Friday 8-10-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 06:34 AM

Falcons vs. Jets Preview and Predictions in NFL

The Atlanta Falcons had a psychological barrier to overcome last season. They had blown a huge lead in the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots, and lost their offensive coordinator to boot. We can't sit here and tell you that they were able to reach the same level of achievement in the 2017 campaign, but they did manage to get to the playoffs and win a road game in Los Angeles, before running out of luck against the eventual champion Eagles.

Although they didn't get close to a playoff spot, the New York Jets overachieved last year, if you really wanted to put things into perspective. They had gotten rid of some of their veteran talent and were looking at a season with a journeyman quarterback. There were actually members of the New York press who wondered if they would win a game. Well, they did a lot better than that, winning five games and being eligible in several others. The quarterback situation was still something that had to be addressed, and they did that in the draft and with a free agent signing, not to mention holding onto that journeyman signal-caller who had a surprisingly good season.

These teams will get together for the pre-season opener on Friday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

TV: 7:30 PM ET, NFL Network. LINE: Jets -2.5. O/U: 34.5

ABOUT THE FALCONS: Interestingly enough, this is a team that scored 540 points in its Super Bowl season, and saw that figure dip all the way down to 353 last year. If you listen to some critics, they'll say it had an awful lot to do with Steve Sarkisian taking the offensive coordinator position from Kyle Shanahan, who became the head coach in San Francisco. Matt Ryan did not have the same kind of season, as he had just 20 touchdown passes and twelve interceptions. They lost wide receivers Andre Roberts and Taylor Gabriel but did spend a first-round draft pick on Calvin Ridley, in their continuing quest to find a worthy complement to Julio Jones. The backup quarterbacks, who will play a prominent role here, are veteran Matt Schaub (who was once the MVP of the Pro Bowl), Garrett Grayson and Kurt Benkert, the latter an undrafted free agent out of Virginia who may get a lot of second-half playing time. Head coach Dan Quinn takes great pride in the progress his defense has made, and he'll be looking to get something out of rookie Deadrin Senat, a third-round pick out of South Florida, as he tries to replace departed defensive tackle Dontari Poe. Linebacker Foye Oluokun, a sixth-round pick out of Yale, is also getting a long look playing at all the LB positions. The Falcons (10-6 SU, 7-9 ATS last year) are +150 to win the very competitive NFC South and priced at +1350 to win the Super Bowl.

ABOUT THE JETS: The guy who is under the microscope is, of course, Sam Darnold, who was taken with the third pick in the draft. His time in camp has been limited, however, as he was late on coming together with management on his rookie contract. Josh McCown is the guy who is #1 on the depth chart, after 67% and a ratio of 18 TD's to just nine interceptions, but another guy drawing interest is Teddy Bridgewater, who has missed the better part of the last two seasons with a knee injury. Don't forget that he was a Pro Bowl QB for Minnesota prior to getting hurt. He feels as if he can compete for the starting spot. The secondary allowed just 59% completions to opposition quarterbacks, and safety Jamal Adams is a coming star. Trumaine Johnson is the new vet, having signed a big free agent contract in the off-season. The Jets' third-round draft pick, Nathan Shepherd, a defensive lineman who played Division II ball at Fort Hays State, is the only rookie who is #1 on the depth chart. Within a period of three days, linebacker Dylan Donahue, a fifth-round pick last season, has entered two guilty pleas to DUI charges, one of which took place in Montana and the other in the Lincoln Tunnel, and he is no doubt going to be suspended by the NFL. To what degree, we are not certain yet. The Jets (5-11 SU, 8-6-2 ATS in 2017) are the longshot in the AFC East, priced at +1150 to win the division. And they are 125-1to win Super Bowl 53.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Matt Bryant, all of 43 years of age, will not play for the Falcons, so David Marvin, who was with national runner-up Georgia last season, will get a chance to handle the kicking duties.

2. Andre Roberts, who caught one pass for the Falcons last year, has moved to the Jets as a free agent, and it looks as if he will handle punt and/or kick return duties, as he did with Atlanta.

3. Atlanta's Dan Quinn has not been a winner in the pre-season as an NFL head coach, with a 5-7 straight-up and 4-8 ATS record. New York's Todd Bowles has been a little better, with 6-6 SU and 8-4 ATS marks.

