Wednesday 8-8-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Members post your personal plays in the various sports forums @ IWS and our betting trackers!

NFL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...3-NFL-Football

College Football
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...-NCAA-Football

Baseball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...57-ML-Baseball

College Basketball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...CAA-Basketball

NBA
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...NBA-Basketball

NHL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...?58-NHL-Hockey

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Albuquerque
Albuquerque - Race 7

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


Claiming $15,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 92 • Purse: $19,200 • Post: 8:35P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JANUARY 1, 2018 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $15,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Trailer. FRANKLYENERGIZED is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * FRANKLYENERGIZED: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. HOLLYWOOD ANGEL: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. TALE OF BEAUCETTE: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of to day's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race).
2
FRANKLYENERGIZED
3/1

9/2
4
HOLLYWOOD ANGEL
5/2

5/1
1
TALE OF BEAUCETTE
5/1

8/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
4
HOLLYWOOD ANGEL
4

5/2
Front-runner
102

94

72.0

83.4

77.9
5
EVOLVE
5

7/2
Alternator/Front-runner
92

84

83.8

73.4

62.9
1
TALE OF BEAUCETTE
1

5/1
Stalker
92

89

72.2

88.4

81.4
6
TEAM FIREBALL
6

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
98

91

53.2

65.4

59.9
2
FRANKLYENERGIZED
2

3/1
Alternator/Trailer
93

85

58.6

85.0

79.0
3
SUCCESS RATE
3

4/1
Alternator/Non-contender
87

80

70.0

79.6

72.6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Canterbury Park
Canterbury Park - Race 1

Win, Place &Show / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta $1 Daily Double / $.50 Rolling Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3)


Maiden Claiming $12,500 • 250 Yards • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 55 • Purse: $9,000 • Post: 6:15P
QUARTER HORSE 250Y, FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500. MINNESOTA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $20,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * RL MR JOHNNY CASH: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. SW BULLET PROOF: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMa ster Power Rating.
3
RL MR JOHNNY CASH
8/5

7/2
5
SW BULLET PROOF
2/1

7/2
1
OUR SECRET LEGACY
10/1

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
OUR SECRET LEGACY
1

10/1
Slow
62

44

9.6

0.0

0.0
2
MAKE ME A MOJITO
2

8/1
Slow/Trouble-prone
0

0

8.2

0.0

0.0
3
RL MR JOHNNY CASH
3

8/5
Average
60

49

0.0

0.0

0.0
4
FLASH THE DUKE
4

12/1
Slow
0

0

9.5

0.0

0.0
5
SW BULLET PROOF
5

2/1
Slow
65

52

6.5

0.0

0.0
6
IM A FOXY CAPTAIN
6

6/1
Average
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0
7
SHES SUSPICIOUS
7

15/1
Slow/Trouble-prone
0

0

9.3

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Del Mar - Race #1 - Post: 2:00pm - Starter Allowance - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $30,000 Class Rating: 98

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 LOB CITY (ML=8/1)
#7 WAR MOCCASIN (ML=3/1)


LOB CITY - When Payeras and Sherlock partner up on animals the ROI has been great at +123. Took a big class drop last out, and I think she may have needed it. Sherlock enters her at a similar class today. I'd expect an improved performance. WAR MOCCASIN - If you review the PP's for this entrant, you'll see she has recorded the top Equibase speed fig at the distance and surface. A repeat effort in this event and this horse has a superb chance to win. When I handicap a race on the turf, I think sometimes class ratings are more important than speed figs. This race horse has the highest average class in the entire field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 BELIEVE INDEED (ML=8/5), #2 LOOKING AT THELAKE (ML=4/1),

BELIEVE INDEED - This mare probably needs a more conducive pace scenario to make her closing move. LOOKING AT THELAKE - Hard to recommend any horse with dropping speed ratings of 93/83/75. This filly recorded a rating in her last race which probably isn't good enough in today's race.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #1 LOB CITY to win if we can get at least 3/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Evangeline Downs - Race #6 - Post: 8:10pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,500 Class Rating: 45

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 ANGELIC GEM (ML=9/2)


ANGELIC GEM - I usually like playing sprinters who are 3-4 races into a come back. Looking at today's class rating, this horse is up against an easier field than last time out at Evangeline Downs. Don't throw this horse out due to her last race at Evangeline Downs where she ran fifth on an off track. I look for an improvement today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 CREOLE WILDFIRE (ML=5/2), #3 QUICK FIX (ML=7/2), #10 FINEST KYLIE (ML=6/1),

