Monday 8-20-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:01 AM

Ravens vs. Colts Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 17th August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/17/2018

No one is even pretending that the Indianapolis Colts are going to have even a ghost of chance to make the AFC playoffs without Andrew Luck. And with his injury and rehabilitation being the subject of a lot of mystery, it was a big relief for Colts fans to see him out on the field, at last, in the 2018 pre-season opener. His presence opens up a lot of enthusiastic possibilities for a team that is starting fresh under new head coach Frank Reich and his staff.

The Baltimore Ravens naturally hope they can get something fresh out of quarterback Joe Flacco, who seems to have gotten stake the past couple of seasons. Lamar Jackson has come in as a rookie to jazz things up a bit, and there is also another Heisman Trophy winner making some noise. This team has some of the elements to make a run at the AFC North crown, but they found the missing pieces.

National Football League Previews

The Ravens have had two pre-season games to iron out the kinks. In the opener, at the Hall of Fame Game, they beat the Chicago Bears 17-16, then had a dominant effort against the Los Angeles Rams, blowing them away by a 33-7 score. The Colts went to Seattle and beat the Seahawks 19-17, but the big victory was that Luck, the quarterback upon whom they hang their hopes, was able to play with the first-team offense and play well.

So these teams will meet up in front of what promises to be a rather enthusiastic crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Monday night.

TV: 8 PM ET, ESPN. LINE: Pick'em. O/U: 43.5

ABOUT THE RAVENS: Whether John Harbaugh intends to keep three quarterbacks on the roster when the regular season starts is a good question. Lamar Jackson is, after all, a rookie, and the head coach probably did not envision him having a full-time role, utilizing the whole playbook if the situation demanded it. So that is why the progress of Robert Griffin III is well worth monitoring. Griffin, who was with the Cleveland Browns two years ago but got injured, has started only five games since 2014. But he has shaken off the rust, completing twelve of 18 passes for 143 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the two pre-season games, and was impressive in training camp right from the outset. The learning curve with Jackson will be high, but the Ravens' staff is integrating some things into the playbook that are tailored for his talents and therefore, in a sense, also work for Griffin. Maybe they will keep him, or use him as a trade piece. But based on what he has shown in camp, Griffin is going to be active on an NFL roster this season, although it would come with a certain degree of caution, because of his injury history. Jackson still has a ways to go when it comes to accuracy; he completed only seven of 18 passes against the Rams. Flacco, who started the game, was 5-for-7 for 71 yards. While Jacksonville's Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey praised Jackson in an interview with GQ, he asserted that Flacco "sucks." The Ravens brutalized Los Angeles, outgaining them by a 403-170 margin, although it's worth noting that Rams coach Sean McVay held all but two starts out of the game entirely. The Ravens are priced at +300 to win the AFC North and +2800 to win Super Bowl 53.

ABOUT THE COLTS: The situation with Andrew Luck is very encouraging for the Colts' staff. He came in and assumed control of the offense, in hostile territory, and against a team (the Seattle Seahawks) that has been known to try hard in pre-season games. He was in there for two series, completing six of nine passes for 64 yards. He was even able to take a sack and get back up with no effect. Reich has indicated that he will play more in Monday night's game. In camp sessions, he is completing around 70%. Reich and his offensive coordinator, Nick Sirianni, are adamant that this offense is not going to be of the dink-and-dunk variety but will get down the field, which is the way Luck wants it. Left tackle Anthony Castonzo has been dealing with a hamstring issue that kept him out of Thursday's practice, but we're not sure how much, if any, that is going to limit his time on the field Monday. The last thing Reich wants is for Luck to suffer from lack of protection. All told, Indy QB's were 20 of 29 for 189 yards against the Seahawks. That included Phillip Walker, Jacoby Brissett (last year's starter) and second-year man Brad Kaaya. Safeties Clayton Geathers and Malik Hooker, regulars on the Colts' defense, are coming off knee injuries, and as they returned to the practice field, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus says he "re-set the whole defense and started from first day install and re-did all the walk-throughs again just for those guys." The Colts are +500 to win the very competitive AFC South and +5500 to capture the Super Bowl title.

EXTRA POINTS

1. These teams will know each other a lot better by game time because they have scheduled joint practices on both Friday and Saturday.

