Tuesday 8-28-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 08:19 AM

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

Race 3 - Allowance - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $24000 Class Rating: 75

FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 28 ALLOWED 3 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 CHAMPAGNE MOMENT 7/2

# 3 ROCKIN SUNDAY MASS 9/5

# 2 WILDCAT SPRINGS 4/1

I think CHAMPAGNE MOMENT is a very strong choice. There is a very good chance that this entry's late pace will improve with second time Lasix. Lately Stall has provided players with a solid winning percentage with horses racing in dirt sprint races. Will likely be one of the leaders of the bunch going into the halfway point of the contest. ROCKIN SUNDAY MASS - Is hard not to look at based on Equibase speed figs which have been competitive - 76 avg - of late. This choice will feel the med change - with second time Lasix today. WILDCAT SPRINGS - Is worth serious consideration and may be a wager - strong speed figs (73 average) at today's distance and surface recently. With a very good 79 Equibase speed fig last time out, will definitely be a factor in this race.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 08:20 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Mountaineer Park
Mountaineer Park - Race 7

$1 Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) $.50 Trifecta $1 Exacta Box ($.20) Superfecta

Maiden Special • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 60 • Purse: $14,100 • Post: 9:12P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. PAYNTED FLASH is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * PAYNTED FLASH: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. ASBAAD: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs.
3
PAYNTED FLASH
8/5

3/2
5
ASBAAD
7/2

7/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
PAYNTED FLASH
3

8/5
Front-runner
72

70

80.6

66.4

63.9
9
EVERGLIDE DRIVE
9

8/1
Front-runner
45

22

45.5

20.9

6.9
1
MY JERSEY MISTAKE
1

5/1
Alternator/Front-runner
64

56

47.4

49.0

41.5
5
ASBAAD
5

7/2
Trailer
81

73

50.2

55.0

51.5
8
QUIT YOUR MOANIN
8

6/1
Trailer
67

53

37.0

27.9

19.9
4
THERSASNAKENMYBOOT
4

6/1
Trailer
64

51

16.8

54.0

44.5
2
ROCKIN EYES
2

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

22.7

23.1

8.6
7
ROCKSONG
7

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

15.2

5.7

0.0
6
BEST WRITER
6

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

0.0

23.7

12.7

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 08:20 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Presque Isle Downs - Race #6 - Post: 7:30pm - Allowance - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $28,000 Class Rating: 94

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 MASTERKEY (ML=8/1)
#1 IM CHILLIN (ML=5/2)
#6 GOLD WING (ML=9/2)

MASTERKEY - This gelding is in excellent physical condition right now. Ended up second in the last race and comes back rapidly. When a thoroughbred finishes in the top three as often as this gelding does, you will usually want to use him in your exotic wagers. This one has increased his Equibase speed figs in each of the last 2 races. That kind of progress is worth considering when its time to bet. IM CHILLIN - Has discovered a good spot today. GOLD WING - I like that most recent contest on August 9th at Presque Isle Downs where he ran second. This jockey/trainer duo has been producing a very profitable ROI, right at +44.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 GREATEST GAME (ML=3/1), #3 STORMY ENGAGEMENT (ML=5/1), #4 ANOTHER FOR MARIO (ML=6/1),

GREATEST GAME - Don't figure that this runner is worth 3/1 in this race. STORMY ENGAGEMENT - He probably cannot repeat that last stretch run effort and win against this field. ANOTHER FOR MARIO - This field is a whole lot tougher than the ones he met in the last contest.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 MASTERKEY to win at post-time odds of 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
7 with [1,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6,7] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,6,7] with [1,6,7] with [1,5,6,7,8] with [1,5,6,7,8] Total Cost: $36

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 08:21 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #5 - Post: 2:43pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $24,000 Class Rating: 58

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 TUFFGIRLSDONTCRY (ML=9/5)
#11 GRAND BLUE HARBOR (ML=3/2)

TUFFGIRLSDONTCRY - Demasi drops her down to this level. You don't need too much more data to figure that this horse should have a chance to win at this level. Filly has shown some early speed. This shorter distance should be better for her. When a thoroughbred drops at least five lbs (like this one is), you must take notice. It may not seem like much, but this certainly could make the difference. GRAND BLUE HARBOR - This filly is in good physical condition, having run a strong race on August 6th, finishing second.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 AIKEN TO BELONG (ML=9/2), #6 MONTH OF SUNDAYS (ML=5/1), #10 HABIBI (ML=6/1),

