Saturday 9-1-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Navy Midshipmen vs. Hawaii Warriors Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in NCAAF

NCAAF Previews 28th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/28/2018

Navy opens its 2018 season at Hawaii on Saturday, but the groundwork for a campaign that has coach Ken Niumatalolo brimming with confidence already was being established after the Midshipmen's 14-13 loss to Army in December. Navy routed Virginia 49-7 in its next game - the 2017 Military Bowl - after tougher-than-usual preparation and hopes to carry the momentum into a season that will feature junior Malcolm Perry at quarterback.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Preview and Predictions

"From what I saw in the bowl game, what I saw during spring ball and what I've seen in August camp, I couldn't be more pleased," Niumatalolo told the Capital Gazette. "I feel as good as I've ever felt in my 11 years of being the head coach." Perry took over from Zach Abey, who switched to wide receiver, and rushed for a combined 364 yards and three touchdowns versus Army and Virginia without throwing a pass. Navy, which was second nationally to Army in rushing yards per game last season (351.4), could have an easy time against a Rainbow Warriors' defense that permitted an average of 210.2 yards on the ground - 110th among the 129 FBS teams in 2017. Hawaii opened its season with a 43-34 victory at Colorado State on Aug. 25 as sophomore quarterback Cole McDonald threw for 418 yards and accounted for five touchdowns.

TV: 11 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Navy -11

ABOUT NAVY (2017: 7-6): Perry rushed for 1,182 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, including a 68-yard score versus Army, and averaged 8.6 yards per carry while attempting only two passes. He also was the Midshipmen's top kickoff returner at 24.5 yards per try but doesn't appear on the depth chart at that position with his role as the starting quarterback. Navy's defense took a hit with the graduation of linebacker Micah Thomas (team highs of 81 tackles and three interceptions last season), but senior defensive end Josh Webb returns with his team-best four sacks.



ABOUT HAWAII (1-0): McDonald also is a threat running the ball as his 96 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries versus Colorado State attest. Juniors Cedric Byrd and John Ursua appear to be McDonald's favorite targets after combining for 304 yards and three TDs on 18 receptions. Junior linebacker Solomon Matautia spearheaded the Rainbow Warriors' defense with a team-high 10 tackles, including six solo.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Rainbow Warriors coach Nick Rolovich (2000-01) and Niumatalolo (1986-87, 1989) are former Hawaii quarterbacks.

2. Navy was 6-0 when scoring more than 30 points in 2017 and 1-6 when totaling fewer than 30.

3. Navy was picked to finish third in the West Division in the American Athletic Conference preseason poll while Hawaii was tabbed to wind up fifth in the six-team West Division of the Mountain West Conference.

PREDICTION: Navy 35, Hawaii 31

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Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

Newly acquired Andrew McCutchen is expected to be in the lineup when the New York Yankees continue their four-game series against the visiting Detroit Tigers on Friday night. With right fielder Aaron Judge sidelined since late July, the Yankees pulled off a deal with San Francisco on Friday to bring in 2013 National League MVP and five-time All-Star McCutchen.

"He thrives in big situations and in the spotlight. He proved that in Pittsburgh," said New York's Neil Walker, a teammate of McCutchen when the two played for the Pirates. "I think that's going to carry over into this situation for us." The Yankees rebounded from a crushing loss in the series opener by rallying for three runs in the eighth inning in Friday's 7-5 victory. Rookie Gleyber Torres provided the decisive hit with a go-ahead two-run single, lifting his career average to .455 (5-for-11) with the bases loaded. Detroit's Niko Goodrum, who belted a tiebreaking homer in the ninth Thursday, went deep again Friday and is 5-for-8 in the series.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS1, FS Detroit, YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Daniel Norris (0-2, 5.87 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (9-5, 3.97)

Norris will return to the rotation after spending more than four months on the disabled list following groin surgery in May. He made five appearances in April (two starts) before he was injured but failed to pitch beyond 4 2/3 innings. "Just happy to be here. It's definitely been an interesting year," said Norris, who pitched four innings of one-run ball in a Triple-A rehab start at Toledo on Sunday.