2. Don't be surprised if Luck is working in an offense that tries to speed up the tempo a little on Monday. He looked especially impressive when the offense was doing that in drills on Tuesday, and don't forget that Reich, as a quarterback, was part of the original "no-huddle" approach that was used in the Super Bowl years with the Buffalo Bills.

3. Harbaugh's record in pre-season games is worth reviewing here because it is so outstanding. After two wins, he is now 30-12 straight-up and 28-14 ATS (68%).

PREDICTION: Ravens 24, Colts 19

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:01 AM

Atlanta Braves vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

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

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Atlanta Braves must lick their wounds after a frustrating weekend and go back to work as they open a seven-game road trip with the first of three contests against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night. The Braves were swept in four games at home by red-hot Colorado, including a 4-2 setback on Sunday, but managed to keep a one-half game lead on second-place Philadelphia in the National League East.

"We've been through it before," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker told reporters after Sunday's loss. "We've just got to regroup and start another winning streak (Monday)." The Braves hand the ball to Kevin Gausman for the critical series opener Monday and he will face Pittsburgh's Chris Archer in a battle of former American League East rivals who were dealt at the trade deadline in late July. The Pirates recorded just five runs in a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs over the weekend, but managed to win the last two after suffering through a season high-tying five-game losing streak. Corey Dickerson is warming up again for Pittsburgh, going 9-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak to raise his batting average to a team-best .308.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Kevin Gausman (7-9, 4.22 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Chris Archer (4-5, 4.49)

Gausman has won his last two starts with the Braves after limiting Miami to two runs over six innings on Wednesday and Milwaukee to one run across eight frames five days earlier. The 27-year-old LSU product surrendered six runs on 16 hits with 12 strikeouts and four walks across 19 innings since being acquired from Baltimore. David Freese is 2-for-6 with a homer versus Gausman, who is 0-1 with an 8.44 ERA in two career turns against Pittsburgh.

Archer has struggled through most of his three starts since coming over from Tampa Bay at the trade deadline, but he is 1-0 and the Pirates have won two of the three games during that stretch. The 29-year-old North Carolina native beat Colorado with five innings of two-run ball on Aug. 8 before yielding four tallies on six hits across five frames at Minnesota one week later. Ryan Flaherty is 5-for-18 against Archer, who faces Atlanta for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh OF-2B Adam Frazier went 3-for-5 with a walk-off homer, two RBIs and two runs scored in the last two contests.

2. Atlanta rookie OF Ronald Acuna Jr. saw his 11-game hitting streak come to an end Sunday, but owns eight of his 19 homers this month.

3. The Pirates swept three from the Braves at home last season and the teams play six times in the next 14 days.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Braves 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:01 AM

Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Toronto Blue Jays are losers of four contests in a row and are coming off a road trip that exposed their pitching staff. The Blue Jays will try to get things back on track at the expense of the only team behind them in the American League East when they host the Baltimore Orioles on Monday for the opener of their three-game series.

Toronto's pitchers were ripped for a total of 34 runs over the last four games and yielded at least five in each of its last six contests. The Blue Jays did not have a pitcher complete five innings in any of their last four games and leaned hard on the bullpen Sunday, when rookie starter Ryan Borucki failed to make it out of the opening frame in a 10-2 loss to the New York Yankees. The Orioles aren't enjoying much success on the mound, either, and own the worst record in the majors (37-87) after dropping an 8-0 decision at Cleveland on Sunday, which marked the sixth time in 10 games that the pitching staff allowed at least five runs. Toronto will turn to the starter on staff who last worked over five innings when Marco Estrada takes the mound on Monday against Baltimore's Andrew Cashner.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (4-10, 4.71 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (6-9, 4.87)

Cashner was sharp in each of his last two starts and is coming off a win over the New York Mets in which he surrendered two runs and five hits over seven innings. The veteran Texan has allowed fewer than three earned runs in six of his last eight outings. One of those starts came at Toronto on July 22, when Cashner yielded one runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings without factoring in the decision.

Estrada was the last Blue Jays starter to complete five innings and the last to record a win when he allowed four runs and six hits over 6 2/3 innings at Kansas City on Wednesday. The Long Beach State product has served up a pair of home runs in each of his last two turns, bringing his season total to 20 in 21 outings. Estrada registered a season-high nine strikeouts against Baltimore on June 10 while yielding two runs in six innings to pick up the win.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles OF-DH Mark Trumbo (knee) is not traveling with the team and will head back to Baltimore for an MRI.

