Saturday 7-21-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

Maybe the Atlanta Braves have found an answer to their season-long issue of effectiveness at the leadoff spot, and they head into Saturday's middle contest of a three-game series at the Washington Nationals looking to capture the series and regain the top spot in National League East. Rookie left fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. got his first career start in the leadoff spot Friday, and all the 20-year-old did was finish 3-for-4 with a homer, two stolen bases and three runs scored in an 8-5 victory.

One concern for Atlanta entering the middle game of the series is the health of All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies, who doubled, stole a base and scored a run before leaving after two innings with right hamstring tightness. But Atlanta emphatically snapped a 3-8 skid by jumping on Washington pitching, finishing with 12 hits (seven for extra bases) while handing the Nationals their sixth loss in the past nine games. Third baseman Anthony Rendon finished 1-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to nine games and has collected at least one base hit in 26 of his past 30 games. The two youngest players in the majors homered in the series opener, Acuna belting his eighth longball in the top of the eighth before 19-year-old Juan Soto answered for the Nationals with a two-run shot in the bottom of the eighth.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Sean Newcomb (8-5, 3.51 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-6, 3.72)
Newcomb stumbled into the All-Star break with three subpar starts to begin July, losing all three outings while posting a 9.75 ERA with 12 walks and four homers allowed in 12 innings. The 25-year-old had pitched himself into consideration for the NL All-Star team with a dominant May and June, during which he went 7-1 with a 2.07 ERA. Newcomb, who gave up three runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings in last Saturday's loss to Arizona, is 1-1 with a 5.56 ERA in two starts against Washington this season.
Gonzalez showed signs of shaking off an awful June with three good starts in July leading into the All-Star break, posting a 3.94 ERA after going 0-3 with an 8.44 ERA and six homers allowed in five outings last month. The 32-year-old gave up two runs on six hits in six innings in a July 11 loss at Pittsburgh and has not won a game since beating Baltimore on May 28 - a streak of eight consecutive starts. The first start of that stretch was a no-decision June 2 at Atlanta in which Gonzalez gave up three runs on five hits with nine strikeouts and no walks in seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington 1B Ryan Zimmerman (right oblique strain) was activated from the disabled list but did not start; he grounded out as a pinch-hitter, while 1B Matt Adams finished 1-for-4 with his 16th homer.

2. The Braves finished with a season-high four stolen bases Friday.

3. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis finished 1-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to nine games.

PREDICTION: Braves 6, Nationals 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

Manny Machado delivered just what the Los Angeles Dodgers hoped for after acquiring him during the All-Star break, but it was a pair of the team's surprise standouts that made a bigger impact in his debut. The Dodgers set their sights on a sixth victory in seven tries Saturday, when they visit the struggling Milwaukee Brewers for the middle contest of their three-game series.

Machado collected two singles and two walks in five plate appearances during his first game with Los Angeles since being obtained from Baltimore on Wednesday for five prospects. Max Muncy reached base three times and hit a critical RBI double in the seventh inning to pad the Dodgers' lead, while Enrique Hernandez belted a three-run homer in the ninth after Milwaukee had pulled within a run one frame earlier. The Brewers went 1-7 on an eight-game road trip leading into the break and could not snap out of their funk in the opener despite getting three hits from Christian Yelich and fellow All-Star Jesus Aguilar's 25th home run, tying him for first in the NL. Milwaukee hasn't received much help from its pitching staff during its seven-game slide, allowing at least five runs in all but one of the defeats.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (3-4, 2.74 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (6-7, 3.78)

Kershaw hasn't lost since late April in part due to a couple of stints on the disabled list but enters the second half of the season with a losing record for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2008. The seven-time All-Star settled for a no-decision Sunday versus the Los Angeles Angels after permitting three runs over 6 2/3 innings. Ryan Braun is 10-for-33 with a homer against Kershaw, who is 4-0 with a 1.39 ERA in six career starts at Miller Park.

Anderson gave up back-to-back solo homers in the opening frame and very little in the 4 1/3 innings thereafter but still was saddled with the loss at Pittsburgh last Saturday. The 30-year-old Texan has surrendered 19 home runs - tied for the sixth-highest total in the majors - but allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last five outings. Matt Kemp (7-for-20, two homers) is among seven Dodgers with at least one home run against Anderson, who is 1-1 with a 5.44 ERA in nine career starts versus the Dodgers.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers have yielded four runs or fewer in 15 of their last 16 contests and no more than five in any of the games over that span.

