Monday 8-27-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Members post your personal plays in the various sports forums @ IWS and our betting trackers!

NFL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...3-NFL-Football

College Football
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...-NCAA-Football

Baseball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...57-ML-Baseball

College Basketball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...CAA-Basketball

NBA
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...NBA-Basketball

NHL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...?58-NHL-Hockey

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 6 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $11500 Class Rating: 86

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 27 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JUNE 27 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, FOR EACH $1,000 TO $6,000 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 ALWAYS SUNNY 5/1

# 8 RED HOT RIO 5/2

# 4 FANTASTIC COMMAND 6/1

ALWAYS SUNNY looks strong to best this field. Meeting a much softer field of horses than last time out. This horse could stun this field at a decent number. He has formidable class ratings, averaging 86, and has to be considered for this event. RED HOT RIO - The extreme drop in company can only help out this entrant this time around. Could best this group here, showing respectable figs of late. FANTASTIC COMMAND - This gelding looks good for this event since Anderson has a sharp winning percentage with horses going this distance. I expect a strong performance from this pony whose handler has one of the top ROI percentages with horses running at this distance and surface.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Louisiana Downs - Race #2 - Post: 3:45pm - Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,500 Class Rating: 78

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 MY BEST SHOT (ML=5/1)


MY BEST SHOT - This thoroughbred could be tough today, especially since Green rode last time around the track and now should be better acquainted with this one. Gelding looks like the lone speed here. He may turn the race into a procession.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 DADDY'S GONE (ML=2/1), #5 MCKLINTOK (ML=7/2), #1 U COMPLETE ME (ML=4/1),

DADDY'S GONE - This favorite ran on Jul 9th and hasn't had a morning drill after that. MCKLINTOK - No good results for this horse in a short distance event over the last couple of months tells me that this gelding is in a formidable spot U COMPLETE ME - Hasn't hit the board in any short distance contests lately. Unlikely to see him doing it this time either. This mount ran a most unsatisfactory speed fig last race out. He shouldn't improve and will probably lose in today's race running that fig.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 MY BEST SHOT is going to be the play if we are getting 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
7 with 4

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 9 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $6200 Class Rating: 54

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 27 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 SCREEN VISION 6/1

# 7 CHIHULY 12/1

# 4 WINDYS RUNNIN GIRL 3/1

SCREEN VISION is my choice. With a nice Equibase class rating average of 64, has one of the most respectable class advantages in this group. The almost immediate return to the track points to a sound effort this time around. Last time out, this filly was up against a stronger crew. WINDYS RUNNIN GIRL - Will most likely go to the lead and could never look back. The winning percentage shown by horses entered by Fletcher running at this distance are the top in this group of animals.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Presque Isle Downs
Presque Isle Downs - Race 1

$2 WPS / $2 Exacta / Trifecta (min .50 cent) / Superfecta (min .10 cent) $2 Daily Double / Pick 3 (min .50 cent) (Races 1-2-3) Pick 4 (min .50 cent) (Races 1-2-3-4)


Maiden Claiming $25,000 • 6 Furlongs • All-Weather • Ages 3 and up • CR: 66 • Purse: $15,000 • Post: 5:25P
(PLUS UP TO 30% PABF) FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $25,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. ELSIE'S PARADE is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * ELSIE'S PARADE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest av erage Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
1
ELSIE'S PARADE
8/5

7/5




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
ELSIE'S PARADE
1

8/5
Stalker
71

64

73.7

56.2

51.2
4
CAILIN ALAINN
4

10/1
Alternator/Stalker
76

68

31.8

36.6

30.1
6
GOOD MARKS (IRE)
6

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0
3
WINNING THREAD
3

5/2
Alternator/Trailer
62

47

28.9

51.6

44.6
2
TREASURE THE STORM
2

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

45.2

18.3

8.3
5
MONGOO
5

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
46

35

44.4

30.6

21.6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Parx Racing
Parx Racing - Race 5

