his seven-game hitting streak, collecting his ninth three-hit game of the season. Right fielder Nick Markakis, in his first contest since the 34-year-old was named to his first All-Star team, collected two hits Tuesday and is 7-for-16 during his current four-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Sam Gaviglio (2-2, 3.81 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (6-5, 2.37)

Gaviglio posted a 1.86 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Buffalo, and since being promoted to the majors in early May has been a pleasant surprise for the Blue Jays. The 28-year-old owns a 3.97 ERA in nine starts, striking out 45 in 47 2/3 innings while surrendering three earned runs or fewer seven times. Gaviglio gave up just one earned run in 4 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees on Friday, striking out six in a no-decision.

Foltynewicz makes his final start before heading to his first All-Star Game, looking to rebound after giving up five runs over six innings in a loss Friday at Milwaukee. The 26-year-old had allowed more than two earned runs only once in his first 16 starts before his last outing, but entered Tuesday second in the NL in hits per nine innings (6.16), fourth in ERA and seventh in strikeouts (114). Foltynewicz is holding hitters to a .190 average and a .596 OPS.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto improved to 9-4 in interleague play while the Braves dropped to 6-8.

2. Atlanta committed three errors Tuesday after entering the series opener with just 40 errors in 89 games this season.

3. Diaz is 14-for-32 in nine career games against the Braves with three doubles, one triple, one homer and 12 RBIs.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Blue Jays 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:36 PM

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th July 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/11/2018

The St. Louis Cardinals will try to build on their best offensive showing in over a year when they wrap up a two-game interleague series against the host Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. Kolten Wong and Dexter Fowler both homered and combined for six RBIs as the Cardinals opened the set with a 14-2 victory, improving to 5-3 on their nine-game road trip.

Jose Martinez added three hits and two RBIs for St. Louis, which produced its best run output since also scoring 14 on July 3, 2017. The Cardinals have won five straight meetings with the White Sox, who dropped their sixth consecutive contest overall. Avisail Garcia had been one of the few bright spots for Chicago of late, hammering eight home runs in his last 13 games, but he was placed on the 10-day disabled list on Tuesday for the second time this year with a hamstring strain. Opponents are averaging 8.3 runs during the White Sox's six-game slide, a trend that Carlos Rodon will try to end when he gets the start in the finale opposite St. Louis' Luke Weaver.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Luke Weaver (5-7, 4.92 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (1-3, 4.29)

Weaver endured a rocky stretch in June but opened July with a gem at San Francisco, limiting the Giants to two runs in a season-high eight innings. He yielded two hits and struck out seven without issuing a walk in the win, just his second in a span of 10 starts. The Florida State product is 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA in two career interleague starts.

Rodon worked around six walks in six innings of two-run ball at Houston on Thursday. It marked the fourth time in six starts this year the 25-year-old allowed exactly two earned runs. Rodon is 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in two home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals 1B Matt Carpenter recorded two hits Tuesday and is batting .332 in 115 career interleague games.

2. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu went 0-for-4 in the series opener and is 2-for-27 over an eight-game span.

3. Chicago added OF Ryan LaMarre, who was claimed off waivers from Minnesota on Monday, to the 25-man roster to take Garcia's spot.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, White Sox 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:36 PM

Oakland Athletics vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th July 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/11/2018

The Oakland Athletics had another character-building win snatched from them last time out and will try to rebound when they visit the American League West-leading Houston Astros for the third contest of their four-game series on Wednesday. The Athletics rallied for four runs in the ninth inning to forge a tie and took the lead in the 11th before coughing it up in a 6-5 setback on Tuesday - their ninth defeat in 11 contests against Houston this season.

Oakland, which is chasing Seattle for the second wild-card spot in the AL, still has recorded 11 wins in its last 14 contests and slugger Khris Davis has hit safely in a career-high 12 straight games - going 18-for-49 during the streak. Lance McCullers Jr. seeks his fourth victory over the Athletics this season (four runs allowed in 19 innings) when he takes the mound for the Astros on Wednesday against Chris Bassitt. Houston has won seven of its last eight contests overall after Alex Bregman belted a pair of homers Tuesday and hit a grounder that led to an error and plated the winning run as the Astros improved to 7-2 this month. Jose Altuve (10-for-29) and Yuli Gurriel (11-for-26) each bring seven-game hitting streaks into Wednesday's contest for Houston.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Chris Bassitt (1-3, 3.00 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lance McCullers Jr. (10-3, 3.41)

Bassitt followed his first victory of the season with a no-decision against San Diego in which he gave up two runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old Akron product blanked Detroit on two hits but issued five walks in his previous start on June 27 as the Athletics posted a 3-0 triumph. George Springer has homered in two career at-bats versus Bassitt, who allowed four runs - two earned - over 11 innings in two outings (one start) against Houston in 2015.

McCullers posted his seventh straight quality start on Friday, when he registered a career-high 12 strikeouts while allowing one run and three hits over seven innings to defeat the Chicago White Sox. The 24-year-old Floridian has given up one run over 14 frames in his last two outings and fanned 37 in his last four starts. Marcus Semien is 7-for-14 with three walks against McCullers, who is 4-1 with a 3.46 ERA in seven career starts versus the Athletics.

