Thursday 8-23-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Arlington - Race #3 - Post: 2:09pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,000 Class Rating: 64

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 HER HUSH MONEY (ML=4/1)
#2 CHROME ATTACK (ML=5/2)
#1 GINGER SNAP DANCE (ML=2/1)


HER HUSH MONEY - I like this filly. Has the topmost EPS (earnings per start) in this contest. Sneaky speed on this one. She'll probably be stalking horses on the back side, then demolish them down the stretch. Have to forget about that last turf race. This filly should do better hitting the main track in this race. CHROME ATTACK - Was in a Maiden Special race at Arlington last out. That race had a class figure of 77 and she is moving down in this race. A certain strong challenger. Just check out her most recent figure, 54. That one looks good in this bunch. GINGER SNAP DANCE - Last race at Arlington on June 29th was a big class drop for this horse. Facing similar foes right here. She should do well today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 BOLD ESTHER (ML=5/1), #3 ROBBED IN RIO (ML=6/1), #5 SOUTHERN ROMANCE (ML=6/1),

BOLD ESTHER - Trying to beat this participant this time at the price of 5/1. ROBBED IN RIO - Doesn't appear to be in a cozy spot in today's event. SOUTHERN ROMANCE - The eighth place result in the last event was not the greatest. Don't think this pony will make a winning move in today's race. That last speed rating was mediocre when compared with today's class figure.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #4 HER HUSH MONEY on top if we're getting at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
4 with [1,2]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,4] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,2,4] with [1,2,4] with [1,2,3,4,6] with [1,2,3,4,6] Total Cost: $36

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Charles Town
Charles Town - Race 1

Daily Double (1-2) / Pick 4 (Races 1-2-3-4) / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3)


Claiming $8,000 • 1 1/16 Miles • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 73 • Purse: $12,500 • Post: 7:00P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 23 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $7,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $6,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN WEIGHT ALLOWANCES)(W V A RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY) (WINNERS PREFERRED).
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 * HOORAY HENRY: Horse is dropping into a race which has an Class Rating at least five point s lower than the Class Rating of its last race. Today's race is a route, horse is a Front-runner and is in post position one. JUMP STREET: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. KINGDOM MINDED: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Jockey win percentage over the last 30 days is at least 18.
1
HOORAY HENRY
3/1

4/1
2
JUMP STREET
9/5

5/1
5
KINGDOM MINDED
2/1

8/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
5
KINGDOM MINDED
5

2/1
Front-runner
66

74

61.6

61.6

54.6
1
HOORAY HENRY
1

3/1
Alternator/Front-runner
77

74

80.9

62.7

58.2
2
JUMP STREET
2

9/5
Trailer
76

72

59.8

73.0

69.5
7
NORTH DUBAI
7

6/1
Alternator/Trailer
68

64

38.2

56.8

48.8
4
MONOR GRADES
4

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
68

60

65.2

42.2

30.2
3
PRIMO PENTIMENTO
3

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
68

66

58.4

55.0

46.0
6
READY TO FIRE
6

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
64

57

45.4

50.0

38.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 1 - Claiming - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $12000 Class Rating: 79

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 23 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500, IF FOR $5,000, ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 POLAR CITY 9/5

# 1A FLEETFOOTMAC 5/2

# 1 JOSEY WALES 5/2

I favor POLAR CITY here. Win percentage under similar conditions may be the key for this gelding. Looks competitive to be up near the lead at the first call. Should be carefully examined - I like the figs from the last outing. FLEETFOOTMAC - Overall the speed figs of this racer look respectable in this competition. Horses who have been prepared to race at this distance and surface by Ritchey have shown very solid results lately. JOSEY WALES - Has to be given consideration versus this group displaying decent figs lately and an average speed figure of 73 under similar conditions. Win percentage one of the best in this group of horses in this race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Evangeline Downs
Evangeline Downs - Race 9

Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta


Maiden Claiming $5,000 • 7 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 56 • Purse: $8,500 • Post: 9:34P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. I RUN FOR THREE is the Lone Front-runner of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * SIZZLIN FLYER: Horse is dropping in class, has an ins ide post position and isn't a Trailer. Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. IMPISH BABE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. RED ROUX: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
2
SIZZLIN FLYER
3/1