PREDICTION: Jets 21, Falcons 13

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 06:34 AM

Lions vs. Raiders Preview and Predictions in NFL

Both the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders made coaching changes, but only the Silver and Black produced a genuine blast from the past. Can either of these teams who aren't all that far away, take the steps that are needed to make their way back to the playoffs? That is the question as they get together on Thursday night.

Matt Patricia, who had been the New England Patriots' defensive coordinator for the last six seasons, was hired by the Lions, as management was not altogether confident going forward any longer with Jim Caldwell. Of course, the defense in the Motor City needs work, but one of Patricia's principal orders of business will be to re-establish the running game, which had disappeared.

The biggest news in the Bay Area was the return of Jon Gruden to coach the Raiders, who are planning the 2020 move to Las Vegas. Gruden has stayed close to the game as a commentator for ESPN, but there is little doubt that he will be experiencing a few speed bumps as he brings himself back into a business that has changed since he last prowled the sidelines for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The rumor was that Gruden was set to come back to the Bucs, but Oakland owner Mark Davis (son of Al) came with a lucrative ten-year offer.

So Gruden is at it again, and in front of Raider Nation in the pre-season opener at the Coliseum.

TV: 10:30 PM ET, NFL Network. LINE: Raiders -3. O/U: 36

ABOUT THE LIONS: Detroit (9-7 straight-up, 8-7-1 against the spread last year) proved it was serious about the ground attack in the off-season by signing LeGarrette Blount, a guy with plenty of playoff experience, as a free agent and drafting Auburn's Kerryon Johnson in the second round. They are also doing a great deal of re-tooling along the offensive line, with rookie first-round pick Frank Ragnow the likely starter at left guard. The idea with all of this is that they can take the pressure off quarterback Matthew Stafford if they can run the ball with some authority. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, who was kept on the staff by Patricia and has a great rapport with Stafford, talked a lot about the run game a year ago, so now we'll see if this finally happens. Darius Slay is the firmly entrenched starter at one corner position, but Patricia feels as if he will let individual situations dictate who is used at the other corner spot at any given time. And as a result, the team may wind up keeping more defensive backs than usual. Ezekiel Ansah. the team's best pass rusher, who had knee surgery in the off-season, started camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list but has now been activated and will travel with the team to Oakland. The Lions are currently priced at +500 to win the NFC North and +3500 to capture the Super Bowl title.

ABOUT THE RAIDERS: Oakland made the playoffs two years ago but limped into the post-season when Derek Carr got hurt, and they went quietly against Houston. Last season they were 6-10 straight-up and 4-9-3 ATS. Carr is a priority for Gruden, a former college quarterback who has his own particular motivational methods. You're going to see some new receivers this season; Martavis Bryant (who calls Gruden a "mastermind") has moved over from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jordy Nelson, who had thrived for years in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers, will essentially fill the void left by Michael Crabtree's departure. If you were following that story, you know that Rodgers was not at all happy to see Nelson go. So Amari Cooper may have better people to compliment him in this West Coast-style attack. Giorgio Tavecchio, who made 76% of his field goal attempts last season, was cut, and rookie Eddy Pineiro, who was not drafted, is considered the favorite to win the job. Marshawn Lynch has caught the favor of Gruden very early. “I love him. I love being around him,” the head coach says about the veteran back who came out of retirement last season and ran for 3.7 yards per carry. Connor Cook, who started the Raiders' playoff game a couple of years ago, and former Buffalo first-rounder EJ Manuel are the other quarterbacks listed on the depth chart. Oakland is priced at +250 to win the AFC West title, and +2800 to win Super Bowl 53.

EXTRA POINTS

1. When Jon Gruden was previously a head coach, he was a 65% (30-16) straight-up proposition in the pre-season.

2. Matt Cassel, who has 81 career starts under his belt and has been with seven different teams, is one of the quarterbacks who will see action for Detroit. His relationship with Patricia goes back to their days with the New England Patriots (2005-08).

3. The Raiders have allowed fewer sacks over the last two seasons than any other team in the NFL (42). Over that period, the Lions have yielded twice as many (84).

PREDICTION: Raiders 21, Lions 14

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 06:34 AM

Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers Preview and Predictions 08-10-2018 in CFL

CFL Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats look to build off their impressive Week 8 victory when they visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday. The Tiger-Cats routed the Montreal Alouettes 50-11 to spoil Johnny Manziel's first CFL start and hope to claw their way back to .500 while gaining more ground on the Ottawa Redblacks in the race for the East Division title.