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


Claiming $10,000 • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 81 • Purse: $28,000 • Post: 2:43P
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT ONE MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 27 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $8,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Trailer. DANCING COOL is the Lone Trailer of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * BRAZILIAN SYMPHONY: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Po wer Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. CONQUEST SO TRUE: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. BANA NA ANNA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
3
BRAZILIAN SYMPHONY
3/1

4/1
4
CONQUEST SO TRUE
5/2

5/1
1
BANANA ANNA
9/5

8/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
BRAZILIAN SYMPHONY
2

3/1
Front-runner
90

85

79.8

71.0

68.0
7
HEARTY JONES
8

6/1
Front-runner
72

72

74.0

62.0

50.0
1A
QUEENA ESTHER
5

9/5
Alternator/Front-runner
76

78

66.0

69.6

57.1
4
CONQUEST SO TRUE
4

5/2
Stalker
82

75

67.0

76.2

73.2
1
BANANA ANNA
3

9/5
Alternator/Stalker
88

70

44.0

64.4

56.9
2
DANCING COOL
1

15/1
Trailer
80

76

66.2

61.4

54.4
6
CASE DISMISSED
7

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
79

76

64.2

63.0

51.0
5
REVOLVING STORM
6

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
78

60

51.8

51.2

37.7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga
RACE #8 - 4:45 PM
The Better Talk Now Stakes
8.0 FURLONGS INNER TURF THREE YEAR OLDS STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#5 ROSE'S VISION
#2 CEEVEE
#7 HAVE AT IT
#9 WESTERLAND

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Saratoga

08/27/18, SAR, Race 6, 3.48 ET
5 1/2F [Turf] 1.00.02 ALLOWANCE. Purse $87,000.
(UP TO $15,138 NYSBFOA) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $10,000 OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE
Exacta, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Pick 3 Races (6-8) - Pick 4 (.50) Races (6-9), Double
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 25.81, $1 ROI 0.75, For Race Category Non-Maiden Turf
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 6 Bam Bam Blu 7/2 Ortiz. Jr. I Servis Jason JTFL
097.5959 4 Dr. Shane 5-1 Carmouche K Gargan Danny
096.8530 8 Thunder's Honor 8-1 Santana. Jr. R Weaver George
096.2561 9 Pagliacci 6-1 Ortiz J L Mott William I.
096.1630 3 Stolen Pistol 4-1 Saez L Sharp Joe
095.2830 1 New York Song 6-1 Geroux F Violette. Jr. Richard EC
095.2517 11 Killybegs Captain 5-1 Saez L Terranova II John P.
094.9250 2 Yummy Bear 6-1 Franco M Abreu Jorge R. S
093.3856 10 Bourbon Currency 12-1 Maragh R Kimmel John C. W
092.9470 12 Rubus 6-1 Rider TBA Bauer Philip A.
091.9648 7 Hello Holiday 20-1 Cohen D Lauer Michael E.
088.8881 5 Duncastle 30-1 Fragoso P Mc Allen John P.
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse Win Percent 27.19, $1 ROI 0.83, For Race Category Non-Maiden Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 6 Bam Bam Blu 7/2 Ortiz. Jr. I Servis Jason JTL
098.9385 3 Stolen Pistol 4-1 Saez L Sharp Joe E
098.5501 4 Dr. Shane 5-1 Carmouche K Gargan Danny
097.9897 11 Killybegs Captain 5-1 Saez L Terranova II John P.
097.2879 2 Yummy Bear 6-1 Franco M Abreu Jorge R. S
097.1688 9 Pagliacci 6-1 Ortiz J L Mott William I.
096.9485 1 New York Song 6-1 Geroux F Violette. Jr. Richard FC
096.8191 8 Thunder's Honor 8-1 Santana. Jr. R Weaver George W
096.1176 12 Rubus 6-1 Rider TBA Bauer Philip A.
094.3267 10 Bourbon Currency 12-1 Maragh R Kimmel John C.
093.6499 7 Hello Holiday 20-1 Cohen D Lauer Michael E.
091.5281 5 Duncastle 30-1 Fragoso P Mc Allen John P.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #8 - Post: 5:10pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,800 Class Rating: 63