Tanaka will be happy to see the calendar flip to September after he was winless in five starts in August despite allowing two runs or fewer in three outings. He fell to 0-3 with a 4.40 ERA in the month after giving up four runs and a season-high 10 hits in a 6-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox last time out. Tanaka is 1-3 in four career starts versus Detroit and 3-5 with a 4.39 ERA at home this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees C Gary Sanchez will come off the disabled list and rejoin the lineup Saturday.

2. Tigers INF Dawel Lugo, called up to the minors after an injury SS José Iglesias, is 4-for-8 in his first two career games.

3. Torres has a team-high five go-ahead or game-tying hits in the eighth inning or later this season.

PREDICTION: Yankees 8, Tigers 3

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New York Mets vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

The trading of Andrew McCutchen to the New York Yankees opened up a spot for top prospect Chris Shaw, who will receive a long look from the San Francisco GIants over the final month of the season. Shaw again is expected to be in the lineup against the visiting New York Mets on Saturday after going 0-for-2 with an RBI in his major-league debut in the series opener.

Shaw, the 31st overall pick of the 2015 draft, hit 24 homers in 101 games for Triple-A Sacramento this season, but Giants manager Bruce Bochy wants to minimize expectations on the 24-year-old lefthanded-hitting outfielder. "I don't want him coming up trying to hit home runs," Bochy said prior to Friday's 7-0 victory. "Just try to hit the ball hard. I don't want to put that pressure on him. He's a hitter. It's only going to get better with him. This will give him a chance to see what he has to face up here." San Francisco has won five of its last six contests after prevailing in the opener of the three-game set, while the Mets lost for the fourth time in five games. The Mets recorded just three hits while being blanked for the second time in five contests and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (5-11, 4.36 ERA) vs. Giants LH Derek Holland (7-8, 3.65)

Matz has gone 0-3 over his last four turns but is coming off a strong outing against Washington. The 27-year-old gave up one run and five hits while striking out seven over as many innings in a contest the Mets ended up losing 15-0. Matz is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA in two career starts against the Giants, including a no-decision on Aug. 21 in which he gave up two runs and two hits over five frames, and will be pitching in San Francisco for the first time.

Holland defeated Texas in his last outing, when he gave up one run and three hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 31-year-old is 0-1 with a 3.27 ERA in two career starts against the Mets, including a no-decision on Aug. 20 in which he allowed one run and four hits over five frames. Holland is 4-3 with a 3.90 ERA in 13 home appearances (10 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants C Aramis Garcia also made his major-league debut in the series opener and went 2-for-4 with a home run.

2. New York 3B David Wright (back/neck/shoulder), who hasn't played since early in the 2016 season, rejoined the team on Friday and expressed hope he will be activated before the end of the season.

3. San Francisco officially announced McCutchen was traded to the Yankees for INF Abital Avelino and RHP Juan De Paula.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Mets 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers sent a message that they are all in as they pursue a bid to the National League postseason party, adding a pair of left-handers to bolster their pitching staff and an outfielder in three separate trades on Friday. Reliever Xavier Cedeno is expected to be available when the Brewers resume their three-game series at the Washington Nationals on Saturday night.

"He has a long track record of getting left-handers out. Especially when the rosters expand, you can use this type of pitcher really effectively," said Milwaukee assistant general manager Matt Arnold of Cedeno. The Brewers also swung a trade with the Nationals by acquiring starter Gio Gonzalez to fortify the rotation just prior to Friday's 4-1 victory -- the team's third win in a row and eighth in 11 games -- and later obtained veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson from Toronto. While Milwaukee stocked up for its wild-card battle with St. Louis, Washington continues to purge its roster, trading Gonzalez and sending reliever Ryan Madson to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg will make his third start since coming off the disabled list when he matches up with Chase Anderson on Saturday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Chase Anderson (9-7, 4.04 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (7-7, 4.15)

Anderson won his second straight start and extended his unbeaten streak to seven outings despite giving up four runs and seven hits over five innings versus Pittsburgh on Sunday. It marked the third time in four starts he has allowed at least four runs and the fourth time in five outings he's permitted two homers, boosting his NL-leading total to 28. Anderson is 4-4 with a 2.97 ERA in 12 road starts.