AIKEN TO BELONG - I just don't have a 'use' feeling about this questionable contender in this affair. MONTH OF SUNDAYS - Doesn't appear to be in a comfortable spot this time out. HABIBI - This horse likes to land in the top three, but doesn't usually win. Don't play in the top spot. Pace is so vital, and this early speedster is going to have a ding-dong battle on her hands.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - TUFFGIRLSDONTCRY - Has been racing regularly since a freshening. According to my data, horses hit their peak cycle in their 3rd or 4th race back. Watch out for this animal right here.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#3 TUFFGIRLSDONTCRY is the play if we get odds of 3/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 08:21 AM

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

Race 2 - Claiming - 8.5f on the Turf. Purse: $9500 Class Rating: 81

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 117 LBS.; OLDER, 119 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000 TEXAS BRED CLAIMING PRICE $20,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 RIGHT LANE LUKASZ 5/1

# 5 MY BUDDY TEX 12/1

# 2 SINGING EAGLE 2/1

RIGHT LANE LUKASZ has a very good shot to take this race. Displays reliable speed figures on average overall when compared with the rest of this group of horses in this race. Could beat this field given the 76 speed fig put up in his last outing. He has strong class ratings, averaging 90, and has to be given a chance in this race. MY BUDDY TEX - Likely to see a much improved attempt with the drop. Have to take notice when any equine makes a quick turn around. SINGING EAGLE - Has solid early pace and should fare soundly against this field. Is a contender - given the 73 speed rating from his most recent race.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 08:21 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Thistledown
Thistledown - Race 7

$1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Daily Double (Races 7-8)

Allowance • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 92 • Purse: $24,000 • Post: 4:40P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 28 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JUNE 28 ALLOWED 4 LBS. (CLAIMING RACES FOR $10,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN WEIGHT ALLOWANCES) (OHIO REGISTERED FOALS 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 * MACHISMO: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highes t average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. HIGHLAND PARK HERO: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). B ARTOLOMEO: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
3
MACHISMO
3/1

9/2
6
HIGHLAND PARK HERO
9/2

6/1
2
BARTOLOMEO
10/1

6/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
PANGO
1

7/2
Front-runner
77

77

71.4

68.6

60.1
3
MACHISMO
3

3/1
Alternator/Front-runner
92

94

80.8

77.9

75.4
6
HIGHLAND PARK HERO
6

9/2
Alternator/Front-runner
82

86

77.0

81.8

73.8
2
BARTOLOMEO
2

10/1
Alternator/Stalker
80

83

63.6

79.6

73.1
8
CAN'T SAY NO
8

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
83

81

55.4

67.2

56.2
5
FRIGATE FIRE
5

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
82

81

48.0

71.1

64.1
7
HAYDAY
7

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
70

54

49.2

48.6

34.6
4
GATLING
4

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
73

67

33.5

42.4

28.4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 11:34 AM

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 08-28-2018 in MLB

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

by Gracenote on 08/27/2018

As bad as the Baltimore Orioles have been in 2018, it pales in comparison to how poorly they've played against the Toronto Blue Jays - at least until their series-opening win on Monday. The Orioles try to build upon one of their more impressive victories of the season Tuesday, when they host the Blue Jays for the middle contest of their three-game set with their sights set on their first winning streak in nearly a month.

Trey Mancini homered and tied a career high by driving in five runs, which proved to be more than enough offense for David Hess and three relievers as Baltimore halted its eight-game losing streak with Monday's 7-0 victory. The Orioles (38-94) also ended a 10-game slide versus Toronto, improving to 2-12 this season against their American League East rival. Kendrys Morales fell short in his quest to become only the fourth player in major-league history to homer in eight straight games, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts as the Blue Jays lost for the second straight time following a five-game winning streak. While Morales was unable to maintain his prodigious power pace, teammate Billy McKinney went 2-for-4 and has recorded four multi-hit performances in nine contests since being acquired from the New York Yankees late last month.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Thomas Pannone (1-0 1.59 ERA) vs. Orioles LH Josh Rogers (NR)

Pannone was dominant in his first major-league start Wednesday against Baltimore, allowing only a single and two walks in seven scoreless innings. The 24-year-old Rhode Islander earned the opportunity to join the rotation after holding the opposition without a run or hit in his three relief outings spanning 2 2/3 frames. Pannone sports a 30-18 record and 3.38 ERA in 111 career minor-league appearances (85 starts) but went 0-4 with a 5.36 ERA at Triple-A Buffalo this season.

