Monday 7-23-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes - Race 3

EXACTA * TRIFECTA * SUPERFECTA (10 Cent Minimum) * PICK 3 (50 Cent Minimum: Races 3-4-5) * DAILY DOUBLE (Races 3-4)


Claiming $10,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 89 • Purse: $15,300 • Post: 2:04P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES SINCE JUNE 23 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $7,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * BOLDLEE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. JUST WATCH ME: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). LOUIE'S LUCK: Horse has a TrackMa ster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff.
4
BOLDLEE
9/5

7/2
1A
JUST WATCH ME
9/2

6/1
2
LOUIE'S LUCK
5/1

6/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1A
JUST WATCH ME
6

9/2
Front-runner
85

78

93.8

78.2

70.2
4
BOLDLEE
4

9/5
Front-runner
86

86

84.4

84.4

80.9
2
LOUIE'S LUCK
2

5/1
Trailer
94

78

53.4

80.8

75.3
6
JOE MOOCH
7

3/1
Alternator/Trailer
86

82

66.0

80.0

68.5
3
DR LUBER'S KISS
3

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
92

77

74.8

63.2

52.2
1
FULLFAITHANDCREDIT
1

9/2
Alternator/Non-contender
79

78

61.4

75.2

67.2
5
STRUEVES STAR
5

5/1
Alternator/Non-contender
87

89

40.8

70.6

64.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 6 - Maiden Claiming - 7.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $7000 Class Rating: 53

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 9 OVERLYAPPEALING 3/1

# 5 INDULGENCES 7/2

# 2 KING FORMEREDITH 6/1

OVERLYAPPEALING looks very good to best this field. I like the jockey on this gelding - very good chance to win the affair. Keep this gelding in your exotics as Dominguez has given backers some double digit gains. The extreme drop in class can only help out this entrant today. KING FORMEREDITH - Have to think this entrant will do well following the quick turnaround. Wagerers ought to feel comfortable with this selection given Guerrero's recent gains at the window.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Mountaineer Park
Mountaineer Park - Race 3

$1 Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5) $.50 Trifecta $1 Exacta Box ($.20) Superfecta


Optional Claiming $17,500 • 1 Mile • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 98 • Purse: $18,400 • Post: 7:44P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $17,500. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JUNE 23 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $17,500 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $15,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ESTIMATING ALLOWANCES)(W V A BRED RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY) (TO BE USED ONLY IF NEEDED). (IF NECESSARY WILL BE RUN SAME DISTANCE MAIN TRACK.).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. PRAY HARD is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * PRAY HARD: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. SUN BROWN: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figur e at the distance/surface.
8
PRAY HARD
9/2

5/2
7
SUN BROWN
5/1

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
6
BAGPIPES
6

5/1
Front-runner
93

93

85.4

86.4

80.4
4
RAISE THE MAST
4

3/1
Front-runner
97

86

74.7

57.5

49.5
8
PRAY HARD
8

9/2
Stalker
104

96

98.6

92.9

89.9
7
SUN BROWN
7

5/1
Stalker
89

90

85.5

85.5

76.5
10
BEST COUNTRY
10

12/1
Stalker
85

88

84.4

78.7

62.7
1
EL ALMIRANTE
1

15/1
Trailer
84

78

69.4

76.7

60.7
2
GRANTSON
2

10/1
Alternator/Trailer
87

87

71.1

84.1

71.6
9
JOYEUX
9

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
95

87

92.7

78.3

70.8
5
FINE
5

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
90

85

73.9

73.9

61.4
3
IT'S A MAJOR AWARD
3

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
70

75

42.6

58.1

40.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Presque Isle Downs - Race #1 - Post: 5:25pm - Maiden Special - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $27,000 Class Rating: 71

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 PIZZA MAN PETE (ML=2/1)
#6 OUR DOMINATOR (ML=9/2)