2. Milwaukee MGR Craig Counsell told reporters Braun (back strain) could come off the disabled list as early as Saturday.

3. The Dodgers optioned OF Andrew Toles to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday to make room on the roster for Machado.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Brewers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

Starling Marte and the Pittsburgh Pirates are on a roll, and the club looks to extend its season-best winning streak to seven games when they visit the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. Marte went 2-for-6 with a grand slam during Friday's 12-1 triumph as he stretched his hitting streak to 13 contests.

Marte is batting .389 with five homers and 14 RBIs during his hot streak, raising his average 21 points to .286. Sean Rodriguez homered and drove in four runs while Corey Dickerson added a solo blast to help Pittsburgh win for the ninth time in 10 games. Reds All-Star first baseman Joey Votto wasn't in the starting lineup for the opener and proclaimed, "I could use a little bit of a breather," to reporters prior to the game but ultimately entered the contest in the ninth inning. Friday's loss was the second in a row for Cincinnati following a stretch during which it won 18 of 25 games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Nick Kingham (4-4, 4.26 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (4-2, 5.32)

Kingham has won his last two starts, allowing four runs and nine hits over 12 1/3 innings during the stretch. The 26-year-old has dropped three straight road turns after winning his first such outing in Milwaukee on May 4 and has posted a subpar 6.41 ERA in games away from home. Kingham has a fine strikeout-to-walk ratio of 51-to-12 but has served up 10 homers in 50 2/3 frames.

DeSclafani has been roughed up in three starts this month, serving up six homers in just 15 2/3 innings while going 1-1 with a 6.89 ERA. The 28-year-old is 2-1 with a 5.46 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in five home outings this season. DeSclafani is 2-2 with a 3.38 ERA in seven career starts against the Pirates, including a victory on June 17 in which he allowed two runs and three hits over 5 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 2B Josh Harrison (hamstring) was held out of the series opener and will test the leg Saturday before it is determined whether or not he can return to the lineup.

2. Cincinnati recalled Phillip Ervin from Triple-A Louisville to fill the roster spot of fellow OF Scott Schebler (shoulder), who was placed on the 10-day DL on Thursday.

3. Pittsburgh activated Rodriguez (quadriceps) from the 10-day disabled list prior to the game and optioned RHP Tanner Anderson to Triple-A Indianapolis.

PREDICTION: Reds 5, Pirates 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

The Minnesota Twins stumbled in their first game following the All-Star break but aren't ready to give up on their faint playoff hopes. The Twins look to snap a seven-game road losing streak on Saturday when they continue their three-game series against the host Kansas City Royals, who posted their third victory in the past 16 games with Friday's 6-5 win.

Kansas City owns the second-worst record in the majors at 28-68 but held on for the win Friday behind Danny Duffy's seven strong innings to go along with Lucas Duda's homer and three RBIs. Minnesota won nine of 11 games entering the break but was 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position in the opener and lost despite two hits from Joe Mauer, who is batting .329 with 16 RBIs in his last 17 contests. Mitch Garver ended a 0-for-15 skid with an RBI triple in the eighth inning, but it wasn't enough for a Twins' team that is battling to stay in contention with the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline fast approaching. "Nobody has given up," Mauer told reporters. "I've seen a turnaround happen. We've been playing good baseball, and we'll keep fighting."

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Lance Lynn (7-7, 5.22 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jake Junis (5-10, 5.13)

Lynn won his second consecutive start on July 11, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits over five innings against Kansas City. The 31-year-old native of Indiana has yielded the third-most walks in the American League (55), including eight over his last three outings. Duda is 1-for-17 with six strikeouts against Lynn, who is 2-1 with a 5.09 ERA in six career starts against the Royals, including 2-0 with a 4.09 mark in two outings this season.

Junis has been out most of the month with lower back inflammation but will be activated from the disabled list Saturday to make his first start since July 2. The 25-year-old struggled in his last five starts before landing on the DL, posting a 9.33 ERA with 12 home runs allowed over 27 innings. Junis faced the Twins on May 28 and allowed three runs on six hits with four walks over six frames in the 8-5 setback - the first of seven consecutive losing starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota is a major league-worst 7-17 at Kauffman Stadium since 2016.

