Tuesday 8-7-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes - Race 4

EXACTA * TRIFECTA * SUPERFECTA (10 Cent Minimum) * DAILY DOUBLE(Races 4-5) * PICK 3 (50 CENT MINIMUM: RACES 4-5-6) * PICK 5 WITH CARRYOVER (50 Cent Minimum: Races 4-5-6-7-8)


Allowance • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 66 • Purse: $18,000 • Post: 2:31P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 6 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JUNE 6 ALLOWED 4 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $15,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * IMPERFECT UNION: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf ) is at least 50. APRIL FOG: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Y'ALL WICKED: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. TENACIOUS ROSE: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. SARAYU IT IS: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
3
IMPERFECT UNION
1/1

6/1
2
APRIL FOG
3/1

6/1
6
Y'ALL WICKED
4/1

7/1
5
TENACIOUS ROSE
6/1

8/1
7
SARAYU IT IS
6/1

8/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
APRIL FOG
2

3/1
Front-runner
68

66

78.2

59.6

52.6
6
Y'ALL WICKED
6

4/1
Front-runner
63

62

76.8

58.8

51.3
7
SARAYU IT IS
7

6/1
Front-runner
67

67

62.8

59.2

51.2
3
IMPERFECT UNION
3

1/1
Front-runner
52

66

57.8

62.6

60.6
5
TENACIOUS ROSE
5

6/1
Stalker
72

57

68.2

55.6

48.1
4
CINNAMON POWER
4

10/1
Trailer
70

69

20.4

49.4

38.9
1
FROSTY ON THE CASE
1

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
52

41

52.4

27.2

15.2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 1 - Claiming - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $5200 Class Rating: 63

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 7 ALLOWED 3 LBS. A RACE IN 2018 ALLOWED 6 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 KISS'N ROSIE 5/2

# 2 SHAKER BAKER 7/2

# 5 MARNATE 9/2

KISS'N ROSIE has a very strong shot to take this race. Has performed soundly recently in route races, posting a nifty 63 avg speed rating. With one of the best riders in terms of returns at the window, don't count this mare out. Lopez will probably be able to get this mare to break out quickly for this race. SHAKER BAKER - The quick return to the races points to a formidable effort today. MARNATE - Has been running solidly lately and ought to be up on the lead early on. Could beat this group given the 56 Equibase Speed Fig garnered in her last outing.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Louisiana Downs
Louisiana Downs - Race 3

Daily Double / Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta .50 Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5) / Super Pick 5 (Races 3-4-5-6-7)


Claiming $5,000 • 6 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 62 • Purse: $7,000 • Post: 4:13P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE FEBRUARY 7. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Trailer. KILASA is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * CROWN EXPRESS: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. KILASA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. LIL BECKY: Today is a sprint and this is th e horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. LABELHERMYPRAYER: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. THREEPEAT: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff.
4
CROWN EXPRESS
5/2

5/1
1
KILASA
5/2

6/1
3
LIL BECKY
10/1

8/1
2
LABELHERMYPRAYER
12/1

9/1
5
THREEPEAT
6/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
LIL BECKY
3

10/1
Front-runner
76

59

64.0

43.2

36.7
6
A SPECIAL FAITH
6

2/1
Front-runner
60

55

55.8

40.3

30.8
4
CROWN EXPRESS
4

5/2
Stalker
72

64

52.4

61.2

58.2
5
THREEPEAT
5

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
69

61

63.8

43.0

33.5
2
LABELHERMYPRAYER
2

12/1
Alternator/Stalker
72

62

61.6

47.4

38.4
1
KILASA
1

5/2
Trailer
64

60

41.2

57.6

52.1
7
ABAMA LIGHT
7

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

1.9

44.2

32.2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #6 - Post: 8:50pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,200 Class Rating: 55

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 ADIOS ROSE (ML=3/1)


ADIOS ROSE - Although I sometimes have doubts about a pony who failed backers as the public choice in her last race, this filly got a solid speed rating and fits well here. When Barbaran and Clouston work together on equines the win percentage has been fantastic at 38. This filly is in exceptional condition right now. Finished third last time out and comes back quickly. This filly's last speed fig is strong enough to prove victorious here, I'll invest in her right back today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 WINDYS RUNNIN GIRL (ML=2/1), #1 CUBAGUA (ML=9/2), #5 CHEATING EX (ML=5/1),