2. The Blue Jays placed RHP Marcus Stroman (blister) on the 10-day disabled list on Sunday.

3. Toronto 2B Devon Travis has gone 2-for-23 over his last five games.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Orioles 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:01 AM

Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Minnesota Twins have enjoyed success against their American League Central adversaries to keep the club within earshot of .500 this season. Winners of five of their last six overall, the Twins (59-64) aim to inch closer to evening their record on Monday when they host the Chicago White Sox (46-77) in a rescheduled tilt of a snowed out contest on April 15.

Eddie Rosario belted the go-ahead homer in the eighth inning of Sunday's 5-4 victory over Detroit to extend his hitting streak to seven games, during which he has collected five RBIs and as many runs scored while going deep two times in his last three outings for Minnesota. Max Kepler launched a solo shot in the finale versus the Tigers, giving him two homers and five runs scored in his last six games overall. Jose Abreu is doing quite well in a six-game stretch as well - going 9-for-23 with two homers, nine RBIs and four runs scored - for Chicago, which hosts Minnesota on Tuesday and Wednesday. The 31-year-old has homered three times versus Minnesota this season, although his 13 strikeouts in 49 at-bats leave a bit to be desired.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (8-9, 6.15 ERA) vs. Twins LH Stephen Gonsalves (major-league debut)

Giolito answered a disastrous start with a strong one on Tuesday, as he allowed three runs and struck out seven over six innings in a 6-3 win at Detroit. The 24-year-old has fanned 20 batters in 18 innings this month, but he only struck out three in his last meeting with Minnesota. Giolito permitted just one run on four hits in a no-decision versus the Twins on June 28, although four walks led to an elevated pitch count and his subsequent departure after 6 1/3 innings.

Gonsalves, who was ranked as Minnesota's No. 3 prospect per Baseball America entering the season, will replace the injured Ervin Santana (finger) and become the fourth Twins starter to make his major-league debut in 2018. The southpaw owns a 12-3 combined mark with a 2.76 ERA with Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Rochester, although his 65 walks in 120 2/3 innings are cause for concern. "I was actually struggling a little bit walking everyone," Gonsalves told reporters. "I was effectively wild, not mixing in a whole lot of hits. I've missed bats in the past with good changeups and good spin. Hopefully, we can just go from there."

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 3B Yolmer Sanchez is 12-for-34 during his eight-game hitting streak.

2. Minnesota has scored at least five runs in each of its last six contests.

3. White Sox RHP Michael Kopech, who owns a 4-0 mark with a 1.84 ERA in his last seven starts, will make his major-league debut on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, White Sox 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:01 AM

Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

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

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays were able to land some punches against a pair of heavyweights in the American League to salvage a 5-4 mark on their just-completed nine-game road trip. After shutting out the team with the best record in the majors, the Rays (63-61) aim to knock around a club with one of the worst on Monday when they begin a seven-game homestand with the first of four contests versus the Kansas City Royals (38-86).

Joey Wendle belted a solo homer and C.J. Cron extended his hitting streak to five games by going deep for the second time in as many days during Tampa Bay's 2-0 triumph over Boston on Sunday. The 28-year-old Cron has come up clutch against Kansas City to the tune of going 5-for-13 with two homers for the Rays, who have won eight of their last 13 home contests. The reeling Royals endured yet another black mark to what has proven to be a lost season long ago on Sunday when they saw an early six-run lead evaporate in a 7-6 setback to the Chicago White Sox. Whit Merrifield, who launched a three-run homer as part of a six-run second inning, is batting 13-for-32 during his eight-game hitting streak heading into a tilt with Tampa Bay, against which he is 6-for-13 with a homer and four RBIs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jorge Lopez (0-2, 4.44 ERA) vs. Rays RH Hunter Wood (0-1, 4.10)

Lopez allowed six runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings of a 6-5 setback versus Toronto on Wednesday in his first start for Kansas City since being acquired as part of the Mike Moustakas trade on July 27. "I'm a little disappointed with the outing, but it was just one pitch took away the outing," said the 25-year-old, who surrendered Curtis Granderson's 10th career grand slam in the loss. Lopez, who is slated to make his second start of the season and fourth of his career, has made 11 of his 14 major-league appearances in 2018.

