Friday 7-27-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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

Race 6 - Maiden Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $11000 Class Rating: 47

FOR MN-BRED MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 WON SPIRIT 5/2

# 1 BLINKERSONLETHERIP 4/1

# 3 CELTIC HUMOR 10/1

WON SPIRIT is the top wager in this race. Have to look at solely on class, with some of the most respectable class figs of this group. She should have a strong outing versus this easier group. BLINKERSONLETHERIP - Tough to pass on this mare with Eikleberry in the irons. CELTIC HUMOR - Donlin has her trained soundly to break swiftly out of the starting gate. Donlin has a sharp win percentage with horses travelling in dirt sprint races.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Emerald Downs - Race #2 - Post: 7:12pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,200 Class Rating: 97

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 CRUSHIN CANDY (ML=2/1)
#3 QUE CHISTOSO (ML=7/2)


CRUSHIN CANDY - Sophisticated handicappers will tell you that this horse has strong pace. QUE CHISTOSO - A racer coming back this soon after a solid effort is a good signal. Good return on investment for this jock and trainer duet. This gelding has been posting some excellent workout times.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 REMEMBERTOBREATHE (ML=5/2), #1 GUARDINGTHEMONEY (ML=9/2), #4 AWESOME RETURN (ML=5/1),

REMEMBERTOBREATHE - The finish of fourth in the last affair shows me that this horse may be tailing off. You always figure that this animal has a shot to cross the finish line in first, but he falls short often. GUARDINGTHEMONEY - Could be tough for this animal to beat this bunch off of that last speed figure. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's Equibase class figure, so put him on the likely underpriced contenders list. AWESOME RETURN - The speed figure last time out doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class figure of today's race. Mark this horse as a vulnerable competitor.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #2 CRUSHIN CANDY on top if we're getting at least 6/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

07/27/18, GP, Race 7, 5.01 ET
5 1/2F [Dirt] 1.02.02 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. Purse $47,000.
FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 - $.50 Bet 3 (Races 7-8-9) / $.50 Pick 4 (Races 7-8-9-10)
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 21.33, $1 ROI 0.70, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 2 Go Go Jak 5-1 Jaramillo E Zerpa Gilberto JT
095.7570 9 C C's Cup of Tea 4-1 Vasquez M A Braddy J. David L
095.7514 3 Introspective(b+) 7/2 Gaffalione T Stewart Chad J. F
095.2447 8 Vida Tropical 8-1 Camacho S Simon Charles
095.0461 4 Bring Joy 9/2 Zayas E J Plesa. Jr. Edward E
094.6886 7 Tri Delta Bae 6-1 Juarez N Abreu Fernando W
091.2970 1 Cat's Astray 12-1 Gonzales J J Arias Juan D.
090.8399 6 Faith Flys Again 8-1 Rios J M Antonucci Jena M. C
089.9587 5 Grand Tap 20-1 Perez J M Mejia Jaime

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park - Race #1 - Post: 2:00pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $24,000 Class Rating: 90

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 SHERPA (ML=12/1)
#11 TREV (ML=2/1)
#7 LOST FOR WORDS (ML=3/1)


SHERPA - This front-runner is cutting back in distance today. Should help his chances of winning. Pinchin has a very solid win percent in grass sprints. This gelding should be fit and ready to go. TREV - This jock and conditioner have a favorable ROI when they unite. This speed freak should benefit from today's shorter trip. This gelding earned a good speed rating of 92 in his last event. That speed rating should be high enough to score this time. LOST FOR WORDS - Have to make this horse a strong challenger; he comes off a solid race on July 5th. I think this horse is ready to run a good one. He's had enough efforts since the layoff and should be fit.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 STONE HEART (ML=7/2), #6 MY POINT EXACTLY (ML=4/1), #2 DIAMOND MINT (ML=5/1),

STONE HEART - Tough to bet on a racer that loses so frequently. MY POINT EXACTLY - This racer will probably need at least one more race after the lackluster showing following the long vacation. The speed ratings are going downward. I'm not playing this mount off of that trend. The fig last time out doesn't fit very well in this race when I look at the class rating of today's contest. Mark this thoroughbred as a possibly overvalued equine. DIAMOND MINT - This gelding has already been defeated as the public's choice the last two times. Hard to give him another chance. Difficult to put any dough on this gelding on the win end. Likes to land in the top three though.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - TREV - According to my data, dropped down to a more appropriate level last out. Meeting the same type of field today. Should do well in this race.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #3 SHERPA to win if you can get at least 4/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,11] Box [3,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,7,11] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie - Race 4

