Friday 8-17-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Camarero
Camarero - Race 1

NO JUGADA


Allowance • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 83 • Purse: $14,700 • Post: 2:45P
FOR NATIVE FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 29 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE JULY 16 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SINCE JUNE 16 ALLOWED 4 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. ESPLENDOROSA is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * ESPLENDOROSA: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Today is a sprint and this is the horse 's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
3
ESPLENDOROSA
1/5

1/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
SENTENCIA
2

5/1
Front-runner
78

65

82.2

58.2

53.2
3
ESPLENDOROSA
3

1/5
Stalker
83

81

83.6

79.2

77.2
1
SALSA N'BEERS
1

3/1
Alternator/Non-contender
75

65

75.2

63.8

59.3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Del Mar

08/17/18, DMR, Race 8, 7.23 PT
1M [Dirt] 1.33.01 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $20,000.
Claiming Price $20,000. FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
$1 Exacta / $2 Quinella / .50 Cent Trifecta - $1 Superfecta (10-cent min.) / $1 Super High 5
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 0.89, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 10 Desolation Sound 15-1 Figueroa H Marquez Alfredo JW
099.3790 7 Channel Crossing 3-1 Conner T Hollendorfer Jerry L
099.0581 9 Clem Dela Clem 5-1 Franco G Drysdale Neil D. S
097.8093 6 Jump the Tracks 5/2 Delgadillo A Mullins Jeff TE
096.1864 8 Thefourfortyfourth 6-1 Gonzalez S Headley Karen
095.5687 1 Vegas Itch 5-1 Gutierrez M Papaprodromou George F
094.9021 12 California King 20-1 Espinoza A Puype Mike
094.1061 5 Mago Blanco 12-1 Roman E A Jones Martin F.
093.7640 14 Brag Dude 20-1 Pena B Rodriguez Juan Andres
092.3775 3 Acclimate(b+) 12-1 Pereira T J Black Kenneth D.
090.7377 2 Game of Roans 12-1 Fuentes R Meredith Derek C
090.6368 11 Celturian 5-1 Pedroza M A Hendricks Dan L.
088.3220 4 Unusual Champ 30-1 Ceballos F Garcia Antonio
000.0000 13 Odyssey Explorer S

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 1 - Allowance - 400y on the Dirt. Purse: $4100 Class Rating: 75

QUARTER HORSE 400Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 CR EYESA DYNA 5/1

# 4 SHAWNEE CARTEL 5/2

# 6 QUENTIS ANGEL 2/1

I think CR EYESA DYNA is a respectable choice. Has very strong front speed and will almost certainly fare well against this group. The trainer wheels this one back almost immediately to race again. Could best this group based on the speed figure - 74 - of her last race. SHAWNEE CARTEL - Has solid early speed and should fare soundly against this field. This gelding is a contender based on his earnings per start in short contests. QUENTIS ANGEL - Is worth a look and may be a bet - strong speed figures (68 average) at today's distance and surface as of late. Hernandez has been hot the last month, winning at a nifty 29 percent clip.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / 50 Cent Trifecta / Superfecta 10 Cent Superfecta / 50 Cent Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5) $1 Pick 6 (Races 3-4-5-6-7-8)


Claiming $5,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 57 • Purse: $11,000 • Post: 3:01P
FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 17 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * FANCY PANTS: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest Tr ackMaster Power Rating. WIRED CHILD: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. HOT COLORS: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Today is a sp rint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. JUST ELLIE: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarte r Horse race).
9
FANCY PANTS
2/1

4/1
2
WIRED CHILD
6/1

7/1
4
HOT COLORS
3/1

8/1
1
JUST ELLIE
6/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
5
WINGS AND BEER
5