Rogers is set to make his first major-league start just over a month after being acquired along with two other prospects from the Yankees for Zach Britton. The Louisville product earned his promotion by going 1-0 with a 2.07 ERA in his last three turns with Triple-A Norfolk, although he is 8-9 with a 3.54 ERA in 24 overall starts for the Tides this season. Rogers has been particularly tough on left-handed hitters this year, holding them to a .167 average.

WALK-OFFS

1. McKinney has recorded five extra-base hits and is batting .462 during his four-game hitting streak.

2. Baltimore CF Cedric Mullins went 1-for-4 with a run scored in his return to the lineup after missing Sunday's game with a sore hip.

3. Toronto RHP Murphy Smith worked 1 1/3 perfect innings Monday as he became the oldest Blue Jay to make his major-league debut - doing so two days after his 31st birthday.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Orioles 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 11:34 AM

Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th August 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago White Sox have won a season-best four consecutive games for the second time this month and seek their 11th victory in 14 contests when they visit the New York Yankees on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. The White Sox recorded a 6-2 victory in Monday's series opener, winning at Yankee Stadium for just the fourth time in their last 17 visits.

The setback was only the second in 10 contests for the Yankees, who fell 6 1/2 games behind first-place Boston in the American League East. New York registered just three hits in the opener, with Gleyber Torres' 20th homer accounting for both runs and making him and Miguel Andujar (21) the team's first pair of rookies to hit 20 or more blasts in the same season. New York slugger Giancarlo Stanton struck out twice in four hitless at-bats on Monday and is 1-for-19 with 10 strikeouts over his last five games. Chicago's Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada each drove in two runs in the opener while Adam Engel notched three hits to improve to 15-for-35 over his last 10 contests.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH James Shields (5-15, 4.59 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Lance Lynn (8-9, 4.84)

Shields surrendered seven runs and 10 hits - three homers - over 6 2/3 innings in a loss at Detroit in his last turn to drop to 0-8 with a 6.13 ERA in his last 11 road appearances (10 starts). The 36-year-old, who is 12-16 with a 4.08 ERA in 33 outings against the Yankees, will be making his 400th career start and is closing in on his 10th 200-inning campaign. "I've proven that I can eat innings up and post every five days," Shields told reporters. "That's been the story of my career. I feel like I always had to prove myself no matter what, even in the minor leagues when I was coming up. I never was that prospect guy. And when I got to the big leagues, I never was that power guy. It was my job to go out there and try to save the bullpen."

Lynn allowed five runs and nine hits over 5 1/3 innings in a loss to Miami in his last turn. The 31-year-old is 1-1 with a 3.81 ERA in five appearances (four starts) since being acquired from Minnesota - with the victory coming against the White Sox on Aug. 6, when he allowed two hits and struck out nine over 7 1/3 scoreless frames. Lynn is 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA in three starts versus Chicago this season and 3-1 with a 2.15 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in six career turns.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees C Gary Sanchez (groin) homered Monday in a rehab game at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and is expected to return to the majors later this week.

2. Chicago C Omar Narvaez has recorded two hits in each of his last three contests and is batting .300 in 50 at-bats this month.

3. New York signed OF Quintin Berry to a minor-league contract and assigned him to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

PREDICTION: White Sox 8, Yankees 6

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 11:34 AM

Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 08-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia Phillies quickly are losing ground in the National League East due in no small part to their recent lack of success against the Washington Nationals. The Phillies attempt to put an end to their recent struggles Tuesday, when they host the middle contest of their three-game series versus the division-rival Nationals.

Philadelphia owned a 1 1/2-game lead over Atlanta as recently as Aug. 7 after opening the month by winning five of its first six contests, but it has gone just 6-12 since and finds itself trailing the Braves by 3 1/2 games following Monday's series-opening 5-3 loss. Rhys Hoskins has been one bright spot of late with homers in back-to-back contests for the Phillies, who also fell 2 1/2 games behind Milwaukee for the second wild-card spot in the NL. Washington sits eight games back in the East but has been a bit of a thorn in the side of the Phillies recently, winning three of four meetings between the teams over the last week. Philadelphia's lone victory in the four contests came when Aaron Nola outdueled fellow Cy Young Award candidate Max Scherzer - a matchup that will take place again on Tuesday.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (16-6, 2.13 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (15-3, 2.13)

Scherzer issued a season-high four walks and suffered a hard-luck loss against Philadelphia on Thursday after yielding two runs while striking out 10 over seven innings. The outing marked the first time in three turns the three-time Cy Young Award winner allowed a run and ended a six-game winning streak during which he posted a 2.00 ERA. Odubel Herrera (13-for-39, one homer) is one of the few Phillies to enjoy much success versus Scherzer, who is 5-0 with a 2.06 ERA in six career starts at Citizens Bank Park.