PIZZA MAN PETE - Have to make this colt a strong challenger; he comes off a sharp outing on Jul 12th. Wismer drops him down to this class. You don't need too much more knowledge to believe this thoroughbred has a good chance at this level. This trainer sure has a knack for stretching out most any horse. Getting the extra distance sure seems to help Wismer's starters perform well. OUR DOMINATOR - This gelding has been posting some excellent workout times. Rogers is trying the 'shades' on today. Note that this equine worked from the gate in a morning prep, most likely in blinkers. Taking a trip down in the class scale; has the ability to make his presence felt. Has a decent chance to break maiden switching over to the main track in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 FLUSHED (ML=8/5), #5 FIGHTIN PHIL (ML=7/2), #1 MAGICAL KISSER (ML=8/1),

FLUSHED - The morning-line choice is vulnerable here with the lack of workouts. FIGHTIN PHIL - Recent decreasing speed figs of 67/64/49 give a sign that this horse may be going off form. MAGICAL KISSER - Finished sixth in his most recent race with a mediocre fig. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to triumph after that in this group.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - OUR DOMINATOR - The trainer is getting serious with this gelding today. Blinkers on for this contest.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #4 PIZZA MAN PETE on top if we're getting at least 3/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 4 - Maiden Special Weight - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $45000 Class Rating: 69

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 OUR HONOR 3/5

# 2 TATTERED 7/2

# 5 LI'L DUDE L DO IT 5/1

My selection in this race is OUR HONOR. Could provide positive returns based on strong recent Equibase Speed Figures with an average of 82. Posted a reliable Equibase speed fig in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this affair. He has put up competitive figs under today's conditions and ought to fare well versus this field. TATTERED - He looks strong in this spot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the midpoint. This equine is prominent in this field in earnings per start at the distance/surface. LI'L DUDE L DO IT - Should come out strong - I have liked the way this gelding has moved rapidly to the lead recently. The Equibase class rating of today's affair is much lower than his last contest.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga
RACE #7 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE4:12 PM
The Caress Stakes
5½ FURLONGS TURF FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES

#3 TRIPLE CHELSEA
#7 GIRLS KNOW BEST
#4 LULL
#2 MORTICIA

Well folks ... this race is named after the multiple-graded stakes winning mare trained by Hall of Famer H. Allen Jerkens. Caress, a daughter of Storm Cat, retired in 1996 with a record of 13-4-2 from 29 career starts, including victories in the Grade 3 Poker at Belmont Park as well as the Beaugay and Athenia, both Grade 3 events at Aqueduct Racetrack. Here in the 9th running of "The Caress," #3 TRIPLE CHELSEA, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony,", shares the overall speed leadership with #4 LULL, and has hit the board in 5 straight, winning four times, including back-to-back-to back "POWER RUN WINS" in her last three starts. #7 GIRLS KNOW BEST, an 8-1 shot, has hit the board in four of her last five outings, all wins, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her last start.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Saratoga

07/23/18, SAR, Race 2, 1.33 ET
1 1/16M [Inner Turf] 1.39.00 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $45,000.
Claiming Price $40,000. INNER TURF FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD FOALED IN NEW YORK STATE AND APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE-BRED REGISTRY
Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Pick 3 Races (2-4) - Pick 4 (.50) Races (2-5), Double
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 8 Gabriella 3-1 Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A. T
098.7649 7 Shanghai Dreams 7/2 Saez L Weaver George S
098.7188 1 Smiles From Sadie 10-1 Bravo J Delacour Arnaud J
098.3540 5 Grand Banks 9/2 Ortiz J L Englehart Jeremiah C.
097.6384 3 Ailish 10-1 Castellano J Abreu Jorge R.
097.4767 2 Spiral Bound 15-1 Franco M Englehart Jeremiah C. W
096.0810 9 Hit a Provisional 9/2 Lezcano J Abreu Jorge R. FEC
095.5457 4 Crater Rim 15-1 Leparoux J R Pregman. Jr. John S.
095.4362 6 Sardonyx 8-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Donk David G.
093.0130 12 Dancingwthdaffodls 12-1 Alvarado J Brown Bruce R. L
090.3048 10 Saratoga Sass 30-1 Fragoso P Martin Carlos F.
090.0263 13 Molly's Nighthawk 20-1 Cohen D Kimmel John C.
088.1319 14 Uconnmarsh 50-1 Lezcano A Raia II Francis
086.9578 11 Low Is Laine 30-1 Reyes L R Sciacca Gary
If Race Is Off Turf
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 1 Smiles From Sadie 10-1 Bravo J Delacour Arnaud J
099.8832 7 Shanghai Dreams 7/2 Saez L Weaver George S
098.5913 5 Grand Banks 9/2 Ortiz J L Englehart Jeremiah C.
098.5530 8 Gabriella 3-1 Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A.
098.4163 3 Ailish 10-1 Castellano J Abreu Jorge R.
098.3457 9 Hit a Provisional 9/2 Lezcano J Abreu Jorge R. FEC
097.8004 2 Spiral Bound 15-1 Franco M Englehart Jeremiah C. W
096.9519 6 Sardonyx 8-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Donk David G.
095.9074 4 Crater Rim 15-1 Leparoux J R Pregman. Jr. John S.
094.7182 12 Dancingwthdaffodls 12-1 Alvarado J Brown Bruce R. L
091.1229 10 Saratoga Sass 30-1 Fragoso P Martin Carlos F.
090.4603 13 Molly's Nighthawk 20-1 Cohen D Kimmel John C.
087.9686 14 Uconnmarsh 50-1 Lezcano A Raia II Francis
087.1697 11 Low Is Laine 30-1 Reyes L R Sciacca Gary

