Friday 7-13-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Albuquerque
Albuquerque - Race 8

Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta / Third Leg Pick 4


Allowance • 400 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 95 • Purse: $26,400 • Post: 9:00P
QUARTER HORSE 400Y, FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * APOLLITICAL SCOUT: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation. BIG SIERRA CARTEL: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. ONE FAMOUS RIBBON: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. CALIFORNIA GURL: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. MASON S MOON: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation.
8
APOLLITICAL SCOUT
3/1

9/2
6
BIG SIERRA CARTEL
6/1

6/1
3
ONE FAMOUS RIBBON
15/1

8/1
7
CALIFORNIA GURL
8/1

9/1
9
MASONS MOON
8/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
FAMOUS CRAZYFACE
1

10/1
Average
85

86

4.7

0.0

0.0
2
CORONAS DASHIN INJUN
2

12/1
Average
79

83

4.3

0.0

0.0
3
ONE FAMOUS RIBBON
3

15/1
Fast
101

83

2.8

0.0

0.0
4
BITAHEAVEN
4

20/1
Slow
77

64

6.6

0.0

0.0
5
MAKE U SMILE
5

5/1
Fast
85

86

3.2

0.0

0.0
6
BIG SIERRA CARTEL
6

6/1
Average
89

97

3.9

0.0

0.0
7
CALIFORNIA GURL
7

8/1
Average
95

87

4.3

0.0

0.0
8
APOLLITICAL SCOUT
8

3/1
Fast
97

96

2.5

0.0

0.0
9
MASONS MOON
9

8/1
Fast
90

90

3.2

0.0

0.0
10
MAMACITA CARTEL
10

4/1
Fast
90

89

3.2

0.0

0.0
11
MISS RAMBLIN MOON
11

20/1
Average
65

57

4.5

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Arlington - Race #6 - Post: 5:41pm - Optional Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $33,000 Class Rating: 93

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 HAYWORTH (ML=3/1)
#4 DEEP BREATH (IRE) (ML=6/1)


HAYWORTH - This horse obviously likes the conditions for today's race. Has earned the highest Equibase speed fig on the turf at the distance-surface. I know she'll be way back, but she's got a great move turning for home. This horse coming off a sharp race in the last 30 days is a strong challenger in my humble opinion. DEEP BREATH (IRE) - This thoroughbred has a lot of class. A good sign in a race on the turf like we have today. Based on her last TrackMaster turf number alone, I'm going to play this horse. Just missed hitting the board on Jul 1st at Arlington. With pretty good odds right here in this race, she has my interest. Entered a $75,000 Optional Claiming race at Arlington in the last race and raced on the soft turf finishing sixth. Expect better in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 STROLLIN THE BAYOU (ML=7/2), #5 CUBS WIN (ML=4/1), #8 MOUNTAIN MOMMA (ML=9/2),

STROLLIN THE BAYOU - Morning line odds of 7/2 make this thoroughbred a pass by my criteria. CUBS WIN - Garnered a substandard speed rating last race out in a $22,500 Claiming race on Jun 15th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that figure. MOUNTAIN MOMMA - Will not be easy for this horse to beat this field off of that last speed rating. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's Equibase class figure, so put her on the possibly overvalued contestants list.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #6 HAYWORTH on the win end if we get at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
[4,6] with [4,6] with [1,3,5,7,8] Total Cost: $10

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[4,6] with [4,6] with [5,7,8] with [1,3,5,7,8] Total Cost: $24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Belmont Park

07/13/18, BEL, Race 8, 6.50 ET
1 1/16M [Dirt] 1.39.01 STAKES. Purse $100,000.
Exacta, Trifecta (.50), Super (.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 28.48, $1 ROI 0.90, For Race Category Non-Maiden Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 2 Twisted Tom 4/5 Ortiz J L Brown Chad C. TSFEC
097.5582 5 Wine Not 6-1 Carmouche K Weaver George W
094.9583 3 Hit It Once More 8-1 Velazquez J R Sciacca Gary JL
094.6460 1 Pat On the Back 6/5 Davis D Englehart Jeremiah C.
092.9602 4 Fullback Foye 50-1 Franco M Zito Nicholas P.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 8 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $11500 Class Rating: 72