Strasburg is trying to reclaim his form after two stints on the disabled list that sidelined him for more than a month each time. He lasted only four innings and yielded five runs against the Phillies on Aug. 22 in his return from the DL, but was better in the rematch at Philadelphia with six innings of two-run ball. Strasburg has made three career starts against Milwaukee, going 0-2 with a 5.30 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers RF Christian Yelich is 10-for-19 in his last four games, raising his batting average to an NL-high .317.

2. Nationals LF Juan Soto has multiple hits in five of his last nine games.

3. Brewers 1B Jesús Aguilar hit his 31st homer Friday, extending his hitting streak to four games.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Brewers 3

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Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies ended an otherwise difficult August with a dramatic win and now set their sights on a strong closing month, beginning with Saturday's matchup against the visiting Chicago Cubs. Asdrubal Cabrera launched a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift the Phillies to a 2-1 win in the opener of the three-game series Friday night.

It gave Philadelphia two straight wins following a 7-14 swoon and pulled the club within two games of first-place Atlanta in the National League East. The Cubs went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position in the loss but are expected to welcome back third baseman Kris Bryant, who missed more than a month with shoulder inflammation, and may also activate shortstop Addison Russell (shoulder/finger) on Saturday. They will take aim at Phillies right-hander Zach Eflin, who starts Saturday opposite Kyle Hendricks for Chicago. The Cubs finished August at 18-10 and hold a 3 1/2-game lead on second-place St. Louis in the NL Central.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (10-10, 3.86 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Zach Eflin (9-5, 3.99)

Hendricks became a 10-game winner for the second time in his career by tossing seven scoreless innings in a rout of Cincinnati his last time out. He is 4-1 with a 3.26 ERA over a six-start span and has lasted seven frames three times during that stretch. The 28-year-old gave up five runs over five innings in a loss to the Phillies earlier this year and is 3-2 with a 3.58 ERA in five career meetings.

Eflin is 0-1 with an ERA of 7.27 over his last two starts - both of which were against the Washington Nationals. He outdueled Hendricks on June 5 with 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball and has a 2.45 ERA in two career starts versus the Cubs. Bryant is 5-for-8 against the 24-year-old Eflin.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs placed OF Jason Heyward (hamstring) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled RHP Dillon Maples from Triple-A Iowa.

2. Phillies OF Roman Quinn doubled and scored his team's first run Friday night and is 14-for-29 during an eight-game hitting streak.

3. Chicago reportedly signed LHP Jaime Garcia, who had been released by Toronto.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Phillies 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

Slugger Edwin Encarnacion made the difference in the series opener and looks continue his offensive surge when the Cleveland Indians host the Tampa Bay Rays for the middle contest of a three-game set Saturday night. Encarnacion launched his 29th homer, knocking in his sixth run in five games, during the seventh inning to break a scoreless tie as American League Central-leading Cleveland went on to post a 3-0 victory Friday.

Encarnacion, who is one homer away from recording 30 in seven straight seasons, apparently will have even more help in the middle of an already potent lineup soon as the Indians reportedly acquired former MVP third baseman Josh Donaldson from Toronto on Friday. Rookie Shane Bieber will try to start September strong after going unbeaten last month for Cleveland, while Tampa Bay will turn to Cy Young candidate Blake Snell, who attempts to tie the major-league lead with his 17th victory. Corey Kluber and two relievers cooled the Tampa Bay bats Friday after the Rays had scored 37 runs in their previous five games and won nine of 10 contests. Tommy Pham (12-for-26) and Joey Wendle (10-for-26) each take six-game hitting streaks into Saturday's contest for Tampa Bay.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (16-5, 2.05 ERA) vs. Indians RH Shane Bieber (8-2, 4.52)

Snell has taken his performance to a higher level since a three-week stint on the disabled list, allowing three runs and 11 hits over 26 innings in his last five starts. The 25-year-old Washington native, who has lost once since mid-June, won in each of his last four trips to the mound after beating Boston with six innings of one-run ball Sunday. Snell yielded one run across 6 1/3 innings without a decision in one start against Cleveland last year.