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #4 - Post: 3:10pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,000 Class Rating: 95

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 MAGIC APPLE (ML=8/1)
#1 FATHER DENNIS (ML=7/2)
#2 TUBA (ML=6/1)


MAGIC APPLE - Have to like this gelding today. If you take a look at his PP lines you see a definite trend, getting closer with each race. I like when a race sets up this way. This gelding has the lone pace to demolish this field. Radosevich brings him right back. I suggest you stick with this live gelding. This animal picks up a lot of money per start. Number one in this affair. FATHER DENNIS - DaCosta has an 'uncoupled' entry here. Best to beware the longer priced half. TUBA - This gelding is almost always on the board. This thoroughbred has shown the capability to win on different tracks. Making the move from Mountaineer Park for today's event, I have to believe he's ready to run.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 COLONY CLASSIC (ML=5/2), #4 STRONGBOW (ML=3/1), #5 IDEAL QUALITY (ML=6/1),

COLONY CLASSIC - This gelding is always around, but just doesn't finish first. Hard to wager on him on the front end. Don't feel this steed will make a winning move in today's event. That last speed rating was mediocre when compared with today's class figure. STRONGBOW - Hard to put your money on the win end of any mount that finishes second and third as often as this participant does. IDEAL QUALITY - The lack of morning drills has to make one concerned despite the good performance in the last affair.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #3 MAGIC APPLE on the win end if we get at least 7/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,3] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Los Angeles Dodgers (55-44) got the better of the Philadelphia Phillies (55-43) in the Manny Machado Sweepstakes and will look to showcase their shiny new toy on Monday in the opener of a three-game road series at Citizens Bank Park. Machado has paid immediate dividends for Los Angeles, going 5-for-13 since being acquired from Baltimore while extending his on-base streak to a career high-tying 22 contests.

"You throw a guy like that in our lineup that is already dangerous, and it makes it even worse for the other team," said Matt Kemp, who homered twice in Sunday's 11-2 romp over Milwaukee. The 33-year-old Kemp, who is 11-for-31 with six runs scored in his last eight games, has gone deep on two occasions in just five at-bats versus Monday starter Zach Eflin. While National League West-leading Los Angeles has won six of eight, Philadelphia has emerged victorious in 12 of 18 to sit atop the NL East. Home Run Derby participant Rhys Hoskins went deep in both games of Sunday's doubleheader against San Diego after being held in the park since homering in three straight games in late June.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SportsNet Los Angeles, NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Ross Stripling (8-2, 2.08 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Zach Eflin (7-2, 3.15)

Stripling scattered six hits over six scoreless innings in a 3-2 triumph over San Diego on July 12 to win his second straight start heading into his first career All-Star appearance. The 28-year-old owns a 4-2 mark with a stingy 1.81 ERA on the road while limiting the opposition to a .235 batting average. Aaron Altherr has homered among his three hits in six at-bats versus Stripling, although Odubel Herrera and Cesar Hernandez are a combined 0-for-9 versus the hurler.