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR MINNESOTA BRED NON-WINNERS OF THREE. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000. MINNESOTA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 R POINT MADE 6/1

# 1 AIN'TSEENTHEBALL 7/2

# 3 VESTED CREEK 15/1

R POINT MADE is the top wager in this race. Looks quite good against this group of horses in this race and should be one of the early speedsters. Has run quite well when racing a dirt sprint race. Has been running in the most competitive company of the group recently. AIN'TSEENTHEBALL - With one of the best jockeys in terms of gains at the window, don't count this gelding out. Has been right there at the wire most every time lately.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Evangeline Downs - Race #6 - Post: 8:10pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,500 Class Rating: 76

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 A P INDY IS GOLD (ML=6/1)
#2 MR. GIBBS (ML=7/2)


A P INDY IS GOLD - I figure Deville is making a good move here. This gelding can only benefit from the shorter trip. You always have to be on the watch for money making rider/trainer combos; we have an instance right here. MR. GIBBS - Popular angle - 3rd or 4th start after a layoff generally leads to a big effort. Should run a big one here. This gelding is in fine physical condition, having run a nice race on June 30th, finishing first. Lead at every call in last race at Evangeline Downs. Good opportunity in this race to repeat that effort in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 GRIDIRON CAT (ML=5/2), #7 PIRANHA TOUGH (ML=9/2), #1 TEN SILVER PINS (ML=5/1),

GRIDIRON CAT - This horse doesn't have a winning disposition. Always finishes in the place and show spots. PIRANHA TOUGH - The effort last time around the track on Jun 23rd probably won't hold up against stiffer competition when they turn for home. TEN SILVER PINS - Really don't think the last speed fig was acquired legitimately. The off conditions may have lead to such a high rating.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #9 A P INDY IS GOLD on top if we're getting at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Los Alamitos (Thoroughbred)
Los Alamitos (Thoroughbred) - Race 4

$1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta / $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.) / $2 Rolling Double $1 Pick Three (Races 4-5-6)


Maiden Claiming $30,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 82 • Purse: $17,000 • Post: 2:28P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $30,000, IF FOR $28,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.
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 * IMAGINEIAMFASTEST: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest Track Master Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
5
IMAGINEIAMFASTEST
9/5

7/5




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
BUCK DUANE
3

8/5
Front-runner
78

71

86.4

66.9

61.9
6
JUNE SIXTH
6

12/1
Front-runner
0

0

78.9

51.3

42.8
7
BRIGHTON BOY
7

6/1
Front-runner
0

0

77.7

47.4

41.4
4
IRISH BALLAD
4

8/1
Front-runner
0

0

77.4

50.9

43.9
5
IMAGINEIAMFASTEST
5

9/5
Stalker
93

84

70.4

76.0

72.5
1
JACK HENRY
1

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

19.9

38.9

28.9








Unknown Running Style: IT MAKES SENSE (6/1) [Jockey: Pereira Tiago Josue - Trainer: Lopez Carlos Cruz].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 11 - Trial - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $3500 Class Rating: 69

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR TWO YEAR OLDS, ACCREDITED TEXAS-BREDS. WEIGHT . 122 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 MRS PERFECT 9/5

# 3 CLASS WITH FLASH 7/2

# 7 GONE REGARDLESS 5/2

My choice here is MRS PERFECT. Must be given consideration here on the basis of the figures in the speed section alone. Could best this field based on the Equibase Speed Fig - 79 - of her last race. Has been running very well lately and will most likely be on or close to the lead early on. CLASS WITH FLASH - Must be given a shot - I like the numbers from the last outing. Displays the look of a lucrative play, averaging a solid 59 Equibase Speed Fig which is one of the strongest in this field. GONE REGARDLESS - Bard has him trained solidly to break rapidly out of the gate. Win percentage one of the best in this group of horses in this race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Rangers at Orioles
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

While the Baltimore Orioles haven't had much reason for optimism all season, the Texas Rangers had to believe getting back to .500 in the near future was a possibility, that is, until the calendar flipped to July. The Rangers hope to put a halt to their recent struggles Friday when they kick off the final leg of their 10-game trek with the first of three contests at Baltimore.