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston UTIL Marwin Gonzalez left Tuesday's game with a bruised left wrist and elbow and is considered day-to-day.

2. Oakland INF Jed Lowrie has belted 16 homers this year, tying the career high he set in 2012 while with the Astros.

3. The Astros recalled OF Jake Marisnick from Triple-A Fresno and placed RHP Gerrit Cole on the bereavement list on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Athletics 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:36 PM

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/11/2018

The Colorado Rockies have climbed back into the tight National League West race despite struggling at home, where they own a surprising 18-23 record. The Rockies look to improve on that mark Wednesday as they continue their three-game series against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks, who have won their last nine contests at Coors Field.

The Diamondbacks improved to 25-15 since May 28 with Tuesday's 5-3 win as David Peralta belted a three-run homer and Brad Boxberger pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his 22nd save. Peralta is 15-for-40 with eight RBIs over his last 10 games overall and 27-for-71 with three homers and 14 RBIs in his last 17 meetings with the Rockies. Nolan Arenado belted his 23rd homer in Tuesday's loss for Colorado, which has dropped back-to-back contests following a five-game winning streak. The team's bullpen faltered again as Jake McGee and Scott Oberg surrendered four runs in the seventh inning, allowing Arizona to rally from a 2-1 deficit.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Shelby Miller (0-3, 9.00 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (7-8, 4.92)

Miller has lost each of his first three starts since returning from Tommy John surgery on June 25, but he had an encouraging outing on Thursday in San Diego. The 27-year-old recorded seven strikeouts and allowed five runs - three earned - over 5 1/3 innings in the 6-3 loss. Miller is 2-4 with a 5.94 ERA in nine career starts versus Colorado and has struggled to contain DJ LeMahieu (8-for-19, home run).

Marquez won his second straight start on Friday, allowing one run and five hits over six innings against Seattle. The 23-year-old is 5-3 with a 2.62 ERA on the road this season but owns a 2-5 record and 7.93 ERA at Coors Field. Paul Goldschmidt is 8-for-15 with three home runs against Marquez, who is 0-4 with a 4.47 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) versus Arizona, including an 0-1 record and 5.00 ERA in two outings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies SS Trevor Story has recorded nine multi-hit performances in his last 13 games.

2. Arizona is 6-1 against Colorado this season, including a three-game sweep at Coors Field last month.

3. The Rockies activated C Tom Murphy from the paternity list and optioned 1B/OF Jordan Patterson to Triple-A Albuquerque.

PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Diamondbacks 6

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-11-2018, 01:36 PM

Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 07-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th July 2018 by Gracenote
Mariners vs. Angels Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/11/2018

The Los Angeles Angels started their series against the Seattle Mariners on the wrong foot, but they quickly regained their balance and rolled to victory. The Angels look to pick up where they left off when they host the Mariners on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game set.

Los Angeles spotted Seattle three runs in the first inning on Tuesday but got one back in the bottom half, tied the game in the second frame and staged a four-run rally in the fourth en route to a 9-3 victory. The Angels banged out 15 hits in the triumph, with Kole Calhoun and Andrelton Simmons each collecting three while driving in two runs apiece. Calhoun, who also recorded a three-hit performance at Seattle on July 4, belted a solo homer while Albert Pujols launched a two-run shot to give him blasts in back-to-back contests. Mitch Haniger hit a three-run homer in the opening inning for the Mariners, who were kicking off a six-game road trip after going 6-3 on their nine-game homestand.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (9-5, 3.64 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jaime Barria (5-5, 3.39)

Gonzales has yet to lose to the Angels in his career, going 1-0 with a 3.91 ERA in five career starts. The 26-year-old native of Colorado notched the victory in his last outing as he gave up one run and five hits over six innings at home on Thursday. Gonzales, who tossed his first major-league complete game - a triumph over Kansas City on June 29 - in his previous turn, has registered 21 strikeouts and issued only five walks over 17 frames in three starts versus the Angels this season.

Barria suffered the loss opposite Gonzales on Thursday despite allowing just two runs on five hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings. The 21-year-old Panamanian rookie has lost each of his last four decisions, a stretch that began with a setback at Seattle on June 12. Barria gave up three runs - two earned - and eight hits, including two homers, over five frames in that defeat but did not issue a walk.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Angels could be without RHP Garrett Richards for a while as he exited the series opener in the third inning with a forearm injury and will undergo an MRI on Wednesday.

2. Seattle placed RHP Felix Hernandez (back) on the 10-day disabled list on Tuesday, optioned OF John Andreoli to Triple-A Tacoma and recalled RHP Nick Rumbelow and 2B Gordon Beckham from the Rainiers.

3. Los Angeles recalled OF Michael Hermosillo from Triple-A Salt Lake and optioned RHP Deck McGuire to the Bees.

PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Angels 4

Wednesday 7-11-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Wednesday 7-11-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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