Eflin posted a 6-0 mark with a 2.32 ERA in his last seven starts before missing his scheduled turn in the rotation due to a blister on his pitching hand. The 24-year-old is slated to come off the disabled list prior to Monday's contest versus Los Angeles, against which suffered his last loss on May 30 as he was blitzed for five runs in four innings of an 8-2 setback. Max Muncy joined Kemp in going deep versus the hurler in that encounter, dropping Eflin to 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in three career starts against the Dodgers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles 2B Chase Utley likely will receive a hero's welcome on Friday when the soon-to-be retiring star returns to Philadelphia, with which he spent parts of 13 seasons.

2. Phillies 1B Carlos Santana, who had an RBI single in Sunday's nightcap, went 5-for-15 versus the Dodgers earlier this season.

3. Los Angeles 3B Justin Turner is nursing a groin injury and likely will be re-evaluated prior to Monday's series opener.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 3, Phillies 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Boston Red Sox's powerful offense woke up in the finale of their first series after the All-Star break and look to carry that over when they visit the Baltimore Orioles on Monday to open a three-game set between the major league's best and worst teams. The Red Sox managed one run while splitting the first two games of the series before routing Detroit 9-1 on Sunday improve their record to 70-31.

Boston left 19 on base during the first two games in Detroit but went 3-for-6 with runners in scoring position Sunday and Jackie Bradley Jr. launched a three-run homer as the Red Sox improved to 14-2 in their last 16. Rick Porcello, who beat Baltimore with six innings of three-run ball on May 19, gets the start in the opener for Boston, while fellow right-hander Kevin Gausman goes for the Orioles. Baltimore coughed up a three-run lead in the eighth inning and dropped a 5-4 decision at Toronto on Sunday for its third loss in a row and 20th in its last 25 outings to plummet to the bottom of the majors with a 28-72 record. Jonathan Schoop has warmed up of late for the Orioles, going 8-for-26 with a pair of homers during a six-game hitting streak to raise his batting average to .231.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (11-4, 4.13 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (4-7, 4.33)

Porcello hopes to rebound from his worst outing of the season in his last start before the break, allowing eight runs and seven hits over two innings in a loss to Toronto on July 13. The New Jersey native gave up five runs across 13 innings to win his first two starts of July while combining for 14 strikeouts. Mark Trumbo is 11-for-37 with four homers versus Porcello, who is 5-11 with a 4.86 ERA in 19 career starts against the Orioles.

Gausman has managed just one victory since May 11 but boasts five quality starts in 11 outings during that stretch. The 27-year-old LSU product, who started July with a win against the Los Angeles Angels, gave up five runs on a season-high 12 hits last time out on July 12 in a 5-4 loss to Philadelphia. Mookie Betts is 15-for-32 with three homers against Gausman, who is 4-7 with a 4.25 ERA in 19 appearances (14 starts) versus Boston.

WALK-OFFS

1. Betts has hit safely in 14 of his last 16 games and leads the majors with a .352 batting average.

2. Baltimore CF Adam Jones was rested Sunday after hitting safely in three straight games with five hits and four RBIs.

3. The Red Sox have won nine of 10 meetings with the Orioles this season, including a three-game sweep at Baltimore last month.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Orioles 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Toronto Blue Jays have a long way to go before getting back into playoff contention, but they can be a pest in the final two months of the season - especially on their home field. The Blue Jays go for their 16th win in 22 contests at Rogers Centre on Monday night to open a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins, who were cooled off when they got swept over the weekend.