30/1
Front-runner
40

46

59.6

31.8

13.8
2
WIRED CHILD
2

6/1
Front-runner
55

52

45.4

45.6

40.1
4
HOT COLORS
4

3/1
Stalker
58

53

33.6

42.3

34.3
10
ROYAL KNIGHTOWL
10

15/1
Alternator/Stalker
43

57

56.0

39.0

25.0
1
JUST ELLIE
1

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
64

53

48.4

30.4

20.9
9
FANCY PANTS
9

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
62

57

45.8

55.6

51.6
7
FROSTED JUSTICE
7

9/2
Trailer
49

41

15.9

36.0

26.5
8
INSTANT CONQUEST
8

12/1
Alternator/Trailer
56

49

31.2

45.6

34.1
3
MISS CARTELLE
3

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
55

42

49.2

28.8

13.3
6
HEATHER'S TUITION
6

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
47

43

25.8

32.6

19.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel - Race #7 - Post: 4:10pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,000 Class Rating: 64

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 NO HONEY MONEY (ML=10/1)
#1A ANIMALISTIC (ML=6/1)
#3 LONELY DRIFTER (ML=5/2)


NO HONEY MONEY - Traditional angle - 3rd or 4th start after a vacation generally leads to a big effort. Should run big today. ANIMALISTIC - After the race aboard this animal on July 28th, the jockey is going to know the filly much better. LONELY DRIFTER - This filly should be at the peak of fitness, this far into her form cycle. I like the fact that this filly's last speed fig, 61, is tops in this group. Have to give this filly a chance. Ran a sharp contest last race out within the last 30 days. This filly is tops in earnings per start. Take a good look at this horse in the post parade.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 OUR ANTHEM (ML=3/1), #4 ANGELINAS STAR (ML=5/1), #8 PURRING VALENTINE (ML=5/1),

OUR ANTHEM - Any thoroughbred coming out of a route event should show some zip to clash with the sprinters. ANGELINAS STAR - I forecast disappointment for this horse in this contest. PURRING VALENTINE - Should have at least finished in the money in the last couple of months in a short distance race to be worth the risk at minimal odds in a sprint. The very long layoff will probably bring problems for this runner.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#9 NO HONEY MONEY to win at post-time odds of 4/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,3,9] with [1,3,9] with [1,2,3,7,9] with [1,2,3,7,9] Total Cost: $36

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
[1,3,9] with [1,3,9] with [1,2,3,9] with [1,2,3,4,7,9] with [1,2,3,4,7,9] Total Cost: $72

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 8 - Maiden Claiming - 5.0f on the Turf. Purse: $14000 Class Rating: 65

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000, FOR EACH $1,000 TO $14,000 1 LB.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 TUPPENCE 5/1

# 1 AIKEN TO BELONG 4/1

# 4 BLAME T J 2/1

TUPPENCE is my choice. The speed fig of 64 from her latest affair looks very good in here. AIKEN TO BELONG - Ranked high in earnings per start at the distance/surface in this bunch. Is a key contender - given the 65 speed rating from her most recent race. BLAME T J - Is hard not to consider based on speed figures which have been formidable - 72 avg - of late. Strong returns over time for this jockey and trainer combo.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #3 - Post: 6:54pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,100 Class Rating: 80

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 SCOTTSGOLD (ML=4/1)


SCOTTSGOLD - It looks like Rojas had to learn all about this gelding on Aug 2nd when riding him for the first time. Back on again today. Rojas and Geist getting together are a horse gambler's friend. The morning line odds on this gelding are higher than those of the other entrant from the shedrow of conditioner Geist. Often the longer-priced part of a 'split' entry wins. I like to play this angle, a thoroughbred coming back off a solid contest within the last thirty days.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 WONITBYLAND (ML=2/1), #1 JOINT STRIKE (ML=3/1), #5 HUASCARAN (ML=9/2),