WINDYS RUNNIN GIRL - The pace situation just isn't too promising for this early speedball. Many other thoroughbreds would have to scratch to aid her chances. CUBAGUA - She had to show me more against that weaker bunch in the last race on July 23rd to get my support today. Tough to put your money on this speedball. Too much early zip in the event. CHEATING EX - This filly earned a speed figure in her last race which likely isn't good enough in today's event.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#3 ADIOS ROSE is going to be the play if we are getting 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
3 with 6

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 7 - Optional Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $29000 Class Rating: 87

FOR REGISTERED PA-BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO STATE BRED RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $30,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 117 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 7 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $30,000 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $18,000 OR LESS NOT


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 PERENNIAL 5/2

# 4 HEY MONBA 4/1

# 1 MARMALADE 2/1

PERENNIAL has a decent shot to take this race. Garcia has very solid numbers that point to this filly to be a very strong contender. Has decent front speed and ought to fare very well against this group. Sound average speed figures in dirt route races make this equine a contender. HEY MONBA - Earned a strong speed figure in the last race. Can run another good one in this race. She should be considered given the respectable speed figs. MARMALADE - Has solid Equibase Class Figures relative to this field - worth a look. Looks decent for the conditions of this contest today, showing solid figures in dirt route races lately.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #5 - Post: 3:40pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,400 Class Rating: 58

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 MAMOOBIL (ML=3/1)


MAMOOBIL - Radosevich brings her right back. I propose you stay with this live filly. Just look at her recent speed figure, 50. That one fits well in this field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 GIFT FROM MOM (ML=7/2), #2 EVEN ON THE RUN (ML=9/2), #1A HIGH CUPPER (ML=6/1),

GIFT FROM MOM - This mount didn't go to the front and didn't close down the homestretch last time she ran. EVEN ON THE RUN - If you keep choosing these kind of 'bridesmaid' types, you're going to be dissatisfied often. HIGH CUPPER - You figure that this horse is going to be first just because she's always close. Just doesn't win often.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #7 MAMOOBIL on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/06/2018

The Washington Nationals have a chance to pull closer to at least one team they are chasing in the National League East starting Tuesday, when they kick off a four-game home series with a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves. The Braves also can make a big statement this week, entering the series 1 1/2 games behind Philadelphia in the East standings and 4 1/2 games ahead of the Nationals, and a big showing by either team could help shape the division race.

The Nationals are hanging onto hope they can reenter the division race after winning eight of their past 11 games, taking three of four from Cincinnati last weekend - including a doubleheader spit Saturday. "I'm proud of the boys," Washington manager Dave Martinez told reporters after Sunday's 2-1 victory, in which Bryce Harper finished 2-for-4 to bump his average to .367 since the All-Star break. "They're fighting, they're hitting, they're pitching. They're doing everything right, so let's keep it going." The Braves also look to keep rolling after winning six of their past seven contests following a four-game losing streak, battling back twice to upend the Mets 5-4 in 10 innings Sunday on Nick Markakis' go-ahead homer. "He's a machine, that's all I can say," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker told the media after Sunday's game, in which Markakis finished 4-for-5 to raise his average to .319.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Max Fried (1-4, 3.38 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jefry Rodriguez (0-1, 6.86)

Fried is one of a few other starting options the Braves are using to navigate a stretch of 22 games in 20 days, even though he pitched an inning in relief Saturday at New York (two hits, two strikeouts in a scoreless frame). The 24-year-old has pitched far better as a starter, posting a 2.75 ERA in four starts and striking out 11 Cardinals in his lone victory. Fried lost his last start July 28 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving up just one run and two hits with seven strikeouts in five innings of a 5-1 defeat.