Hamilton won the first meeting with Winnipeg 31-17 on June 29 and can move into a first-place tie with the Redblacks by completing its first season sweep of the Blue Bombers since 2015. Winnipeg won back-to-back games against the Toronto Argonauts before a week off robbed them of their momentum. The Blue Bombers have won three of their last four contests, including an impressive 40-14 victory over the Argonauts on July 27, and aim to keep rolling by winning their third consecutive home game. Winnipeg leads the league in points (34.1), rushing yards (161.6) and rushing touchdowns (1.7) per game and hopes the offence keeps clicking as it searches for its first home victory against the Tiger-Cats in more than two years.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN Plus

ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (3-4): Jeremiah Masoli threw for 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns to help Hamilton end a three-game skid while Brandon Banks caught five passes for 114 yards and a TD to go over 100 yards receiving for the fifth time in his last six games. "It was good to get back on track as it felt like the normal us out there," Masoli told reporters. "We were just fed up with it, watching the film and we're putting up all these yards and not putting up the points." Defensive end Justin Vaughn was placed on the six-game injured list after suffering an undisclosed knock in the fourth quarter against Montreal while defensive back/kick returner Frankie Williams is questionable for Friday's clash after taking a hard hit on a kick return.

ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (4-3): Matt Nichols threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns against Toronto while Weston Dressler extended his streak of games with at least one reception to 119, which is the eighth-longest in CFL history. Defensive back Chandler Fenner returned to practice and is expected to play Friday after missing the previous three games with a leg injury while running back Timothy Flanders could make his season debut following a stint on the six-game injured list. "It's exciting as the amount of depth we have now is very healthy," Winnipeg coach Mike O'Shea told reporters. "Where everyone fits in remains to be seen but I'm very excited about the depth and the opportunity other guys have gotten."

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Blue Bombers have scored 40 or more points three times in 2018.

2. Masoli has thrown for at least 300 yards in 11 of his past 12 games.

3. Winnipeg RB Andrew Harris leads the league in rushing yards (638).

PREDICTION: Blue Bombers 35, Tiger-Cats 33

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 10:04 AM

Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 08-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th August 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/09/2018

The Chicago Cubs have faced their share of poor offenses recently, but the quality of competition figures to ramp back up in fairly short order. Boasting only an 11-10 record since the Midsummer Classic, the Cubs hope to find some more consistency beginning this weekend when they host the Washington Nationals on Friday in the opener of a three-game set.

Chicago hasn't won more than two games in a row since the All-Star break and didn't take much advantage of what appeared to be a break in the schedule over the last week, winning four of seven against last-place clubs San Diego (13th in the National League in runs) and Kansas City (last in the majors). The Cubs enter this series after a day off to lick their wounds following a 9-0 defeat against the Royals in which they mustered only three singles, although they remain two games ahead of Milwaukee atop the NL Central. The Nationals are the NL's highest-scoring team since the break, averaging 5.9 runs over that time while scoring at least seven runs six times. Washington is coming off a 7-3 homestand and a four-game series split with Atlanta, taking Thursday's finale 6-3 to move 4 1/2 games behind the Braves for second place in the NL East and also in the race for the second wild card.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Washington), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jeremy Hellickson (5-2, 3.56 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (8-9, 4.07)

Hellickson held the opposition to three earned runs or fewer for the 15th time in 16 outings following Saturday's win against Cincinnati, yielding two runs - both on homers - on four hits over 5 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old has made 11 of his starts on the road this season, going 4-2 with a 3.10 ERA while allowing only three homers and walking 10 across 52 1/3 frames. Hellickson lost his only career start in Wrigley Field last season, surrendering six runs over four innings.

Hendricks struck out at least seven for a third consecutive turn and won for the third time in four decisions Saturday against San Diego despite permitting four runs in 5 2/3 frames. The Dartmouth product has only recorded 10 quality starts in 23 trips to the mound in 2018, doing so only twice over his last nine outings. Daniel Murphy (3-for-13) and Adam Eaton (3-for-7) have homered twice while Mark Reynolds is 4-for-5 against Hendricks, who is 2-2 with a 2.67 ERA in five starts versus Washington.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals OF Bryce Harper (right knee soreness) was scratched from Thursday's lineup. He is tentatively expected to play Friday.