2. Twins 1B/DH Logan Morrison (hip) is expected to be activated from the DL prior to Sunday's series finale.

3. The Royals placed INF Adalberto Mondesi on the family medical emergency leave list prior to the opener and recalled INF Ramon Torres from Triple-A Omaha.

PREDICTION: Twins 7, Royals 4

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Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Angels Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

The American League West-leading Houston Astros aim for their fourth straight road win when they visit the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Houston, which owns a five-game division lead over Seattle, scored three early runs in the opener and rode a stellar pitching performance by Dallas Keuchel to a 3-1 victory.

Josh Reddick scored a run and drove in another as he recorded his second two-hit effort in three games while Keuchel carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning en route to winning his fourth consecutive start and fifth straight decision for the Astros, who have captured 10 of their last 14 contests. Ian Kinsler notched one of the two hits recorded by Los Angeles, which has dropped three of its last four games. Kinsler, who singled and scored in the eighth inning, is riding a five-game hitting streak during which he has gone 7-for-20. Justin Upton notched the Angels' other single on Friday and has hit safely in seven of his last nine contests.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (9-5, 2.29 ERA) vs. Angels RH Nick Tropeano (3-4, 4.83)

Verlander is hoping to benefit from the All-Star break as he uncharacteristically went 0-3 with a 4.10 ERA over his final six starts before the pause in the season. The 35-year-old Virginian did reach double digits in strikeouts three times during the slump, registering 12 in a loss to Detroit on Sunday to vault past Bob Feller and Warren Spahn to claim 26th place on the all-time list with 2,588. Verlander, who is 20 strikeouts away from passing Tom Glavine for 25th, is 10-8 with a 3.12 ERA in 21 career starts versus the Angels - including a 2-0 record with a shutout and a 1.13 ERA in two turns this year.

Tropeano is expected to be activated from the disabled list, where he has been since June 15 due to shoulder inflammation, to make his first start in more than a month. The 27-year-old New Yorker last took the mound for the Angels on June 10, when he yielded five runs on four hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings in a loss at Minnesota. Tropeano fell to 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in three career turns against Houston on April 25 as he gave up four runs over 5 1/3 frames while starting opposite Verlander.

WALK-OFFS

1. Contrary to the team's beliefs prior to the All-Star break, Astros SS Carlos Correa (back) will not be activated from the DL during the team's current road trip.

2. Los Angeles OF Mike Trout is 0-for-6 over his last two contests following a seven-game hitting streak.

3. Houston recalled J.D. Davis from Triple-A Fresno on Friday to fill the roster spot created when fellow 3B Tyler White was optioned to the Grizzlies four days earlier.

PREDICTION: Astros 9, Angels 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th July 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/20/2018

A day after one of their ugliest losses in nearly a decade, the Chicago Cubs get a chance to put it behind them - in fact, they get two chances. The first-place Cubs look to bounce back from an 18-5 drubbing when they host the St. Louis Cardinals for a day-night doubleheader Saturday.


The National League Central rivals have split the first two of the five-game series, as the Cubs rallied to take the opener and St. Louis had its revenge in Friday's rout. Matt Carpenter continued his hot streak, going 5-for-5 with three homers, two doubles, and seven RBIs, as the Cardinals improved to 2-1 under interim manager Mike Shildt. The lopsided defeat was just the Cubs' second loss at home since June 20 and their fourth in 17 games overall. The only silver lining for the Cubs is they were able to preserve their bullpen somewhat for Saturday's doubleheader by using three position players - Tommy La Stella, Victor Caratini, and Ian Happ - to combine for 3 1/3 innings of relief.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, Fox


PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH John Gant (3-3, 3.49 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (3-3, 3.91)

Gant has been a valuable swingman for the Cardinals, bouncing between the bullpen and the rotation. The 25-year-old made his last start July 6, allowing two runs over six innings in a no-decision at San Francisco, and he threw four scoreless frames in relief July 15 against Cincinnati. Gant has faced the Cubs only once, in 2016, and allowed three runs (two earned) over 4 1/3 innings in a loss.

Montgomery has become a mainstay in the rotation since Yu Darvish went to the disabled list, and he is 3-2 with a 3.20 ERA in nine starts. The 29-year-old has not been as effective of late, allowing three or more runs in each of his last four starts with just one victory. Montgomery is 1-1 with a 1.15 ERA in nine appearances against the Cardinals, but this will be his first start against them.


WALK-OFFS

1. Carpenter has homered in four consecutive games - the longest streak of his career - and has six homers against the Cubs this season.