Wood suffered his first loss of the season on Tuesday after allowing one run on three hits over one inning of a 4-1 setback at the New York Yankees. The 25-year-old, who has yet to face Kansas City in his career, permitted five runs and 11 hits in his last four outings (5 2/3 innings). Wood has walked at least one batter in 10 of his last 11 games.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay 3B Matt Duffy, who is 3-for-24 since Aug. 11, is 4-for-7 versus Kansas City this season.

2. Royals C Salvador Perez struck out in all five plate appearances on Sunday to see a five-game hitting streak come to an end.

3. Tampa Bay SS Willy Adames is mired in a 1-for-13 stretch with five strikeouts.

PREDICTION: Rays 4, Royals 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:01 AM

Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

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

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians both are enjoying large leads in their respective divisions and are ready to test themselves against each other. The division leaders will meet for the first time in 2018 when the Indians visit the Red Sox on Monday for the opener of their four-game series.

Boston owns the best record in baseball at 88-37 but comes into the week off a rare loss as it fell 2-0 to Tampa Bay on Sunday, marking the team's 10th setback in its last 47 games. The Red Sox, who are 9 1/2 games ahead of the New York Yankees in the American League East, have not suffered back-to-back losses since June 19 and 20 and are 10-0-3 in their last 13 series despite managing only two hits against the Rays on Sunday. That rare sluggish offensive performance could continue against Cleveland, which blanked Baltimore 8-0 on Sunday and owns a pitching staff that is allowing an average of two runs over the last six contests. The Indians, who own a 12-game lead over Minnesota in the AL Central, will try to continue that run of strong pitching with ace Corey Kluber while the Red Sox counter with Rick Porcello in a battle of former Cy Young Award winners.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (15-6, 2.68 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (15-5, 4.04)

Kluber is making a run at another Cy Young Award as he breezed through seven innings at Cincinnati on Tuesday, allowing one run and five hits while striking out seven en route to a win. The Stetson product has surrendered fewer than two earned runs in three of his last four outings, working at least seven frames in each of the four turns. Kluber struck out 12 in 7 2/3 innings against Boston last season but yielded two runs and absorbed a loss.

Porcello bounced back from a sub-par outing with a win at Philadelphia on Tuesday, allowing one run and two hits while registering 10 strikeouts in seven innings. The native of New Jersey was ripped for seven runs over four frames at Toronto in his previous turn. Porcello did not get a chance to face Cleveland in 2017 as he is seeing the Indians for the first time since suffering a loss in the 2016 AL Division Series.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts, who leads the majors with a .343 batting average, is hitless in his last 10 at-bats.

2. Indians DH Edwin Encarnacion (hand) will take batting practice on Monday and is eligible to come off the disabled list the following day.

3. Boston DH J.D. Martinez had his string of 51 straight home games in which he reached base safely come to an end on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Indians 3, Red Sox 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:01 AM

San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

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

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The San Francisco Giants attempt to halt their four-game losing streak and remain relevant in the National League playoff picture when they visit the New York Mets on Monday for the opener of their four-game series. San Francisco began its 10-game road trip with back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Dodgers, but dropped the series finale before getting swept in three straight contests at Cincinnati.

Sunday's 11-4 setback pushed the Giants eight games behind first-place Arizona in the NL West and 7 1/2 out in the race for the second wild card. Despite being outscored 20-6 by the Reds, San Francisco received a solid offensive effort from Joe Panik, who went 2-for-4 in each of the three contests. New York returns home from an 11-game, five-city road trip that concluded with an 8-2 triumph over Philadelphia in the MLB Little League Classic at Williamsport, Pa. on Sunday. Amed Rosario recorded three hits and three RBIs as the Mets completed their 7-4 trek by taking three of five from the Phillies.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Derek Holland (6-8, 3.83 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (8-6, 3.75)

Holland is unbeaten in five turns since rejoining the rotation but has recorded just one victory in that stretch despite allowing more than two runs in just one of the outings - the lone win, in which he yielded five runs and 10 hits over 6 1/3 innings versus Pittsburgh on Aug. 10. The four no-decisions during that stretch all took place on the road, including one against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday in which the 31-year-old native of Ohio scattered six hits over 4 2/3 scoreless frames. Holland lost his only career start versus the Mets on June 26, 2011, when he was tagged for seven runs - three earned - and 12 hits over six innings while with Texas.