2. Chicago 1B Anthony Rizzo is hitting .370 over his last seven games and needs one hit to reach 1,000 for his career.

3. Washington 1B Ryan Zimmerman is batting .400 with six doubles, two homers and 10 RBIs over his last nine contests.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Cubs 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 10:04 AM

Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/09/2018

The New York Yankees have rattled off four consecutive victories since enduring a season-worst five-game slide and look to post another when they host the Texas Rangers on Friday for the second contest of their four-game set. Neil Walker homered from both sides of the plate on Thursday as New York went deep a total of five times en route to a series-opening 7-3 win.

Giancarlo Stanton launched his 28th home run while Miguel Andujar and Aaron Hicks also belted shots as all of the Yankees' runs came courtesy of the long ball. Stanton has homered in each of his last three games, collecting seven RBIs in that span to raise his team-best total to 74. Jurickson Profar delivered a solo blast for the Rangers, giving him three homers and 10 RBIs in seven contests this month. Elvis Andrus was hitless in four at-bats as his career-best 19-game hitting streak came to an end.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Mike Minor (8-6, 4.53 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (9-2, 3.76)

Minor has won back-to-back starts, allowing three runs, eight hits and one walk while registering 14 strikeouts. The 30-year-old has struggled on the road this season as he is 3-4 with a 6.50 ERA in nine turns. Minor is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the Yankees but will be making his first start versus the club since 2012.

Tanaka has won seven consecutive decisions, last losing on April 17 against Miami. The 29-year-old gave up one run and six hits while striking out nine over 4 2/3 innings of a no-decision at Boston in his last turn. Tanaka is 1-2 with a 6.52 ERA in five career starts against the Rangers, with the triumph coming despite his allowing four runs and three hits over five innings on May 21.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees RF Aaron Judge still is unable to swing a bat two weeks after suffering a fractured wrist, and MGR Aaron Boone indicated the slugger won't be ready to return late next week as initially forecast.

2. Texas 3B Adrian Beltre was hitless in four at-bats on Thursday and is 2-for-20 over his last five contests.

3. New York 2B Gleyber Torres was held out of the series opener after going 3-for-24 with nine strikeouts during the team's recently completed seven-game road trip.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Rangers 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 10:04 AM

Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 08-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th August 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/09/2018

Although the Boston Red Sox lost for the first time this month in their last outing, Mookie Betts only enhanced his candidacy for American League MVP. The three-time All-Star looks to get his Red Sox back on the winning track Friday when they visit the Baltimore Orioles for the opener of a four-game set.

Betts became the 21st Red Sox player to hit for the cycle and the first in the major leagues this season during Boston's 8-5 defeat in Toronto, which ended the club's six-game winning streak. The 25-year-old former fifth-round pick, who has scored twice in four straight games, also went 4-for-4 with a walk to improve to 13-for-28 in August and is batting a majors-best .347 for the season - 16 points better than teammate J.D. Martinez. The Red Sox still own the best record in baseball at 81-35 and stand a good chance of bouncing back against Baltimore (35-80), which retained its title as the worst team in baseball with Thursday's 5-4 loss at Tampa Bay in the rubber match of their three-game series. The Orioles have dropped 10 of their 12 meetings with the Red Sox this season, scoring three runs or fewer nine times.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Nathan Eovaldi (5-4, 3.38 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (7-10, 4.38)

Eovaldi became the first Boston starter since Vaughn Eshelman in 1995 to record consecutive scoreless outings to begin his Red Sox career on Saturday, moving to 2-0 after blanking the New York Yankees over eight innings of work. "His stuff is probably some of the best in the big leagues. The fact that he can use his stuff on the edges of the strike zone is impressive," manager Alex Cora told MLB.com. Mark Trumbo is 5-for-8 with two doubles versus Eovaldi, who is 2-0 with a 4.33 ERA in five starts against Baltimore.

Bundy logged his second straight quality start in a loss at Texas on Saturday, permitting two runs (one earned) while fanning six over six innings. The 25-year-old Oklahoman has surrendered at least one home run in five consecutive outings - he's given up nine total over that span - and leads the majors with 27 homers allowed. Betts (7-for-29, three home runs) is one of eight active Red Sox with at least one homer against Bundy, who is 0-2 despite a 2.29 ERA in three starts versus Boston this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Martinez needs to drive in one more run to become the ninth Red Sox to record at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in his first season with the team.