Bieber is unbeaten in his last six starts, including wins at Kansas City on Sunday and at Boston five days earlier - giving up seven runs combined over 11 2/3 innings. The 23-year-old UC-Santa Barbara product, who survived three homers against the Royals, went 3-0 with a 3.81 ERA in five starts during August. Bieber, who faces Tampa Bay for the first time in his career, is 4-2 with a 4.64 ERA in six home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays placed C Michael Perez (hamstring) on the 10-day disabled list Friday and recalled C Adam Moore from Triple-A Durham.

2. Cleveland LF Michael Brantley has multiple hits in seven of his last 11 games and batted .333 in August.

3. The Indians have won 19 of the last 27 meetings after winning the first game of the season series Friday night.

PREDICTION: Rays 4, Indians 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

The Atlanta Braves were all-in on Chris Archer at the trade deadline before turning to Kevin Gausman at the last minute, and on Saturday night they host the Pittsburgh Pirates in a matchup of the starting pitcher they wanted against the hurler they acquired. Tampa Bay sent Archer to the Pirates after Pittsburgh offered a package more robust than other suitors, including the Braves, who in turn traded with Baltimore to land Gausman mere minutes before the July 31 deadline.

So far, Archer has struggled in his first five starts as the Pirates have slipped out of contention in the National League wild-card race, while Gausman has been outstanding in helping push the Braves into first place in the NL East. Pittsburgh took advantage of two critical Atlanta errors to win Friday's series opener 3-2, trimming the Braves lead in the division to two games over Philadelphia. Pittsburgh infielder Josh Harrison singled in the seventh inning to extend his hitting streak against Atlanta to 12 games and is batting .360 in that span with six RBIs. Atlanta rookie outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. ended his torrid August with a homer, finishing the month hitting .336 with 11 homers, 21 RBIs and 25 runs scored in 30 games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet (Pittsburgh), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Chris Archer (4-7, 4.72 ERA) vs. Braves RH Kevin Gausman (9-9, 3.87)

Archer has lost his past two starts and is 1-2 with a 6.45 ERA since joining Pittsburgh, giving up four or more runs three times in five outings. The 29-year-old fell to the Braves on Aug. 20, pitching only four innings and allowing one run on five hits, then lasted just four innings Sunday at Milwaukee in surrendering six runs on seven hits. Archer has pitched to a 1.63 WHIP and a 5.77 ERA in seven starts between Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh since the All-Star break.

Gausman has sparked the Braves rotation since arriving, going 4-1 with a 1.69 ERA and issuing only seven walks in 32 innings. The 27-year-old has fired back-to-back shutouts in winning four games in a row, including eight scoreless innings at Pittsburgh on Aug. 21 and five innings of one-hit pitching five days later at Miami. Gausman gave up three runs in losing his first start with Atlanta to the Mets, but has surrendered just three runs in 27 innings since.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta 3B Johan Camargo homered and finished with two hits Friday, and in 39 games since the All-Star break is hitting .324 with six homers, 25 RBIs and 20 runs scored.

2. Pirates CF Starling Marte extended his hitting streak to seven games with two hits Friday, and is batting .387 in that stretch with five runs scored and three multi-hit games.

3. The Braves have lost three in a row and seven of their past eight games at home.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Braves 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/31/2018

On the day they reportedly traded away a former MVP and a veteran outfielder, the Toronto Blue Jays also said goodbye to a miserable road losing streak. The Blue Jays will try to build upon their first win away from home since Aug. 15 when they take on the host Miami Marlins in the second of a three-game series Saturday night.

Hours after reports surfaced that third baseman Josh Donaldson - a linchpin on teams that reached back-to-back American League Championship Series in 2015 and 2016 - was traded by Toronto to Cleveland, the Blue Jays scored five runs in the ninth inning to steal a 6-5 win in the series opener Friday. Justin Smoak's pinch-hit grand slam was the big blow as Toronto - which also shipped Curtis Granderson to Milwaukee late Friday - snapped a seven-game road losing streak - its longest since 2014. Marco Estrada gets the nod Saturday for the Blue Jays as he opposes lefty Wei-Yin Chen, who is coming off his best start of the season. Miami's bullpen spoiled an outstanding start by Dan Straily on Friday and it has given up an alarming 19 earned runs in six innings over the last three games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (7-10, 5.18 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (5-9, 4.91)

Estrada has been dealing with back soreness but is expected to be ready as he attempts to bounce back from a rough outing. He gave up five runs and seven hits with four walks in just two innings of an 8-3 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday. The 35-year-old Mexico native has a 5.94 ERA in 10 career games (five starts) against the Marlins.