9/2
5
IMPISH BABE
5/1

5/1
11
RED ROUX
8/1

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
10
I RUN FOR THREE
10

8/1
Front-runner
0

0

56.2

24.5

6.5
2
SIZZLIN FLYER
2

3/1
Stalker
59

48

40.2

48.0

44.5
7
JET MARSHALL
7

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
44

39

42.0

33.2

21.7
11
RED ROUX
11

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
56

46

34.8

39.9

30.9
5
IMPISH BABE
5

5/1
Trailer
58

51

22.0

50.8

46.8
9
ZARB'S CITY
9

10/1
Trailer
0

0

21.1

31.2

16.2
3
ST. PETE'S CROWN
3

9/2
Alternator/Trailer
49

44

34.1

42.7

32.7
6
MONIE'S MAN
6

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

40.9

20.5

4.5
8
EL TRISTAN
8

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

34.1

26.0

17.0
4
BONECRUSHERVINCENT
4

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

33.6

32.4

14.9
1
NORTHSHORECORREDOR
1

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

08/23/18, GP, Race 9, 6.02 ET
1M [Dirt] 1.33.01 CLAIMING. Purse $22,000.
Claiming Price $12,500 (Races Where Entered For $10,000 Or Less Not Considered In Allowances). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR THREE YEAR OLDS
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 31.38, $1 ROI 0.87, For Race Category Non-Maiden Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 2 The Stifler 10-1 Reyes L Arboritanza Joseph TFWL
098.6361 4 Ox Bro 4-1 Camacho S Vitali Marcus J. J
098.1884 3 So Sublime 7/5 Zayas E J Avila Juan Carlos E
098.1367 5 Aristteles 6-1 Berrios H I Sano Antonio SC
097.1638 1 Little Shackleford 8-1 Vasquez M A Vaccarezza Carlo
096.8576 7 Admiral Jimmy 3-1 Meneses M Arrieta Michel
093.9088 6 Omened By 20-1 Perez J M Mejia Jaime

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 8 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10800 Class Rating: 68

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 23 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 THAT'S HISTORY 3/1

# 7 BRIANS A SMARTY 5/2

# 9 BOUNDARY LINE 8/1

THAT'S HISTORY seems to be the wager in here. Wolfsont has been on fire the last month, winning at a nifty 20 percent clip. Has decent early lick and will probably fare admirably against this group of horses. Garnered a solid Equibase Speed Fig in the last race. Can run another good one in this contest. BRIANS A SMARTY - Seems to have a decent class edge based on the recent company kept. Has very good Speed Figures and has to be considered for a wager in this event. BOUNDARY LINE - Must be given consideration based on the solid speed figure garnered in the last competition. Has been racing solidly and has among the strongest speed in the race for today's distance.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Presque Isle Downs - Race #2 - Post: 5:50pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 54

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 GERRY LYNN (ML=3/1)


GERRY LYNN - Jockey jumped on this filly's back for the first attempt on July 1st. Should be in tune with the horse even better in today's contest. Trainer Sipp moves this horse down the class scale to face a lower level today. Look for a strong effort given the class advantage. This equine collects a lot of dough per race. Tops in this affair. This filly registered a good speed rating of 56 in her last race. That speed figure should be high enough to prove victorious this time.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 KIND ROBIN (ML=5/2), #3 BELAIRE DRIVE (ML=9/2), #8 GINGER BOX (ML=5/1),

KIND ROBIN - I find it hard to invest in any thoroughbred in a short distance event at 5/2 when she hasn't shown any on the board results in sprints in the last sixty days. Difficult to invest in at 5/2 odds after the two most recent outings. BELAIRE DRIVE - Finished third in her most recent effort with a disappointing speed figure. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to triumph after that in this field. GINGER BOX - Presque Isle Downs has not been kind to this questionable contender. This racer likes to be there at the wire, but doesn't usually win. Keep out of the top spot. Mediocre speed rating last out at Presque Isle Downs at 6 furlongs. Don't think this racer will improve too much in today's event.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #7 GERRY LYNN to win if you can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga
RACE #9 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 5:18 PM EASTERN POST
The Riskaverse Stakes
8.0 FURLONGS INNER TURF THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#9 GOODTHINGSTAKETIME
#4 TAPIT TODAY
#3 CASH OUT
#7 PUNKED