The Nationals have scrambled to fill out the back end of their rotation due to injuries and poor performance, and turn to Rodriguez for his fourth start in his sixth major-league appearance. His debut came in relief against the Braves on June 3 and Rodriguez responded with four hits allowed over 4 2/3 shutout innings. It has not gone as well as a starter for Rodriguez, who owns a 9.64 ERA with 10 walks and four homers allowed over 14 innings in that role.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 2B Ozzie Albies is 5-for-26 in his past six games with no walks.

2. Washington SS Trea Turner did not start Sunday after going 0-for-9 in Saturday's doubleheader.

3. Atlanta leads the season series 7-5 and have outscored Washington 52-44.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Nationals 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

The Houston Astros placed yet another All-Star on the disabled list Monday but still managed to win for the fifth time in six games. The injury-plagued Astros conclude their brief two-game interleague series against the host San Francisco Giants on Tuesday without three top hitters - including George Springer, who will miss the next two weeks with a sprained left thumb.

Marwin Gonzalez belted a three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning in Monday's 3-1 victory as the Astros improved to a major league-best 40-18 on the road. Tony Kemp replaced Springer in the leadoff spot and doubled in three at-bats while Charlie Morton tossed seven strong innings and Roberto Osuna notched the win with a scoreless frame in his team debut. San Francisco closer Will Smith entered Monday's contest with a 1.23 ERA over his last 14 appearances but allowed his first home run of the season - Gonzalez's 371-foot blast. Brandon Crawford belted a solo homer for the Giants, who are six games out of the second National League wild-card spot after falling back to .500 at 57-57.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (9-9, 3.61 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (4-4, 2.97)

Keuchel improved to 5-1 with a 2.04 ERA in his last six starts with a strong outing on Wednesday, when he allowed three runs over seven frames in an 8-3 win over Seattle. The 30-year-old native of Oklahoma has posted a 4.16 ERA in 11 starts at Minute Maid Park compared to a 3.12 mark in 12 outings on the road. Evan Longoria is 5-for-21 with six strikeouts against Keuchel, who is facing the Giants for the first time since his rookie season in 2012.

Bumgarner allowed one run and seven hits over five innings and stranded nine baserunners in Thursday's 8-1 win over Arizona. The four-time All-Star has lasted longer than six innings only three times in 11 starts, registering 56 strikeouts against 27 walks over 66 2/3 frames. Bumgarner owns a 4-1 record and 2.45 ERA in five career starts versus the Astros, including a 4-0 mark and 1.20 ERA in his last four outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros SS Carlos Correa (back) will continue his rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi on Tuesday and could be activated as soon as Thursday.

2. San Francisco 2B Joe Panik is mired in a 3-for-32 slump.

3. The Astros recalled OF Derek Fisher from Triple-A Fresno to replace Springer.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Giants 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/06/2018

The Washington Nationals have a chance to pull closer to at least one team they are chasing in the National League East starting Tuesday, when they kick off a four-game home series with a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves. The Braves also can make a big statement this week, entering the series 1 1/2 games behind Philadelphia in the East standings and 4 1/2 games ahead of the Nationals, and a big showing by either team could help shape the division race.

The Nationals are hanging onto hope they can reenter the division race after winning eight of their past 11 games, taking three of four from Cincinnati last weekend - including a doubleheader split Saturday. "I'm proud of the boys," Washington manager Dave Martinez told reporters after Sunday's 2-1 victory, in which Bryce Harper finished 2-for-4 to bump his average to .367 since the All-Star break. "They're fighting, they're hitting, they're pitching. They're doing everything right, so let's keep it going." The Braves also look to keep rolling after winning six of their past seven contests following a four-game losing streak, battling back twice to upend the Mets 5-4 in 10 innings Sunday on Nick Markakis' go-ahead homer. "He's a machine, that's all I can say," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker told the media after Sunday's game, in which Markakis finished 4-for-5 to raise his average to .319.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Southeast (Atlanta), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Sean Newcomb (10-5, 3.23 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (15-5, 2.33)

Newcomb goes on eight days rest after throwing 134 pitches while chasing a no-hitter on July 29 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a bid that ended with two strikes and two outs in the ninth. The 25-year-old started July by allowing five runs in each of his first two starts, but has posted a 2.21 ERA in his three starts since with five runs allowed in 20 1/3 innings. Newcomb is 1-1 in two starts against Washington this year, surrendering seven earned runs and nine hits in 11 1/3 innings.