Wheeler is riding a nine-start unbeaten streak and has won each of his last six, including one at Baltimore on Wednesday in which he allowed one run and five hits over five innings. The 28-year-old Georgian, who was drafted sixth overall by San Francisco in 2009, has permitted fewer than three runs on seven occasions and served up only three homers in 57 2/3 frames during his streak. Wheeler is 2-1 with a 4.15 ERA in four career starts against his former organization.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets 3B David Wright (back/neck/shoulder) went 2-for-3 for Single-A St. Lucie on Sunday after going hitless over 14 at-bats in the first five games of his rehab assignment.

2. San Francisco 1B Brandon Belt batted leadoff on Sunday, becoming the team's first player at that position to hit in that spot since David Bell on July 6, 2002.

3. New York OF Brandon Nimmo (finger) was kept out of the starting lineup for a third straight day on Sunday and hopes to avoid a trip to the disabled list.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Giants 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:02 AM

Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

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

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers were watching their postseason hopes slip away before they managed to pull out a win on Sunday, avoiding a sweep and pushing them back into second place in the National League Central. The Brewers will try to build off that triumph when they host the Cincinnati Reds on Monday for the opener of their three-game series.

Milwaukee dropped three straight to slip behind St. Louis in the division before edging the Cardinals 2-1 on Sunday, leaving it tied for a wild-card spot in the NL. "We showed them today that we're not going nowhere, we're still in second place, we're still going to fight for the race," Brewers reliever Jeremy Jeffress told reporters after Sunday's triumph. "This win felt great." The Reds are trying to play spoiler in the playoff race and may have knocked San Francisco out of the picture in the NL West by recording a three-game sweep over the weekend. Cincinnati's pitchers held the Giants to a total of six runs in that series, and the beleaguered Homer Bailey will try to maintain that run of success when he starts opposite Milwaukee's Chase Anderson on Monday.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (1-10, 6.33 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (7-7, 3.97)

Bailey is winless in his last seven outings and struggled in each of the last two. The veteran, who is allowing opponents to bat .308 against him, was reached for 10 runs and 21 hits over 8 2/3 innings in setbacks against the New York Mets and Cleveland. Bailey also had difficulty in a start against Milwaukee on May 1, when he was reached for five runs on six hits and a walk in five frames to absorb a loss.

Anderson failed to make it through five innings in each of his last two outings but was bailed out by his offense in both and settled for no-decisions. The 30-year-old surrendered eight runs on 10 hits and six walks over 8 2/3 frames in those two turns. Anderson started at Cincinnati on June 29 and registered a win after giving up just one run and two hits in six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds speedy CF Billy Hamilton recorded two triples for the first time in his career on Sunday.

2. Milwaukee C Manny Pina (shoulder) has sat out the last three games and remains day-to-day.

3. Cincinnati 3B Eugenio Suarez drove in two runs on Sunday to take over the NL lead with 91.

PREDICTION: Brewers 9, Reds 5

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:02 AM

Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Oakland Athletics were unable to take over first place in the American League West but get a chance to rebound against a team they dominated in a recent encounter when they open a three-game series with the visiting Texas Rangers on Monday. The Athletics outscored the Rangers 41-24 in winning four straight in Texas less than a month ago, part of a 40-13 run that vaulted Oakland into a first-place tie with the Houston Astros going into Sunday.

A 9-4 loss to the Astros put a temporary halt to the surge, as Houston produced the highest scoring total in a nine-inning affair against the Athletics since July 6. Khris Davis had two home runs and three RBIs in the loss for Oakland and the slugger owns seven long balls and 20 RBIs in 13 matchups with Texas this year. The Rangers completed a 4-2 homestand with a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. Shin-Soo Choo had three hits and scored twice, and he is 6-for-16 with a pair of doubles in his career against Mike Fiers, who starts the series opener for the Athletics.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (7-10, 5.19 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Mike Fiers (8-6, 3.38)

Colon was scratched from Sunday's start due to back stiffness and manager Jeff Bannister indicated he would wait until the team arrived in Oakland before determining if the veteran right-hander would be able to go Monday. If and when Colon starts he will be vying for his third straight win, although he's allowed seven runs over 12 innings in the back-to-back victories. The 45-year-old gave up six runs over seven innings in a loss to Oakland at home last month and is 17-10 with a 2.93 ERA in his career at Oakland Coliseum.