F.Y.I. folks ... this turf race for 3-year-old fillies was first run in 2009 and named for Peter G. Schiff's outstanding mare, a two-time winner of the Flower Bowl Invitational in 2004-05. Riskaverse, who also won the 2002 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, retired with more than $2 million in earnings. Schiff, president of Northwood Ventures, LLC, named the daughter of Dynaformer after an economic concept based on the behavior of investors who, when faced with two investments with a similar expected return (but different risks), will prefer the one with the lower risk. Here in the 10th running of "The Verse," #9 GOODTHINGSTAKETIME, who was bred in Ireland, drops in class (-2), is the overall speed leader in this stakes field, and has hit the board in five straight, with four of those efforts, including a win in her 5th race back, also qualifying as "POWER RUNS." #4 TAPIT TODAY has hit the board in three of her four career starts to date, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her last two outings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Eagles vs. Browns Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 21st August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/21/2018

The Philadelphia Eagles are the defending Super Bowl champs, and obviously got off to a great start last season, but they have to be careful to get to the starting gate in one piece as regards the quarterback position. All signs right now are pointing to Carson Wentz being able to make the start, but he has only recently been cleared to practice, and not for contact, and won’t play in the pre-season. Coach Doug Pederson has to be very careful with Nick Foles, who got banged up a little against New England.

The Cleveland Browns are committed to Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, but at the same time, they have to get Baker Mayfield involved more with the actual offense they are going to use in the regular season, in the event his career as a starter has to begin earlier than expected. And in this "dress rehearsal" game, there might be an opportunity to give him the opportunity to open things up a little.

See all the Preseason Previews

Last week the Eagles lost 37-20 in a Super Bowl "rematch" of sorts with the New England Patriots. The Browns lost 19-17 at home to the Buffalo Bills. Now, these squads will meet at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, in the only Thursday night game on the NFL pre-season schedule.

TV: FOX, 8 PM ET. LINE: Browns -4. O/U: 42

ABOUT THE EAGLES: The quarterback situation is starting to get somewhat intriguing. Nate Sudfeld, who got to play extended time in one game last season for the Eagles, went most of the way against the Patriots, and did well, completing 22 of 39 for 312 yards and three touchdowns. This was facilitated by a shoulder injury suffered by Foles, the Super Bowl MVP who lost the ball on a sack where New England scored a touchdown. Foles had quarterbacked the team for three series, during which time Philadelphia had only one first down. The injury, which was described as a shoulder strain, is not expected to keep him out of action very long. Wentz, who was lost for the 2017 season with a knee injury in a game against the Los Angeles Rams, is practicing with the team but it is still unknown as to whether he will be ready for the season opener. That is what makes Foles' status important, and why it was equally important to get Sudfeld a lot of snaps. But they'll have to keep him healthy too. One of the other QB's in camp is Joe Callahan, a graduate of Division III Wesley College, who played sparingly with the Green Bay Packers last season. The Eagles had 43 yards on 16 carries against the Pats and would probably like to be able to run the ball a little better in order to protect their quarterbacks. There were 51 passing attempts last week. The problem is that the Eagles have been dealing with some depth issues at running back because of injuries. Wide receiver Shelton Gibson is penciling himself in for a much more important role in the offense. He caught a 63-yard TD pass in the opener, had 90 yards in receptions against New England, and also added a 46-yard kickoff return. The secondary got a real workout last week from Tom Brady, who completed 19 of 26 passes with a pair of touchdowns.