2. Trumbo is batting .364 with four homers and 13 RBIs during an 11-game hitting streak.

3. Boston lost for the first time in 15 games started by C Sandy Leon on Thursday. Despite the setback, the club has won 25 of his last 27 starts.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Orioles 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 10:04 AM

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 08-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/09/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays are playing a lot of close games as they get set to visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday for the opener of their three-game series. The Rays have been involved in six straight one-run contests, with Thursday's 5-4 victory over Baltimore representing just their second win during the stretch.

Tampa Bay has played in a major league-high 49 one-run games but are just 22-27 in those affairs. The Rays also struggle on the road, where they are 24-33, and Friday's contest is the opener of a nine-game trek that includes series with the New York Yankees Boston. Toronto recorded an 8-5 victory over the Red Sox on Thursday to halt its three-game losing streak. Randal Grichuk homered and recorded three RBIs for the second straight game while Teoscar Hernandez launched his 18th blast to tie Justin Smoak for the team lead.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (12-5, 2.27 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (5-8, 4.65)

Snell is making his second start since a stint on the disabled list due to shoulder fatigue and will be limited to 75 pitches. The 25-year-old All-Star pitched four innings in his return on August 4, when he gave up one run and three hits in a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox. Snell is 2-2 with a 4.62 ERA in five career outings versus the Blue Jays.

Estrada is coming off a stellar performance as he gave up one run and one hit over seven innings while defeating Seattle. The 35-year-old is 2-4 with a 4.50 ERA in nine home starts this season. Estrada is just 1-8 with a 4.54 ERA in 15 career appearances (11 starts) against Tampa Bay and was unable to notch a win on May 6 despite scattering four hits over six scoreless frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays have won five of this season's six meetings with the Blue Jays.

2. Tampa Bay INF Jake Bauers drove in three runs on Thursday to finish with five RBIs in the three-game series against Baltimore.

3. Toronto recalled LHP Thomas Pannone from Triple-A Buffalo and optioned RHP Mike Hauschild to the same affiliate.

PREDICTION: Rays 4, Blue Jays 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 10:05 AM

Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 08-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th August 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/09/2018

The Minnesota Twins' long-shot hopes to inch back into the American League Central race were all but extinguished when they lost three of four at Cleveland, culminating with a pair of walk-off losses. Now 11 games back of the Indians, Minnesota resumes its seven-game road trip when it visits the Detroit Tigers on Friday night.

The Twins erased a four-run deficit against reigning Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber on Thursday before enduring their 12th walk-off loss of the season. Jorge Polanco, who missed the first 80 games of the season while serving a drug suspension, hit his first home run and had his first three-RBI game of the year. The Tigers are coming off an ugly six-game road trip in which they failed to win, were shut out three times and scored a total of eight runs. "We've just got a lot of guys struggling at the same time," Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire said. "You know what, we play better at home, so it'll be nice to get home."

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ervin Santana (0-0, 6.14 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (4-4, 4.31)

Santana, who started the season on the disabled list after undergoing surgery on his middle finger, will make his fourth start in search of his first win. He picked up his third straight no-decision after lasting 4 1/3 innings and giving up three runs on seven hits versus Kansas City. Nicholas Castellanos (7-for-16) and Victor Martinez (15-for-40, four homers) have each tormented Santana.

Zimmermann improved to 4-0 after winning his first two starts of July in impressive fashion, giving up two runs and nine hits over 15 innings, but it's been all downhill since. He has lost his last four starts due to an inability to keep the ball in the park, allowing two homers in each of the defeats. Joe Mauer is 6-for-17 against Zimmermann, who is 3-3 with a 6.87 ERA versus the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins 2B Logan Forsythe is riding a seven-game hitting streak.

2. Castellanos has hit safely in four straight games.

3. Twins 3B Miguel Sano is 11-for-33 over the past 10 games.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Twins 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 10:05 AM

New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 08-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th August 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/09/2018

The New York Mets begin an unconventional 10-day, 11-game, five-city road trip on Friday when they play the opener of a three-game series against the Miami Marlins (47-69). The Mets (47-65) will play sets against last-place teams Miami and Baltimore, a one-game makeup tilt versus the New York Yankees as well as a five-game series at National League East-leading Philadelphia.