2. St. Louis CF Tommy Pham went 3-for-5 with three RBIs Friday and is 11-for-29 with eight RBIs and 11 runs against Chicago in 2018.

3. Cubs C Willson Contreras hit his ninth career home run against the Cardinals on Friday, tied for the third-most by a catcher in Cubs history (Gabby Hartnett, 39; Michael Barrett, 12).

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Cardinals 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

Bartolo Colon attempts to become the winningest Latin American pitcher in baseball history when the Texas Rangers host the Cleveland Indians on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. The 45-year-old right-hander is tied with Nicaragua's Dennis Martinez with 245 career victories as he looks to help the Rangers bounce back from Friday's 9-8, 11-inning loss.

Colon is making his third attempt at setting the mark after suffering losses in back-to-back starts against Detroit and Boston. Rangers All-Star Shin-Soo Choo went 2-for-6 with a walk to extend his streak of reaching base to 52 consecutive games, seven shy of Will Clark's franchise-record streak that began in 1995 and concluded in 1996. Indians All-Star Jose Ramirez established a new career best with his 30th homer - also the most in the majors - while Jason Kipnis hit a two-run shot as part of three-RBI effort. Edwin Encarnacion went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and delivered the game-winning single in the 11th inning as Cleveland boosted its lead over Minnesota in the American League Central to 8 1/2 games.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (11-5, 4.12 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (5-7, 4.64)

Carrasco has won three straight decisions and five of his last six. The 31-year-old has posted a stellar 1.02 WHIP in eight road starts while going 4-3 with a 3.33 ERA and limiting batters to a .222 average. Carrasco is 2-3 with a porous 6.64 ERA in nine career appearances (seven starts) against Texas and has struggled with Elvis Andrus (6-for-16, one homer, eight RBIs).

Colon allowed three earned runs in both of his consecutive losses - he pitched eight innings against Detroit and six versus Boston. The veteran has given up three earned runs or fewer in five straight outings and 12 of his 17 turns this season. Colon is 7-5 with a 4.07 ERA in 14 career starts against the Indians, the franchise for which he pitched from 1997-2002.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers OF Joey Gallo went deep twice in the opener - including a game-tying, 472-foot blast in the ninth - for his second multi-homer performance of the campaign.

2. Cleveland added LHP Brad Hand and RHP Adam Cimber to the active roster after acquiring them from San Diego on Thursday, purchased the contract of OF Melky Cabrera and recalled 3B Yandy Diaz from Triple-A Columbus, optioned OF Greg Allen, RHP Adam Plutko and LHP Tyler Olson to the same affiliate and transferred OF Lonnie Chisenhall (calf) to the 60-day disabled list.

3. Texas placed Nomar Mazara (thumb) on the 10-day DL and recalled fellow OF Willie Calhoun from Triple-A Round Rock.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Rangers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

If the first game following the All-Star break is any indication, the National League West battle between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies figures to be a wild one. The teams continue their three-game series in Phoenix on Saturday after combining for 26 hits in Colorado's 11-10 victory on Friday.

Nolan Arenado belted two home runs and Raimel Tapia blasted a pinch-hit grand slam for Colorado, which has won six straight games and 14 of its last 17 to pull within two games of the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Arizona fell 1 1/2 games back of the Dodgers despite five hits from A.J. Pollock, who is hitting .415 with 14 RBIs during his 13-game hitting streak against the Rockies. David Peralta added four hits and Ketel Marte went 3-for-5 with four RBIs for Arizona, which led 8-5 before the Rockies rallied with six runs in the seventh inning against reliever Archie Bradley. Colorado second baseman DJ LeMahieu left the contest before the third inning with a strained oblique and was replaced by Pat Valaika, who is hitting .137 after going hitless in three at-bats.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (8-6, 3.11 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (11-6, 4.61)

Freeland entered the All-Star break on a hot streak, going 8-3 with a 2.59 ERA in his last 15 starts. The 25-year-old native of Denver owns a 1-2 record and 4.07 ERA in five career starts against the Diamondbacks, including a solid outing last Thursday when he allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision. "When he gets to the mound, he's so competitive, I think he's turning into a true ace," Carlos Gonzalez told reporters. "I see that in the future from him."