CREOLE WILDFIRE - This entrant showed very liitle last time out finishing seventh. Can't expect any betterment in today's event. QUICK FIX - Finished second in her most recent race with a pedestrian speed rating. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to win after that in this bunch. FINEST KYLIE - Today's affair is 6 furlongs. Hasn't finished in the money in a sprint contest in the last sixty days. Not the best of signs. This filly hasn't been showing me anything in the last couple of efforts.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #9 ANGELIC GEM on top if we're getting at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 10 - Maiden - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $13000 Class Rating: 67

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 12 GUATEMALA JOE 10/1

# 5 WORTH DOING RIGHT 4/1

# 9 AJK ZOOMIN BEAUTY 15/1

GUATEMALA JOE has a formidable shot to take this contest and is a competitive value bet given the line. Has been running strongly lately and should be up near the lead early on. Lately Smith has provided wagerers with a very good winning percentage with horses running in short races. Has performed admirably lately in short races, posting a nifty 53 avg Equibase Speed Fig. WORTH DOING RIGHT - Looks respectable to be on or close to the front end at the first call. Has been racing strongly and has among the most favorable speed in the race for today's distance. AJK ZOOMIN BEAUTY - Had one of the most respectable speed figures of this field in her last outing. A solid 68 avg Equibase class figure may give this filly a distinct class edge versus this group.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 5 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $8000 Class Rating: 83

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 8, 2018 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE JUNE 8, 2018 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 AIR ASSAULT 8/5

# 4 FOREST MIST 4/1

# 6 EMPEROR T 8/1

AIR ASSAULT looks to be a very good contender. Has been constatntly racing well lately. Have to love when any pony makes a quick major improvement. Reason to like this gelding as he has in the saddle one of the best jocks using winning percentages over the last 30 days. FOREST MIST - Has very good front-end speed and should fare quite well versus this group. Has been racing soundly and has among the best speed in the race for today's distance. EMPEROR T - Trainers don't bring racers back this soon without any reason. His earnings per start in dirt route races alone makes you take a look at him.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga
RACE #9 - 5:18 PM
The Quick Call Stakes
5½ FURLONGS TURF THREE YEAR OLDS STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#2 MAJESTIC DUNHILL
#10 STOLEN PISTOL
#11 COLTANDMISSISSIPPI
#7 DIRTY

This race, which was inaugurated in 2008, the Quick Call was named after the multiple graded stakes winning gelding who won more than half his 16 career victories at the Spa. Trained by Sid Watters, Jr. and Warren Croll, Quick Call finished fifth in the Saratoga Special in 1986, and went on to win nine races there each year from 1987-1990 including the Forego in 1988 and 1989. He retired in 1992. Here in the 11th running of "The Call," #2 MAJESTIC DUNHILL, an 8-1 shot, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has hit the board in four of his last five starts, winning three times, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in his last two starts. #10 STOLEN PISTOL, a 6-1 shot, is the pace profile leader, and like my top pick in this race, also comes off back-to-back, "POWER RUN WINS" in his respective last two starts.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Saratoga

08/08/18, SAR, Race 5, 3.14 ET
1 1/16M [Turf] 1.38.01 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. Purse $75,000.
FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLDFOALED IN NEW YORK STATE AND APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE-BRED REGISTRY
Exacta, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Pick 3 Races (5-7), Pick 6 Races (5-10) - Double
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 33.33, $1 ROI 1.51, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Turf
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 1 Crazy Life 5/2 Castellano J Brown Chad C. T
099.7551 6 Early Retirement 8-1 Santana. Jr. R Donk David G. SFEWC
098.9952 10 Doups Point 4-1 Rosario J Clement Christophe
098.8216 9 Pier Forty 7/2 Velazquez J R Weaver George
098.6296 2 Somelikeithotbrown 8-1 Ortiz J L Maker Michael J.
098.0173 13 Kadens Courage 4-1 Rider TBA Rodriguez Rudy R.
096.9104 5 Impazible Odds 12-1 Alvarado J Morley Thomas
094.5609 7 Tenminuteswithal 12-1 Franco M Englehart Jeremiah C.
094.3105 4 Dashing Dan 12-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Dilger Michael J
093.9496 14 Icey Cash 8-1 Saez L Schettino Dominick L.
091.9826 3 Taptaptap 15-1 Lezcano J Cannizzo David A. L
091.5357 11 Tiger Man 20-1 Davis D Cash Russell J.
090.4840 12 Awesome Adversary 12-1 Rider TBA Friedman Mitchell E.
089.8318 8 The Glominator 15-1 Cancel E Nicks Ralph E.
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse Win Percent 30.00, $1 ROI 0.88, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 1 Crazy Life 5/2 Castellano J Brown Chad C. T
099.7247 10 Doups Point 4-1 Rosario J Clement Christophe F
099.6176 6 Early Retirement 8-1 Santana. Jr. R Donk David G. SEC
098.7765 9 Pier Forty 7/2 Velazquez J R Weaver George
098.2028 5 Impazible Odds 12-1 Alvarado J Morley Thomas
097.6550 2 Somelikeithotbrown 8-1 Ortiz J L Maker Michael J. W
097.3813 13 Kadens Courage 4-1 Rider TBA Rodriguez Rudy R.
096.5309 14 Icey Cash 8-1 Saez L Schettino Dominick L.
095.8674 7 Tenminuteswithal 12-1 Franco M Englehart Jeremiah C.
095.4954 4 Dashing Dan 12-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Dilger Michael J
094.4904 12 Awesome Adversary 12-1 Rider TBA Friedman Mitchell E.
093.2625 3 Taptaptap 15-1 Lezcano J Cannizzo David A. L
092.9863 11 Tiger Man 20-1 Davis D Cash Russell J.
092.2962 8 The Glominator 15-1 Cancel E Nicks Ralph E.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