Brandon Nimmo improved to 5-for-8 in his last two contests after matching a team record with three doubles while driving in three runs in Wednesday's 8-0 romp over Cincinnati. The energetic 25-year-old hasn't been as fortunate when facing Miami this season, going a dismal 3-for-24 with seven strikeouts. While the Mets have shown a bit of optimism by winning three of their last five, the Marlins have lost eight of nine to find themselves occupying the cellar in the division. Miguel Rojas had an RBI single for one of his team's three hits in Wednesday's 7-1 setback to St. Louis to improve to 4-for-17 this month.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (6-6, 3.89 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (3-11, 4.66)

Wheeler won his career-high fourth straight start on Saturday after recording his second consecutive scoreless outing. The 28-year-old scattered three hits and struck out a season high-tying nine batters in a 3-0 victory versus Atlanta to run his scoreless innings streak to 17. Wheeler, who has kept the ball in the park in each of his last three trips to the mound (20 innings), has yielded just four runs on nine hits with 16 strikeouts en route to splitting a pair of encounters with the Marlins.

Urena yielded three homers and six runs total over five innings in an 8-3 setback at Philadelphia in his last outing. The 26-year-old Dominican has allowed at least five runs in three of his last four starts, with 12 walks in that span driving up his pitch count. Urena kept the ball in the park and only issued one free pass in his lone encounter with the Mets this season, although it ended up in a loss after he permitted three runs on five hits in as many innings of a 4-2 setback on April 9.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York CF Austin Jackson is 9-for-16 with three extra-base hits (two doubles, homer) and six RBIs in his last five games.

2. Marlins 1B Justin Bour is 5-for-33 with 12 strikeouts against the Mets this season.

3. The Marlins haven't helped themselves when playing within the division, going 15-29.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Marlins 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 10:05 AM

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 08-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th August 2018 by Gracenote
Diamondbacks vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/09/2018

David Peralta has turned it on since the calendar shifted to August, going a sizzling 18-for-33 with seven extra-base hits (three doubles, triple, three homers). Peralta aims to continue his sterling performance at the plate on Friday as the Arizona Diamondbacks (64-52) begin a nine-game road trip with the first of three contests against the Cincinnati Reds (50-65).

Peralta recorded his third four-hit performance of the month in Wednesday's 6-0 romp over Philadelphia while scoring twice and driving in a pair of runs to boot. The 30-year-old Venezuelan aims to keep it going versus Friday starter Anthony DeSclafani, against whom he is 3-for-6 with a double in his career. While Arizona won two of three versus Cincinnati in late May and eight of its last 12 overall, the Reds completed a dismal 2-7 road trip with a thud after an 8-0 setback at the New York Mets on Wednesday afternoon. Joey Votto is expected to return to the lineup after missing two straight games with a right knee injury sustained after he was hit by a pitch from Washington right-hander Ryan Madson.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Clay Buchholz (5-1, 2.68 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (5-3, 4.98)

Buchholz won his fourth straight start on Saturday after allowing two runs on seven hits over six innings of a 9-3 victory versus San Francisco. The 33-year-old was taken deep twice in that contest and has surrendered seven homers in 10 outings this season. Buchholz didn't fare well in his lone career start versus Cincinnati as he permitted four runs on eight hits over five innings of a no-decision.

DeSclafani posted his first win in nearly a month on Saturday after yielding one run on six hits over a season high-tying seven innings of a 7-1 romp at Washington. "I'm just glad the team got the win. It felt good to finally get through the seventh inning," said the 28-year-old, who also helped his cause with a hit and run scored. Paul Goldschmidt is a robust 6-for-8 with a three extra-base hits (two doubles, homer) and three RBIs versus DeSclafani, who in turn has flustered Jake Lamb (0-for-9, three strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati 3B Eugenio Suarez carries a nine-game hitting streak into Friday's tilt with Arizona, against which he went 8-for-12 with a homer and three RBIs in the May series.

2. Diamondbacks RF Steven Souza Jr. is expected to return to the lineup after crashing into the wall Tuesday night.

3. Reds 2B Scooter Gennett, who went 4-for-10 against Arizona in May, is 6-for-15 during his four-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Reds 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 10:10 AM

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th August 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/09/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers head south to open a three-game series Friday against the Atlanta Braves, and the top two teams in the National League wild-card race are anxious to move past frustrating losses Thursday. The Brewers carried a two-run lead into the ninth inning against San Diego before three relievers melted down in an 8-4 defeat, while the Braves were forced to cover six innings with a pair of pitchers making their big-league debuts in a 6-3 loss at Washington.