Exactor / Quinella / Triactor


Claiming $4,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 70 • Purse: $4,200 • Post: 7:45P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 120 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. CLASSY VINTAGE is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * CLASSY VINTAGE: Today is a sprint, horse is a Front-runner with an inside post position. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. GALLANT GABE: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. SONS OF SAMCRO: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. JUST ZOOM WILL DO: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
3
CLASSY VINTAGE
7/2

5/1
5
GALLANT GABE
2/1

5/1
4
SONS OF SAMCRO
4/1

6/1
1
JUST ZOOM WILL DO
5/2

8/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
CLASSY VINTAGE
3

7/2
Front-runner
76

72

61.8

34.0

24.5
5
GALLANT GABE
5

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
78

74

0.0

63.6

58.1
1
JUST ZOOM WILL DO
1

5/2
Trailer
69

69

0.0

69.8

64.3
4
SONS OF SAMCRO
4

4/1
Trailer
75

72

0.0

69.2

63.2
6
TOO BAD CHARLIE
6

9/2
Alternator/Non-contender
78

64

81.6

41.6

32.6
2
GEORGE W
2

3/1
Alternator/Non-contender
67

64

0.0

52.8

46.8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Indiana Downs
Indiana Downs - Race 9

Exacta / Trifecta / 50 Cent Trifecta / Superfecta / 10 Cent Superfecta


Allowance • 330 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 72 • Purse: $17,500 • Post: 5:49P
QUARTER HORSE 330Y, FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. 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 * CHIC DOWN LO: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. MARANATHA IS COMING: Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. AA WHITE LI GHTNING: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. HQH STORM WARNING: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. MISS CARTELS FEATURE: Horse ranks in the to p three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
12
CHIC DOWN LO
8/5

6/1
3
MARANATHA IS COMING
12/1

6/1
10
AA WHITE LIGHTNING
5/2

7/1
9
HQH STORM WARNING
2/1

7/1
4
MISS CARTELS FEATURE
12/1

8/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
ANNIEGETYOURCIGAR
1

15/1
Average
72

70

4.1

0.0

0.0
2
KT CHICS GRAY LADY
2

6/1
Fast
71

59

3.5

0.0

0.0
3
MARANATHA IS COMING
3

12/1
Average
76

75

5.8

0.0

0.0
4
MISS CARTELS FEATURE
4

12/1
Average
76

75

5.5

0.0

0.0
5
WH SHEZ JAZZY
5

10/1
Average
74

64

4.0

0.0

0.0
6
ALL AMERICAN CAT
6

10/1
Average
64

60

5.2

0.0

0.0
7
WRS THE BOSS
7

30/1
Fast
63

58

3.5

0.0

0.0
8
RHEA FIRE
8

15/1
Average
64

62

5.0

0.0

0.0
9
HQH STORM WARNING
9

2/1
Average
75

70

3.9

0.0

0.0
10
AA WHITE LIGHTNING
10

5/2
Fast
75

70

2.8

0.0

0.0
11
COCOA CARTEL
11

10/1
Average
63

62

4.4

0.0

0.0
12
CHIC DOWN LO
12

8/5
Average
76

74

4.7

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $7500 Class Rating: 46

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 DERBY TANGO 8/5

# 2 A CHEROKEE GIRL 5/1

# 9 HONEY HONEY 30/1

I think DERBY TANGO is a very good choice. With Arana in the saddle guiding her, this filly will most likely be able to break out sharply in this competition. This filly has been constatntly racing well in her latest outings. A CHEROKEE GIRL - Should expect this pony to be right there at the finishing post versus these horses. HONEY HONEY - Expect a solid effort with the class drop.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga
RACE #9 - SARATPGA - 5:18 PM EASTERN POST
The Curlin Stakes
9.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEAR OLDS STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#1 HOFBURG
#2 MADISON'S LUNA
#6 RERIDE
#3 ZING ZANG

The Curlin was first run in 2009 and named after the two-time Horse of the Year who won the 2008 Grade 1 Woodward at Saratoga. Trained by Steve Asmussen for the late Jess Jackson, Curlin won the 2007 Preakness and the 2007 Breeders' Cup Classic as a 3-year-old, and retired at the conclusion of his 4-year-old campaign as the first horse to break the $10 million mark in earnings, with $10,501,800. In 2013, Here in the 9th running of "The Curlin," #1 HOFBURG drops in class (-3), is the overall speed and pace profile leader, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of his last four outings, hitting the board in three of those efforts, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 4th race back. #2 MADISON'S LUNA, a 4-1 shot, has turned in a trio of "POWER RUN BOARD HITS" in his last fir outings, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in his 4th and 5th races back.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The New York Yankees believe they have picked up two important stretch-run pieces this week, but they have to hope the two roster spots the new arrivals claim won't be those of the players they lost to injury on Thursday. While the Yankees figure out what to do with Aaron Judge and Sonny Gray, they'll try to string together consecutive wins for the first time in over two weeks when they host the Kansas City Royals on Friday for the second contest of their four-game series.