The dark comedy that has been Jacob deGrom's season continues when the New York Mets ace seeks to end a seven-start winless drought in the finale of a three-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday afternoon. DeGrom leads the majors with a 1.85 ERA but he has won only once over his last 13 trips to the mound.

Riding a streak of 14 straight quality starts, deGrom has gone eight innings in four of his last five turns and New York will be hoping for another such outing after burning its bullpen in Tuesday's 6-1 loss. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo, mired in a 3-for-30 funk in the previous nine games, collected two of the Mets' four hits as they lost for the 26th time in their last 37 home games. Phillip Ervin clubbed a two-run homer and had three RBIs as Cincinnati improved to 2-6 on its nine-game road trip. Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett is 7-for-15 with a pair of homers and five RBIs against New York this season.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Robert Stephenson (2017: 5-6, 4.68 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (5-7, 1.85)

Stephenson was on a roll at Triple-A Louisville, posting a 6-0 record and a 1.23 ERA over his last seven starts while permitting only 23 hits in 44 innings. "I feel like I made a lot of progress since I've been down there," Stephenson told MLB.com. "I feel really comfortable about being back." He earned a win over the Mets on Aug. 31, 2017, giving up two runs and five hits in six innings.

DeGrom keeps finding ways to lose mainly because his team cannot find ways to provide run support, scoring three runs during his current three-start skid. He registered his 14th consecutive quality start last time out versus Atlanta, but took the loss despite allowing two runs and six hits over eight innings. Gennett is 5-for-16 against deGrom, who owns a 1-1 mark and 3.00 ERA versus the Reds.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez has hit safely in five straight games overall and is 8-for-20 versus the Mets this season.

2. Mets RF Jose Bautista had an RBI single Tuesday after going 0-for-21 in the previous six games.

3. Reds 1B Joey Votto rested his ailing knee Tuesday and his status is unclear for the series finale.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Reds 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

Rougned Odor has been one of the hottest hitters in the major leagues since the All-Star break, and he again looks to ignite the Texas Rangers' offense when they host the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday afternoon for the finale of their three-game series. Odor homered and drove in four runs on Tuesday as the Rangers cruised to an 11-4 triumph - their eighth win in 11 games.

Odor has gone 26-for-69 with eight homers and 20 RBIs in his last 17 games to raise his season average 32 points to .271. Jurickson Profar added a three-run blast and Adrian Beltre went deep for the 468th time in his career, tying recent Hall-of-Fame inductee Chipper Jones for 33rd place on the all-time list. Slumping Seattle has dropped six of its last eight games and former ace Felix Hernandez gave up a career-worst 11 runs - seven earned - in Tuesday's debacle. Slugger Nelson Cruz belted his 30th homer in the loss, reaching the plateau for the fifth straight season and sixth time in his career.

TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, Facebook Watch

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (12-6, 3.46 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (6-1, 6.51)

Gonzales won five straight starts before losing to Toronto in his last outing. The 26-year-old gave up four runs and seven hits over seven innings after allowing six runs over 34 1/3 frames during his winning streak. Gonzales defeated the Rangers on May 28, when he permitted an unearned run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings to improve to 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA in two career turns against the club.