The Brewers hold the top wild-card spot, leading the Braves by one game, and the series features the top three hitters in the NL. Atlanta's Nick Markakis finished 2-for-4 with his 14th homer of the season in Thursday's loss, raising his average to a league-best .323, while Milwaukee's Christian Yelich comes in at .319 after going 0-for-3 on Thursday and Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman sits third at .318. Freeman extended his hitting streak to 11 games with three hits Thursday, but the Braves fell for just the third time in their last 11 games. Milwaukee has dropped three of its last four games but looks for similar results from the last time the two teams met, a four-game series in early July in which the Brewers took three of four.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Dish455 (Milwaukee), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Freddy Peralta (5-2, 3.54 ERA) vs. Braves RH Kevin Gausman (0-1, 5.40)

Peralta continues to impress in his rookie season, holding opponents to two runs or fewer in six of his 10 starts. The 22-year-old beat Colorado on Saturday, striking out eight while allowing two runs on two hits in six innings. Peralta, who averages 12 strikeouts per nine innings and owns a 1.03 WHIP, gave up one run on three hits with six strikeouts over six innings to defeat the Braves on July 6 in Milwaukee.

Gausman lost his first start with the Braves on Saturday against the New York Mets, giving up three runs on six hits across five innings of a 3-0 loss. Acquired at the trade deadline from Baltimore, the 27-year-old went 5-8 with a 4.43 ERA in 21 starts for the Orioles - receiving two runs or fewer of run support in eight of those appearances. Gausman has surrendered three runs or fewer in eight of his past 10 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee RHP Corey Knebel walked three hitters in the ninth Thursday and gave up four runs, taking the loss for the second time in his past three appearances.

2. Atlanta lost RHP Anibal Sanchez was struck in the left calf with a comebacker in the second inning Thursday, two days after the Braves lost LHP Max Fried when he was hit with a line drive. Sanchez is expected to make his next start, however.

3. Brewers INF Travis Shaw finished 8-for-19 on Milwaukee's six-game homestand with three homers and seven RBIs.

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Braves 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 10:10 AM

Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th August 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/10/2018

The Cleveland Indians are on cruise control in the American League Central, owning an 11-game lead over Minnesota after posting a second straight walk-off win over the Twins on Thursday. Winners of five of their last six, the Indians will open a six-game road trip with the first of three at the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.

Michael Brantley delivered a walk-off single in Cleveland's 5-4 victory Thursday, which came less than 24 hours after Francisco Lindor clubbed a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth of a 5-2 win. Lindor collected three RBIs for the second consecutive day and extended his hitting streak to seven games, including five straight with two hits. The Indians have won four in a row and eight of 10 this season against the White Sox, who are coming off a three-game sweep by the New York Yankees. Carlos Rodon is unbeaten over his last five starts, but he is 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA in two starts versus Cleveland this year.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Shane Bieber (6-2, 4.58 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (3-3, 2.94)

Bieber has bounced back nicely from the worst start of his career at Pittsburgh on July 24, getting a no-decision in a quality start at Minnesota before beating the Los Angeles Angels with 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball on Sunday. He has failed to pitch fewer than 5 2/3 innings once in 10 starts and never walked more than two. Bieber is 2-0 with a 4.50 in four road starts.

Although he struggled with his control, Rodon overcame five walks to limit Tampa Bay to one unearned run and three hits over six innings in a no-decision Saturday. It marked his fifth consecutive quality start, a span in which he is 2-0 and has permitted six earned runs over 34 2/3 innings. Rodon is 4-2 with a 2.71 ERA against Cleveland and has held Brantley to 2-for-17.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians 1B Yonder Alonso went deep Thursday as Cleveland became the first team in the majors with four 20-homer players.

2. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu has four homers and eight RBIs while hitting safely in eight of nine games.

3. Indians LH Andrew Miller has made four scoreless appearances since returning from the disabled list.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, White Sox 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 10:10 AM

Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 08-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th August 2018 by Gracenote
Mariners vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/10/2018

Mitch Haniger's first game at the top of the batting order was an outstanding success, and the 27-year-old All-Star looks to duplicate his efforts when the Seattle Mariners visit the Houston Astros on Friday for the second contest of their four-game set. Haniger recorded a season-high four hits, including a leadoff homer to spark a 14-hit attack as the Mariners posted an 8-6 win in the series opener.