Scherzer is fashioning his typical Cy Young-worthy season, leading the National League in wins, innings pitched (154 2/3), strikeouts (210) and WHIP (0.91). The 34-year-old lost four times in five starts from June 10 to July 2 despite posting a 2.73 ERA in that span, but has won each of his past five starts while striking out 36 and giving up 27 hits in 34 innings. Scherzer is 2-1 in three starts against Atlanta this season with a 1.80 ERA, striking out 24 in 20 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 2B Ozzie Albies is 5-for-26 in his past six games with no walks.

2. Washington SS Trea Turner did not start Sunday after going 0-for-9 in Saturday's doubleheader.

3. Atlanta leads the season series 7-5 and have outscored Washington 52-44.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Braves 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/06/2018

The surging Boston Red Sox brought out the brooms against an age-old rival to lift their spirits, douse those of their foes and strengthen a hold atop the American League East. Winners of 23 of the last 28, the Red Sox (79-34) aim to continue their good fortune north of the border as they begin a nine-game road trip on Tuesday with the opener a three-game series against the Blue Jays (51-60).

"Everybody knew how big this series was. We came in and did what we wanted to do. ... Every win counts the same, but now again we have to re-shift our focus toward Toronto," Andrew Benintendi told reporters after recording his third career walk-off RBI with a single in the 10th inning of Sunday's 5-4 victory over the New York Yankees. The 24-year-old Benintendi is a robust 34-for-88 with 13 RBIs and 19 runs scored in his last 22 contests for Boston, which has outscored its foes by 72 runs during its last 28 games. The Red Sox have ravaged Toronto this season with wins in 10 of the 13 encounters, and the Blue Jays return home after Sunday's 6-3 setback in Seattle. Aledmys Diaz went 7-for-13 with three homers, five RBIs and six runs scored in that series, but is just 1-for-16 against the Red Sox this season.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (1-5, 6.56 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (4-8, 5.63)

Pomeranz lost his third straight start and fell to 0-4 in his past seven last Tuesday after allowing two runs on four hits with four walks in five innings of a 3-1 setback versus Philadelphia. The 29-year-old owns a 2-1 mark with a 3.74 ERA at Rogers Centre after permitting three runs on five hits and five walks in four frames of a no-decision on May 13. Justin Smoak is 5-for-12 versus Pomeranz, however the hurler has flustered Yangervis Solarte (0-for-9).

Stroman answered two strong starts with a disastrous one on Wednesday, as he yielded a season-high seven earned runs on 11 hits over five innings of an 8-3 setback at Oakland. The 27-year-old's loss was his first since getting gashed for four runs in five innings of a 5-2 defeat at Boston on July 15. Xander Bogaerts belted a first-inning homer in that contest and is 11-for-29 in his career versus Stroman.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston OF J.D. Martinez has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 contests.

2. Blue Jays OF Curtis Granderson, who has hit safely in four straight games overall, is just 4-for-23 with eight strikeouts versus the Red Sox this season.

3. Boston OF Mookie Betts' last five homers and nine of his past 12 have given his team a lead.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Blue Jays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/06/2018

The combination of Jeff McNeil and Wilmer Flores near the top of the new-look New York Mets' batting order doesn't appear to be all that intimidating, but their recent production may cause opponents to spend a little more time preparing for the duo. The Mets set their sights on a third win in four tries Tuesday when they continue a three-game set at home against the Cincinnati Reds.