WONITBYLAND - Will probably be educated to pay some respect to his elders today. I think this chalk horse needs this race under his belt to start getting back into shape. The fig last time out doesn't fit very well in this affair when I look at the class rating of today's contest. Mark this horse as a possibly overvalued contestant. JOINT STRIKE - Unlikely that the speed fig he garnered on June 28th will be good enough in this clash. HUASCARAN - Hasn't been close to winning at all of late. When looking at today's class rating, he will have to earn a much better fig than last race out to battle in this dirt route.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - SCOTTSGOLD - Loved the way this mount won last out. Investing on him this time.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #4 SCOTTSGOLD on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga
RACE #2 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 1:32 PM EASTERN POST
The Saratoga Dew Stakes
9.0 FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#1 FROSTIE ANNE
#4 FROSTY MARGARITA
#5 LAND MINE
#3 VERDANT PASTURES

First run in 2004, the race for New York-bred fillies and mares was named after the filly (Saratoga Dew), who in 1992 became the first state-bred to win an Eclipse Award. Trained by Gary Sciacca for Charles Engel, the daughter of Cormorant won eight times during her championship season as a 3-year-old including victories in the Gazelle, Beldame and Comely stakes. Here in the 15th running of this stake test for New York breds, #1 FROSTIE ANNE, the overall speed leader in this field, and has posted "POWER RUN WINS" in each of her last five outings. Jockey Junior Alvarado and Trainer Rudy Rodriguez send her to the post ... they've hit the board with an impressive 64% of more than 75 entries saddled as a team to date. #4 FROSTY MARGARITA has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in three straight, including "POWER RUN WINS" in both her last start, as well as in her 3rd race back.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

One day after the offenses put on a show, the pitchers should take center stage when the New York Mets visit the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night to continue a five-game series between National League East rivals. Hard-throwing Noah Syndergaard goes for New York and All-Star Aaron Nola brings an 8-0 home record to the mound for the Phillies after the teams combined for 43 runs in a doubleheader split Thursday.

Philadelphia gained ground in the NL East, pulling within 1 1/2 games of first-place Atlanta, pounding out 14 hits in a 9-6 victory in the second game Thursday after giving up 24 runs - a Mets franchise record - in the opener. Catcher Wilson Ramos recorded three hits in his second straight contest since returning from injury for the Phillies in the nightcap and boasts an eight-game hitting streak overall - the first six while with Tampa Bay before the trade deadline deal. New York received seven RBIs from Jose Bautista in the first game of the double dip and has scored 78 runs over the last nine games - going 6-3 in the process. The Mets are 42-19 at Citizens Bank Park since 2012, have won 19 of the last 25 series with the Phillies and took six of the first 10 against Philadelphia in 2018.

TV: 6:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SNY (New York), NBC 10 (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (8-2, 3.22 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (13-3, 2.28)

Syndergaard has won his last two starts after dropping his first of August, following a short stint on the disabled list due to illness. The 25-year-old Texan is 4-1 since July 13 with a 3.56 ERA and boasts 24 strikeouts to go along with six walks across 30 1/3 innings during that stretch. Ramos is 5-for-15 versus Syndergaard, who is 4-1 with a 2.06 ERA in seven career games against the Phillies after yielding two runs over four innings in a no-decision on April 4.

Nola has posted eight quality starts in his past nine outings, including the last three in which he allowed three runs over 20 innings combined. The 25-year-old LSU product beat San Diego on Saturday in his last outing with six scoreless innings, giving up four hits and three walks with five strikeouts. Amed Rosario is 3-for-9 with a double against Nola, who is 4-1 with a 3.71 ERA in six career starts versus the Mets - 2-0 with a 1.50 mark in three outings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets OF Brandon Nimmo, who is 10-for-14 in his last four games, will have an MRI on his left index finger Friday after leaving the first game Thursday.

2. Philadelphia LF Rhys Hoskins belted a three-run homer in the first inning of the second game Thursday and owns three blasts in his past four contests.

3. The Phillies (67-54) surpassed their win total from 2017 on Thursday and are 16-5 in the last 21 home games.

PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Mets 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

The Washington Nationals finished an otherwise dismal road trip with a much-needed win and will try to carry some momentum into the opener of a six-game homestand against the Miami Marlins on Friday. The Nationals were 1-5 to begin the trip - a stretch that included multiple bullpen meltdowns - before hanging on for a 5-4 win in a series finale at St. Louis on Thursday.

Bryce Harper went 3-for-5 with three RBIs for Washington and has driven in 23 run in 25 games since the All-Star break. Max Scherzer leads the National League in wins, ranks second in ERA and paces the majors with 227 strikeouts as he gets set to start the opener of the three-game series for the Nationals. Dan Straily gets the nod for the Marlins, who have lost five straight and 14 of their last 16. Washington won 13 of 14 meetings between the teams before losing three of the last five, including the final two in a four-game series at Miami at the end of July.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Dan Straily (4-5, 4.42 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (15-5, 2.19)

Walks continue to be an issue for Straily, who issued nine free passes in 10 innings through his first two starts this month. He gave up five runs in 11 2/3 innings in two matchups with the Nationals in July. The 29-year-old, who has a 3.93 ERA in 10 road outings, has never won in seven career starts against Washington.

Scherzer is 2-0 with a 0.96 ERA over his last four starts while limiting opponents to 14 hits in 28 innings as he forges toward a potential third straight Cy Young Award. His last non-quality start was against the Marlins on July 7, when he allowed four runs in seven innings while picking up the win. Scherzer has won all three of his starts versus the Marlins this season and is 10-3 with a 3.25 ERA lifetime versus Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins RHP Jose Urena was suspended six games for hitting Atlanta Braves rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. with a pitch Wednesday.

2. Nationals RHP Koda Glover threw a scoreless inning Thursday to notch his first save of the season.

3. Washington 3B Anthony Rendon is 6-for-14 with three walks and four runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Marlins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

The Chicago Cubs hoped to solidify the back end of their rotation by acquiring veteran left-hander Cole Hamels, but so far they've wound up adding an ace. The four-time All-Star will try to give the Cubs another strong outing in the second contest of their four-game series against the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.



The Cubs hope Hamels can pick up where Jon Lester left off Thursday, when he combined with three relievers on a six-hit shutout in the series opener. Ian Happ's home run provided the only offense in a 1-0 win that lifted the Cubs 3 1/2 games ahead of idle Milwaukee in the National League Central. The Pirates have dropped four straight to slide 10 games behind the Cubs and 6 1/2 out in the race for the second wild card. Pittsburgh has totaled nine runs during its four-game skid.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh



PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Cole Hamels (7-9, 4.22 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (10-8, 3.66)

Hamels has been outstanding in three starts with the Cubs, allowing three runs - two earned - over 18 innings. The 34-year-old was denied a third straight win last time out, but he registered nine strikeouts while limiting Washington to one run and one hit over seven frames. Hamels is 4-3 with a 2.72 ERA in 11 career starts against the Pirates, including a win in his Cubs debut.

Williams continued his dominant stretch by scattering five hits over seven scoreless frames in a win at San Francisco last time out. The 26-year-old has allowed two runs over 29 innings in his last five outings, including four scoreless appearances. Williams is 2-2 with a 4.01 ERA in six games (four starts) against the Cubs.



WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs have won their last five one-run games.

2. Pirates 1B Josh Bell is 8-for-22 in his last seven home contests.

3. Cubs RH Yu Darvish, who has been sidelined since May 20 with right triceps tendinitis, will begin a rehab assignment on Sunday



PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Pirates 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

Whatever hopes the New York Yankees had of making a run for the American League East likely fell apart with a season-high, five-game slide at the start of the month. After posting only one three-game skid over the first four-plus months of the season, the Yankees attempt to avoid their second such losing streak in August on Friday when they wrap up the final leg of their 11-game homestand with the first of three against the Toronto Blue Jays.