Nola earned his third victory in as many starts Thursday after permitting five hits and a walk while registering nine strikeouts in eight scoreless innings at Washington. The LSU product is 9-0 with a 2.00 ERA in 12 home outings this season and has been particularly dominant since June 23, going 7-1 with a 1.59 ERA over his 11 turns. Bryce Harper (9-for-27, two home runs) has fared well against Nola, who is 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three 2018 starts versus the Nationals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies 1B Carlos Santana's next home run will give him 20 for the season, which would mark only the 10th time in club history four players reached the plateau in a season.

2. Washington C Matt Wieters has collected three homers and 11 RBIs in 68 at-bats this month. Entering August, he had recorded three blasts and 10 RBIs over his first 111 at-bats.

3. Philadelphia OF Roman Quinn is batting .452 in 10 games since Aug. 16.

PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Nationals 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 11:34 AM

Miami Marlins vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/27/2018

The Boston Red Sox are 48 games over .500 and own a 6 1/2-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East, but a bad stretch is making things a little more interesting with September approaching. The Red Sox will try to bounce back when they return home and host the Miami Marlins in the opener of a two-game interleague series Tuesday.

Boston leads the majors in runs (706), batting average (.268) and OPS (.793) but watched the offense go silent with a total of five runs while being swept for the first time this season in a three-game series at Tampa Bay over the weekend. "Sometimes you go through tough times," infielder Eduardo Nunez told mlb.com. "Off-day (Monday) and start all over again. This happens in a long season. We know it's not going to be easy all the way through. At some point you're going to have tough times. It was a very tough week for us. Turn the page and keep going. We're in first place for a reason." The Marlins are in last place in the National League East but are not laying down and earned a split in their last two series against potential playoff teams the Yankees and the Atlanta Braves. Miami will try to continue that trend behind right-hander Jose Urena while the Red Sox send lefty Brian Johnson to the mound Tuesday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Urena (4-12, 4.50 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (4-3, 4.12)

Urena is coming off a six-game suspension for intentionally hitting Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. with a pitch and is working for the first time since tossing a gem against Washington on Aug. 19. The Dominican Republic native scattered one run and two hits across nine innings in his first career complete game and earned the win. Urena was sharp against Boston on April 3, when he allowed one run in seven innings without factoring in the decision.

Johnson was solid in his last two starts but is not working deep into games as he keeps a rotation spot warm for one of the team's injured starters. The Florida native allowed three runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings against Cleveland on Wednesday but did not factor in the decision in a game the Red Sox went onto win. Johnson made his first start of the season at Miami on April 2 and yielded one run in six frames to pick up a win.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins 2B Starlin Castro is 3-for-19 in six games since going 5-for-6 against Washington on Aug. 19.

2. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts is 7-for-40 over the last 10 games, dropping his batting average from .352 to .336

3. Boston LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (ankle) is scheduled to throw six innings in a rehab game for Double-A Portland on Monday.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 10, Marlins 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 11:35 AM

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 08-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th August 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/27/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers didn't receive any help from the Cincinnati Reds in the latter's last series, as they were outscored 29-9 by the National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs en route to a four-game sweep at Wrigley Field. The Brewers (73-59) hope to improve their standing Tuesday as they begin a six-game road trip with the first of three contests against the cellar-dwelling Reds (56-75).