Texas (40-54) fell as many as 17 games below .500 on June 15 before going 11-2 over the rest of the month, but a 2-8 swoon in July has almost erased most of the progress it had made. The Rangers split a series in Detroit to begin its road trip last week, but they were unable to get anything done during a sweep in Boston and find themselves in a spot where they must hope Baltimore's lackluster pitching staff (4.92 team ERA, ranking 28th in the majors) can help an offense that is averaging two runs over the last six contests. The Orioles' miserable season can't end soon enough, as they stand 39 1/2 games out of first place in the American League East and their 26-68 record is the worst in baseball. Baltimore lost for the 16th time in 19 contests Thursday, dropping a 4-2 decision in a make-up game against Philadelphia.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Cole Hamels (4-8, 4.28 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Alex Cobb (2-11, 6.67)

After working at least five innings in each of his first 17 outings this season, Hamels turned in his shortest start since June 1, 2010 in Saturday's loss at Detroit, surrendering seven runs (three earned) while recording only two outs. The 2008 World Series MVP has struggled as a whole over his last three turns, going 0-2 with an 11.81 ERA. Mark Trumbo is 7-for-20 with three home runs against Hamels, who is 1-4 with a 5.35 ERA in six starts versus Baltimore.

Cobb was tagged for five runs on seven hits - including two homers - over five-plus innings Sunday at Minnesota en route to his fourth straight loss before a blister forced him from the game. The 30-year-old has made only five of his 16 starts at home this season, going 0-4 with a 6.52 ERA at Camden Yards. Shin-Soo Choo (5-for-12, one home run) has thrived while Adrian Beltre (1-for-13) has struggled versus Cobb, who is 1-0 with a 2.91 ERA in five careers starts against Texas.

WALK-OFFS

1. Choo enters this series with a 48-game, on-base streak, tied with Cincinnati's Joey Votto for the second-longest such run in the majors since 2007.

2. Despite watching his 10-game hitting streak come to an end Thursday, Baltimore 2B Jonathan Schoop is batting .378 in July after carrying a .197 average into the month.

3. Texas OF Delino DeShields (neck, shoulder) is expected to be available Friday after he was removed for precautionary reasons Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Orioles 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Brewers at Pirates
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

If the Milwaukee Brewers don’t end up winning the National League Central, their performance within the division might end up being to blame. The Brewers will try to reverse their struggles against division rivals when they continue a five-game road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

The Pirates beat the Brewers 6-3 in Thursday’s series opener, improving to 4-2 against first-place Milwaukee this season. Pittsburgh has won four of five following a five-game skid with each win coming by three runs or fewer. The Brewers dropped to 19-21 within the division and saw their lead over the Chicago Cubs shrink to one game. Milwaukee has dropped three of four on its current road trip.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Dish455 (Milwaukee), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), AT&T SportsNet - Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Junior Guerra (6-5, 2.79 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Nick Kingham (3-4, 4.26)

The late-blooming Guerra has returned to the strong form he displayed in 2016. The 33-year-old Venezuelan has won his last three starts and allowed only one run over 11 innings across his last two outings. Guerra is 1-1 with a 3.44 ERA in eight games (six starts) against the Pirates, who tagged him for five runs in five innings in a loss May 4 in Milwaukee.

Kingham came back from his worst outing of the season to shut down Philadelphia on Sunday. The 26-year-old rookie held the Phillies to one run and four hits over six innings to earn his first win since May 4 at Milwaukee. Kingham won his first start against the Brewers despite allowing four runs - and two home runs - in 5 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates CF Starling Marte, who is 7-for-14 versus Guerra, is 14-for-31 with seven RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.