McNeil and Flores batted second and third, respectively, in Monday's series opener and finished with three hits apiece as New York pounded out 16 hits in a 6-4 victory. Flores sparked the Mets' two multiple-run innings on his 27th birthday with a pair of RBI singles en route to his second straight three-hit game, while McNeil homered and is 8-for-12 over his last three contests - lifting his average to .364 just 12 games into his big-league career. After beating National League East-leading Philadelphia in three straight to wrap up a 10-game homestand, the Reds fell to 1-6 during their nine-game road trip and lost to New York for the 24th time in the last 32 meetings. All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez delivered a two-run single in the opener and has thrived in four games against the Mets this season, going 7-for-16 with seven RBIs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Sal Romano (6-9, 5.12 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jason Vargas (2-7, 8.23)

After coming out of the bullpen in two of his last three outings, Romano returned to the rotation to take a loss Wednesday at Detroit after giving up four runs over 5 1/3 innings. The Connecticut native has struggled to miss bats on the road in 2018, going 1-5 with a 5.62 ERA while striking out only 22 over 49 2/3 frames. Romano enjoyed one of his best starts of the season in a no-decision against the Mets on April 9, allowing one run and fanning seven over six innings.

Vargas matched his season high in strikeouts (seven) and innings (five) but still took the loss to Atlanta on Thursday, permitting four runs in his second start back after spending over a month on the disabled list. The 35-year-old has been mostly ineffective in his 11 turns this season despite his limited work, yielding at least three runs eight times. Suarez is 3-for-6 with four RBIs against Vargas, who was tagged for four runs across four innings in a loss at Cincinnati on May 8.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Mets are 11-25 in their last 36 home games overall, but they have won 10 of their last 11 games at Citi Field versus the Reds.

2. Cincinnati Reds 1B Joey Votto went 2-for-4 with a walk in the opener but will not play Tuesday after aggravating a knee injury in the loss.

3. New York LHP Jerry Blevins pitched a perfect ninth inning Monday for his first save of the season and sixth of his 544-game career.

PREDICTION: Reds 7, Mets 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

The Cleveland Indians have pushed their lead in the American League Central back into double digits and can take another step toward a third consecutive division crown when they continue a four-game series with the visiting Minnesota Twins on Tuesday. A dominant six innings from Trevor Bauer and an 11-hit effort led the Indians to a 10-0 victory in Monday's series opener, giving Cleveland a 10-game lead over the second-place Twins.

Cleveland's starters have combined to allow two runs and strike out 25 in 20 2/3 innings during the club's three-game winning streak - a trend Carlos Carrasco hopes to continue when he gets the nod Tuesday. Minnesota counters with left-hander Adalberto Mejia as it attempts to snap a four-game road losing streak. Mejia will contend with a lineup that produced four home runs in Monday's win, including a three-run shot for Edwin Encarnacion, who has 48 RBIs in 55 home games. Francisco Lindor went 2-for-4 with a run scored for Cleveland as he took over the top spot in the majors with his 44th multi-hit effort.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Adalberto Mejia (1-0, 2.60 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (13-5, 3.66)

Mejia will be pitching for the third time in 10 days, the last of which resulted in five scoreless innings against Cleveland on Wednesday. He has allowed one run in 13 1/3 frames through his last three appearances (two starts) since returning from Triple-A Rochester late last month. Rajai Davis is 3-for-5 with a double and Jose Ramirez is 3-for-7 with a pair of doubles against the 25-year-old, who is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA in two career starts at Progressive Field.

Carrasco is 5-0 with a 1.99 ERA since the beginning of July, including a dominant outing at Minnesota opposite Mejia last week. The native Venezuelan limited the Twins to four hits in 7 1/3 scoreless innings while striking out 10 - a stark contrast to a pair of matchups in June in which Carrasco was lit up by Minnesota for 10 runs in five combined innings. He will be wary of Joe Mauer (14-for-35, six extra-base hits against Carrasco) and Miguel Sano (7-for-23, two doubles).

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland placed OF Robbie Grossman (hamstring) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled OF Johnny Field from Triple-A Rochester.

2. Twins LF Eddie Rosario was 0-for-3 on Monday and is 4-for-36 over a nine-game stretch.

3. Indians LF Michael Brantley is batting .338 at home.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Twins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

Marcell Ozuna's return to Florida was a successful one individually, but not enough of his St. Louis Cardinals teammates came along for the ride. The two-time All-Star hopes to keep the Cardinals' streak of series wins alive for at least one more day when St. Louis visits his former team - the Miami Marlins - for the second of a three-game series.