Fiers is 1-0 with a 2.38 ERA in two starts since being traded from Detroit earlier this month. He faced the Rangers twice while with the Tigers, combining to go 2-0 while allowing three runs in 11 1/3 innings. Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre are a combined 14-for-39 with three home runs against the 33-year-old Fiers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers 2B Rougned Odor drove in all four of his team's runs Sunday and is 8-for-20 during a five-game hitting streak.

2. Davis was 7-for-21 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in the four-game sweep at Texas last month.

3. Rangers RHP Jose Leclerc has 10 scoreless innings and five saves over his last 10 appearances.

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Rangers 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:02 AM

Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Mariners Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Houston Astros have regained first place in the American League West and can try to separate themselves from one of their primary competitors when they begin a three-game series at the Seattle Mariners on Monday. Alex Bregman and Evan Gattis both hit their 24th home runs and Justin Verlander picked up career win No. 200 as the Astros won 9-4 at second-place Oakland on Sunday.

That put Houston a game ahead of the Athletics and 4 1/2 up on the Mariners, who were crushed 12-1 by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Seattle swept four in a row at Houston last week, taking two games by one run, one by two and another by three as closer Edwin Diaz got the save in each affair. Both teams expect to welcome back All-Star infielders, as Mariners shortstop Jean Segura has missed the last three games on paternity leave while Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (knee) could be back Tuesday from a rehab assignment. Felix Hernandez returns to the starting rotation after a brief stay in Seattle's bullpen to start the opener opposite Gerrit Cole.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Gerrit Cole (11-5, 2.71 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (8-11, 5.62)

Cole struck out 12 while allowing one run over six dominant innings in a win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. That came five days after he took a loss against Seattle, which got to the UCLA product for four runs across 7 1/3 frames. Despite that outing, Cole boasts a 2.10 ERA in four career matchups with the Mariners.

Hernandez was moved to the bullpen earlier in the month but is being shifted back into the rotation in the wake of an injury to James Paxton. The 32-year-old Hernandez allowed two runs over 5 2/3 innings in his only relief appearance after posting a 5.73 ERA in 23 starts. Carlos Correa is 5-for-11 with a home run and George Springer is 6-for-19 with a home run against Hernandez, who is 4-6 with a 4.27 ERA in 12 career starts versus Houston.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diaz has six saves in as many chances against the Astros this year.

2. Bregman had two homers, three walks and three RBIs in the three-game series at Oakland.

3. Seattle optioned INF Gordon Beckham and LHP James Pazos to Triple-A Tacoma and recalled RHP Chasen Bradford.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Mariners 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:02 AM

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 08-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger look to extend long hitting streaks when the Los Angeles Dodgers begin a six-game homestand with the first of three contests against the hard-charging St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night. Turner has hit safely in 13 straight contests for the Dodgers after going 4-for-5 with five RBIs in Sunday's 12-1 win over Seattle and Bellinger owns a 12-game streak following a three-hit effort.

Los Angeles totaled 17 hits Sunday to win its first series since late July and remain two games behind first-place Arizona in the National League West and 1 1/2 back in the race for the NL's second wild card. Alex Wood will try to help the Dodgers get their homestand off to a strong start when he takes the mound against St. Louis rookie Austin Gomber, who is coming off back-to-back scoreless outings. The Cardinals suffered a 2-1 loss at Milwaukee on Sunday, but won their seventh straight series and are 14-4 in August to pull within four games of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central and one-half game of the second wild card. Matt Carpenter, who leads the NL with 33 homers, had a single in Sunday's setback for St. Louis but is just 1-for-20 in his last six games while veteran catcher Yadier Molina is in a 0-for-17 slide for the Cardinals.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Midwest (St. Louis), SportsNet LA

PITCHING MATCHUP: LH Austin Gomber (3-0, 2.89 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Alex Wood (7-6, 3.51)

Gomber has been outstanding in his last two starts, allowing seven hits and five walks across 11 scoreless innings combined, and earned the win in three of his last four outings. The 24-year-old Florida Atlantic product is 2-0 with a 2.53 ERA in four major league starts and 1-0 with a 3.38 mark in 17 relief appearances. Gomber, who faces the Dodgers for the first time, has allowed opponents a .246 batting average on the road and .188 at home.

Wood has held four straight opponents to two or fewer runs and did not yield more than three in his last 10 trips to the mound, dating back to mid-June. The 27-year-old Georgia product is 0-1 in August despite a 1.64 ERA in two starts after winning his previous six decisions. Carpenter is 1-for-2 with a homer and two walks versus Wood, who has permitted two runs over 7 1/3 innings in two career appearances (one start) against the Cardinals.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis rookie INF Patrick Wisdom launched his first career homer Sunday and is 4-for-9 in his first eight major league games.