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 OFFLEE SILKIE (ML=8/1)
#2 EVEN ON THE RUN (ML=7/2)
#10 CLASS DISTINCTION (ML=8/1)


OFFLEE SILKIE - The August 15th event at Thistledown was at a class level of (77). Dropping down in class considerably, so she should be in a good position to win. Mejias and Hamm perform well when they combine forces. It's hard to beat a +82 return on investment for a jockey and trainer. EVEN ON THE RUN - I like that latest race on August 7th at Thistledown where she ended up first. CLASS DISTINCTION - Have to give this filly a shot. Ran a solid effort in the last race within the last month.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 GRADUATION GIFT (ML=4/1), #4 DIVA'S KITTEN (ML=9/2), #7 LIL EGYPT (ML=6/1),

GRADUATION GIFT - This mare is always in the mix, but just doesn't get the job done. Hard to play her on the win end. DIVA'S KITTEN - You always think this horse has a shot to win, but she fails most of the time. More than enough races at Thistledown with no trips to the victory stand. LIL EGYPT - The Equibase speed figures continue to drop, 47/42/16. Not a healthy omen. This animal hasn't been around in either of her last couple of races around the track.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #1 Entry on the win end if we get at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
1 with [2,10]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,10] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 08-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th August 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/26/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies hold a slight edge in the season series against the Washington Nationals, however Ryan Zimmerman's two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning last week left a sour taste in their mouths. The sputtering Phillies (70-60) look to get back on track on Monday as they begin a six-game homestand with the first of three contests against the Nationals (65-66).

Philadelphia, which resides three games behind National League East-leading Atlanta, had lost six of seven before Rhys Hoskins and Carlos Santana belted back-to-back home runs while Maikel Franco and Wilson Ramos each had two-run shots in Sunday's 8-3 romp versus Toronto. Hoskins went 4-for-12 with four RBIs and two runs scored against the Blue Jays after going 1-for-13 with five strikeouts in the previous series versus Washington. The Nationals followed Zimmerman's heroics in Wednesday's 8-7 win over Philadelphia with three straight shutout losses before erupting in Sunday's 15-0 shellacking of the New York Mets. Mark Reynolds launched his sixth career grand slam in a six-run ninth inning for the Nationals, who have won just five of 14 overall and six of 13 versus the Phillies this season.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (6-7, 4.23 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Zach Eflin (9-4, 3.93)

Strasburg struggled in his first start since missing more than a month with a neck problem, surrendering five runs - including two homers - over four innings against Philadelphia on Wednesday. The 30-year-old, who will make his 200th major league appearance Monday, received a no-decision in that last outing and sports a 10-2 mark with a 2.48 ERA in 22 career starts versus the Phillies. Franco went deep in his last meeting with Strasburg and is 7-for-22 with two homers against the hurler.

Like Strasburg, Eflin struggled in that Wednesday encounter versus Washington as he permitted five runs on 10 hits over 3 1/3 frames of a no-decision. The 24-year-old pitched significantly better in his previous start against the Nationals, yielding two runs on six hits across five innings of a 12-2 romp. Bryce Harper is 4-for-6 with a pair of doubles against Eflin in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ramos is 12-for-25 with seven extra-base hits (five doubles, triple, homer) and eight RBIs in six games since being acquired from Tampa Bay.

2. Washington SS Trea Turner is 19-for-50 with 13 runs scored in the season series against Philadelphia.

3. Phillies INF Asdrubal Cabrera is 5-for-10 with three runs scored in his last two games after going 2-for-23 in his previous six.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Phillies 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 08-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th August 2018 by Gracenote
Blue Jays vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/27/2018

Kendrys Morales attempts to put his name in the record book while the Toronto Blue Jays look to continue their dominance in the season series when they visit the major league-worst Baltimore Orioles on Monday for the opener of their three-game set. Morales has homered in a franchise-record seven consecutive contests and hopes to match the major-league mark with a blast as Toronto seeks its 11th straight win over Baltimore.

The 35-year-old Cuban has belted eight homers during his streak, including a two-run shot in Sunday's 8-3 loss to Philadelphia that put him one game away from joining Dale Long (1956), Don Mattingly (1987) and Ken Griffey Jr. (1993) as the only players ever to go deep in eight contests in a row. Sunday's setback ended the Blue Jays' five-game winning streak, but they look to begin another against a team they have handled easily in 2018. Toronto is 12-1 overall versus the Orioles this year and has swept each of the last three series between the American League East rivals. Baltimore has lost eight straight contests overall and five in a row at home after being outscored 27-12 during a four-game sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees over the weekend.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Sam Gaviglio (3-6, 4.94 ERA) vs. Orioles RH David Hess (2-8, 5.50)

Gaviglio ended his 15-start winless streak on Tuesday, when he limited Baltimore to two runs and six hits over seven innings. The 28-year-old Oregonian had not been victorious since May 25 at Philadelphia in just his second turn of the season. Gaviglio also faced the Orioles on July 20 but did not factor in the decision after yielding four runs and seven hits in a career-high 7 2/3 frames.

Hess lost his seventh straight decision on Wednesday despite allowing just one run and three hits in a career-best seven innings at Toronto. The 25-year-old rookie from Tennessee also gave up one run over six frames in the capital of Ontario on June 7 but settled for a no-decision. Hess has made only four of his 13 starts at home and is 1-3 while surrendering 15 runs on 24 hits and seven walks across 22 innings at Camden Yards overall.

WALK-OFFS

1. The homer on Sunday by Morales, who is riding a 10-game hitting streak, was his team-leading 21st of the season and helped him break the franchise mark for consecutive contests with a blast set in 2001 by Jose Cruz Jr.

2. Baltimore rookie OF Cedric Mullins sat out Sunday's contest due to a sore hip flexor but hopes to be in the lineup for the series opener.

3. Toronto RHP Justin Shafer has allowed just one hit over five scoreless innings in his first three major-league appearances.

PREDICTION: Orioles 5, Blue Jays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/27/2018

The surging New York Yankees hope to continue making up ground in the American League East when they begin a seven-game homestand with the opener of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Monday. The Yankees have won eight of their last nine contests and four straight after posting a 5-3 victory at Baltimore on Sunday to pull within six games of division-leading Boston.

Luke Voit homered Sunday for the third time in four games for New York and has gone 11-for-29 with nine RBIs in 10 contests since being acquired from St. Louis, while Miguel Andujar is 9-for-19 with six RBIs in his last four games. Masahiro Tanaka looks to reach double figures in wins for the fifth straight season since coming over from Japan when he takes the mound for the Yankees against the red-hot Carlos Rodon in the series opener. The White Sox are not in playoff contention, but they continue to show that they could be a factor next year as they've won three in a row and nine of their last 12 contests. Yolmer Sanchez has reached base in 14 straight contests for Chicago and Daniel Palka needs one homer to reach 20 in his rookie campaign after going deep in Sunday's 7-2 victory at Detroit.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, WGN (Chicago), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (5-3, 2.71 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (9-4, 3.90)

Rodon has strung together eight straight quality starts while going 4-0, including wins against Minnesota and Detroit in his last two turns. The 25-year-old Floridian has posted a 1.75 ERA during his eight-game unbeaten streak that features three scoreless outings. Austin Romine is 2-for-3 with a double and a homer versus Rodon, who is 1-3 with a 7.11 ERA in four career games against the Yankees.

Tanaka has gone 0-2 over his last four starts but has limited opponents to fewer than three runs in three of those appearances. The 29-year-old native of Japan gave up one run on four hits and a walk in six innings at Miami on Tuesday but did not factor in the decision in the eventual 2-1 victory. Tanaka beat the White Sox twice last season while giving up three runs over 13 frames and is 4-0 with a lifetime 2.23 ERA versus the club.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York OF Giancarlo Stanton, who went 1-for-15 during the four-game sweep in Baltimore, needs one homer to become the fourth-fastest in major-league history to reach 300.

2. Chicago OF Adam Engel has gone 12-for-31 over his last nine games and is 1-for-1 with a walk against Tanaka.

3. The Yankees outscored the White Sox 18-6 during a three-game sweep in Chicago from Aug. 6-8.

PREDICTION: Yankees 4, White Sox 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 08-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th August 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/26/2018

Daniel Murphy has hit the ground running since joining the Chicago Cubs, going 9-for-23 with two homers, five RBIs and five runs scored during a five-game hitting streak. Murphy looks to further ingratiate himself to the Windy City faithful while tormenting one of his former clubs on Monday as the Cubs (76-53) vie for their sixth straight win in the opener a three-game series against the visiting New York Mets (58-72).

Murphy recorded his fourth multi-hit performance since being acquired from Washington as Chicago completed a four-game sweep of Cincinnati with a resounding 9-0 romp on Sunday. The 33-year-old is 6-for-14 with two homers, eight RBIs and four runs scored against New York this season, although he is just 4-for-18 in his career versus Monday starter Noah Syndergaard. While the Cubs' winning streak has them four games ahead of St. Louis in the National League Central, the Mets enjoyed back-to-back 3-0 victories versus Washington before getting shellacked to the tune of 15-0 in the series finale on Sunday. Jeff McNeil is riding an 11-game hitting streak, but his availability for the series opener was not immediately known as he is nursing a tight right quad.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (9-3, 3.38 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (14-5, 3.64)

Syndergaard posted his third win in four outings with arguably his best start this month on Wednesday, as he allowed two runs on five hits over six innings of a 5-3 victory versus San Francisco. The 25-year-old owns a 1-1 mark with a 2.00 ERA in three career starts against the Cubs, however he will be facing the club for the first time since 2016. Syndergaard has flustered Anthony Rizzo (1-for-7, four strikeouts) in his career.

Lester answered a disastrous start on Aug. 11 with two stellar ones, as he struck out eight and scattered five hits over six innings of a 1-0 triumph at Pittsburgh five days later before allowing one run across 5 2/3 innings of an 8-2 rout at Detroit on Wednesday. The 34-year-old aims to keep the good times rolling versus the Mets, as he surrendered two hits over seven frames in a 2-0 win on June 3 to improve his mark against the club to an impressive 6-1 with a 3.26 ERA in eight career starts. Lester has stymied Jay Bruce (3-for-26) and Jose Reyes (6-for-34), although Wilmer Flores has gotten his licks in by going 5-for-13 with three homers versus the hurler.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago has homered in a season-high 11 straight contests overall and went deep in three of four encounters during the team's sweep of New York on May 31-June 3.

2. Mets OF Brandon Nimmo (finger) is expected to be activated from the 10-day disabled list on Monday.

3. Cubs LF Kyle Schwarber, who has gone deep in back-to-back contests overall, went 5-for-12 with a homer, five RBIs and three runs scored in the previous series against New York.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Mets 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oakland Athletics vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 08-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th August 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/26/2018

The race for the American League West crown takes on a head-to-head form this week, with the Houston Astros hosting the Oakland Athletics on Monday for the opener of their three-game series. The Astros own a 1 1/2-game division lead over the Athletics heading into the set and come in hot with a five-game winning streak.