New York (75-46) trailed Boston by five games to end July before getting swept by the Red Sox from Aug. 2-5, and while the Yankees bounced back by winning six of their next seven against last-place teams, they have dropped three of their last four to fall 10 1/2 games off the pace. Their most recent setback came in Thursday's 3-1 loss to Tampa Bay, which also shrunk New York's lead over idle Oakland to three games for the first wild-card slot in the AL. The Blue Jays are coming off a four-game series split at Kansas City and could be a bit weary after having a third straight contest delayed by Mother Nature, as the first pitch for Thursday's series finale was delayed over two hours. Toronto has dropped nine of its 13 meetings with New York this season, including three of four at Yankee Stadium.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (4-8, 5.03 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Lance Lynn (8-8, 4.46)

Stroman's last outing was cut short due to a blister after five innings in a no-decision against Tampa Bay on Sunday after he allowed one run on five hits. The 27-year-old yielded one unearned run five days earlier in another no-decision against Boston after getting tagged for a season-high seven earned runs at Oakland on Aug. 1. Stroman gave up a season-high eight runs (six earned) in a loss at New York on April 21 and is 0-1 with an 8.71 ERA in two starts against the Yankees this season.

Lynn made it through his most inefficient turn across three starts with the Yankees on Saturday in a no-decision versus Texas, permitting one run on five hits and three walks while throwing 99 pitches in five frames. The Ole Miss product is 1-0 with a 0.54 ERA and 22 strikeouts versus four walks across 16 2/3 innings during his brief stay with New York (7-8, 5.10 ERA before his July 30 trade from Minnesota). Lynn was pounded for six runs on seven hits and five walks over five frames in a loss to Toronto on April 30.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees are 1-for-20 with runners in scoring position over their last two contests.

2. Toronto C Danny Jansen made his big-league debut during the Kansas City series, posting at least one hit in every game while going 4-for-10 with a home run and two RBIs.

3. New York failed to homer Thursday, ending a 14-game streak in which the team hit at least one at home.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

The San Francisco Giants are trying to stay alive in the National League West and wild-card races as they resume their 10-game road trip with the first of three at the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night. San Francisco started the trek by taking two of thee at the Los Angeles Dodgers and now faces a pair of also-ran opponents in the Reds and Mets.

The Giants were denied a sweep of the Dodgers after dropping a 4-3 decision in 12 innings, but showed plenty of moxie by coming from behind in the eighth inning or later in all three games. "It shows that we just don't quit, that we have to finish," said right fielder Andrew McCutchen, who swatted a three-run homer in the eighth inning of Wednesday's loss. "Regardless of what the score is, regardless of what inning it is, at any given moment we can come alive and score some runs." Cincinnati has been outscored 31-9 during a four-game slide -- all at home -- and its starting pitcher has failed to provide more than 1 2/3 innings in the last two setbacks. Anthony DeSclafani will look to reverse that trend despite taking a 1-1 record and a 12.38 ERA in two starts versus the Giants into Friday's matchup.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Dereck Rodríguez (6-1, 2.25 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (6-3, 4.46)

Rodriguez pitched seven innings for the third straight outing, picking up the win by holding Pittsburgh to one run on two hits Sunday. The 26-year-old rookie has notched eight consecutive quality starts and has been spectacular since the All-Star break, permitting five runs and 16 hits spanning 33 1/3 innings over five outings. Rodriguez is 2-1 with a 2.78 ERA in six road appearances (five starts).

Following a rocky stretch during a three-start winless streak in which he failed to pitch beyond 4 1/3 innings, DeSclafani has turned in his best back-to-back outings of the season. He beat Washington with seven innings of one-run ball Aug. 4 and dominated Arizona last time out with seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball. Brandon Belt is 3-for-3 with a homer and double off DeSclafani.

WALK-OFFS

1. McCutchen has hit 19 homers in 76 games at Great American Ball Park.

2. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez is in a 1-for-13 rut and struck out in all five at-bats Wednesday.

3. Giants 1B/C Buster Posey was 1-for-13 against the Dodgers but is a career .303 hitter versus the Reds.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Reds 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

Cleveland Indians right-hander CarClos Carrasco is starting to flash the form from a year ago, when he tied for the major-league lead with 18 wins. Carrasco looks to keep his hot stretch going for the surging Indians, who vie for their sixth straight victory in the opener of a three-game series against the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Friday night.