2. Milwaukee All-Star 1B Jesus Aguilar hit his NL-leading 24th home run Thursday and is 10-for-27 with three doubles, five homers, and 12 RBIs over his past seven games.

3. The Pirates have 11 stolen bases in their last six games and have been successful in 18 of their last 20 steal attempts.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Pirates 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Blue Jays at Red Sox
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

Perhaps a blowout loss to the hated New York Yankees almost two weeks ago was a good thing for the Boston Red Sox, who haven't had to sweat very much while posting 10 straight victories. The Red Sox attempt to match their longest winning streak since September 15-25, 2016, on Friday when they host the second of four games against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Boston suffered its worst defeat of the season (11-1) on July 1 to fall into a first-place tie in the American League East with the Yankees but hasn't found itself behind the opposition very often since then, trailing in only 10 of a possible 90 innings. Three of those frames came Thursday before Mookie Betts gave the Red Sox the lead for good with a grand slam to cap a five-run fourth inning en route to a 6-4 triumph, maintaining his team's 3 1/2-game division lead. Toronto hasn't had much luck trying to solve Boston of late, dropping six straight and 21 of the last 29 meetings overall since the start of last season. Justin Smoak was unable to homer for the third straight game, but he has knocked in a run in three straight and is batting .409 during a modest six-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Sportsnet (Toronto), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (0-1, 2.25 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (11-3, 3.58)

Although Toronto has scored a total of three runs in his three outings, Borucki continued the stellar start to his big-league career while allowing one run across seven innings in Sunday's no-decision versus the New York Yankees. The 24-year-old has logged at least six innings and yielded two runs or fewer in each of his three turns since his promotion from Triple-A Buffalo on June 26. Borucki has never faced Boston and lost his only road start after permitting two runs in six frames at Houston last month.

Porcello matched his win total from 2017 in 14 fewer trips to the mound Sunday at Kansas City, tying a season-high with nine strikeouts despite giving up three runs and nine hits over seven innings. The 2016 AL Cy Young Award winner has only taken two turns at home since the end of May, going 0-1 with a 4.63 ERA in those outings. Porcello's last victory at Fenway Park came May 29 versus the Blue Jays, against whom he allowed three runs (two earned) in 6 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox are only the sixth team in the expansion era (since 1961) to win at least 66 of their first 95 contests.

2. Toronto is 13-23 versus divisional opponents (29-27 against all others), including 4-13 on the road.

3. Boston 1B/DH Steve Pearce was forced from the game Thursday after getting hit by a pitch in the second inning, but he has been ruled day-to-day with a shin contusion.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Blue Jays 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Nationals at Mets
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

Noah Syndergaard will make his first start in seven weeks when the last-place New York Mets host the Washington Nationals on Friday for the second of a four-game series between National League East rivals. The 25-year-old won four of his first five decisions this season before suffering a strained ligament in his right index finger and hopes to help the Mets even the series after a 5-4 loss on Thursday night.

Asdrubal Cabrera had a pair of hits, including a solo homer, for New York in the series opener and boasts a team-high 52 RBIs - the most of his career before the All-Star break - for the Mets, who are 5-6 in their last 11. Right-hander Tanner Roark looks to turn his season around and improve on his 7-2 career record (3.09 ERA) against New York when he gets the start Friday, but he has struggled mightily with just one victory since April. Washington (47-46) moved back over the .500 mark with Thursday’s victory as Bryce Harper launched his team-best 23rd homer of the campaign, while Anthony Rendon belted a pair to give him three in his last three contests. Rendon is 7-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak with seven RBIs to raise his batting average to .285.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (3-11, 4.76 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (4-1, 3.06)

Roark is winless in his last six starts, watching his ERA increase 1.2 runs in the process while allowing 48 hits over 31 1/3 innings. The 31-year-old Illinois product has given up 13 runs on 20 hits across 11 innings in two July outings but has been much better on the road (3.63 ERA) than at home (5.98) in 2018. Brandon Nimmo is 2-for-3 with a homer versus Roark, who has yielded seven runs over 12 innings in two no-decisions against the Mets this year.