2. Los Angeles SS Manny Machado was hit on the left wrist by a pitch in the ninth inning Sunday, but X-rays came back negative.

3. The Cardinals, who host the Dodgers for four games Sept. 13-16, have homered in 12 consecutive games - their longest run since June of 2017.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 4, Cardinals 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:10 AM

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

Race 6 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 79

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JANUARY 1, 2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 1, 2017 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 STARSHIP FRONTIER 8/1

# 6 SO KITTEN 2/1

# 3 REAL POWER 6/1

STARSHIP FRONTIER looks strong to best this group of horses especially at such a decent 8/1. Will most likely go to the lead and could never look back. Recorded a very strong speed figure last time out. Has a strong shot for this event if you like back class. SO KITTEN - Is difficult not to examine based on Equibase speed figs which have been quite good - 81 avg - of late. Sound average speed figures in dirt route races make this horse a definite contender. REAL POWER - Dunham is very serious with this one, wheeling him back in next to no time.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:10 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Louisiana Downs
Louisiana Downs - Race 5

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

Claiming $5,000 • 1 Mile 70 yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 71 • Purse: $7,000 • Post: 5:11P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 20. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * CHARLIE BALLADO: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in th e top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. LUCKY CAL: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. HULA PIE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. ARCTIC TRIBE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
6
CHARLIE BALLADO
10/1

7/2
9
LUCKY CAL
5/1

7/1
5
HULA PIE
6/1

8/1
2
ARCTIC TRIBE
4/1

9/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1A
MR. NINE FIVE FOUR
11

12/1
Front-runner
73

63

62.0

58.0

46.5
8
BURNING RUNNER
8

15/1
Front-runner
75

67

49.3

44.6

28.1
9
LUCKY CAL
9

5/1
Alternator/Front-runner
75

70

72.6

60.1

54.1
2
ARCTIC TRIBE
1

4/1
Alternator/Front-runner
80

66

50.0

59.7

49.2
7
CRIDER CASH
7

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
73

69

56.0

52.8

40.3
4
JAZZ TALK
4

15/1
Trailer
77

63

39.8

55.2

41.2
5
HULA PIE
5

6/1
Alternator/Trailer
74

59

53.0

60.8

52.8
6
CHARLIE BALLADO
6

10/1
Alternator/Trailer
82

73

50.3

64.4

60.9
1
INDY IDE
3

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

65.6

52.8

39.3
3
NAUGHTY MOON
2

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
75

61

64.8

49.4

37.9
10
ZARKING
10

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
75

59

54.0

50.4

30.4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-20-2018, 10:11 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Louisiana Downs - Race #3 - Post: 4:15pm - Allowance - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $25,000 Class Rating: 70

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 BELLAS RUN (ML=4/1)
#6 GINA'S BISCUIT (ML=4/1)
#2 SWIFTOWN MISS (ML=5/2)

BELLAS RUN - Ran in the last race against tougher competition at Louisiana Downs. The move to a lower class rank should suit her well. The jockey has had great success with this animal in the past. Didn't ride last time but gets back in the saddle today. GINA'S BISCUIT - Faces state bred foes today after finishing first versus 'open' company on August 7th. I like that most recent race on Aug 7th at Louisiana Downs where she finished first. SWIFTOWN MISS - Likes to go to the head of the pack and the fact that today is a shorter trip should help. I like the case that this filly's last speed figure, 74, is tops in this field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 CHASES DIXIE BELLE (ML=2/1), #3 HONEST VICTORY (ML=6/1), #4 LAYLA FOREVER (ML=8/1),

CHASES DIXIE BELLE - In any event of 5 1/2 furlongs, I like to bet on a contender that has been on the board in sprint races of late. This thoroughbred likes to hit the board, but doesn't usually finish first. Don't put in the top spot. HONEST VICTORY - If she goes off anywhere close to the morning line of 6/1, I'll have to pass. LAYLA FOREVER - Didn't look so great last time. Probably won't do much running in today's race. Substandard speed fig in the last race at Louisiana Downs at 1 mile. Don't believe this pony will improve too much today.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #5 BELLAS RUN to win. Have to have odds of at least 4/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,5,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
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Monday 8-20-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Monday 8-20-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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