Toronto rallied late on Sunday for a 5-4 victory to complete a three-game sweep of major league-worst Baltimore as Yangervis Solarte broke out of a slump with a two-run homer and an RBI double. Outfielder Randal Grichuk is 7-of-20 over his last five games for Toronto (46-52), which won two of three contests at Minnesota (44-53) from April 30-May 2. The Twins were rolling before the All-Star break with nine wins in 11 contests to pull within 7 1/2 games of first-place Cleveland in the American League Central but lost all three at last-place Kansas City after the Midsummer Classic. Minnesota managed just three hits in the 5-3 loss to the Royals on Sunday and Eddie Rosario went 0-for-3 to end his nine-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), TVA Sports, Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Adalberto Mejia (0-0, 9.00 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Luis Santos (0-0, 7.88)

Mejia returns to the Twins for his second start of 2018 after spending most of the season with Triple-A Rochester. The 25-year-old Dominican, who went 4-7 with a 4.50 ERA in 21 starts last year, gave up four runs and six hits over four innings in a no-decision June 30 against the Chicago Cubs. Mejia is 5-3 with a 3.32 ERA in 14 appearances (11 starts) with Rochester in 2018 and lost his only career start against Toronto last year.

With Blue Jays opting to send Marco Estrada for a rehab outing instead, Santos is expected to make the first start of his major-league career after 15 relief appearances. The 27-year-old Dominican has allowed one run on six hits over 6 1/3 innings across his last four outings after getting pounded in his 2018 debut. Santos, who owns 25 strikeouts in 24 2/3 major-league innings, gave up one run and took one loss in two appearances spanning 2 2/3 innings against the Twins in 2017.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota RHP Fernando Rodney needs one save to break the tie with Jose Mesa (321) for 19th on the majors' all-time list.

2. Toronto 2B Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is 11-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak to raise his batting average to .281.

3. Twins 1B/DH Logan Morrison (hip) went 0-for-3 with an RBI on Sunday in his return from the disabled list.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Blue Jays 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Atlanta Braves have played well against National League East foes this season as they contend for the division title and look to continue their good work inside the division Monday when they open a two-game series at the Miami Marlins. Atlanta split a rain-shortened two-game series over the weekend in Washington, enduring two long rain delays in Sunday's 6-2 defeat that dropped the Braves mark in division play to 28-15, one season after they finished 33-43 against East competition.

Atlanta right fielder Nick Markakis extended his hitting streak to 10 games in Sunday's defeat, while struggling center fielder Ender Inciarte snapped a 1-for-25 slid with three hits. Miami sat on the brink of its first series sweep of the season Sunday at Tampa Bay, only to see it unravel in a five-run ninth inning as the Marlins fell 6-4. Closer Kyle Barraclough threw 40 pitches in allowing five runs in the ninth, including a walk-off grand slam, and likely will not be available for the series opener. Third baseman Martin Prado has flourished in 12 games since returning from the disabled list, hitting .333 with five multi-hit games after going 2-for-4 on Sunday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Sean Newcomb (8-5, 3.51 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (2-9, 4.39)

Newcomb stumbled into the All-Star break by losing each of his last three outings, posting a 9.75 ERA with 12 walks and four homers allowed in 12 innings. The 25-year-old, whose scheduled start Saturday at Washington was postponed by rain, 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 a July 14 loss to Arizona, is 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA in two starts against Miami this season.

Urena has struggled one season after winning 14 games, losing his first seven decisions this season while allowing four earned runs or more eight times in 19 starts. The 26-year-old, who has yet to win a home start this season, ended the first half by allowing five runs with four walks over just four innings in a no-decision on July 15 against Philadelphia. Urena faced the Braves in back-to-back outings in mid-May, losing both while allowing seven runs on nine hits in 12 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins CF Cameron Maybin is hitting .315 with three homers while collecting at least one hit in 13 of his past 18 games.

2. The Braves stole six bases in the series to give them 57 on the season; Atlanta stole just 77 in 2017.

3. Atlanta leads the season series 5-2 and boasts a 38-20 record in Miami since 2012.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego Padres vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

Two last-place teams square off when the New York Mets host the San Diego Padres on Monday for the opener of their three-game series. New York is looking to escape the basement in the National League East as it trails Miami by one-half game after having the finale of its Subway Series against the crosstown Yankees rained out on Sunday.