Chen scattered six hits and struck out a season-high 10 in six scoreless innings to defeat the Atlanta Braves last Saturday. He finished with a 1.54 ERA in four starts during August and a 1.51 mark over his last seven outings at home. Kendrys Morales is 6-for-15 with two doubles against Chen, who has a 5.40 ERA in four career starts against Toronto.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays OF Billy McKinney was 3-for-5 on Friday to improve to 15-for-38 since joining the team in a trade with the New York Yankees in mid-August.

2. Marlins OF/1B Derek Dietrich has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games.

3. Toronto won six of the last seven meetings with Miami.

PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Blue Jays 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, who posted 11 victories through July 9, is expected back from the disabled list to start Saturday night when his major league-best Boston Red Sox visit the Chicago White Sox for the third of a four-game set. Rodriguez's return is a welcome sight with Chris Sale (shoulder) still not back and David Price likely missing his next start after getting hit with a line drive off his left wrist Wednesday.

Boston's bats cooled off Friday in a rain-delayed 6-1 loss to the White Sox after scoring 31 times in the previous three games, but leadoff batter Mookie Betts extended his hitting streak for the Red Sox (93-43) to five games (8-for-15, two homers, six RBIs). J.D. Martinez homered in the 9-4 victory over Chicago on Thursday, leaving him one shy of his second straight season with at least 40, and he has gone deep twice in eight official at-bats against White Sox scheduled starter Carlos Rodon. Chicago (54-81) won for the sixth time in its last eight games and finished an impressive 17-12 in August, moving into a tie with Detroit for third place in the AL Central. Yolmer Sanchez is 7-for-20 with two walks in his last five games for the White Sox, while teammate Avisail Garcia boasts eight RBIs in his last eight contests.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (11-3, 3.44 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (6-3, 2.70)

Rodriguez returns after spending almost seven weeks on the DL with an ankle injury to make his 20th start of the season - the fourth straight season with at least that many. The 25-year-old Venezuelan did not give up a run in his previous three starts in July, allowing 10 hits and four walks combined over 17 innings. Nicky Delmonico is 1-for-3 with two RBIs versus Rodriguez, who is 0-0 with a 3.75 ERA in two career starts against the White Sox.

Rodon is unbeaten in nine starts, including victories in his last three trips to the mound when he permitted seven runs across 21 innings total. The 25-year-old Miami native completed at least seven innings in six of his last eight starts, giving up just three homers during that stretch. Rodon suffered a loss at Boston on June 9 in his season debut, giving up four runs (two earned) and six hits over five innings - including homers by Jackie Bradley Jr. and Martinez.

WALK-OFFS

1. The White Sox are one of only two AL teams leading the season series against the Red Sox (Oakland is the other), winning three of five with two to go.

2. Along with Rodriguez, the Red Sox are expected to activate C Christian Vazquez and RHP Steven Wright from the DL on Saturday.

3. Former Boston prospect 2B Yoan Moncada is 3-for-7 with a homer, two RBIs and a walk in the series.

PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Red Sox 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

Josh James will make his major-league debut when the Houston Astros host the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday for the third contest of their four-game series. The 25-year-old James is receiving a chance after registering 171 strikeouts in 114 1/3 innings at the Double- and Triple-A levels.

James was a 34th-round draft pick out of Western Oklahoma State College in 2014 and truly has come out of nowhere to become part of the Astros' plans. "He's just performed his way to the big leagues," Houston manager A.J. Hinch told reporters before Friday's game. "He's punching out everybody in the minors. The next test for him is going to be at this level. He's conquered everything else. He's the best available, and has outperformed a lot of pitchers along the way to climb his way to the top of the list." The Astros hold a 1 1/2-game lead over Oakland in the American League West, but they will be hoping their offense will resurface after they recorded just six hits while being blanked 3-0 on Friday. Los Angeles' Andrelton Simmons belted a two-run homer and has gone 7-for-12 with five RBIs over his last three contests

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Felix Pena (1-4, 4.52 ERA) vs. Astros RH Josh James (NR)

Pena has lost four straight decisions and is winless in his last nine turns since defeating Baltimore on June 29. The 28-year-old lost to the Astros in his last turn as he gave up three runs and five hits over six innings in his first career outing against the club. Pena registered a career-high 12 strikeouts versus Arizona in his previous outing, a no-decision in which he gave up four runs and seven hits over six frames.