With Seattle's offense struggling, manager Scott Servais elected to shake things up and demoted walk-challenged Dee Gordon (seven all season) to the No. 9 spot and moved Haniger to the top of the order. "That's a really good staff over there, they have good arms," Haniger said of his team's offensive explosion during a postgame television interview. "It was fun to get the win and fun to do some damage against some really good pitching." The American League West-leading Astros have lost just two of their last eight games and hold a 4 1/2-game advantage over Oakland. Houston's Tyler White has homered in back-to-back games and is 4-for-8 with four RBIs in that span.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Mike Leake (8-7, 4.16 ERA) vs. Astros RH Gerrit Cole (10-4, 2.64)

Leake has gone 0-3 over his last seven outings despite giving up more than three earned runs just once during the stretch. The 30-year-old came away with a no-decision against Toronto in his last turn as he gave up three runs and nine hits over 6 2/3 innings. Leake is 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA in two starts against the Astros this season, losing on July 31 after allowing three runs and eight hits over six frames, and 6-6 with a 3.72 ERA in 14 career appearances (12 starts).

Cole has dropped back-to-back starts against the Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers after losing just two of his first 21 outings. The 27-year-old is 4-1 with a 2.52 ERA in 10 starts at home, where he has held opponents to a .170 batting average. Cole is 1-1 with a 1.32 ERA in two starts against Seattle this season and 2-1 with a 1.19 ERA and 0.71 WHIP in three career outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners OF Denard Span went 3-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs in the series opener and is 8-for-18 during his five-game hitting streak.

2. Houston SS Carlos Correa (back) told reporters he expects to be activated from the disabled list prior to Friday's game.

3. Seattle placed Sam Tuivailala (Achilles) on the 10-day disabled list, recalled fellow RHPs Casey Lawrence and Nick Rumbelow from Triple-A Tacoma and optioned RHP Chasen Bradford to the same affiliate.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Mariners 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-10-2018, 10:10 AM

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 08-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/09/2018

The St. Louis Cardinals are riding a hot streak led by Matt Carpenter and are threatening to sneak into the postseason in the National League. The Cardinals will try to get started on another series win when they visit the Kansas City Royals for the opener of the latest "I-70 series" on Friday.

Carpenter is up to 31 home runs after bashing his fifth in six games during Wednesday's 7-1 win at Miami that brought St. Louis within 3 1/2 games of the second wild card in the NL. "We're in a good spot as a group," Carpenter told reporters. "We've got a tough road ahead. It's not going to be easy to sneak into the postseason. But you can't ask for anything better than what we've been able to accomplish these last couple weeks." The Royals (35-79) are sinking toward the opposite end of the standings as they try to fight off the Baltimore Orioles and avoid the worst record in the majors - three seasons after winning the World Series. Kansas City will try to throw a wrench into the postseason aspirations of the their cross-state interleague rivals behind righty Burch Smith while the Cardinals counter with rookie lefty Austin Gomber.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Austin Gomber (1-0, 4.10 ERA) vs. Royals RH Burch Smith (1-3, 6.41)

Gomber is making his third career start and second in a row in place of injured righty Carlos Martinez, and is looking to extend deeper into the game after lasting four innings at Pittsburgh on Saturday. The 24-year-old was reached for four runs on seven hits and three walks in that outing while striking out five. Gomber, who also owns 17 appearances out of the bullpen this season, is seeing Kansas City for the first time in his career.

Smith is trying to work his way out of a rough patch after suffering losses at the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins in his last two turns. The 28-year-old was ripped for a total of 11 runs on 12 hits and five walks over nine innings in those two outings, pushing his ERA up by nearly a full run. Smith is seeing St. Louis for the first time this season and is 1-0 with a 5.70 ERA in 15 games - one start - at home in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright (elbow) is expected to throw a simulated game against minor league hitters at the team's spring training complex on Friday.

2. Kansas City RHP Ian Kennedy (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday.

3. St. Louis OF Marcell Ozuna went 6-for-11 over the last three games, raising his batting average to .272.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 7, Royals 3

Friday 8-10-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Friday 8-10-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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