Godley tossed six innings of one-run ball in last Friday's 2-1 victory over Atlanta and has gone 6-1 with a 3.89 ERA and 44 strikeouts over his last seven starts covering 39 1/3 innings. The 28-year-old native of South Carolina has posted a 5-2 record and 3.80 ERA in eight home starts this season. Ian Desmond is 2-for-11 with five strikeouts against Godley, who is 4-0 with a 2.03 ERA in four career starts versus Colorado.

WALK-OFFS

1. Peralta is hitting .395 with six homers and 17 RBIs in his last 21 home games.

2. Colorado closer Wade Davis (illness) was unavailable Friday and is listed as day-to-day.

3. Arizona RHP Clay Buchholz (oblique) is set to rejoin the team's rotation on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs.

PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Diamondbacks 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Athletics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

The San Francisco Giants lost two of three at home last weekend in the first installment of the Bay Bridge Series but look to clinch the second matchup when they visit the Oakland Athletics on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game interleague set. The Giants entered the All-Star break having lost two straight to Oakland but bounced back Friday with a 5-1 road victory.

Pablo Sandoval went 2-for-3 with a homer and Ryder Jones went deep in his season debut for San Francisco, which entered the series with a major league-low six home runs since July 1. Oakland managed only four hits - three doubles - in the opener as it lost for just the third time in 10 contests. Mark Canha drove in the team's lone run on Friday with a sacrifice fly, giving him five RBIs in his last five games. Stephen Piscotty enters Saturday with a 10-game hitting streak after notching one of the Athletics' doubles in the opener.

TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (3-3, 2.90 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Trevor Cahill (1-2, 3.10)

Bumgarner hopes to duplicate his last outing, a home victory over Oakland on July 13 in which he allowed one run and three hits over six innings. With the triumph, the 28-year-old native of North Carolina improved to 4-2 with a 4.62 ERA in six career starts against the Athletics. Bumgarner has won three of his last four decisions but is 0-2 with a 4.67 ERA in three turns on the road this season.

Cahill's return from an Achilles injury that kept him on the disabled list for over a month was a brief one as he lasted only 3 2/3 innings at Houston on July 12, when he yielded three runs on three hits and three walks but avoided a loss. The 30-year-old Californian is winless in eight turns since tossing seven scoreless frames against the Chicago White Sox in his season debut but has allowed three earned runs or fewer in seven of those outings. Cahill owns a 7-5 record and 3.97 ERA in 18 career appearances (15 starts) versus San Francisco.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants RHP Jeff Samardzija (shoulder) could return from his third stint on the DL this year and start at Seattle on Wednesday.

2. Oakland DH Khris Davis is hitting .340 this month but has belted just one of his team-leading 21 homers.

3. San Francisco placed 1B Brandon Belt on the paternity list and recalled Jones from Triple-A Sacramento while sending 3B Evan Longoria (hand) to the River Cats on a rehab assignment.

PREDICTION: Giants 7, Athletics 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago White Sox vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

The Seattle Mariners halted their four-game losing streak in the series opener and attempt to defeat the visiting Chicago White Sox again on Saturday in the middle contest of their three-game set. Nelson Cruz drove in two runs during Friday's 3-1 victory but remains without a multi-hit performance this month.

Dee Gordon went 4-for-4 in the series opener for his third effort with four or more hits this season. Edwin Diaz bounced back from blowing a save opportunity in Tuesday's All-Star Game to convert his 18th consecutive regular-season chance to raise his major league-leading total to 37. While Seattle moved back to 20 games above .500 with the triumph, the White Sox fell 30 games below the mark while dropping to 14-34 on the road. Chicago All-Star first baseman Jose Abreu went hitless in four at-bats and is batting just .143 with one homer and five RBIs this month.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago, ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Covey (3-5, 5.69 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (8-7, 5.13)

Covey has dropped three straight starts and is 0-4 over his last five outings. The 26-year-old has posted a horrific 11.70 ERA and 2.25 WHIP during the stretch after being 3-1 with a 2.29 ERA over his first six turns. Covey escaped with a no-decision in his lone career start against the Mariners as he gave up four runs and five hits over six innings on May 18, 2017.

Hernandez (back) will be activated from the 10-day disabled list prior to the game after a brief stint that saw him miss just one start due to the All-Star break. The 32-year-old has worked five or fewer innings in four of his last six turns and has pitched seven or more frames only twice in 19 starts this season. Hernandez gave up three runs and seven hits over six innings while beating the White Sox on April 25, improving to 7-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 20 career meetings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Mariners rewarded MGR Scott Servais (223-199 in 2 1/2 seasons) with a multi-year contract extension on Friday.