James is starting in place of Charlie Morton, who landed on the 10-day disabled list with a shoulder injury earlier this week. James went 6-4 with a 3.23 ERA in 23 appearances (21 starts) at Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Fresno, and Hinch is looking forward to seeing him pitch for the first time. "I'm excited to meet him," Hinch said. "I've never met him. I've never seen him in person. But our people, to a man, will tell you that stuff is real. It's high-end stuff, and he's performed his way to this opportunity."

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros 3B Alex Bregman went 0-for-3 on Friday, ending his 11-game hitting streak, but drew a walk to reach base in his 28th consecutive contest.

2. Los Angeles DH Shohei Ohtani, who went 1-for-3 on Friday, batted .328 with six homers and 18 RBIs in August.

3. Houston C Brian McCann (knee) and OF Jake Marisnick (groin) will be activated from the 10-day disabled list while LHP Cionel Perez will be recalled from Triple-A Fresno on Saturday, when rosters expand to 40.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Angels 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

The Kansas City Royals have spent the bulk of the season struggling for offense, but there has been no shortage of run production throughout their eight-game homestand. The Royals look to extend their best six-game stretch of the season a bit longer Saturday when they host the second of three contests against the Baltimore Orioles.

Hunter Dozier and Ryan O'Hearn combined for five hits - including one home run apiece - and six RBIs in Friday's 9-2 rout of the Orioles, further distancing the Royals (43-91) from Baltimore (40-95) for the worst record in the majors. Kansas City remains the lowest-scoring team in the American League, but the club has averaged 6.8 runs - scoring no fewer than five runs in any game - while going 5-1 more than halfway through its homestand. The Orioles were unable to build upon any momentum they might have created while sweeping Toronto earlier in the week, managing only four hits Friday after piling up 29 runs and 41 hits in three games versus the Blue Jays. Rookie Cedric Mullins went 2-for-4 with a solo shot in the opener and has been a steady bright spot for Baltimore since his Aug. 10 big-league debut, batting .317 with six doubles and three home runs in his first 18 games.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Baltimore), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (7-13, 5.37 ERA) vs. Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (2-1, 4.21)

Bundy has struggled mightily over his last four outings, losing three of them while giving up 26 runs (25 earned) on 35 hits and six walks over 19 1/3 innings. His latest poor effort came in Sunday's loss to the New York Yankees after he was tagged for four runs over five frames. Bundy has surrendered 34 home runs this season - one shy of a club record - and was embarrassed by the Royals on May 8, allowing seven runs - including four homers - while failing to record an out.

Fillmyer was sharp for the second time in three home outings during a win over Cleveland last Saturday, yielding one run on three hits and two walks across six innings. The 24-year-old rookie had surrendered 10 runs over his previous two starts spanning eight frames after firing seven scoreless innings in a victory over the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 8. Fillmyer is 2-1 with a 2.53 in six appearances (five starts) at home entering his first career game against Baltimore.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals traded C Drew Butera to Colorado in exchange for LHP Jerry Vasto earlier Friday.

2. Mullins has recorded at least one hit in 12 of the 17 games in which he has logged at least one official at-bat.

3. Dozier has hit safely in nine of his last 10 contests (batting .324 over that span), while O'Hearn is hitting .389 with eight RBIs during the homestand.

PREDICTION: Royals 7, Orioles 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

The St. Louis Cardinals' decision to pass on veterans and trust their farm system at the trade deadline sparked one of the best months in club history. Daniel Poncedeleon hopes to continue the Cardinals' recent success with rookie starters Saturday when St. Louis hosts the second of three games versus the Cincinnati Reds.