Mike Moustakas homered for the second time in three outings in Sunday's 7-4 win over Pittsburgh, helping Milwaukee to its fifth victory in seven contests as it resides five games behind Chicago but 1 1/2 games ahead of Colorado for the second wild-card spot. While his recent fortune has been positive, the 29-year-old is a disastrous 0-for-20 versus Cincinnati this season heading into an encounter against Tuesday starter Anthony DeSclafani. The Reds have bookended shutouts during their five-game losing skid, starting with a 4-0 setback to the Brewers in the series finale on Wednesday. Tucker Barnhart, who had two of his team's three hits in Sunday's 9-0 loss to the Cubs, is 11-for-39 against Milwaukee this season.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Junior Guerra (6-8, 3.72 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (6-4, 4.26)

Guerra will have an opportunity to exact revenge against Cincinnati following a dismal performance in his last trip to the mound, as he surrendered seven runs on 10 hits over 5 1/3 innings of a no-decision on Aug. 21. The 33-year-old Venezuelan has been blitzed for 14 runs on 19 hits in his last two outings as he continues to search for his first win since July 8. Eugenio Suarez (4-for-9, three doubles, homer) and Billy Hamilton (5-for-13) have gotten under the skin of Guerra, who is 1-0 in three appearances against the Reds this season and 2-1 in seven career matchups.

DeSclafani suffered his first loss in over a month on Thursday after allowing five runs on eight hits - including two homers - in six innings of a 7-1 setback to the Cubs. The 28-year-old pitched significantly better in his previous three August starts, as he surrendered just two runs on 15 hits across 21 2/3 frames. DeSclafani wasn't as fortunate in his last encounter with Milwaukee, against which he permitted for runs on five hits over 6 1/3 innings of a no-decision on June 28.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee 2B Jonathan Schoop is 5-for-12 with two solo homers and four runs scored in his last five contests.

2. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto (lower right leg) is expected to return from the 10-day disabled list in the series opener.

3. Brewers Manny Pina is 8-for-24 with four RBIs and four runs scored versus the Reds this season.

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Reds 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 11:35 AM

Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th August 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/27/2018

The Cleveland Indians have plenty of breathing room in the American League Central due in large part to their sheer dominance versus the division rivals, against whom they've posted a 38-19 mark. The Minnesota Twins (61-69), however, have hung tough by splitting the first 16 contests with the Indians (74-56) heading into Tuesday's opener of a three-game series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

Struggling Jason Kipnis showed a rare positive in what has been a disastrous season, recording an inside-the-park homer to highlight a four-hit performance in Sunday's 12-5 victory versus Kansas City. "It (the four-hit game) gives me a breath of fresh air. I'm excited to see where it goes from here," said the 31-year-old Kipnis, who is 13-for-31 in his career against Tuesday starter Kyle Gibson. Minnesota's Tyler Austin posted his third multi-homer performance this season - and first since May 20 - in Sunday's 6-2 setback to Oakland and is 14-for-42 with six blasts and nine RBIs since Aug. 11. Joe Mauer is 7-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak heading into a tilt with Tuesday starter Carlos Carrasco, against whom he is 14-for-39 in his career.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (7-10, 3.63 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (15-7, 3.55)

Gibson is headed into his fifth start this season versus Cleveland, against which he owns a 1-2 mark with a 3.80 ERA to fall to 3-8 with a 5.28 ERA in 17 career encounters. The 30-year-old was taken deep twice in his last matchup versus the Indians - a 10-0 setback on Aug. 6 - and surrendered three homers over 4 2/3 innings of a 7-3 setback at the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. Those two outings were sandwiched around a pair of sterling seven-inning efforts as Gibson owns a 2-2 record with a 4.56 ERA this month.

Carrasco will one-up Gibson as he will make his sixth start of the season versus Minnesota, against which he has posted a 1-3 record with a 4.56 ERA this year to drop to 6-9 with a 4.00 ERA in 22 career appearances. The 31-year-old Venezuelan answered a 10-strikeout performance over 7 1/3 frames of a 2-0 win over the Twins on Aug. 1 with a three-run, 10-hit effort six days later in a 3-2 setback. Like Mauer, Logan Forsythe (6-for-15) and Eddie Rosario (8-for-21) have flustered Carrasco throughout the years.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland DH Edwin Encarnacion has three homers, six RBIs and four runs scored during his last five games.

2. Minnesota SS Jorge Polanco has reached base safely in 41 of 49 starts this season.

3. Indians C Yan Gomes is 9-for-15 in his last four games.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Twins 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 11:35 AM

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/27/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays are 8 1/2 games back in the American League wild-card race and buried in the AL East, but they carry an eight-game winning streak and plenty of momentum into Tuesday's series opener at the Atlanta Braves. The Rays capped a three-game sweep of Boston over the weekend with a 9-1 victory Sunday, pushing Tampa Bay's record to 70-61 and reaching nine games above .500 for the first time since 2015.