ABOUT THE BROWNS: The development of Mayfield continues. Although his numbers haven't been off the charts (7-13 for 75 yards last week), the first overall draft pick has been impressive in terms of his ability to handle the offense. But he has not spent time with the first-team starters in an actual game situation, and that would seem to be useful if he is going to inherit the starting quarterback job at some point, which might happen if the Browns are pushed out of contention early. There is also a bit of a safety issue involved here as well. Remember that as it is, the Browns have to replace an all-time great left tackle in Joe Thomas, who retired. Now you have Mayfield playing with reserve offensive linemen. That's not the ideal situation. Shon Coleman, who was supposed to be Thomas' replacement, lost his job in camp, and then missed a block that got Mayfield sacked last Thursday. Austin Corbett, the second-round pick out of Nevada, has taken control at left guard and that could make Coleman expendable. Wide receiver Josh Gordon has returned to the team and is at practice, after getting some treatment for emotional issues and substance abuse. I know I want to see him in meetings and see what kind of shape he is in before I ever make a decision about trotting him out there," says head coach Hue Jackson. It looks as if the running game is in the midst of a significant upgrade. Carlos Hyde and Nick Chubb had a combined 117 yards for two TD's on 20 carries against Buffalo, and neither of those players was with the team last season. Duke Johnson, who has an element of explosiveness about him, will likely be a third-down back.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Philadelphia's Donnel Pumphrey, who finished his career at San Diego State as the FBS career rushing record-holder, won't play in this game because of a leg injury.

2. E.J. Gaines, who played with the Buffalo Bills last season and signed as a free agent with Cleveland, has a knee sprain that could severely jeopardize his ability to be ready for the regular season opener. Gaines was a good "get" for the defense, as he was rated #13 by Pro Football Focus in an analytical ranking.

3. Eagles cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, who you have probably been hearing a lot about with regard to his position on the National Anthem, stayed in the tunnel while it was played last week, rather than hold up his fist in protest as he did the week before. He did wear a T-shirt during warmups that read, "You're Not Listening."

PREDICTION: Browns 24, Eagles 16

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Edmonton Eskimos vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats Preview and Predictions 08-23-2018 in CFL

CFL Previews 20th August 2018 by Gracenote
Eskimos vs. Tiger-Cats Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/20/2018

The Edmonton Eskimos look to continue their winning ways when they visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Thursday. The Eskimos have won four of their last five games, including a 40-24 victory against the Montreal Alouettes in Week 10, and can move into a first-place tie with the Calgary Stampeders in the West Division by avenging a 38-21 loss to Hamilton on June 22.

"We want to be as good as we can be," Edmonton coach Jason Maas told reporters. "I feel like we're a good football team but we still have to get better." The Tiger-Cats limped into their off week losers of four of their last five games to fall six points behind the Ottawa Redblacks in the East Division standings. Hamilton dropped a 29-23 decision to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Aug. 10 and hopes to fend off the streaking Toronto Argonauts in the race for second place by completing its first season sweep of Edmonton since 2006. "You hate to have a loss going into the bye week," Hamilton coach June Jones told reporters. "You just have to win to get to the next one and this is a big game for us."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN Plus

ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (6-3): Mike Reilly threw for a season-high 424 yards and three touchdowns to go along with his league-leading eighth rushing TD as Edmonton beat Montreal for the 10th straight time. Bryant Mitchell hauled in seven passes for a career-high 128 yards and a touchdown in his season debut while Shaq Cooper filled in admirably for an injured C.J. Gable as he racked up 102 yards and a TD in his first CFL start. Defensive back Mercy Maston was ejected late in the second quarter following a skirmish with Montreal's Adarius Bowman, and could receive further punishment from the league.

ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (3-5): Brandon Banks hauled in six passes for 106 yards and a touchdown against the Blue Bombers to go over 100 for the sixth time in his last seven games. Starting cornerback Delvin Breaux missed Winnipeg game with a concussion, but is expected to be medically cleared in time to play Thursday while fellow defensive back Richard Leonard is considered week-to-week because of a sore hamstring. Kick returner/defensive back Frankie Williams is expected to suit up after a one-game absence while Hamilton signed defensive backs Josh Johnson and Robert Porter Jr. to the practice squad.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Hamilton has lost three straight games to West Division opponents.

2. Reilly leads the CFL in passing yards (3,046) and total touchdowns (27).

3. Edmonton has had at least one wide receiver top 100 yards in nine consecutive games.

PREDICTION: Eskimos 28, Tiger-Cats 27

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-23-2018 in MLB

Washington's Max Scherzer and Philadelphia's Aaron Nola aim to strengthen their respective Cy Young Award bids at the other's expense on Thursday afternoon as the Nationals vie for a three-game sweep of the visiting Phillies. Scherzer leads the National League in wins (16) as he attempts to claim his third straight NL Cy Young Award and fourth of his career.