Judge was hit on the right wrist by a pitch in the first inning of Thursday's 7-2 victory over Kansas City, and while he remained in the game for three more frames, he eventually was sent to the hospital, where it was learned he suffered a chip fracture and won't be able to swing a bat in game situations for three weeks. Gray was hurt shortly thereafter, leaving after five innings when he took a comebacker off his right hand, putting another damper on the Yankees' deals that landed J.A. Happ from Toronto earlier in the day and Zach Britton from Baltimore on Tuesday. New York's uneven play of late is another concern, as the club finds itself 4 1/2 games out of first place in the American League East in part because it hasn't won two in a row since July 11 and 12. After beginning the second half of the season with a three-game sweep of Minnesota, Kansas City (31-71) has dropped three of four and hopes to avoid being overtaken by the Orioles (29-74), who own the worst record in the major leagues.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Brad Keller (3-4, 3.20 ERA) vs. Yankees LH CC Sabathia (6-4, 3.51)

Keller notched his first victory in nearly a month Sunday against Minnesota, permitting three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out a season-high eight in seven-plus innings. The 22-year-old has been particularly good at keeping the ball in the park during his rookie campaign, giving up only one homer in nine turns and two in 30 overall appearances. Keller, who has gone 0-3 in four road starts, threw a perfect inning in relief on May 18 in his only career appearance against the Yankees.

Sabathia received an injection in his arthritic right knee over the All-Star break and had his previously scheduled start on Sunday rained out, so he will be taking the mound for the first time in 13 days. The former Cy Young Award winner settled for a no-decision in that July 14 outing at Cleveland, allowing four runs over 5 2/3 innings. Whit Merrifield (4-for-8) is one of the few Royals to have success against Sabathia, who is 21-12 with a 3.15 ERA in 40 career starts versus Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees 3B Miguel Andujar is batting .500 in six games since the All-Star break.

2. After hitting .158 with two homers and four RBIs in June, Kansas City All-Star C Salvador Perez is batting .273 with five blasts and 17 RBIs this month.

3. New York acquired Happ for INF Brandon Drury and OF Billy McKinney on Thursday afternoon.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Royals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays' front office appears to be in selling mode at the non-waiver trade deadline, but the team on the field is more than making due lately with the players that aren't being sent away. The Rays set their sights on a fifth win in six tries Friday, when they visit the Baltimore Orioles for the second contest of their four-game series.

Tampa Bay got a jump on the July 31 trade deadline on Wednesday by dealing starter Nathan Eovaldi to Boston and reliever Matt Andriese to Arizona. The Rays are doing what they can to stay in the American League wild-card race, however, taking two of three from the New York Yankees earlier in the week before edging the Orioles 4-3 in Thursday's series opener. Baltimore's fate this season has long been decided, even though the club only started selling in the last week as it sent four-time All-Star Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the All-Star break and closer Zach Britton to the Yankees on Tuesday. The Orioles have started the second half in much the same way they played during the first, solidifying the worst record in the majors (29-74) by dropping five of six since the Midsummer Classic.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), MASN 2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (3-4, 4.30 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (2-9, 4.40)

Archer was a bit of a mixed bag in Sunday's no-decision against Miami, fanning a career-high 13 batters for his 28th career double-digit strikeout effort while also yielding four runs - three earned - in six innings. The outing was the first quality start in four tries for the former fifth-round draft pick, who hasn't earned a victory since May 17. Jonathan Schoop (12-for-31, five homers) is one of three Orioles with multiple home runs against Archer, who is 1-1 with a 7.30 ERA in two starts versus Baltimore this season.

Cashner's winless streak reached nine starts despite a solid effort at Toronto on Sunday, when he gave up just one run over 5 2/3 innings in his return from a strained neck that landed him on the disabled list. The 31-year-old has recorded five quality starts during his drought, but he has dropped all four decisions in part because his offense has scored three runs or fewer seven times over that stretch. The first loss of the bunch came at Tampa Bay on May 26, when Cashner was tagged for five runs in as many frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays are 20-23 in one-run games, but they improved to 10-4 in their last 14 such contests on Thursday.