Michael Conforto has gone 3-for-7 with a home run and four RBIs in his last two games for the Mets, who have allowed at least five runs in each of their last three contests. San Diego halted its six-game losing streak with a 10-2 victory in the opener of Sunday's doubleheader at Philadelphia but was blanked 5-0 in the nightcap to fall 20 games under .500. The Padres, who firmly are entrenched in last place in the NL West, registered 15 hits and a trio of three-run innings in the win over the Phillies but were held to a pair of singles in the shutout loss. San Diego's Freddy Galvis was hitless in two at-bats in Sunday's second game after going 6-for-9 with four RBIs over the first two contests of the three-game series.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Eric Lauer (5-6, 4.87 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (5-4, 1.68)

After coming within one out of his first complete game, Lauer lasted only two innings in a loss to the Chicago Cubs on July 15 as he was tagged for five runs and five hits. The 23-year-old rookie from Ohio had been pitching well overall of late, allowing one run in four of his previous five turns, but has been hit hard in two of his last three at home. Lauer will be facing New York for the first time as he makes his 17th major-league start.

DeGrom, who leads the major leagues in ERA, could be even more difficult to face as he has received an extra day of rest after his scheduled start on Sunday was washed away. The 30-year-old Floridian is winless in his last four turns as he enters Monday on the heels of back-to-back no-decisions in which he allowed a total of one run over 16 innings. DeGrom improved to 3-1 with a 1.53 ERA in five career starts against the Padres when he scattered five hits over 7 1/3 scoreless frames at San Diego on April 27.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets RHP Noah Syndergaard, who returned from a finger injury on July 13, is headed back to the disabled list with hand, foot and mouth disease while RHP Corey Oswalt is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas to start on Wednesday.

2. San Diego recalled INF Cory Spangenberg from Triple-A El Paso prior to Sunday's twinbill and optioned C Raffy Lopez to the Chihuahuas.

3. New York recalled Paul Sewald from Las Vegas on Sunday to replace fellow RHP Jeurys Familia, who was traded to Oakland a day earlier.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Padres 1

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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Pittsburgh Pirates look to register a double-digit winning streak for the first time since 2004 when they visit the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians on Monday for the opener of their three-game interleague series. The Pirates have produced 40 runs over their last five contests and moved two games over .500 (51-49) for the first time since June 2 with their ninth straight win, a 9-2 triumph at Cincinnati on Sunday.

Starling Marte has recorded six home runs and 15 RBIs during his career-high 15-game hitting streak for Pittsburgh and Corey Dickerson has homered in four consecutive contests, going 10-for-21 with five blasts and seven RBIs in the process. The Pirates will test their red-hot offense when they face two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber in the series opener on Monday. The Indians (54-44) scored a total of 25 runs in their first two contests after the All-Star break but were shut out 5-0 by veteran Yovani Gallardo and three relievers on Sunday to keep their division lead at 9 1/2 games. Major League home run leader Jose Ramirez (30) went 15-for-31 with six blasts and 13 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak that came to an end on Sunday, when he walked twice and was hit by a pitch while flying out in his only official at-bat.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Trevor Williams (7-7, 4.36 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (12-5, 2.76)

Williams snapped his three-start losing streak in his last outing on July 11, limiting Washington to four hits and three walks over five scoreless innings in a 2-0 win. The 26-year-old Arizona State product had given up 12 runs over 13 frames while going 0-3 and was 2-6 in 12 turns before beating the Nationals. Williams will be making his first career appearance against the Indians but is 4-1 with a 2.05 ERA in seven interleague starts, including a 2-0 mark this year.

Kluber has been up and down in his last six outings, with three quality starts and three in which he allowed a total of 16 runs. The 32-year-old native of Alabama, who received an injection in his knee on July 13 that kept him out of the All-Star Game, permitted six runs and eight hits over 7 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees one day earlier. Dickerson is 4-for-12 versus Kluber, who will face the Pirates for the first time but is 13-6 with a 2.57 ERA in interleague play.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland 1B-DH Edwin Encarnacion was rested on Sunday but is 6-for-13 with a home run and five RBIs in his last three contests.

2. Pittsburgh RF Gregory Polanco has collected four homers and seven RBIs during his seven-game hitting streak.

3. The Pirates last visited Cleveland in 2012 and took two of three at home in the most recent matchup between the teams in 2015.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Pirates 2