Ryan Zimmerman launched a two-run shot in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 8-7 victory for Washington (64-63), which has erupted for 18 runs and 28 hits in the series after trading away offensive sparkplugs Daniel Murphy and Matt Adams. Bryce Harper collected three hits and two runs scored to improve to 5-for-10 with two RBIs in the series heading into a showdown with Nola, against whom he is 9-for-23 with two homers and five RBIs in his career. While the Nationals have regained their footing, the Phillies (68-58) have dropped four in a row to reside three games behind first-place Atlanta in the National League East. Philadelphia's Maikel Franco belted a two-run shot on Wednesday to improve to 14-for-35 with three homers, seven RBIs and six runs scored this season against the Nationals, although he is just 3-for-23 in his career versus Scherzer.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (14-3, 2.24 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (16-5, 2.11)

Nola reached double-digit strikeouts for the fifth time this season on Friday, as he fanned 11 over seven innings of one-run ball in a 4-2 victory over the New York Mets. The 25-year-old has allowed four runs and 18 hits while fanning 24 over his last four outings (27 innings). Nola improved to 3-4 in 12 career encounters versus Washington after winning both of his starts this season in late June, permitting a total of three runs on nine hits while striking out 13.

Scherzer tossed his second straight scoreless outing to improve to 6-0 in his last eight starts Friday after scattering five hits across six innings of an 8-2 victory versus Miami. The 34-year-old pitched well in his lone meeting with Philadelphia, yielding one run on five hits while striking out 15 in 6 1/3 frames of a no-decision on May 6. Scherzer fanned seven batters in a row at one stretch and had 12 consecutive outs via strikeout from the second to the sixth inning.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia RF Nick Williams is 10-for-28 with one homer, three RBIs and six runs scored in his last eight games.

2. Washington SS Trea Turner has four multi-hit performances in his last six contests.

3. The Phillies acquired LHP Luis Avilan (2-1, 3.86 ERA) from the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday for minor-league RHP Felix Paulino.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Phillies 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-23-2018 in MLB

After successfully preventing a season-high fourth straight setback, the Boston Red Sox bid to avert their first series loss in over two months on Thursday afternoon when they play the finale of their four-game set against the visiting Cleveland Indians (73-53). Xander Bogaerts belted a pair of homers in Wednesday's 10-4 romp as Boston (89-39) ended its second three-game skid of the season.

Bogaerts improved to 5-for-14 with six RBIs in the series and 18-for-55 with 10 extra-base hits (six doubles, triple, three homers) and 15 RBIs in August. Andrew Benintendi had a three-run double to extend his hitting streak to seven games, during which he has scored five times. While the Red Sox own a comfortable nine-game advantage over second-place New York in the American League East, AL Central-leading Cleveland fell for just the second time in 11 outings. Edwin Encarnacion returned from the disabled list to belt a pair of two-run homers on Wednesday heading into a tilt versus David Price, against whom he has four homers among his 12 career hits.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Adam Plutko (4-3, 4.62 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH David Price (13-6, 3.69)

Plutko settled for a hard-luck loss on Saturday after allowing three runs on as many hits over seven innings of a 4-2 setback versus Baltimore. The 26-year-old surrendered a three-run homer to Jonathan Villar in the third inning, marking the 12th time that he's been taken deep in 10 appearances (48 2/3 innings). "There's adjustments to be made," said Plutko, who is in his sixth stint with the Indians this season. "The pitch I threw to Villar, maybe I get a popup in Triple-A. Here it goes for a home run."

Price improved to 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his last six starts on Saturday after yielding two runs on five hits over seven innings of a 5-2 triumph against Tampa Bay. The 32-year-old looks to keep the good times rolling versus Cleveland, against which he owns a sparkling 10-2 mark with a 2.24 ERA in his career. Yan Gomes (1-for-18, eight strikeouts) has struggled mightily against Price in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston 1B Mitch Moreland has driven in 18 runs in his last 17 games to reside one shy of 500 for his career.

2. Cleveland 3B Jose Ramirez is 18-for-45 with five doubles over his last 11 road contests.

3. Red Sox DH-OF J.D. Martinez has hit safely in his last 14 games versus the Indians.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Red Sox 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 08-23-2018 in MLB

The Chicago White Sox have played better than .500 baseball since July 11 and look to continue building confidence for next year when they visit the Detroit Tigers for the opener of a four-game set Thursday afternoon. The White Sox are 18-17 in their last 35 contests and have won six of the past eight after launching three homers in a 7-3 victory over Minnesota on Wednesday.

