Sunday 9-2-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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

Race 5 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $3400 Class Rating: 75

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES IN 2017 - 2018. , 120 LBS.; , 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $2,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 APPROXIMATOR 2/1

# 1 LIVELY'S LAST RIDE 3/1

# 4 BLUEGALE 6/1

APPROXIMATOR looks quite good to best this field. Could provide positive profits based on formidable recent speed figures with an average of 66. I like Martinez on this gelding to give him a very good chance to hit the wire first. He looks quite good in this spot and I expect will be on the front end or close at the halfway point. LIVELY'S LAST RIDE - Fackler has a win percentage of 20 over the last month. Had one of the best speed figures of this group in his last contest. BLUEGALE - Has very good Equibase Class Figures relative to this group of horses - worth a look. Ran a strong last race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Del Mar

09/02/18, DMR, Race 5, 4.05 PT
6 1/2F [Dirt] 1.13.03 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. Purse $60,000.
FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD
$1 Exacta / $2 Quinella / .50 Trifecta / $2 Rolling Double - $1 min. Rolling Pick Three / $1 Superfecta (10-cent min.) - $2 Pick Six Starts /$ WPS Parlay
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 29.73, $1 ROI 0.81, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 3 Message 6-1 Van Dyke D Baffert Bob T
098.4229 9 Lady Dude 7/2 Prat F McCarthy Michael W. JWL
096.8774 8 Kim K 6-1 Figueroa H Miller Peter
096.7941 2 Claudelle 5/2 Desormeaux K J Sadler John W. SFEC
094.7325 6 Over Emphasize 8-1 Gaffalione T McCarthy Michael W.
091.8744 1 Hello Bubbles 20-1 Talamo J Drysdale Neil D.
091.7031 7 Calf Moon Bay 12-1 Espinoza A Hollendorfer Jerry
091.2809 4 Cash for Cass 20-1 Garcia M Ruis Mick
091.2226 10 Shes All Woman(b+) 12-1 Roman E A O'Neill Doug F.
000.0000 5 Bizwhacks S
000.0000 11 Better Biz S

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Elko County Fair
Elko County Fair - Race 4

$2 Exacta / $2 Quinella / $2 Trifecta($1 Box)


Stakes • 400 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 89 • Purse: $3,500 • Post: 2:15P
QUARTER HORSE 400Y, ELKO QH S. - FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND OLDER. WEIGHTS: THREE YEAR OLDS 122 LBS.OLDER 124 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * KONO: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. DASH N THE WIND: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Ra ting. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. SR MIGHTY LEADER JET: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. SUPER STAR STREAK: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
4
KONO
8/5

9/2
1
DASH N THE WIND
5/2

7/1
2
SR MIGHTY LEADER JET
12/1

7/1
5
SUPER STAR STREAK
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
1
DASH N THE WIND
1

5/2
Average
85

83

4.1

0.0

0.0
2
SR MIGHTY LEADER JET
2

12/1
Slow
90

83

6.2

0.0

0.0
3
DESIRED CHICK
3

8/1
Average
84

81

0.0

0.0

0.0
4
KONO
4

8/5
Average
87

90

4.5

0.0

0.0
5
SUPER STAR STREAK
5

7/2
Slow
84

83

6.5

0.0

0.0
6
ALLEY FIGHT
6

5/1
Slow
77

75

7.8

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 3 - Claiming - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $10560 Class Rating: 82

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE IN 2018 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,500, IF FOR $4,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 GAZCADER 3/1

# 1 PARTY AT EIGHT 8/1

# 2 D. SHIFFLETT 6/1

GAZCADER looks to be a quite good contender. Has to be considered in this event if only for the formidable Equibase Speed Figure posted in the last contest. He has put up quite good numbers under today's conditions and will probably fare well against this group. I can't pass on this gelding given one of the best jockey and conditioner combos on the grounds. PARTY AT EIGHT - Should be given consideration here on the basis of the numbers in the speed realm alone. Handler boasts sharp win figs at this distance and surface. D. SHIFFLETT - He has put up solid numbers under today's conditions and will almost certainly fare well against this group. This gelding obviously likes the distance, going 2 out of 4 in his races recently.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Golden Gate Fields - Race #2 - Post: 2:15pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $9,000 Class Rating: 74

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 HONG KONG COWBOY (ML=2/1)


HONG KONG COWBOY - The jock and trainer combination have a favorable ROI when they work together. This gelding is tried right back into a race in less than 10 days; this is a positive sign. Lone speed horses can be tough to run down. Here's a lone speedy sort facing sluggish sorts today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 CALL ME SOUL (ML=8/5), #2 CALIFORNIA TRIBE (ML=7/2), #1 HE'S GOT CAUSE (ML=8/1),

CALL ME SOUL - You always believe this animal has a shot to cross the finish line in first, but he fails regularly. CALIFORNIA TRIBE - When scrutinizing today's class figure, he will have to record a better speed rating than last time out to be competitive in this dirt sprint. HE'S GOT CAUSE - Can't invest in this runner in today's sprint of 5 1/2 furlongs. Hasn't even hit the board in a short distance affair recently.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #6 HONG KONG COWBOY to win if you can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

09/02/18, GP, Race 1, 12.45 ET
7 1/2F [Turf About] 1.27.03 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $35,000.
Claiming Price $40,000, For Each $5,000 To $30,000 1 lb. FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 - $.50 Bet 3 (Races 1-2-3) / $.50 Pick 5 (Races 1-2-3-4-5)
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 26.96, $1 ROI 0.98, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Turf
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 8 Salary Cap 15-1 Camacho S De La Cerda Armando TF
098.7553 10 Not Quite Ready 7/2 Jaramillo E Nicks Ralph E. J
098.0013 4 Toupha 6-1 Rios J M Antonucci Jena M. SEL
097.9029 3 Max's Causeway 8-1 Gonzales J J Dwoskin Steven C
097.5001 5 Tropical Cognac 3-1 Zayas E J Nihei Michelle
096.5853 2 Bad Boy E. J. 12-1 Vasquez M A Abreu Fernando
095.2652 1 Dig In 8-1 Reyes L Sano Antonio
094.5458 9 Fightinirishtabit 4-1 Alvarez J L Sano Antonio
093.1445 6 German Alberto 30-1 Meneses M Bagwandeen Pernel W
092.6722 7 Sac 30-1 Monterrey. Jr. P Burns Patty A.
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse Win Percent 22.07, $1 ROI 0.68, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 8 Salary Cap 15-1 Camacho S De La Cerda Armando T
099.2673 10 Not Quite Ready 7/2 Jaramillo E Nicks Ralph E. J
098.6305 4 Toupha 6-1 Rios J M Antonucci Jena M. SFEL
097.9809 5 Tropical Cognac 3-1 Zayas E J Nihei Michelle
097.3018 3 Max's Causeway 8-1 Gonzales J J Dwoskin Steven C
097.0139 2 Bad Boy E. J. 12-1 Vasquez M A Abreu Fernando
095.7801 1 Dig In 8-1 Reyes L Sano Antonio
095.5594 6 German Alberto 30-1 Meneses M Bagwandeen Pernel W
095.1151 9 Fightinirishtabit 4-1 Alvarez J L Sano Antonio
092.1084 7 Sac 30-1 Monterrey. Jr. P Burns Patty A.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Louisiana Downs - Race #1 - Post: 12:00pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 61

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 PRIDE AND GIOIA (ML=6/1)
#3 WHITEBUTTON (ML=5/1)
#6 BOSS TIME BABY (ML=4/1)


PRIDE AND GIOIA - This mare's last speed figure is high enough to score here, I'll play her back again today. WHITEBUTTON - I like to see fast morning drills. This mare's last one was very good. Second fastest of the day. Trainer Jarvis moves this animal down the class scale to face a weaker class today. Look for a good performance with this class drop. Mare took a little vacation, but has been racing into shape. BOSS TIME BABY - Cabrera and Broberg have had great success together over the last twelve months. This speedy sort is cutting back in distance today. Should promote her chances.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 GRANTASTICA (ML=7/2), #5 SWEET MADALYNA (ML=4/1), #4 SHA BLUSH (ML=6/1),

SWEET MADALYNA - Difficult to put your money on the win end of any horse that finishes second and third as regularly as this entrant does. There's speed, zip, and more zip in this clash. Doesn't look too promising for this animal. SHA BLUSH - This horse hasn't shown much in the last pair of contests.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 PRIDE AND GIOIA is going to be the play if we are getting 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,6,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,6,7] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Sweetwater County Fair
Sweetwater County Fair - Race 7

$2 WPS / $1 Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta


Stakes • 400 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 87 • Purse: $14,625 • Post: 3:30P
QUARTER HORSE 400Y, SWEETWATER DOWNS BONUS CHALLENGE S. - FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH ARE CHALLENGE ENROLLED. FREE TO NOMINATE. $500 TO PASS THE ENTRY BOX, DUE AT TIME OF ENTRY. NOMINATIONS CLOSE SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018 AT 5:00 PM IN THE RACING OFFICE AT SWEETWATER DOWNS. PREFERENCE BY LIFETIME EARNINGS. MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THIS RACE WITH SEVEN OR FEWER ENTRIES. 7% OF ALL ADDED MONEY DEDUCTED FOR NOMINATOR FEES. PURSE TO BE DIVIDED: 40% TO WINNER, 20% TO SECOND, 10% TO THIRD, 7% TO FOURTH, 5.5% TO FIFTH, AND 3.5% EACH TO SIXTH THROUGH TENTH. FIELD WILL BE LIMITED TO TEN. THREE YEAR OLDS. 124 LBS. OLDER. 126 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * LOTTA DYNASTY: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. JRS BLUE BOY: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (di rt or turf) is at least 50. QUEEN OF THE KARTEL: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. APOLLITICAL WINGA: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. NOWSHESFAMOUS: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
1
LOTTA DYNASTY
2/1

5/1
3
JRS BLUE BOY
5/2

6/1
2
QUEEN OF THE KARTEL
6/1

8/1
4
APOLLITICAL WINGA
3/1

9/1
6
NOWSHESFAMOUS
7/2

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
LOTTA DYNASTY
1

2/1
Average
92

89

3.9

0.0

0.0
2
QUEEN OF THE KARTEL
2

6/1
Fast
84

81

3.0

0.0

0.0
3
JRS BLUE BOY
3

5/2
Average
87

84

3.8

0.0

0.0
4
APOLLITICAL WINGA
4

3/1
Average
85

83

4.0

0.0

0.0
5
MIAS IRISH DYNASTY
5

10/1
Average
77

76

5.9

0.0

0.0
6
NOWSHESFAMOUS
6

7/2
Average
85

82

5.3

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Hurricanes vs. Louisiana State Tigers Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 30th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/30/2018

It won't take long for No. 8 Miami (Fla.) and No. 24 LSU to find out whether they will be contenders for the national championship. They come right out of the gate with their first challenge in a rare primetime Sunday night matchup in Arlington, Texas.

"Until you play somebody, you really don't know," Miami third-year coach Mark Richt told reporters. "There are no warm-up games here. We will be physically and mentally tested. It will be a gut check, at the very least. ... When you play LSU, Game 1, in this type of game, in this setting that we're going to be in, you can't help but think, 'I better get ready.'" The Hurricanes were surprisingly ready last year, running out to wins in their first 10 games to earn their first-ever ACC Coastal crown and putting themselves smack in the middle of the national title talk before a not-so-fabulous 0-3 finish dashed their hopes. LSU had the opposite kind of season with a 3-2 start followed by a 6-2 conclusion, but it is hoping to avoid a repeat by getting off on the right foot in a venue that is supposed to be neutral although it may be decidedly pro Tigers based on its vicinity to Louisiana. "I know our fans are going to be excited to take over that stadium and turn it into Death Valley," said coach Ed Orgeron, whose Tigers are 3-0 at AT&T Stadium, with all wins coming over ranked teams.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Miami -3.5

ABOUT MIAMI (2017: 10-3): The Hurricanes are set at quarterback with returning starter Malik Rosier, who emerged as a dual threat last year with 3,120 yards passing and 468 running while setting the school single-season record for total touchdowns (31), but he has something to prove after a dismal showing during the team's 0-3 finish with five interceptions and a 44.9 completion percentage. Rosier's receiving corps will be bolstered by the return to health of Ahmmon Richards, who followed up his record-setting freshman season with an injury-plagued sophomore campaign, while even bigger things are expected from running back Travis Homer (966 yards rushing in 2017). The Canes defense will be fast and aggressive as usual, with each defender hungry to wear the famed turnover chain - 11 of the 16 players who wore it in 2017 return, including preseason All-American safety Jaquan Johnson (four interceptions, two fumble recoveries) - and they may have their chances against an inexperienced LSU offense.



ABOUT LSU (2017: 9-4): The Tigers will have a different starting quarterback for the season opener for the 16th time in the last 21 seasons and they open with a new quarterback-running back combination for the third straight year. Graduate transfer Joe Burrow (Ohio State) will make his first college start behind center in new coordinator Steve Ensminger's more pass-oriented offense, winning the job over sophomore Myles Brennan, while senior Nick Brossette finally gets his chance after making just one start for the Tigers but he has big shoes to fill with the departure of star running back Derrius Guice. After surrendering just 18.9 points and 316 yards per game last year, defense is where the team will excel immediately and give Rosier his first big test, spearheaded by a pair of preseason first team All-Americans - junior linebacker Devin White and sophomore cornerback Greedy Williams.

EXTRA POINTS

1. LSU leads the all-time series with Miami 9-3 after defeating the Hurricanes 40-3 in the 2005 Peach Bowl.

2. The Hurricanes are kicking off the season with their first true neutral-site matchup since Aug. 29, 1999, when they defeated Ohio State 23-12.

3. Orgeron won two national titles as a University of Miami assistant from 1988 to 1992.

PREDICTION: Miami 20, LSU 13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Winnipeg Bluebombers vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders Preview and Predictions 09-02-2018 in CFL

CFL Previews 30th August 2018 by Gracenote
Bluebombers vs. Roughriders Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/30/2018

The Saskatchewan Roughriders look to continue their dominance over the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Labour Day Classic on Sunday. The Roughriders have won 12 of the last 13 meetings on Labour Day, including a 38-24 victory last season, and can pull ahead of the Blue Bombers in the tight West Division standings with a win in the 54th edition of the holiday clash.

Saskatchewan has won two straight contests following a 24-21 victory against the BC Lions in Week 11, and are searching for their first three-game winning streak in nearly a year. Winnipeg is heading in the wrong direction after dropping a 39-26 decision to the Calgary Stampeders. The Blue Bombers have lost back-to-back games for the first time in 2018 while giving up an average margin of 41.5 points during their skid, and quarterback Matt Nichols has come under fire for his recent performances after failing to hit the 300-yard passing mark for the seventh straight time. "Of course I want to play better and I'm obviously not satisfied with this season so far," Nichols told reporters. "I have high expectations and those expectations on myself are high enough."

TV: 3 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN Plus

ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (5-5): Nichols passed for 258 yards and a touchdown, but threw two interceptions - including a pick six late in the fourth quarter of the loss to Calgary. Slotback Weston Dressler, who has caught a pass in 120 consecutive games - tied for the seventh-longest streak in CFL history - is expected to play after missing the previous two contests with a lower-body injury. Andrew Harris, who leads the league in rushing yards (805), missed two days of practice with an upper-body injury and will be a game-time decision while defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat is likely to miss Sunday's clash with an undisclosed knock.

ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (5-4): Zach Collaros threw for 215 yards and a touchdown in the win against BC as Saskatchewan pulled within two points of the second-place Edmonton Eskimos ahead of his first Labour Day Classic as a Roughrider. "Seeing signs around town I know it's a special game," Collaros told reporters. "It's always an amazing atmosphere up here but I guess it's really revved up for Labour Day." Defensive tackle Curt Maggitt, who played in nine games with the Indianapolis Colts in 2016, could make his first CFL start after Mic'hael Brooks missed practice with an undisclosed injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Saskatchewan DE Charleston Hughes has recorded a sack in seven straight games.

2. The Blue Bombers have won five of the last six overall meetings with the Roughriders.

3. Saskatchewan DB Nick Marshall has scored three touchdowns in his last two contests.

PREDICTION: Roughriders 27, Blue Bombers 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 09-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st September 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/01/2018

Andrew McCutchen made his New York debut and Gary Sanchez returned to the lineup for the first time in more than a month, but one thing remained unchanged for the Yankees: Youth was served. Rookie Gleyber Torres delivered the decisive hit for the second straight day to put New York in position for a series wiin in Sunday's game against the visiting Detroit Tigers.

Torres clubbed a two-run homer in Saturday's 2-1 win and knocked in the go-ahead runs with a two-RBI single Friday to improve to 6-for-11 with two homers and six RBIs in the series and extend his hitting streak to six games. The Yankees managed only two hits in Saturday's victory as newly acquired McCutchen went 0-for-3 and Sanchez was hitless in four at-bats in his first game since July 23. The Tigers have dropped seven of eight overall and fell to 20-48 away from home - the second-most road losses in the majors behind Baltimore. Victor Martinez drove in the lone run for Detroit on Saturday and is 8-for-20 with two homers and seven RBIs in six games versus New York this season.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (8-12, 4.22 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Lance Lynn (8-9, 4.84)

Boyd has alternated wins and losses over his last six starts, coming out on the short end of a 6-2 decision at Kansas City on Tuesday after giving up five runs and seven hits over six innings. All three losses in that span have come away from home, where he is 2-9 with a 5.75 ERA in 14 starts. McCutchen is 2-for-3 with a homer off Boyd, who owns an ugly 9.35 ERA in losing both career starts to the Yankees.

Lynn quickly endeared himself to New York fans following his acquisition from Minnesota, yielding one run in 16 2/3 innings over his first three outings, but he has tailed off in his last three starts. He has allowed 13 runs and 22 hits over 15 innings in his last three starts, going 0-1 in that stretch. Lynn has been solid in splitting a pair of decisions versus the Tigers this year, posting a 2.03 ERA and 0.90 WHIP.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees RHP Dellin Betances became the first relief pitcher in history with at least 100 strikeouts in five straight seasons.

2. Tigers LHP Daniel Stumpf has made six consecutive scoreless appearances.

3. Yankees SS Adeiny Hechavarria, acquired late Friday night from Pittsburgh, was a defensive replacement in the ninth inning Saturday.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Tigers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 09-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/02/2018

J.T. Realmuto has already set career highs for homers and RBIs this season with a month left in the season as his Miami Marlins host the Toronto Blue Jays in the rubber match of a three-game interleague series Sunday afternoon. Realmuto launched his career-best 18th homer in Saturday's 6-3 victory and pushed his RBI total to 68 - seven coming during his current five-game hitting streak.

Realmuto's effort was supported by veteran infielder Martin Prado, who registered a three-run double in his first game in almost three weeks after being activated from the disabled list before Saturday's contest. The Marlins will try to even their interleague record at 10-10 on Sunday when they send Jeff Brigham to the mound for his major-league debut, while Toronto (12-7 interleague) counters with fellow rookie Sean Reid-Foley in the series finale. The Blue Jays have lost five of their last six, but first baseman Justin Smoak is red-hot with homers in four straight games and nine RBIs in that span. Toronto managed just five hits Saturday and two came from Devon Travis, who is batting .344 with 55 hits (nine homers) and 32 RBIs in 44 career interleague contests.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, OMNI, TVA (Toronto), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Sean Reid-Foley (0-2, 8.68 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jeff Brigham (NR)

Reid-Foley returns to the majors for the first time since his first two big-league starts in mid-August, both ending with losses. The 23-year-old born in Guam gave up three runs over five innings in his debut on Aug. 13 before yielding eight runs (six earned) across 4 1/3 frames five days later. Reid-Foley is 12-5 with a 3.26 ERA in 24 starts at Triple-A and Double-A combined this year, striking out 150 over 129 2/3 innings.

Brigham gets the call after scheduled starter Pablo Lopez was placed on the 60-day disabled list Saturday due to a shoulder strain. The 26-year-old Washington native, who was acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers in July of 2015, is 10-3 with a 2.36 ERA across 17 starts at three levels in the minors in 2018 - including 5-2 with a 3.44 mark at Triple-A New Orleans. Brigham has struck out 94 in 95 1/3 innings this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto OF Billy McKinney, who was rested Saturday, is 16-for-42 with 10 RBIs in 14 games since being acquired from the New York Yankees.

2. Miami CF Lewis Brinson (hip) was also activated from the DL on Saturday and went 1-for-4.

3. Blue Jays RHP Marcus Stroman (blister) threw a bullpen session Saturday and could start Monday's game against Tampa Bay.