Ozuna, who spent the first five years of his career with the Marlins, went 3-for-4 in his first game back in Miami, but St. Louis could muster only seven singles and finished 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position en route to a 2-1 defeat Monday. The setback was an unfortunate one for the Cardinals, who have taken two out of three from three straight playoff contenders and were hoping to keep it rolling in the first of six games against last-place teams Miami and Kansas City. The Marlins got just enough offense in the series opener to earn a victory after a winless six-game road trip, but almost gave up a two-run lead in the ninth inning as Kyle Barraclough continued to struggle as the closer. Brian Anderson plated one of Miami's two runs Monday and is 6-for-15 with a pair of walks over the last four contests.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (11-3, 2.75 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Pablo Lopez (2-2, 4.67)

Mikolas produced his team-leading 15th quality start in Thursday's no-decision versus Colorado, allowing two runs (one earned) while striking out six across seven innings. The Nova Southeastern product has yet to allow more than four runs in any of his 22 starts this season, permitting two or fewer earned runs 16 times. One of those outings came on June 7, when Mikolas yielded one unearned run on three hits across seven innings to defeat Miami.

Lopez held the opposition to one run over six innings for the second time in three starts but settled for a no-decision Thursday in Philadelphia. The 22-year-old Venezuelan has been inconsistent thus far, mixing in three strong efforts in which he has allowed a total of four runs with three starts of giving up at least four each time. Lopez will try to improve on his 1-2 record and 5.60 ERA in three home outings when he faces St. Louis for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. After carrying a 1.28 ERA into the All-Star break, Barraclough has posted a 22.85 ERA and three blown saves in four opportunities over six second-half appearances.

2. Cardinals 1B Matt Carpenter failed to homer for the first time in four games, but he was able to extend his on-base streak to 25 games - one shy of his career-high and the longest active streak in the majors.

3. Miami 2B Starlin Castro is three hits shy of becoming only the sixth player to debut in the last 20 years to reach the 130-hit mark in each of his first nine seasons.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Marlins 2

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Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/06/2018

The streaky Tampa Bay Rays are having a hard time getting up for teams that reside below them in the standings. After being swept by the disappointing Chicago White Sox, the Rays (56-56) aim to regain their footing on Tuesday when they open a three-game series versus the visiting Baltimore Orioles (34-78).

"Losses are losses. Wins are wins. You just want to play better baseball and they did things to take advantage of opportunities and found ways to win all three games," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash told reporters after Sunday's 8-7 setback to the White Sox. Joey Wendle homered among his three hits in that contest to improve to 13-for-31 with seven runs scored in his last nine games while batting 19-for-51 in the season series against Baltimore. The cellar-dwelling Orioles defeated the Rays in three straight contests and split with the high-powered New York Yankees before dropping three of four at Texas. Mark Trumbo, who homered twice and drove in five in Sunday's 9-6 win, carries an eight-game hitting streak into the series opener.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Alex Cobb (3-14, 5.83 ERA) vs. Rays RH Tyler Glasnow (1-2, 4.27)

Cobb posted his first win in nearly two months on Wednesday after limiting the Yankees to one run on seven hits over six innings of a 7-5 victory. The 30-year-old hasn't been as fortunate against his former team, as he fell to 0-3 with a bloated 6.06 ERA in three starts this season after permitting four runs on eight hits in six innings of a 4-3 setback on July 26. Wendle is 4-for-8 with two RBIs versus Cobb while Mallex Smith is 3-for-5.

Glasnow took a positive first step forward with his new team after being acquired from Pittsburgh for Chris Archer. The 24-year-old made his first start of the season after 34 relief appearances and allowed one run on two hits over three innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. "I'm comfortable as a starter. I've done it my entire career so I'm glad I'm getting put back as a starter," Glasnow told reporters.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay traded SS Adeiny Hechavarria to Pittsburgh on Monday for minor-league RHP Matt Seelinger, who will join Class A Bowling Green.

2. Orioles OF Adam Jones is batting a robust 20-for-49 with two homers and nine RBIs versus the Rays this season.

3. The Rays are 5-7 this season when facing a former starting pitcher of their team.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Rays 3