Matt Carpenter connected on his National League-best 35th home run and Paul DeJong had a career-high five RBIs to help Austin Gomber become the first St. Louis rookie left-hander to win five games in August following Friday's 12-5 series-opening victory, ending a month during which the NL wild-card leaders finished 22-6. Over that span, Cardinals' rookies were credited with 12 of the victories while posting a combined 2.53 ERA. St. Louis (76-59), which moved 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central with the win, will attempt to secure its 11th straight series victory overall Saturday versus the Reds, who have dropped three straight and eight of nine. Scooter Gennett was one of two Cincinnati players with three hits in the opener and is tied with Milwaukee's Christian Yelich for the best batting average in the NL (.317).

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Luis Castillo (7-11, 5.07 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Daniel Poncedeleon (0-0, 2.08)

Castillo went 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in five July starts, but he dropped three of his four August outings in part because he has given up five runs - including a pair of homers each time - in two of his last three efforts. One of those turns came last Saturday at the Chicago Cubs, as the 25-year-old lasted only 3 1/3 innings. Carpenter (4-for-10, one homer) and Yadier Molina (4-for-12, four RBIs) have fared well against Castillo, who is 0-2 with a 4.64 ERA in four starts versus St. Louis this season.

Poncedeleon will make his third career start and first since an inefficient yet dominant no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 21 in which he allowed one run and fanned eight while throwing 90 pitches over four innings. The former ninth-round pick has performed similarly at Triple-A Memphis this season, going 9-4 with a 2.24 ERA across 19 games (18 starts) while striking out 110 in 96 1/3 frames. Poncedeleon fired seven hitless innings in a no-decision during his first big-league start at Cincinnati on July 23.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals 1B Jose Martinez is batting .444 with five multi-hit efforts during a seven-game hitting streak.

2. Cincinnati OF Scott Schebler is batting .415 with five home runs and 14 RBIs over his last 17 appearances at Busch Stadium.

3. St. Louis OF Marcell Ozuna (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the disabled list Saturday, although manager Mike Shildt indicated he may be limited initially.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 8, Reds 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

After finishing August with five consecutive losses, the Texas Rangers look to begin the final month of the season on a positive note when they host the Minnesota Twins on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Texas let a six-run lead disappear on Friday and suffered a 10-7 defeat in the series opener.

Nomar Mazara belted a three-run homer and Jurickson Profar recorded a two-run double while Elvis Andrus scored three times as the Rangers lost for the seventh time in nine contests. Tyler Austin ignited an eight-run fifth inning with a homer and Mitch Garver registered a three-run double as the Twins improved to 2-2 on their nine-game road trip. Austin has launched seven blasts in 16 games since being acquired from the New York Yankees and 15 in 50 contests overall this year. Joe Mauer has hit safely in eight of his last nine games, recording two-hit performances four times in that span.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jose Berrios (11-9, 3.74 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (7-3, 6.01)

Berrios had his four-start unbeaten streak halted on Sunday as he took the loss against Oakland after yielding three runs and eight hits in five innings. The 24-year-old Puerto Rican went 1-0 during his streak but worked more than five frames just once in that span. Berrios has won both of his lifetime starts against Texas, including a triumph on June 24 in which he allowed two hits and registered a career-high 12 strikeouts over seven scoreless innings.

Gallardo is coming off a loss at San Francisco on Sunday in which he surrendered three runs on four hits and three walks over five innings. The 32-year-old Mexican has posted an unimpressive 5.18 ERA at home this season, which actually is more than two runs lower than his mark on the road (7.24). Gallardo recorded a victory at Minnesota on June 23 to improve to 5-2 with one complete game - a shutout - and a 3.72 ERA in 12 career starts versus the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rangers recalled Connor Sadzeck from Triple-A Round Rock after trading fellow RHP Cory Gearrin to Oakland for RHPs Teodoro Ortega and Abdiel Mendoza.

2. Minnesota OF Eddie Rosario (quadriceps) likely will miss the remainder of the team's road trip after being injured Thursday in Cleveland.

3. Mazara is three blasts away from reaching the 20-homer plateau in each of his three major-league seasons.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Rangers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Padres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

After closing August with back-to-back ugly losses, the Colorado Rockies are hoping that turning the calendar awakens their suddenly quiet offense. The Rockies continue their four-game series against the host San Diego Padres on Saturday looking for a spark from the top of their order after scoring a total of two runs in the first two contests.

Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu and Nolan Arenado are a combined 2-for-27 in the last two games for the Rockies, who have fallen into third place in the National League West, 1 1/2 games behind first-place Arizona and three games behind Milwaukee for the second wild-card spot. Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez saw his seven-game hitting streak come to an end and the Rockies were held to five singles in Friday's 7-0 loss to the Padres, who have won four consecutive games for the first time since July 26-29, 2017. San Diego rookie Luis Urias belted his first career home run and Franmil Reyes extended his hitting streak to six games with his second homer in as many days and fourth in the past six games. San Diego's last four starting pitchers - rookies Jacob Nix, Joey Lucchesi, Eric Lauer and Brett Kennedy - have allowed a total of two earned runs over the last four games across 26 innings.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jon Gray (10-7, 4.67 ERA) vs. Padres LH Robbie Erlin (3-4, 3.69)

Colorado failed to win for the first time in Gray's past 10 starts last Monday, when he allowed five runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels. The outing was a rare misstep for the 26-year-old, who was 4-0 with a 3.02 ERA in nine starts from June 22-Aug. 22. Wil Myers is 8-for-23 with a home run against Gray, who is 7-3 with a 2.67 ERA in 14 career starts versus San Diego - including 3-1 with a 3.33 mark in four outings this season.

Erlin allowed four runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings last Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers and lost for the first time since returning to the rotation on Aug. 2. The 27-year-old Bay Area native has posted a 5.01 ERA in 19 games (five starts) on the road this season compared to a 2.45 mark in 15 home appearances (two starts). Blackmon, LeMahieu and Arenado are a combined 17-for-37 against Erlin, who owns a 4-2 record and 6.06 ERA in 12 career games (five starts) versus Colorado.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres OF Hunter Renfroe is 12-for-34 during his career-high eight-game hitting streak.

2. The Rockies acquired C Drew Butera and cash from Kansas City in exchange for minor league LHP Jerry Vasto.

3. San Diego RHP Bryan Mitchell will be activated from the disabled list to start Monday's series opener against Arizona.

PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Padres 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 09-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

The Oakland Athletics hope to continue their climb toward first place in the American League West when they host the Seattle Mariners on Saturday for the third contest of their four-game series. Oakland bounced back from a series-opening beatdown to post a 7-5 win on Friday and get within 1 1/2 games of division-leading Houston.

The Athletics produced a five-run first inning that was highlighted by Stephen Piscotty's two-run homer but squandered the sizeable lead before Ramon Laureano lifted a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the fifth. Matt Olson went 3-for-4 with an RBI and Matt Chapman homered as Oakland improved to a major league-best 47-19 since June 16 and 1-1 on its 10-game homestand. Nelson Cruz, Robinson Cano and Ryon Healy went deep during a four-run fourth inning for Seattle, which has lost six of its last nine contests. The Mariners fell 5 1/2 games behind Oakland for the second AL wild-card spot but meet the Athletics five more times.

TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH James Paxton (10-5, 3.68 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (6-6, 4.28)

Paxton will be making his first start since suffering a forearm injury at Oakland on Aug. 14. The 29-year-old Canadian retired only one batter in that outing but registered 16 strikeouts over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Athletics on May 2. Paxton has yet to lose to Oakland in his career, going 3-0 with a 3.50 ERA eight starts.

Mengden has not started for Oakland since June 23, when he was tagged for five runs over two innings in a no-decision against the White Sox in Chicago. The 25-year-old Texan surrendered 21 runs over 16 1/3 frames in four turns in June after ending May with four consecutive victories. Mengden lost both of his career starts against Seattle, yielding six runs on 10 hits and five walks in 11 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics acquired Cory Gearrin from Texas on Friday for fellow RHPs Teodoro Ortega and Abdiel Mendoza.

2. Cruz needs 18 RBIs to reach the century mark for the third consecutive season.

3. Oakland recalled OF Dustin Fowler from Triple-A Nashville and optioned RHP Frankie Montas to the Sounds.

PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Athletics 2