2. Chicago activated Nicky Delmonico (hand) from the 10-day disabled list, one day after optioning fellow OF Charlie Tilson to Triple-A Charlotte.

3. Seattle recalled 1B Daniel Vogelbach and OF John Andreoli from Triple-A Tacoma and sent RHP Mike Morin outright to the same affiliate.

PREDICTION: Mariners 11, White Sox 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Toronto Argonauts Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in CFL

CFL Previews 18th July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/18/2018

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers look to bounce back from their Week 5 collapse when they hit the road to battle the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday. The Blue Bombers were cruising along with a 17-0 lead late in the third quarter only to surrender 20 straight points in the 20-17 loss to the BC Lions, and hope to avoid dropping three consecutive road games for the first time since 2015.

"The sun is still shining and the world didn't end so we're ready for another week," Winnipeg quarterback Matt Nichols told reporters. "You have no time to feel sorry for yourself in this business." The Toronto Argonauts fell into the East Division cellar along with the Montreal Alouettes, following a 16-15 defeat to the Edmonton Eskimos last week. The Argonauts have been held below 20 points in three of their first four games and hope James Franklin, who was thrust into a starting role when veteran quarterback Ricky Ray suffered a serious neck injury in Week 2, can breathe some life into an offence - which is ranked last in passing touchdowns (two) and eighth in rushing yards (325). "We're still a work in progress," Toronto head coach Marc Trestman told reporters. "We need to be more consistent on offence and be able to finish a game."

TV: 4 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN Plus

ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (2-3): Nichols struggled in his second start since hurting his knee in training camp as he finished 17-of-28 through the air for 214 yards and three interceptions, including a late pick that led to BC's game-winning field goal as time expired. Andrew Harris continued to terrorize his old team as he rushed for 139 yards and a pair of touchdown against the Lions to pass Robert Drummond (6,706) for 17th place on the CFL's all-time rushing list. Defensive back Chris Randle and Maurice Leggett missed practice on Tuesday, but are expected to play against the Argonauts while running back Timothy Flanders returned to practice and could make his first appearance of the season.

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (1-3): Franklin completed 26-of-36 passes for 296 yards while S.J. Green hauled in 10 passes for 131 yards to move past Jeff Boyd (8,322) for 36th place on the league's all-time receiving yards list. Toronto signed running back/kick returner Dexter McCluster, who was named to the Pro Bowl in 2013, but he will likely wait another week to make his debut while linebacker Cassius Vaughn will be sidelined on Saturday with an undisclosed injury. Defensive lineman Dylan Wynn will miss Saturday's clash after he was handed a one-game suspension by the league for spearing Edmonton running back C.J. Gable late in the fourth quarter.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Winnipeg has won three of the last four meetings with Toronto.

2. Harris has rushed for four touchdowns in his last three games.

3. Argonauts K Ronnie Pfeffer has made a league-low three field goals.

PREDICTION: Blue Bombers 31, Argonauts 26

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Montreal Alouettes vs. Calgary Stampeders Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in CFL

CFL Previews 18th July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/18/2018

The Calgary Stampeders look to keep their perfect record intact when they host the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday. Calgary routed the Ottawa Redblacks 27-3 in Week 5, but the win came at a cost as quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell left the game with a lower-body injury in the second quarter and is listed as questionable, meaning Nick Arbuckle could be in line to make his first-career CFL start.

The Stampeders have won eight straight meetings with the Alouettes in Calgary, including the last two matchups by a combined score of 81-19, and can improve to 5-0 for the first time since 1995 with another victory. The Alouettes look to bounce back from a 28-18 setback to Ottawa on July 6. The same problems continue to plague Montreal's offence as they were held below 20 points for the 11th time in the last 13 games and hope the return of quarterback Drew Willy from a neck injury can provide a spark as the Alouettes search for their first win in Calgary since July 1, 2009. "We're definitely not scoring points at the rate we need to be able to win football games," Montreal head coach Mike Sherman told reporters. "I always concerned and I'm sure you'd be the same way."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN2

ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (1-3): Jeff Mathews completed 18-of-30 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Ottawa, but will miss the next four to six weeks with a foot injury. Willy threw for 549 yards and three touchdowns in three games this season before going down with a neck injury in the win against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on June 30. Wide receiver Chris Williams, who leads the team in receiving yards (283), pulled his hamstring against the Redblacks and will miss Saturday's contest as will kick returner Stefan Logan (back).

ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (4-0): Mitchell threw for 166 yards and a touchdown before taking a low shot to his knee, but still became the fastest quarterback to reach 60 wins as he achieved the feat in his 72nd start, besting Ken Ploen, who did it in his 78th. Defensive end Micah Johnson was named one of the CFL's Top Performers of the Week after he recorded two forced fumbles and three sacks in the win against Ottawa. "I don't necessarily keep up with it that much as far as individual weekly accolades go but it's awesome though," Johnson told reporters. "The feeling of hard work paying off and everything like that is awesome."

EXTRA POINTS

1. Calgary is allowing a league-best 9.5 points per game.

2. Mitchell is 60-10-2 in his CFL career.

3. Montreal has lost 10 of its last 11 road games.

PREDICTION: Stampeders 35, Alouettes 15

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 6
David Schwab

Week 5 Betting Recap

With only three games on the CFL slate last week, the UNDER on the total line was the best bet with the books given that all three contests turned into low-scoring affairs.

Calgary remained perfect on the year both straight-up and against the spread with Thursday’s 27-3 victory against Ottawa as a three-point road favorite.

On Friday night, Edmonton squeaked past Toronto 16-15 as a 9 ½-point favorite at home and on Saturday the British Columbia Lions knocked off Winnipeg 20-17 as a 4 ½-point home underdog.

Saturday, July 21

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS) at Toronto Argonauts (1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS)
Point-spread: PICK
Total: 50 ½

Game Overview

The Blue Bombers have scored at least 30 points in three of their first five games this season with the total easily going OVER in each of those contests. They opened the season with a tough 33-30 loss to Edmonton as seven-point home underdogs before waxing BC 41-19 at home in Week 4 as 6 ½-point favorites. Matt Nichols is back under center for Winnipeg and he threw for 214 yards with zero touchdowns and three interceptions in last week’s less than stellar performance.

Toronto lost the backend of its home-and-home series against Edmonton and it has now failed to score more than 20 points in each of its first four games. The total has stayed UNDER in all four contests. James Franklin got the start at quarterback against the Eskimos for an injured Ricky Ray. After throwing for 217 yards with one touchdown pass and one interception in Game 1 at home, he completed 26-of-36 passing attempts for 296 yards against Edmonton in last week’s loss on the road.

Betting Trends

-- The Argonauts have won 11 of the last 16 meetings against Winnipeg SU, but they have failed to cover in four of their last five matchups against the Blue Bombers. The total has gone OVER in four of those last five meetings.

Montreal Alouettes (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS) at Calgary Stampeders (4-0 SU, 4-0 ATS)
Point-Spread: Calgary OFF
Total: OFF

Game Overview

Montreal has already established itself as the worst team in the CFL this season on each side of the ball after winning just three games SU all last season. The Alouettes have complemented an offense that is averaging 15.3 PPG with a defense that is giving up 30.8 points a game. They are coming off a bye last week after losing to Ottawa at home 28-18 on July 6 as 7 ½-point home underdogs. The total has stayed UNDER in three of Montreal’s first four games.

At the opposite end of the spectrum in the CFL, Calgary is off to a perfect 4-0 start (SU and ATS) while winning each game by 10 points or more. The total has stayed UNDER in all four games behind a defense that has not allowed more than 14 points in any of those wins. The big concern for Saturday’s matchup as far as the actual betting spread is the playing status of quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell. He left last Thursday’s victory at Ottawa with an injured knee.

Betting Trends

-- Calgary has won its last five home games against Montreal SU, but it has failed to cover in six of the last seven meetings overall. The total has stayed UNDER in six of the last eight games between the two.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL
Dunkel

Week 6

Saturday, July 21

Winnipeg @ Toronto

Game 375-376
July 21, 2018 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
114.696
Toronto
110.233
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 4 1/2
39
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Winnipeg
Pick
51 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
Under

Montreal @ Calgary

Game 377-378
July 21, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
98.608
Calgary
126.718
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 28
38
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
N/A

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 6

Saturday, July 21

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WINNIPEG (2 - 3) at TORONTO (1 - 3) - 7/21/2018, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 4-0 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 3-1 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MONTREAL (1 - 3) at CALGARY (4 - 0) - 7/21/2018, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 3-1 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 2-2 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons