Sunday 8-19-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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CFL Betting Recap - Week 9
Joe Williams

League Betting Notes

-- Favorites went 2-1 SU in Week 9
-- Underdogs went 3-0 ATS in Week 9
-- Home teams posted a 3-0 SU record in Week 9
-- Road teams posted a 2-1 ATS record in Week 9
-- The 'Under' went 3-0 in Week 9

Analysis

BC Lions (3-4) started off Week 9 with a mild upset at home against Edmonton (4-3), snapping the season-best three-game winning streak for the Esks. While the Lions have won just twice in the past six games, they have been a tough out lately. BC has covered four straight outings. Both of these teams have been outstanding for total bettors, as the 'under' is 3-1 in the past four for the Lions, while going under in four of the past five for the Eskimos.

Winnipeg (5-3) has won a season-high three straight following their pushing aside of Hamilton (3-5) by a 29-23 score. The Ti-Cats were able to hang on for the cover at some shops, catching six and a hook, while it was a push at most others. The 'under' was a perfect 3-0 this week in the CFL, and that's been the play for Hamilton lately. The under is 4-1-1 over their past six, and 5-2-1 in their eight contests this season.

For the Blue Bombers, they failed to cover at home for the first time in four games, although officially it is considered a push this past week. It was also a rare under result, as the over was 5-2 in the first seven games for Winnipeg this season.

QB Johnny Manziel and the skidding Montreal (1-7) side put up a little more fight this week. They fell 24-17 at Ottawa (5-3), picking up just their third cover of the season against five losses.

The RedBlacks have been winning their fair share of games, but they continue to struggle against the number. They slipped to 1-4 ATS over their past five outings. Bettors continue to fade the RedBlacks, and for good reason, and a good parlay lately has been taking the oppositon and the under in Ottawa games. The 'under' is 5-2 over their past seven contests.

Team Betting Notes and A Look Ahead

-- The RedBlacks and Blue Bombers will do battle in Manitoba to kick off the work week on Friday night, as two 5-3 clubs square off. Despite their woes lately, Ottawa is still 22-7 ATS over their past 29 games on the road. However, they're just 2-5 ATS in the past seven following a straight-up win. The under is 5-2-1 in their past eight against winning sides, and 9-3 in their past 12 on the road.

-- The Bombers are an impressive 3-0-1 ATS in their past four games at homem, while going 15-3 ATS in the past 18 outings against teams with an overall winning mark. They're also 7-0-1 ATS across the past eight outings in the month of August, too. The over is 5-1 in Winnipeg's past six at home, and 10-2 in their past 12 against teams with a winning overall mark.

-- Toronto heads into their game against BC looking to turn things around against losing teams. Toronto is just 5-12 ATS over the past 17 contests against a losing record, and they're 3-12 ATS over the past 15 games in the month of August. Toronto has hit the over in four straight agaisnt teams with a losing record, too.

-- BC is looking to stay hot against the number in Toronto. They have covered in four straight trips to Hogtown, while the 'under' is 14-3 in the past 17 meetings in Ontario and 20-8 across the past 28 meetings overall.

-- Johnny Football and the Als will be in action on the road against the Esks in a tough battle. You can expect the home side to be favored by double digits in that one. Montreal is just 3-7 ATS in their past 10 on the road, although they did cover in Week 9 in Ottawa. They're still just 2-5 ATS in the past seven against teams with a winning record, and 5-16 ATS in the past 21 overall.

-- The 'under' has connected in six straight road games for the Alouettes, while going 7-2 in the past nine overall. The over is 7-2-1 in Edmonton's past 10 against teams with a losing record, but the under is 3-1-1 in the past five contests overall. The Esks have covered eight of the past nine meetings overall against the visitors from Quebec. The over is 10-3-1 in the past 14 meetings, while going 6-2 in the past eight in Alberta.

-- Calgary (7-0) puts its unblemished record on the line at Saskatchewan (3-4), with both sides coming off a bye. The Stamps have posted a 5-2 ATS mark this season, but just 1-2 ATS over the past three. The Roughriders are 2-5 ATS across their past seven against teams with a winning record, and they're 1-5 ATS in the past six against Western Conference foes. Calgary is 15-5-3 ATS in the past 23 following a bye, while Saskatchewan is 6-2 ATS over their past eight off a rest week.

-- The Stamps have covered six of the past seven against the Riders, while going 4-1 ATS in their past five trips to Regina. The under is 5-1 in the past six meetings, but the over is 5-2 in the past seven meetings in Saskatchewan.

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CFL Betting Notes - Week 10
David Schwab

Week 9 Betting Recap

In a shortened Week 9 schedule in the CFL, British Columbia got things started on Thursday night with a 31-23 upset against Edmonton as a three-point home underdog. Friday’s contest in Winnipeg ended as a PUSH with the Blue Bombers squeezing past Hamilton 29-23 as a six-point favorite at home.

The betting action came to a close on Saturday night with Ottawa getting the win at home against Montreal straight-up in a final score of 24-17, but the RedBlacks came nowhere close to covering the heavy 14-point closing spread.


Sunday. Aug. 19

Calgary Stampeders (7-0 SU, 5-2 ATS) at Saskatchewan Roughriders (3-4 SU, 3-4 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -7
Total: 48 ½

Game Overview

The Stampeders’ 27-18 victory over BC heading into last week’s bye was the first time this season they failed to win a game by a double-digit margin of victory. In their dominating run to a perfect 7-0 start, they have averaged 29.4 points scoring. Even more impressive is Calgary’s 86 total points allowed on defense. This defense has yet to give up more than 22 points in any of its first seven games.

Speculation continues to build that Saskatchewan will add former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens to its active roster after releasing CFL star Duron Carter over the weekend. He has played both defensive back and wide receiver at a high level in this league. The Roughriders are also coming off a bye following back-to-back losses (SU and ATS) to Calgary at home and Edmonton on the road.

Betting Trends

-- Calgary has won nine of the last 10 meetings in this West Division tilt SU and it is 7-1 ATS in the last eight games between the two. The total has gone OVER in five of the last seven meetings in Saskatchewan.

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CFL
Dunkel

Week 10

Sunday, August 19

Calgary @ Saskatchewan

Game 377-378
August 19, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
118.192
Saskatchewan
116.999
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 1
45
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 7
49
Dunkel Pick:
Saskatchewan
(+7); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 10

Sunday, August 19

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CALGARY (7 - 0) at SASKATCHEWAN (3 - 4) - 8/19/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 83-59 ATS (+18.1 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 137-101 ATS (+25.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 124-92 ATS (+22.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
CALGARY is 48-28 ATS (+17.2 Units) in August games since 1996.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in weeks 10 through 15 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 5-1 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 5-1 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL

Week 10

Trend Report

Sunday, August 19

Calgary Stampeders
Calgary is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Calgary's last 8 games
Calgary is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games on the road
Calgary is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Saskatchewan
Calgary is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing Saskatchewan
Calgary is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Saskatchewan is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Saskatchewan's last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Saskatchewan's last 6 games at home
Saskatchewan is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Calgary
Saskatchewan is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Saskatchewan's last 6 games when playing Calgary
Saskatchewan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary
Saskatchewan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Saskatchewan's last 7 games when playing at home against Calgary

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL

Week 10

Calgary (7-0) (-7, 48) @ Saskatchewan (3-4)— Stampeders won won eight of last nine series games (7-2 vs spread); they won their last four visits to Regina, winning by 12-6-9-3 points- they won here 34-22 two weeks ago, racing out to 24-0 first quarter lead. Five of last six series games stayed under the total. Calgary is 5-2 vs spread this year, 3-0 on road, winning away games by 12-24-34 points. Six of their seven games stayed under. Roughriders split their four home games; they lost 26-19/34-22 in last two games overall. Under is 4-3 in Saskatchewan games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sunday's WNBA Best Bets
Joe Williams

For the remainder of the WNBA regular season through the playoffs, we'll take a look at the best Sunday bets.

The schedule for Sunday is chock full of action, with all 12 WNBA teams on the hardwood for the final day of the regular season. Let's get started!

The Los Angeles Sparks (19-14) open the day far from home when they take on the Connecticut Sun (20-13) for the third time this season. The Sun probably wish they could face the Sparks more, as they won and covered each of the previous two contests this season, including a 102-94 win in Connecticut all the way back on May 24. Los Angeles is struggling against the number lately, going 1-5 ATS over the past six outings, and they're just 3-9 ATS across the past 12 against teams with a winning overall mark. L.A. has also failed to cover in each of the past seven following a cover in their previous outing.

For the Sun, they have covered seven of their past nine outings overall, including a 5-1 ATS mark across the past six contests at home. They're also an impressive 5-0 ATS in the past five against teams from the Western Conference. Total bettors might like the 'under' in this one, too. It has cashed in four of the previous five meetings in this series, while going 4-1 in the past five for L.A. against Eastern Conference clubs, too. The under is also 24-10 in their past 34 following a cover. The under is 4-1 in Connecticut's past five against teams with a winning overall record, but the over is 5-2 in their past seven games overall.

The Atlanta Dream (22-11) will try to clinch the Eastern Division flag with a road win against the Las Vegas Aces (14-18). This game also features the highest total on the board, 175 points. The Dream have been cover queens lately, going 7-1 ATS across the past eight outings on the road. They're also 7-1 ATS over the past eight games against Western Conference teams, while going 19-7 ATS in the past 26 games overall. Atlanta will be trying to rebound, and they're also very good against the number in that situation, too. The Dream are 5-0 ATS in the past five following a straight-up loss, and 4-0 ATS in their past four outings following a non-cover.

As far as Vegas is concerned, they are limping to the finish line, going 0-4 ATS in the past four against teams with a winning overall mark. They have handled themselves with aplomb against Eastern Conference teams, however, going 34-16-1 ATS in the past 51. The Dream has had a difficult time against this franchise, dating back to when the Aces were the San Antonio Stars. Atlanta is just 4-15 ATS in the past 19 meetings, and 1-8 ATS in their past nine trips to Vegas/San Antonio. The over has cashed in four of the previous five for Atlanta, while going 8-3 in their past 11 road contests. For the Aces, the under is 3-1-1 in their past five at home, and 4-1 in their past five against clubs with a straight-up winning mark.

In early evening action, the Phoenix Mercury (19-14) hosts the New York Liberty (7-26), as they look to springboard into the postseason. The Mercury have won three in a row, averaging 94.7 points per game (PPG), and the 'over' is 3-0-1 across their past four, and 6-1-1 in the past eight games overall. The Mercury has also been hot against the number, too, going 5-1 ATS in the past six outings, and 12-4 ATS across the past 16 games following a straight-up win. They have sizzled against the Eastern Conference, too, going 15-5 ATS in the past 20. For the Liberty, they're the opposite, going 4-11 ATS in the past 15 games vs. Western Conference clubs, while going 0-4 ATS in their past four following a non-cover.

The 'under' is 4-1 across the past five meetings in this series, and 4-1 ATS in the past five in the Valley of the Sun, too. The Liberty have actually connected in six of their past eight trips to Arizona, too, although they're 0-2 SU/ATS in the previous meetings this season, both in New York.

The Indiana Fever (5-28) and Chicago Sky (13-20) will be playing in the only game where both teams are eliminated from postseason contention. That doesn't mean there isn't money to be made. In fact, these teams might have just played the most exciting game of the season. Chicago won 115-106 in double-overtime in Indianapolis on Saturday, and now the two teams take the bus up Interstate 65 to the Windy City to wrap up an ugly season. Chicago is 2-0 SU/ATS in two previous meetings against the Fever, and they might have made the postseason if only they could face the Fever more.

The Fever have been ice-cold against the number, too, going 5-17 ATS across their past 22 games overall, while hitting in just two of their past eight games against the spread on the road. They're also 3-13 ATS in their past 16 following a straight-up loss and 2-5 ATS in the past seven on no rest. For the Sky, they are finishing on a high note with four consecutive covers, although they're still just 11-23 ATS across their past 34 outings at home. Indiana has owned this series in the past, at least against the number, going 15-5-1 ATS in their past 21 trips to Chicago, while the 'over' has connected in 14 of the past 18. The over looks to be attractive in this one, but remember, these two sides just played double-overtime less than 24 hours ago.

BEST BET ALERT: The 'over' is listed at 168 on Sunday, but that's a bit high since both teams will have tired legs after just playing a double-overtime thriller in Indianapolis on Saturday. Unless the game cannot be decided in regulation again, this one is going well under.

The Dallas Wings (15-18) and Seattle Storm (25-8) both appeared to be hurtling toward the postseason about a month ago. The Storm is still on that trajectory. In fact, they have the No. 1 overall seed heading into the playoffs. Dallas, they have lost nine of their past 10 games overall while failing to cover five in a row, and nine of the past 10. This is the fourth meeting between these teams this season, with Seattle winning and covering the past two. It's a meaningless game for Seattle, so covering an eight-point number might seem a bit ambitious.

Dallas has also failed to cover their past six on the road, and they're 0-5 ATS in the past five against teams with a winning straight-up record. Seattle has posted a 13-4-1 ATS mark across the past 18 games, and they're 5-1 ATS in the past six against teams with a losing record. Seattle is also 4-0 ATS in their past four within the Western Conference. Seattle is 5-2 ATS in the past seven overall against Dallas, and 5-2 ATS in their past seven home games against the Wings, too. The 'over' has hit in four of the past five meetings in this series, too, but the under is 7-2 in Seattle's past nine at home.

BEST BET ALERT - PART II: The Storm have the No. 1 overall seed wrapped up, so they do not have anything to play for. It wouldn't be shocking to see some of their key personnel rest in this one, so perhaps Liz Cambage and the Wings fly to the finish line on a high note. Either way, the Wings are quite attractive catching four buckets in Seattle.

The final game of the day is a good one, as the The Washington Mystics (21-11) and Minnesota Lynx (17-16) tangle in the Twin Cities. The Mystics enter the game just a half-game back of the Dream for the top spot in the East, so there is plenty to play for. Washington has been on fire, covering six of their past seven overall, and four straight on the road. They're also 4-1 ATS in the past five games against teams with a winning straight-up record, while covering four of their past five against the Western Conference, too.

The Lynx are limping to the finish line, especially against the spread. They are just 2-7 ATS in the past nine games overall, while going 0-4 ATS in the past four at home, 0-5 ATS in their past five against winning sides and 1-4 ATS in the past five against Eastern Conference foes. This will be the first meeting between these teams in the Twin Cities this season, and they haven't seen each other anywhere since June 7. The teams split the first two games in D.C., with the Lynx winning 88-80 last time out. Both of the first games resulted in 'over' results. The over is 4-1 in the past five meetings in this series, and the Mystics have covered just two of their past eight in this series.

BEST BETS RECORD - LAST WEEK: 1-1 (-10)
BEST BETS RECORD - SEASON: 2-2 (-20)

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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

Injuries to some of their key players can't seem to slow down the Boston Red Sox, who remain on pace to challenge the major-league record for wins in a regular season. The Red Sox will have to turn to their deep roster of pitchers when they try to polish off a three-game sweep of the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday.

Ace Chris Sale was scheduled to start the series finale for Boston but instead was placed on the 10-day disabled list for the second time this month with minor shoulder irritation. "I know it's kind of the same thing we had last time," Sale told reporters of the injury. "A little bit less in the pain region and mobility range than last time, so that's a good sign. Just keep chugging along. It's definitely less (discomfort) than it was last time." The Red Sox will turn to Hector Velazquez to begin what likely will be a bullpen game on Sunday while the Rays counter with one of their own, beginning with Diego Castillo. Tampa Bay did American League east-leading Boston a favor by taking two of three from the second-place New York Yankees earlier this week but can't seem to find their way around the Red Sox, who have won 11 of the first 15 meetings between the clubs.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Diego Castillo (3-2, 3.63 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Hector Velazquez (7-0, 2.77)

Castillo is making his 30th career appearance and first as a starter. The 24-year-old Dominican rookie has not allowed a run over 5 2/3 innings in his last four contests and has registered 37 strikeouts in 34 2/3 frames overall. Castillo tossed a perfect inning of relief in his lone appearance against Boston and is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA on the road this season.

Velazquez made 31 of his 35 appearances this season in relief and is 2-0 with a 3.31 ERA in his four starts. The 29-year-old Mexican tossed a perfect inning at Philadelphia in his last appearance on Wednesday but has worked more than one frame 17 times this year. Velazquez is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in six appearances - one start - against Tampa Bay in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox recalled RHP Brandon Workman from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Sale's spot on the roster.

2. Tampa Bay C Jesus Sucre (wrist) has missed the last four games and is day-to-day.

3. Boston RF Mookie Betts went 0-for-4 on Saturday, snapping his 11-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Rays 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Blue Jays vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

Left-hander J.A. Happ has thrived since he was thrust into postseason contention following his trade from the Toronto Blue Jays to the New York Yankees. Happ will look to make it four straight wins for his new club at the expense of his former team when the Yankees host the Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series.

Giancarlo Stanton homered for the seventh time in 12 games overall and belted his sixth in 15 games versus Toronto this season as the Yankees went deep four times in Saturday's 11-6 victory. Rookie Miguel Andujar homered among three hits and had three RBIs to join Joe DiMaggio as only rookies in franchise history with at least 20 home runs and 36 doubles in a season. Since splitting the first six matchups of the season, New York has won eight of nine against Toronto, which has dropped three in a row entering the finale of a seven-game road trip. Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen was 2-for-4 with an RBI single to become the 11th player in franchise history to notch at least one hit in each of his first four career games.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, TBS, Sportsnet (Toronto), TVA (Toronto), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (2-2, 3.29 ERA) vs. Yankees LH J.A. Happ (13-6, 3.86)

Borucki has struggled in each of his last two starts, giving up four runs and six hits in four innings in a no-decision at Kansas City last time out. He earned the win in his previous turn despite allowing four runs and nine hits in five innings against Boston. Those marked two of the three shortest stints for the rookie, who registed a quality start in six of his first seven outings.

Happ recorded his third quality start in as many trips to the mound for the Yankees, blanking Tampa Bay on one hit over seven innings on Tuesday. The 35-year-old has allowed only four runs and eight hits in 19 innings with the Yankees to reach the second-highest win total in his career. Each of those starts was at home for Happ, boosting his career record at Yankee Stadium to 7-1 with a 3.36 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees have 201 homers, reaching 200 in the second-fewest games (123) ever behind the 2005 Texas Rangers (122).

2. Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman likely is headed to the disabled list due to a blister.

3. Stanton has hit safely in five straight games and has multiple hits in five of his last eight contests.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Blue Jays 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The San Francisco Giants are slipping out of the race in the National League West as they struggle to take advantage of the relatively light portion of their schedule. The Giants will try to avoid a three-game sweep when they visit the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday for the finale of their three-game series.

San Francisco fell two games below .500 with Saturday's 7-1 loss, which marked a fourth consecutive game in which it failed to score more than three runs. San Francisco intended to climb up the standings in the NL West with series against Cincinnati, the New York Mets and Texas but instead began that stretch by managing two runs in the first two meetings with the Reds. Cincinnati sits in last place in the NL Central but is getting a chance to play spoiler with series coming up against Milwaukee (twice), the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis over the next two weeks. San Francisco will try to avoid the sweep behind Andrew Suarez while the Reds counter with Luis Castillo.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Andrew Suarez (4-8, 4.40 ERA) vs. Reds RH Luis Castillo (6-10, 5.04)

Suarez followed a pair of losses with a strong start against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Tuesday, when he scattered two hits and three walks over six scoreless innings. The 25-year-old, who did not factor in the decision versus the Dodgers, was roughed up for 11 runs and 17 hits over 10 frames in his previous two turns. Suarez suffered a loss at home against Cincinnati on May 16, when he was reached for five runs - four earned - and eight hits in six innings.

Castillo had his streak of six straight starts with three or fewer runs allowed come to an end against Arizona last Sunday, when he was reached for five runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings of a loss. The 25-year-old has failed to complete six frames in eight of his last 10 turns. Castillo is making his first career appearance against San Francisco and is 4-4 with a 3.94 ERA in 11 home outings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds RF Scott Schebler (AC joint) is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Sunday.

2. San Francisco SS Brandon Crawford is 2-for-22 over his last six contests.

3. Cincinnati 2B Scooter Gennett has gone 8-for-13 with four runs scored over his last three games.

PREDICTION: Giants 3, Reds 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

Cleveland Indians right-hander Mike Clevinger has one shutout and one complete game to his credit in 55 major-league starts -- and it came against the team he will face on Sunday. The Indians had a six-game winning streak snapped and will look to rebound behind Clevinger in the rubber match of a three-game set versus the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

Clevinger's lone career start against the Orioles came on April 21 in Baltimore, when he gave up just a pair of singles in a 4-0 shutout. Shortstop Francisco Lindor was 2-for-4 with an RBI single in Saturday's 4-2 loss, notching his major league-leading 49th multiple-hit game. Jonathan Villar, a trade-deadline acquisition from Milwaukee, homered for the second time in three games -- a three-run shot that was the difference in lifting the Orioles to their second win in nine games. Cedric Mullins provided insurance with his first career homer as part of a 2-for-4 day that boosted his batting average to .357 in eight games.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Yefry Ramírez (1-4, 5.40 ERA) vs. Indians RH Mike Clevinger (8-7, 3.38)

Ramirez continued his trend of not pitching past five innings in the majors, taking a no-decision versus Boston last time out after giving up two runs and three hits in five frames. The 24-year-old Dominican is winless in his last three turns, lasting 1 2/3 innings at Texas in his previous start and allowing six runs to the Yankees on July 31. Ramirez is 0-2 with a woeful 9.26 ERA in three road starts.

Clevinger labored with his control at Cincinnati in his last outing, walking six and surrendering a pair of homers in five innings, but he minimized the damage to two runs to end a six-start winless drought. He did not factor in the decision in his previous two outings despite two quality starts versus Minnesota and the Angels. Baltimore's current roster is a collective 5-for-38 against Clevinger.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Orioles haven't won back-to-back road games since June 22-23 in Atlanta.

2. Indians C Yan Gomes is 6-for-18 in five games versus Baltimore this season.

3. Orioles DH Mark Trumbo is mired in a 2-for-20 slump.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Orioles 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

Shortstop Trevor Story hopes to continue his assault on the Atlanta pitching staff when the visiting Colorado Rockies go after a four-game sweep of the Braves Sunday afternoon, following a thrilling rally Saturday. Story's double ignited a two-out, three-run rally in the ninth inning Saturday and the Rockies scored twice in the 10th for a 5-3 triumph to move within one-half game of first-place Arizona in the National League West.

Story has hit safely in 14 of the last 15 games overall and is 27-for-68 with nine homers and 21 RBIs in 20 career games against Atlanta while DJ LeMahieu owns a six-game hitting streak that included the go-ahead homer Saturday. The Braves, who lead second-place Philadelphia by one-half game in the National League East, will try to rebound as veteran Anibal Sanchez takes a 4-0 record against Colorado to the mound and the Rockies counter with fellow right-hander German Marquez as they go for an eighth win in nine contests. Atlanta, which has lost four straight series to the Rockies, dropped three in a row in the set after building a five-game winning streak. Rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. was 3-for-4 with two runs scored in the setback for the Braves to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, and the outfielder reached base in Atlanta's first at-bat of the contest for the ninth straight outing.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH German Marquez (10-9, 4.51 ERA) vs. Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (6-3, 3.07)

Marquez boasts four straight quality starts and seven in his last eight trips to the mound while winning five of six decisions during that stretch. The 23-year-old Venezuelan gave up one run on three hits along with two walks to beat Houston on Tuesday and owns 34 strikeouts in his past four games. Dansby Swanson is 3-for-3 with two extra-base hits against Marquez, who yielded seven runs on seven hits and six walks over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Atlanta on April 6.

Sanchez did not get a decision last time out against Miami after giving up five runs (four earned) on seven hits across five innings in a 10-6 victory. The 34-year-old Venezuelan limited four of his last seven opponents to one run or fewer in the middle of his best season since 2013 when he won a career-high 14 games. Gerardo Parra is 10-for-19 with three doubles versus Sanchez, who permitted two runs on seven hits in a no-decision at Colorado on April 7.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis boasts four RBIs in the last two games after going without one in his previous five contests.

2. Colorado INF-OF Ian Desmond has eight RBIs in the last three games, including a two-run double in the ninth Saturday, after going 17 games without one.

3. Acuna is one homer away from becoming the second rookie with 20 blasts and 10 steals in Braves history, joining David Justice (28, 11 in 1990).

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Rockies 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Chicago Cubs remain among the National League leaders in most offensive statistical categories, but they're mired in an awful slump at the moment. The Cubs will try to bust out of their offensive funk and claim a series victory when they visit the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday for the finale of their four-game set.


Chicago has won nine of its last 14 contests and owns a four-game lead over St. Louis in the NL Central, but the latest outage by a streaky offense is concerning. The Cubs have scored just one run in each of the first three games of the series, but after blanking the Pirates in the first two contests, they dropped a 3-1 decision on Saturday. Chicago has a good opportunity to get the offense going Sunday with Jameson Taillon on the mound, as stars Anthony Rizzo (8-for-16, two homers) and Javier Baez (9-for-13, two) have hit the right-hander hard. Pittsburgh snapped its five-game skid Saturday but remains 10 games behind the Cubs and six back of the Cardinals for the second NL wild card.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, ABC 7 (Chicago), AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh


PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jose Quintana (10-9, 4.46 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (9-9, 3.66)

Quintana has been banged around in his last two starts, allowing five runs in each and losing both. The 29-year-old served up three home runs to Milwaukee on Tuesday and has surrendered six blasts in his last four outings. Quintana is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three career starts against the Pirates, whom he hasn't faced this season.

Taillon has recorded four straight quality starts and allowed three or fewer earned runs in each of his last 14 outings. The 26-year-old took the loss last time out, as he allowed three runs over six innings in a 5-2 defeat at Minnesota. Taillon beat the Cubs on July 31, but he's 3-3 with a 4.86 ERA in six career meetings.


WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 2B-OF Ben Zobrist recorded two more hits Saturday and has gone 28-for-71 since the All-Star break to raise his average to .309.

2. Pirates LHP Felipe Vazquez converted his 17th consecutive save chance Saturday and has pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings this month.

3. Cubs RHP Brandon Morrow (biceps) on Saturday threw his first bullpen session since going on the disabled list July 15, but there is no timetable for his return.


PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Cubs 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

Jose Urena will take the mound for the first time since setting off a firestorm when the Miami Marlins visit the Washington Nationals on Sunday for the finale of their three-game series. Urena is appealing the six-game suspension he received for hitting Atlanta's Ronald Acuna Jr. with a 97.5-mph fastball on the first pitch of his last outing.