"We've picked it up offensively and our pitching has been really good," Chicago outfielder Nicky Delmonico told reporters after homering for the fourth time in six contests Wednesday while extending his hitting streak to eight games. "We've been playing good defense, so it's all clicking right now." The White Sox hope to keep it going with rejuvenated veteran right-hander James Shields on the mound and Detroit counters with lefty Matthew Boyd, who came within an out of a no-hitter against Chicago last September. The Tigers have dropped six of their last eight contests after losing 8-2 on Wednesday to split a two-game series with the National League-best Chicago Cubs. Veteran Victor Martinez has hit safely in 12 of his last 14 contests at a .383 clip for Detroit while Tigers rookie Ronny Rodriguez boasts a career-high seven-game hitting streak.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH James Shields (5-14, 4.39 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (7-11, 4.27)

Shields has strung together three straight quality starts and posted seven in his past 10 outings despite going just 3-5 during that stretch. The 36-year-old Californian gave up three runs on six hits and two walks across seven innings to beat Kansas City last time out and has a 3.15 ERA in three August starts. Shields is 9-10 with a 4.44 ERA in 28 career games against the Tigers, including 0-2 with a 4.50 mark in 2018.

Boyd has won three of his last five starts with a 3.13 ERA in that span and will be facing the White Sox for the first time this season. The 27-year-old Oregon State product has been much better at home (5-3, 2.80 ERA) than on the road (2-8, 5.60) this year and is limiting opponents to a .218 batting average overall. Avisail Garcia is 9-for-21 with a pair of homers versus Boyd, who is 1-4 with a 4.99 ERA in nine career games against Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. The White Sox traded LHP Luis Avilan to Philadelphia in exchange for minor-league RHP Felix Paulino.

2. Detroit RF Nicholas Castellanos is 14-of-35 over the last nine games after registering three hits in Wednesday's setback.

3. Chicago's Joe McEwing is likely to manage his fourth straight game with Rick Renteria still being tested for lightheadedness.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, White Sox 4

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San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-23-2018 in MLB

The finale of a four-game series between the visiting San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets on Thursday afternoon will feature an outstanding matchup on the mound. The Giants will be looking for star left-hander Madison Bumgarner to bounce back from a rare rocky outing while the Mets get behind Cy Young Award candidate Jacob deGrom, who is coming off his third career complete game and leads the majors in ERA (1.71).

New York dropped the series opener Monday but it claimed the next two, including Wednesday's 5-3 triumph behind Todd Frazier. The veteran third baseman homered and ripped an RBI double in four at-bats and six pitchers combined on a six-hitter as the Mets won for the 10th time in 15 games. Frazier has been a catalyst during the surge with 12 RBIs over his last 13 contests. San Francisco catcher Buster Posey, who is expected to undergo season-ending hip surgery soon, returned to the lineup and was 0-for-4 on Wednesday as his team was held under four runs for the seventh time in the last eight games.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (4-5, 3.05 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (8-7, 1.71)

Bumgarner gave up a season-high six runs (five earned) over six innings to suffer the loss at Cincinnati his last time out. He served up two home runs in that outing for the first time in a span of 11 starts. Frazier is 5-for-12 with a home run and a double in his career against the 29-year-old Bumgarner.

DeGrom fought through a rain delay to finish off his complete-game win at Philadelphia on Saturday, striking out nine and allowing just one unearned run. The 30-year-old is 3-4 despite an incredible 1.60 ERA in 13 home starts, during which he has fanned 117 batters in 90 innings while holding opponents to a .191 average. Hunter Pence (6-for-17, one home run) has had some success against deGrom, who is 4-1 with a 3.12 ERA in six career starts against the Giants.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets 2B Jeff McNeil was 2-for-4 on Wednesday and is 14-for-27 during a seven-game hitting streak.

2. Giants OF Austin Slater slugged his first home run in 45 games this season in the 5-3 loss Wednesday.

3. New York OF-3B Jose Bautista hit his 342nd career homer Wednesday to tie Hall of Famer Ron Santo for 97th on the all-time list.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Giants 1