Gallardo has won three straight starts and six of his last seven. The 32-year-old defeated Baltimore in his last turn despite yielding five runs and nine hits over 5 1/3 innings after two scoreless outings. Gallardo is 2-2 with a 2.42 ERA in four career starts against Seattle, with whom he went 5-10 with a 5.72 ERA last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers SS Elvis Andrus went 1-for-5 on Tuesday to extend his career-best hitting streak to 18 games.

2. Seattle CF Cameron Maybin recorded two hits on Tuesday to improve to 6-for-21 in six contests since being acquired from Miami.

3. Texas DH Shin-Soo Choo walked three times but went 0-for-2 on Tuesday to drop to 9-for-64 with 26 strikeouts in his last 16 games.

PREDICTION: Mariners 7, Rangers 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

Pitcher Chris Archer, one of several new arrivals for the Pittsburgh Pirates, takes the mound Wednesday in the rubber match of a three-game series against the host Colorado Rockies. Archer was acquired from Tampa Bay at last week's non-waiver trade deadline to bolster the impressive Pirates' pitching staff, which leads the National League with a 3.09 ERA since July 8.

Jameson Taillon recorded his second complete game of the season and Josh Harrison belted a two-run homer in Tuesday's 10-2 victory as the Pirates snapped a three-game losing streak and improved to 18-8 over the past month. Starling Marte ended a 0-for-14 hitless streak with a solo home run in the first inning while Jordy Mercer added a three-run blast to help Pittsburgh bounce back from a 2-0 loss in the series opener. The Rockies have lost six of their last nine and could use a strong outing from German Marquez on Wednesday after Chad Bettis lasted just 4 2/3 innings in Tuesday's loss. Charlie Blackmon provided one of the few Colorado highlights with his 1,000th career hit, but Chris Iannetta grounded into two double plays and has one hit in his last 24 at-bats.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Chris Archer (3-5, 4.40 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (9-8, 4.70)

Archer struggled in his Pirates' debut last Friday, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits across 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision against St. Louis. The two-time All-Star has given up 10 runs with 22 strikeouts over his last three starts covering 16 1/3 innings. Archer last faced Colorado on July 20, 2016 and earned the victory after striking out 11 batters over six strong innings.

After going 3-0 with a 3.65 ERA in four starts last month, Marquez yielded two runs over seven innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee last Friday. The 23-year-old native of Venezuela owns a 3.09 ERA in 11 starts on the road compared to a 6.63 mark in 11 outings at Coors Field. Marquez is 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA in three career starts versus Pittsburgh, including six strong frames in a victory at PNC Park on April 16.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh 1B Josh Bell (oblique) could be activated from the disabled list prior to Wednesday's contest.

2. The Rockies activated Bettis (blister) from the 10-day disabled list and optioned C Tom Murphy to Triple-A Albuquerque.

3. The Pirates placed INF/OF Sean Rodriguez on the 10-day disabled list with a left abdominal strain and added recently acquired SS Adeiny Hechavarria to the active roster.

PREDICTION: Pirates 7, Rockies 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies are playing solid baseball and aim for their seventh victory in eight games when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday afternoon for the rubber match of their three-game series. The Phillies expanded their lead over Atlanta in the National League East to 1 1/2 games with Tuesday's 5-2 victory.

Nick Williams went 2-for-5 with a homer and Asdrubal Cabrera was 2-for-3 with a two-run double as Philadelphia won despite registering only six hits. Slugger Rhys Hoskins walked three times on Tuesday but was hitless in two at-bats and is 0-for-12 over his last four contests. The Diamondbacks fell one-half game behind first-place Los Angeles in the NL West with Tuesday's loss and the Dodgers' victory in Oakland. David Peralta, who hit the game-winning homer in the 14th inning in the series opener, recorded two hits on Tuesday and is 14-for-28 with three homers over his last six games.

TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (8-8, 3.80 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (8-4, 3.31)

Velasquez has gone 3-0 with a 0.71 ERA over his last five appearances (four starts). The 26-year-old defeated Miami in his last outing as he gave up two hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings. Velasquez lost to Arizona on April 24, when he yielded four runs and four hits in 4 2/3 frames and is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in four career meetings (two starts).

Corbin has posted a 2-0 record over his last three turns after enduring a seven-start winless streak during which he went 0-2. The 29-year-old defeated San Francisco in his last outing as he permitted three runs and seven hits in six innings. Corbin is 2-2 with a 4.44 ERA in four career starts against the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies RHP Pat Neshek retired the side on five pitches in the ninth inning on Tuesday to record his second save of the season.