The Marlins snapped their six-game skid with a 7-5 triumph in 10 innings on Saturday - their third win in 18 games that evened the series. It was Miami's fourth victory in its last 21 meetings with Washington dating to last season. The Nationals will try to resume that dominance in the finale and buoy their slim playoff hopes. Washington is six games behind St. Louis for the second wild-card spot and trails National League East-leading Atlanta by seven.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN2 (Washington)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Urena (3-12, 4.74 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (7-9, 4.12)

Urena has recorded only one win in his last nine starts, posting a 5.98 ERA over that span. The 26-year-old has registered only one quality start during that period, but it came against the Nationals as he worked six scoreless innings en route to victory on July 29. Urena is 2-2 with a 4.19 ERA in 10 career games (four starts) against Washington.

Gonzalez needs three more wins to reach double digits for the ninth consecutive season. The 32-year-old is 1-7 with a 6.12 ERA over his last 13 starts and was tagged for five runs over four innings in a loss at St. Louis last time out. Gonzalez is 10-3 with a 1.89 ERA in 18 career turns against the Marlins, who haven't beaten him since 2015.


WALK-OFFS

1. Washington 2B Daniel Murphy has gone 17-for-44 during his 11-game hitting streak, while RF Bryce Harper is 11-for-26 during his six-game run.

2. Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg (neck) threw a bullpen session Saturday while RHP Kelvin Herrera (shoulder) threw a 15-pitch simulated game, and both could return Tuesday against Philadelphia.

3. Marlins RHP Kyle Barraclough, who has been on the disabled list since Aug. 10 with lower back stiffness, threw off a mound on Saturday and will throw one more bullpen session before he is either activated or sent on a rehab assignment.


PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Marlins 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

Whit Merrifield has been one of the bright spots in a disappointing season for the Kansas City Royals and the second baseman looks to extend his hitting streak to eight games Sunday in the rubber match of a three-game set at the Chicago White Sox. Merrifield is 11-for-27 during his latest run to raise his batting average to .302 and registered a single in the first inning of Kansas City's 3-1 win Saturday.

Salvador Perez has hit safely in five straight games and Alex Gordon broke out of a mini slump with a solo shot to tie the game at 1-1 for the Royals, who managed just their third win in nine games Saturday. Rookie Heath Fillmyer looks to continue his progress when he takes the mound for Kansas City in the series finale while Reynaldo Lopez goes after his first victory since July 1 for Chicago. The White Sox saw their three-game winning streak come to an end Saturday after going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranding eight runners. Jose Abreu, who has 24 RBIs in his last 24 games, had a pair of hits in the setback to extend his hitting streak to five games (8-for-21).

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (1-1, 3.61 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (4-9, 4.40)

Fillmyer followed up his best outing in the majors by allowing four runs on five hits and five walks over five innings in a no-decision against Toronto on Tuesday. The 24-year-old New Jersey native gave up three hits and two walks in seven scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs for his first victory with the Royals on Aug. 8. Abreu was 2-for-2 with a homer versus Fillmyer, who yielded one run over 2 1/3 innings of relief against the White Sox on July 13.

Lopez permitted four runs on seven hits and a walk last time out after two straight quality starts to open August, but did not gain a decision in any of them. The 24-year-old Dominican finished July with four consecutive losses before giving up three runs across 14 innings combined in the first two this month, including seven frames of two-run ball versus Kansas City on Aug. 2. Merrifield is 6-for-16 against Lopez, who is 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA versus the Royals in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago INF-DH Matt Davidson sat out Saturday's game, but is 17-for-45 with eight homers in 12 games against the Royals in 2018.

2. Kansas City recalled RHP Jake Newberry and optioned RHP Jason Adam to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

3. White Sox 3B Yolmer Sanchez has hit safely in seven straight games, going 11-for-30 in that stretch.

PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Royals 3