Houston (80-50) moved 30 games over .500 by sweeping the Los Angeles Angels over the weekend to cap a nine-game road trip and will play its next 10 contests at home as it tries to create some separation in the West. The Astros are thriving behind the healthy return of reigning AL MVP Jose Altuve, who is 7-for-20 with a homer, three RBIs and four runs scored in five games since missing nearly four weeks while on the disabled list for the first time in his career. The Athletics did not have to deal with Altuve while winning two of three against Houston from Aug. 17-19 and got their road trip started over the weekend by taking three of four at Minnesota. Oakland will try to chip a game off its deficit in the AL West behind Brett Anderson on Monday while the Astros counter with All-Star Gerrit Cole.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Brett Anderson (3-3, 3.47 ERA) vs. Astros RH Gerrit Cole (11-5, 2.73)

Anderson is thriving this month, allowing a total of two runs over 26 2/3 innings in four starts. The lone win in that span came on Tuesday, when the 30-year-old Texan yielded one hit and a walk while striking out six in seven scoreless innings against his home-state Rangers. Anderson suffered through his worst start of the season at home against Houston on May 7 as he was ripped for nine runs - seven earned - and 10 hits in three innings of a loss.

Cole (226) is looking to take over the AL strikeout lead from teammate Justin Verlander (229) as he needs four against the Athletics, which would represent his lowest total of the season. The 27-year-old Californian struck out 12 over six innings in a victory over Colorado on Aug. 15 and fanned seven over five frames in a no-decision at Seattle last Monday. Cole registered 11 strikeouts in six scoreless innings against Oakland on July 9 but did not factor in the decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics placed LHP Sean Manaea (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list on Sunday.

2. Houston 3B Alex Bregman has hit safely in each of his last seven games and scored at least one run in four straight.

3. Oakland 3B Matt Chapman has gone 9-for-19 with three homers, five RBIs and four runs scored in his last four contests.

PREDICTION: Astros 4, Athletics 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 08-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Angels Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/26/2018

The Los Angeles Angels have been in the habit of helping winning teams on their respective quests to the playoffs recently, and the Colorado Rockies are hoping to be the next beneficiaries. The Rockies will try to take advantage of the slumping Angels and gain ground in the National League West when Los Angeles visits for the opener of a two-game interleague series on Monday.

Colorado enters the set one game behind first-place Arizona in the NL West and Milwaukee for the second wild-card spot after dropping two of three to St. Louis over the weekend. The Rockies will play their next nine contests against teams with sub-.500 records as they not only chase the Diamondbacks in the NL West but try to hold off the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are just 1 1/2 games behind them. The Angels did not do Colorado any favors by losing twice against Arizona last week and followed by getting swept by AL West-leading Houston over the weekend. The club will try to stop its slide at six games behind Odrisamer Despaigne on Monday while the Rockies counter with Jon Gray.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, ESPN, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jon Gray (10-7, 4.67 ERA) vs. Angels RH Odrisamer Despaigne (2-2, 6.35)

Colorado has won the last nine games started by Gray, matching the franchise record for a starting pitcher set by Ubaldo Jimenez. Gray has gone 4-0 in that span and recorded a win last time out against San Diego as he allowed two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out five in 6 1/3 innings. The native of Oklahoma worked seven scoreless frames against the Angels at home on May 8, scattering four hits en route to victory.

Despaigne is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in two starts since joining the Angels, lasting only four innings in each of those turns. The 31-year-old Cuban was reached for three runs and five hits at Arizona on Wednesday, but the Angels' offense could not manufacture any support in a 5-1 setback. Despaigne, who spent parts of four seasons in the NL with San Diego and Miami, is 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA in seven career games (three starts) versus Colorado.

WALK-OFFS

1. Colorado OF Matt Holiday homered on Saturday - his first blast with the club in almost 10 years - and has hit safely in his last three games.

2. Angels RHP-DH Shohei Ohtani (elbow) will throw a simulated game on Monday.

3. Angels 1B Albert Pujols is just 1-for-19 over his last six contests.

PREDICTION: Rockies 5, Angels 1