Syndergaard is expected to make his first start since May 25 after getting through a bullpen session Wednesday with no issues. The native Texan posted seven quality starts in his first 11 trips to the mound this season before going down with the injury and has yielded three or fewer runs in his last 10 outings. Rendon is 7-for-20 with a homer and five RBIs against Syndergaard, who is 2-4 with a 3.53 ERA in 10 career starts versus Washington.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington’s rookie OF Juan Soto had two singles Thursday and owns multiple hits in four of his last eight contests.

2. New York OF/3B Jose Bautista belted his seventh homer in the opener while registering the 1,000th walk in his career.

3. Nationals OF Adam Eaton, who was rested Thursday against a left-handed starter, is 6-for-11 over his last three games.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Nationals 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Phillies at Marlins
Gracenote
Jul 12, 2018

The Philadelphia Phillies rebounded from being shut out in their previous encounter to record their 11th win in 15 outings and regain sole possession of first place in the National League East. The Phillies (52-40) look to bolster their position atop the division Friday when they visit their third city in as many nights to open a three-game series against the Miami Marlins (39-56).

Jorge Alfaro went deep and drove in three runs in Philadelphia's 5-4 victory over Baltimore on Thursday and went 8-for-18 with two homers, four RBIs and as many runs scored versus Miami this season. For all of their unexpected success this season, the Phillies are only 17-19 against NL East representatives and 3-3 versus the Marlins. Miami recorded its second extra-inning victory in three outings as it improved to 3-1 in its last four with a 5-4 triumph in 12 frames over NL Central-leading Milwaukee on Wednesday. Starlin Castro had a walk-off single in that tilt and is 6-for-16 with three doubles and four runs scored in six meetings versus Philadelphia this season.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBC 10 (Philadelphia), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (6-6, 3.47 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (2-6, 6.14)

Arrieta collected his first win since May 29 on Saturday after allowing two runs and striking out eight in a 3-2 victory at Pittsburgh. The 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner worked seven innings for the first time since that May 29 outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Arrieta struggled in a pair of outings versus Miami this season, allowing three runs in four innings of a no-decision April 8 before doubling that run total on eight hits in 3 2/3 frames of an 8-4 setback April 30.

Chen hopes a bit of home cooking will feed his success, as he sports a 1.89 ERA and 7.3 strikeouts per nine innings in six starts at Marlins Park as opposed to a ghastly 10.47 ERA on the road. The 32-year-old Taiwan native was gouged for seven runs on as many hits in 4 1/3 innings at Washington on Saturday to fall to 0-3 in his last four starts. Maikel Franco (7-for-16, two home runs), Odubel Herrera (4-for-10) and Cesar Hernandez (5-for-15) have flustered Chen, who is 1-3 with a 4.02 ERA in six career appearances versus the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami rookie 3B Brian Anderson has two homers, five RBIs and four runs scored during his six-game hitting streak.

2. Hernandez has five hits in his last two contests after going 2-for-15 in his previous five.

3. Marlins 1B Justin Bour had four hits and three RBIs in his last three games after going 5-for-30 with 11 strikeouts in his previous eight.

PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Phillies 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Yankees at Indians
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

The New York Yankees hope to continue their torrid power surge when they visit the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians on Friday night for the second of a four-game series. The Yankees belted three homers - two from Brett Gardner - in Thursday’s 7-4 triumph and own 26 in 12 contests this month to increase their season total to 157 - 26 more than any other team in the majors.