Designated hitter Ji-Man Choi is one of several Rays who is hot in August, collecting hits in 12 of his past 13 games while batting .348 with a 1.064 OPS in that span to help Tampa Bay go 13-4 over the last 17. The Braves enjoyed a day off Monday after going 13-9 during a 22-game stretch since Aug. 7, and hold a 3 1/2-game advantage over second-place Philadelphia in the National League East. Atlanta wrapped up a 5-2 road trip by beating Miami 4-0 on Sunday, and while the Braves hit .200 as a team during visits to Pittsburgh and the Marlins, their pitching staff posted a 0.89 ERA while allowing six runs in seven games. Outfielder Ronald Acuna is emerging as the front-runner for NL Rookie of the Year, hitting .343 with a .737 slugging percentage and 10 homers in 26 games during August.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Ryne Stanek (2-3, 2.53 ERA) vs. Braves RH Julio Teheran (9-7, 4.09)

Stanek has been one of several relief arms Tampa Bay has used as an "opener" this season, a reliever who begins the game and typically pitches one-to-two innings. The 27-year-old makes his 22nd start of the season and while throwing just 31 2/3 innings in his first 21 starts, he is holding opponents to a .168 batting average while posting a 2.84 ERA in those assignments. Stanek pitched two perfect innings in his last start Wednesday against Kansas City, then earned the victory with a scoreless inning of relief Saturday against Boston.

Teheran has pitched very well since July 30, recording a 2.93 ERA and holding opponents to a .155 opponents batting average with 16 hits allowed in 30 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old snapped a string of three consecutive no-decisions Wednesday at Pittsburgh, surrendering one run on two hits with one walk and five strikeouts over seven innings to get the victory. Teheran beat the Rays in Tampa on May 9, allowing four hits with no walks and seven strikeouts in six scoreless frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves SS Dansby Swanson has hits in 11 of his past 14 games, posting a 1.01 OPS in that span.

2. Tampa Bay 3B Matt Duffy is hitting .476 during his current five-game hitting streak, and has collected multiple hits four times in that span - including a three-hit effort Sunday.

3. Atlanta swept a two-game series at Tampa Bay on May 8-9, getting a homer from Acuna in the first game and a three-run shot from RF Nick Markakis in the finale.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Rays 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-28-2018, 11:35 AM

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th August 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/27/2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers were the favorites to win the National League West and make a second consecutive trip to the World Series but living up to those expectations is proving to be difficult. The Dodgers will try to take the momentum gained over the weekend out on the road and hope to cut into their two-game deficit in the NL West when they visit the Texas Rangers on Tuesday for the opener of a two-game series.

Los Angeles was swept at home in a head-to-head showdown with another potential playoff participant last week but overcame the losses to the St. Louis Cardinals by beating up on the San Diego Padres over the weekend. "Coming down this last stretch, the personal numbers, stats, don't mean anything as long as we figure how to win a game," Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner told reporters after driving in five runs Sunday. The Rangers occupy the basement in the American League West and are resigned to playing spoiler over the final month of the season. Texas, which dropped four of its last six games, will send rookie right-hander Ariel Jurado to the mound Tuesday opposite Los Angeles righty Walker Buehler.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, SportsNet Los Angeles, FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Walker Buehler (6-4, 2.96 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Ariel Jurado (2-3, 6.40)

Buehler allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his last five starts and breezed through seven scoreless innings on three hits against the Cardinals on Wednesday without factoring in the decision. The 24-year-old rookie struck out nine in that outing and owns 38 Ks in 32 1/3 innings over his last five turns. Buehler is seeing Texas for the first time and is 2-0 with a 2.76 ERA in three career interleague starts.

Jurado got off to a solid start with wins in two of his first three turns but has since fallen on tough times. The 22-year-old Panama native was ripped for a total of 16 runs and 26 hits in 16 2/3 innings against the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics in his last three outings. Jurado will get his first look at an NL opponent Tuesday and is 1-0 with a 6.55 ERA in two starts at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers SS Elvis Andrus is 2-for-25 over his last six games.

2. Dodgers OF Joc Pederson (knee) was limited to pinch hitting Saturday and Sunday and is day-to-day.

3. Turner went 7-for-15 with nine RBIs in the three games over the weekend.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Rangers 2

Tuesday 8-28-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Tuesday 8-28-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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