2. Schoop, who has homered in four straight contests and five of his last six, is batting .359 during his nine-game hitting streak.

3. Tampa Bay C Michael Perez - one of two players acquired for Andriese - went 1-for-2 with a double in his major-league debut Thursday after spending eight seasons in the minors.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Orioles 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The New York Mets matched their second-highest scoring output of the season in the series opener and look for more production from their bats when they visit the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday in the second contest of a four-game set. New York churned out 14 hits in the 12-6 victory while winning its third straight game and falling two runs shy of equaling their top offensive effort of the campaign.

Asdrubal Cabrera homered and drove in four runs while Wilmer Flores also went deep and had three RBIs to highlight the Mets' assault. Cabrera was just 1-for-16 with six strikeouts over the previous four games while Flores homered for the first time since July 9. Pittsburgh committed three errors in the opener while losing its second straight contest on the heels of its a splendid 11-game winning streak. Pirates center fielder Starling Marte (left hand) is in jeopardy of missing his third straight game, while left fielder Corey Dickerson (hamstring) hopes to return after a two-game absence.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), AT&T SportsNet - Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jason Vargas (2-6, 8.60 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Ivan Nova (6-6, 4.28)

Vargas (calf) is slated to be activated off the 10-day disabled list to make his first start in the majors since June 19. The 35-year-old, who struck out 19 batters in 12 innings while making two rehab starts at Single-A Brooklyn, will be looking to break a three-start losing streak. Vargas is 1-0 with a 9.00 ERA in four career appearances (one start) against Pittsburgh and has struggled with David Freese (6-for-11, one homer).

Nova defeated Cincinnati on Sunday when he gave up two runs and five hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old has issued just four walks over 36 innings in his last six outings and has displayed stellar control (19 walks in 19 starts) all season. Nova allowed three runs and five hits over six innings in a no-decision against the Mets on June 27 and stands 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA in five career appearances (four starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 1B Josh Bell is batting .333 in July despite being 0-for-7 over the past two contests.

2. New York OF Jose Bautista went 2-for-6 with three strikeouts in the opener and has fanned nine times over the past four games.

3. Pittsburgh activated C Francisco Cervelli (concussion) from the 10-day disabled list and optioned C Jacob Stallings to Triple-A Indianapolis.

PREDICTION: Pirates 8, Mets 6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th July 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/26/2018

The Cleveland Indians reside comfortably atop the American League Central due in large part to their 28-13 mark against their division representatives. The Indians (55-46) aim to continue their good fortune when they begin a six-game road trip versus a pair of AL Central foes, starting with Friday's opener of a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers (44-60).

Cleveland has won 10 of 13 encounters with Detroit this season, including outscoring the Tigers 18-5 during a four-game sweep from April 9-12 and 26-3 in a three-game sweep from June 22-24. Edwin Encarnacion, who belted a two-run homer off Friday starter Mike Fiers in a 10-0 romp on June 22, had a two-run single in Wednesday's 4-0 victory over red-hot Pittsburgh to improve to 9-for-20 with two homers and eight RBIs during his five-game hitting streak. The Tigers have answered a six-game skid with wins in four of their last seven, including an 8-4 triumph over Kansas City on Wednesday. Victor Martinez worked his way out of a 1-for-23 slump by going 6-for-12 with five RBIs in the series, but is just 7-for-40 versus Cleveland this season.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (12-5, 4.03 RA) vs. Tigers RH Mike Fiers (7-6, 3.49)

Carrasco won his fourth straight trip to the mound on Saturday after allowing two runs on five hits while striking out eight in 6 2/3 innings of a 16-3 romp at Texas. The 31-year-old has pitched well on the road, posting a 5-3 mark with a 3.26 ERA in nine such outings this season. Carrasco has split a pair of decisions against Detroit in 2018, as he scattered three hits during a complete game in a 5-1 victory on April 11 before permitting three runs in 6 2/3 innings of a 6-3 setback on May 14.

Fiers carries a 2-2 mark with a 1.62 ERA in his last five starts heading into what could his final outing for the Tigers prior to Tuesday's trade deadline. The 33-year-old preceded that stretch after yielding four runs -- including two homers -- in five innings of a 10-0 laugher at Cleveland on June 22. Francisco Lindor, who joined Encarnacion in going deep in that tilt, is just 4-for-20 with five strikeouts against Fiers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit RF Nicholas Castellanos, who is batting .298 this season, is hitting just .196 against Cleveland.