Didi Gregorius hit the other longball for New York on Thursday - only his second in the last 26 games after launching 14 in his first 61 outings this season, and extended his hitting streak to seven contests. Domingo German will try to match his performance against the Indians on May 6 when he struck out nine over six hitless innings, while Cleveland counters with impressive rookie Shane Bieber. The Indians own a comfortable 7 1/2-game lead atop the AL Central but have dropped five of their last six and allowed 37 runs during that stretch. Jose Ramirez belted his 28th homer in the series opener for Cleveland to tie Boston’s J.D. Martinez for the major-league lead.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Domingo German (2-4, 5.06 ERA) vs. Indians RH Shane Bieber (4-1, 3.47)

German has posted four quality starts in his last six chances and is 2-0 with a 4.59 ERA over his last seven outings after starting the season 0-4 with a 5.44 mark. The 25-year-old Dominican held Toronto to one run on four hits and two walks across six innings with five strikeouts Sunday but was not involved in the decision as the Yankees won 2-1. Yonder Alonso is the only Cleveland player with a hit against German in his career.

Bieber suffered his first major-league defeat Sunday when he permitted four runs on eight hits over six innings in a 6-0 setback against Oakland. The 23-year-old Californian had won four consecutive starts before that outing, yielding six runs on 29 hits over 24 2/3 frames with 23 strikeouts. Bieber, who has managed to thrive despite allowing opponents to bat .304 against him overall, is 2-1 with a 2.41 ERA in his first three big-league starts at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland SS Francisco Lindor boasts 25 homers, which is the most by a shortstop in the first half since Alex Rodriguez hit 27 in 2002.

2. New York OF Aaron Judge has hit safely in seven straight contests (9-for-29) but is without a homer in his past six outings.

3. Indians DH Edwin Encarnacion snapped a nine-game homer drought with a solo blast in Thursday’s setback.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Yankees 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Braves
Gracenote
Jul 12, 2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks arrive in Atlanta to open the final series before the All-Star break Friday against the Braves, and will need their bullpen to stabilize after two rough outings in a row. One day after Arizona relievers allowed 14 runs in a blowout loss at Colorado that forced the Diamondbacks to cover 4 2/3 innings with position players pitching, the bullpen gave up three runs late Thursday in a 5-1 defeat - Arizona’s ninth loss in its past 13 games.

One encouraging sign for the Diamondbacks continues to be the resurgence of first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who collected two more hits Thursday to raise his average to .370 in his past 44 games, as he has lifted his average from .198 to .284. Another hitter on display in the series also is in the midst of a hot streak as Atlanta second baseman Ozzie Albies is batting .418 with four homers and 20 runs scored in his past 20 games, adding 40 points to hit average to .288. The Braves had dropped 11 of their previous 18 games before Albies sparked Wednesday’s 7-5 triumph over Toronto with two homers and four RBIs. Albies first career multi-homer game gives him 20 on the season, and snapped Atlanta’s season-long five-game homerless streak.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (10-6, 4.80 ERA) vs. Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (4-2, 2.72)

Godley makes his 19th start of the season three days after he fired a scoreless 15th inning in Sunday’s 4-3, 16-inning loss to San Diego. The 28-year-old has struggled with control, walking 52 hitters and allowing 12 homers over 99 1/3 innings one season after issuing 53 walks and allowing 15 homers across 155 innings. Godley, who held San Diego to one run on four hits with seven strikeouts to win his last start July 6, is 0-1 in two career starts against Atlanta with 13 earned runs allowed in 11 innings.

Sanchez becomes even more important to Atlanta with every start given injuries to the rotation, and the 34-year-old keeps enjoying a bounce-back campaign. He has limited opponents to two earned runs or fewer in seven of his 10 starts, giving up one run on two hits with one walk and eight strikeouts Saturday in a 5-1 victory at Milwaukee. Sanchez is 4-1 with a 4.47 ERA in eight career games against the Diamondbacks, allowing three earned runs in one inning of a relief stint last season while with Detroit.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Braves are 31-11 when their starting pitcher works at least six innings.

2. The Diamondbacks recalled RHP Matt Koch and RHP Silvino Bracho from Triple-A Reno before Thursday’s game, placing RHP Shelby Miller (right elbow inflammation) and LHP T.J. McFarland (left neck strain) on the disabled list after both were injured Wednesday.

3. The two teams met in Atlanta in the first series after the All-Star break last season as the Braves swept the three-game set while outscoring Arizona 19-9.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Diamondbacks 2