PREDICTION: Marlins 7, Blue Jays 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd September 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/02/2018

The Chicago Cubs' lineup is more menacing than ever, but the team will have to face one of the league's best pitchers in the finale of its three-game road series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. Cy Young Award contender Aaron Nola will try to shut down Chicago's potent offense when he squares off against Jon Lester in a matchup of All-Stars.


Kris Bryant returned to the lineup after being sidelined since July 23 and recorded two hits to help the Cubs to a 7-1 triumph on Saturday, evening the series at one win apiece. The Cubs have captured nine of their last 11 contests as they own the best record in the National League. Chicago also owns a 4 1/2-game lead over both St. Louis and Milwaukee in the NL Central. The Phillies have gone 8-14 since Aug. 8 and slipped three games behind first-place Atlanta in the NL East.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, TBS, WGN (Chicago), NBCS Philadelphia


PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (14-5, 3.67 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (15-3, 2.10)

Lester had a few bumpy outings coming out of the All-Star break, but he has returned to form recently, posting a 2.04 ERA over his last three starts. The 34-year-old allowed three runs over six innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets last time out. Lester is 7-0 with a 1.64 ERA in nine career starts versus the Phillies.

Nola's start was moved up a day so he could pitch at home, where he is 9-0 with a 1.94 ERA in 13 outings this season. The 25-year-old ace hasn't lost since July 14 and has allowed fewer than three runs in six straight outings. Nola is 1-0 with a 4.61 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.


WALK-OFFS

1. Bryant went 2-for-4 with a double and scored a run in his return from a stint on the disabled list due to left shoulder inflammation.

2. Phillies C Wilson Ramos went 1-for-3 on Saturday and is 16-for-40 with eight extra-base hits in 11 games since being acquired from Tampa Bay.

3. Chicago INF Javier Baez needs one home run and one RBI to becomes the fifth Cubs player with 30 blasts and 100 RBIs in a season by the campaign during which they reach the age of 25, joining Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Ernie Banks and Ron Santo.

PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Cubs 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd September 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/02/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers have been making bold deals all season in an effort to bolster the ballclub and earn a spot in the postseason, and the changes keep coming. The Brewers will try to ride the momentum wave generated by the front office to a series win when they visit the Washington Nationals in the finale of a three-game series.

Xavier Cedeno worked a perfect inning of relief in his team debut on Saturday before the rest of the bullpen imploded after a lengthy rain delay, and Curtis Granderson is expected to make his first start for Milwaukee on Sunday while Gio Gonzalez is slotted into the rotation for next week. "It's Sept. 1, and you expect changes then," Brewers manager Craig Counsell told reporters on Saturday. "Acquiring three players from outside the organization is a rare day for baseball, that's for sure. We felt like we've made the team better. We've added some pieces - although it's just a month left in the season - that are going to have a chance to make some pretty sizable contributions." Gonzalez came over from the Nationals (68-68), who are sitting at .500 as the National League East slips away from the preseason favorites. Milwaukee, which is a half-game behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the top NL wild-card spot, turns to Junior Guerra on Sunday while Washington counters with righty Jefry Rodriguez.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin, Dish455 (Milwaukee), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Junior Guerra (6-9, 4.09 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jefry Rodriguez (2-1, 4.54)

Guerra is trying to prove he still deserves his spot in the rotation after the addition of Gonzalez and is trying to snap a string of eight straight winless outings. He lasted just 1 1/3 innings at Cincinnati on Tuesday and was knocked around for six runs on eight hits - one homer - and a pair of walks. Guerra has allowed a total of 20 runs - 14 earned - and 27 hits in 10 1/3 innings over his last three starts.

Rodriguez is trending in the opposite direction with wins in two of his last three outings. The Dominican rookie scattered two hits and four walks across six innings without allowing a run to earn a win at the New York Mets last Sunday. Rodriguez is making his first career start against Milwaukee and is 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in five home appearances - four starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Brewers are expected to recall RHP Corey Knebel from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

2. Nationals LF Juan Soto has recorded multiple hits in three straight games and five of the last seven.

3. Washington C Matt Wieters (hip, groin) sat out Saturday and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Nationals 8, Brewers 3