2. Four of Lindor's 15 hits against the Tigers in 2018 have left the park.

3. Tigers 3B Jeimer Candelario has hit safely in six of his last seven games, collecting six RBIs and five runs scored in that stretch.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Tigers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th July 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/26/2018

The Boston Red Sox have lost consecutive contests for the first time in over a month, a trend they hope to reverse when they continue their four-game series against the visiting Minnesota Twins on Friday. After a loss and then a rainout to end their set in Baltimore, the Red Sox managed only five hits and left the bases loaded in the ninth inning in a 2-1 loss to the Twins in the opener on Thursday.

Boston's first losing streak since it dropped two straight at Minnesota from June 19-20, coupled with a win by the New York Yankees, left the club with a 4 1/2-game lead in the American League East. The Twins are trying to stay in the mix in the AL Central, winning four in a row to get within seven games of first-place Cleveland. Mitch Garver's RBI double in the eighth inning was the difference in Thursday's win as he improved to 8-for-13 with six RBIs over the last three games for Minnesota, which has won 13 of its last 18. All-Star Chris Sale will try to continue a dominant stretch when he gets the start for the Red Sox on Friday opposite Lance Lynn.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Lance Lynn (7-8, 5.23 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (11-4, 2.13)

Lynn gave up three earned runs over five innings in each of his last two starts and tied a season high with six walks in Saturday's loss at Kansas City. That outing left the 31-year-old with a 2-6 record and a 7.58 ERA in 10 turns on the road this year. He stymied the Red Sox over five innings in a 4-1 victory at home last month and has posted a 1.50 ERA in four career matchups.

Sale leads the AL in ERA, tops the majors with 197 strikeouts and has allowed only one run in 33 innings over his last five starts - all victories. The former first-round draft pick has registered 57 strikeouts against four walks while yielding just 18 hits in that span. Sale settled for a no-decision at Minnesota on June 19 after giving up two runs in seven frames, which left him with a 4.12 ERA in 27 career appearances (19 starts) versus the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox RHP Brandon Workman was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room on the roster for newly acquired RHP Nathan Eovaldi, who will start on Sunday.

2. Minnesota leads the all-time series 311-310.

3. Boston CF Mookie Betts continues to lead the majors in batting (.347) but is 6-for-31 with nine strikeouts over his last seven games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Twins 2

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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

Philadelphia slugger Rhys Hoskins looks to continue his impressive power display when the Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds on Friday in the second contest of a four-game set. Hoskins went deep twice in Thursday's 9-4 victory over the Reds and has launched six shots over the past six games.

The splurge has increased Hoskins' output to 20 homers and 67 RBIs as he thrives in his first full major-league campaign. Third baseman Maikel Franco and right fielder Nick Williams also smacked two homers apiece in the opener, and the Phillies tied a franchise record with seven overall blasts while winning its third straight and for the fifth time in their past seven outings. Cincinnati has its own lava-hot player in third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who has homered in four consecutive games and will be attempting to match the franchise mark held by Jay Bruce (2016). The Reds have dropped six of their last eight contests and allowed 46 runs in the six setbacks.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (6-8, 4.69 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (4-3, 5.40)

Pivetta lost to San Diego on Sunday despite striking out nine in 5 1/3 innings as he gave up six runs (four earned) and eight hits. The 25-year-old has dropped six of his last eight decisions after going 4-2 with a 3.23 ERA through his first 10 starts. Pivetta allowed two runs on five hits and struck out seven in seven innings in a no-decision on April 11 in his first career outing versus the Reds.

DeSclafani has dropped his last two starts while giving up nine runs and 11 hits over 7 2/3 innings during the span. The 28-year-old served up two homers in each of the setbacks and has allowed 14 in just 48 1/3 innings over nine starts. DeSclafani is 3-1 with a 5.21 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the Phillies but hasn't faced them since a victory on June 9, 2015.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds RF Jesse Winker (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day disabled list and will require season-ending surgery, OF Mason Williams was recalled from Triple-A Louisville and INF Alex Blandino (knee) was transferred to the 60-day DL.

2. Williams went 4-for-5 in the opener and is 10-for-23 over the past five games.

3. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto went 2-for-4 on Thursday after being 1-for-14 over the previous six contests.

PREDICTION: Phillies 7, Reds 6