2. Arizona CF A.J. Pollock went 1-for-3 with an RBI on Tuesday after missing back-to-back starts due to tired legs.

3. Philadelphia 1B Carlos Santana has recorded just one homer and two RBIs over his last 11 games.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 4, Phillies 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Angels Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

The Detroit Tigers are having an awful time on their six-game road trip and hope to salvage the finale when they visit the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday afternoon for the finale of their three-game series. Detroit has been outscored 26-8 while losing the first five games of the trek, including three in Oakland.

Los Angeles notched an 11-5 victory on Tuesday as two-way player Shohei Ohtani went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer to improve to 8-for-19 with three blasts and seven RBIs over his last five games. Justin Upton added a two-run homer against his former team while going 2-for-5 after being hitless in 14 at-bats over his previous four contests. Detroit's Jeimer Candelario went 2-for-4 with a blast and three RBIs for his second two-hit effort of the road trip as he ended his 11-game home-run drought. Nicholas Castellanos also recorded his second two-hit performance of the trek but is just 8-for-52 with 20 strikeouts over his last 13 contests.

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Blaine Hardy (4-3, 3.25 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jaime Barria (6-7, 3.84)

Hardy is coming off a superb start in which he allowed just one hit over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision against Oakland. The 31-year-old has given up just one run and five hits over 12 frames in his last two turns, which includes a victory over Cleveland. Hardy has posted a 1.50 ERA in six career relief appearances against the Angels.

Barria did not factor in the decision last time out after giving up three runs and six hits over five innings against the Indians. The 22-year-old rookie defeated Seattle in his previous turn to end a stretch during which he went 0-6 in seven turns. Barria is 3-4 with a 4.11 ERA in nine home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ohtani (elbow) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday.

2. Detroit INF Niko Goodrum is hitless in seven at-bats in the series and 1-for-19 during the road trip.

3. Los Angeles All-Star CF Mike Trout (wrist) has missed six straight games but the club hopes he will be able to return on Friday.

PREDICTION: Angels 8, Tigers 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

The Atlanta Braves could not have envisioned a worse start to Tuesday's doubleheader at the Washington Nationals, but enter the third contest of a four-game series Wednesday after perhaps their biggest victory of a breakthrough season in the nightcap. Atlanta suffered two key pitching injuries in an ugly 8-3 loss in the opener but rallied after outlasting Max Scherzer in Tuesday's finale, riding Ender Inciarte's ninth-inning two-run triple to a 3-1 triumph.

Opening a stretch of 22 games in 20 days, the Braves lost starting pitcher Max Fried (groin) and reliever Shane Carle (shoulder) to injuries in the opener before Sean Newcomb matched Scherzer in the nightcap, and Charlie Culberson belted homers in both ends of the doubleheader. The Nationals had all the momentum after taking the first game Tuesday to pull briefly within 3 ½ games of Atlanta for second place in the National League East, but not only wasted a stellar Scherzer start but also saw closer Kelvin Herrera leave the game in the ninth inning with an undisclosed injury. First baseman Ryan Zimmerman finished 6-for-8 in the two games, teaming with red-hot right fielder Bryce Harper for back-to-back homers to help break open the opener. Washington has won nine of its past 13 games while the Braves have captured seven of their past nine contests as both teams chase Philadelphia in the NL East.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (8-7, 3.04 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Tommy Milone (1-0, 3.00)

Foltynewicz opened August by snapping a two-start losing streak, giving up two runs on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts in six innings Thursday against the Mets. The 26-year-old had surrendered four runs in each of his previous two starts, including a loss July 22 at Washington in which he gave up nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. Foltynewicz entered Tuesday fifth in the National League in hits per nine innings (6.921) and sixth in ERA and strikeouts per nine innings (10.496).

Milone, who posted a 7.63 ERA in 17 games a season ago, has provided the Nationals' ailing rotation a big boost in two starts so far. The 31-year-old has yet to walk a batter while striking out 15, giving up four runs on 11 hits across 12 innings in a no-decision against Miami and a victory over the Mets. Milone, who signed as a free agent last winter, went 7-4 with a 4.19 ERA in 20 starts at Triple-A Syracuse before being recalled.

WALK-OFFS

1. Inciarte, who was hitting .238 on July 21, is batting .352 with six extra-base hits and eight RBIs in his past 15 games.

2. Washington signed RHP Greg Holland before Tuesday's doubleheader, and he struck out the side with one walk in the opener.

3. Nationals SS Trea Turner collected three hits, a run scored and an RBI in the opener after entering the doubleheader on an 0-for-9 skid.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Nationals 2