Carrasco is 6-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight appearances since coming off the disabled list and already owns a victory over the Orioles this season, pitching 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball April 23. Cleveland started its six-game road trip with a 1-0 loss to the White Sox before scoring 34 runs during their winning streak, capped by a three-game sweep in Cincinnati. Jose Ramirez had his three-game home run streak snapped Wednesday but is 6-for-15 with three blasts this season versus the majors-worst Orioles, who are a staggering 49 1/2 games behind Boston in the American League East. Jonathan Villar had a two-run homer in Wednesday's 16-5 loss for Baltimore, which also owns the league's worst road record at 15-45.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH David Hess (2-6, 6.25 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (14-6, 3.50)

Hess is getting a chance to show he deserves to stay in the rotation, making his third start since he was relegated to the bullpen for two appearances. The 25-year-old is coming off a decent outing in a no-decision at Tampa Bay, giving up three runs and four hits over 5 2/3 innings. It marked the first time in his last six starts that Hess has not surrendered at least five runs.

Carrasco rebounded from a home loss to Minnesota by dominating the Chicago White Sox last time out, striking out nine while allowing an unearned run and three hits over seven innings. It marked the fifth straight quality start for the 31-year-old Venezuelan, who has struck out at least eight in each of those outings. Carrasco's home ERA (4.91) is more than two runs higher than on the road (2.55).

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles CF Adam Jones cleared waivers, potentially paving the way for a trade.

2. Indians OF Melky Cabrera is 8-for-16 with two homers and eight RBIs during a four-game hitting streak.

3. Villar has hit safely in four straight games.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Orioles 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

The Tampa Bay Rays took two of three from the Yankees in New York to start the week and continue their difficult road trip with the first of three against the major league-best Boston Red Sox on Friday. The Rays scored twice in the first inning on Thursday and escaped a bases-loaded, none-out jam in the ninth for a 3-1 victory to win a series at Yankee Stadium for the first time since 2014.

Mallex Smith has gone 5-for-10 in his last two games to raise his batting average to .299 while Joey Wendle is 12-for-33 with eight RBIs in his last nine contests and 8-for-19 against the Red Sox this year. The Rays (62-59) will use the bullpen in the series opener and Boston sends Brian Johnson to the mound as it looks to improve on a 9-4 record versus Tampa Bay in 2018. Boston (86-36) enjoyed a day off Thursday after going 7-2 on a road trip and hold a 10 1/2-game lead over the second-place Yankees in the American League East. Mookie Betts is riding a 10-game hitting streak and batting .449 in August for the Red Sox while teammate Brock Holt has hit safely in seven straight contests, going 10-for-25 with six RBIs in that span.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Ryne Stanek (1-3, 2.42 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (3-3, 3.95)

Stanek was scheduled to make the start Friday but threw 18 pitches to get two outs in Thursday's victory, so the hard-throwing 27-year-old may work only an inning or get replaced in the opening role. The native of Kansas is 0-2 with a 2.51 ERA while making 19 starts this year, striking out 40 and walking 12 across 28 2/3 innings. Brett Gardner is 2-for-4 versus Stanek, who has permitted one hit in 1 1/3 frames against the Red Sox in 2018.

Johnson is slated to make his ninth start of the season after pitching one scoreless inning of relief Sunday against Baltimore. The 27-year-old Floridian gave up 10 runs - nine earned - and 12 hits (five homers) with 17 strikeouts over 12 innings in his first two starts of August to win both. Johnson yielded seven runs and 12 hits across 4 2/3 frames in three relief appearances against Tampa Bay earlier in the season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox are expected to activate 2B Ian Kinsler on Friday after the veteran missed two weeks with a hamstring injury

2. Tampa Bay OF Tommy Pham went 2-for-3 with an RBI in Thursday's win after returning from a foot injury that forced him to miss two weeks.

3. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts is 17-for-45 with a pair of homers and 12 RBIs against the Rays this season.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, Red Sox 5