Tuesday 9-4-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 08:14 AM

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

Race 6 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $10920 Class Rating: 72

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 4 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JULY 4 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,500, IF FOR $4,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 HUNTS BAY 7/2

# 1 IM ON IT 3/1

# 2 BIT'S LOVER BOY 4/1

I think HUNTS BAY is a quite good choice. Shows evidence of the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 68 Equibase speed fig which is one of the best in this group. With Mailhot aboard him, this gelding will probably be able to break out sharply in this contest. Has performed soundly recently in sprint races, posting a nifty 70 avg speed figure. IM ON IT - Mileni has shown excellent profits (+68 ROI ) with horses in dirt sprint events. Should be carefully examined based on the very strong speed figure put up in the last race. BIT'S LOVER BOY - Ran a strong last race.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 08:15 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes - Race 2

EXACTA * TRIFECTA * PICK 3 (50 CENT MINIMUM: RACES 2-3-4) * SUPERFECTA (10 Cent Minimum) * DAILY DOUBLE (Races 2-3)

Maiden Claiming $5,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 55 • Purse: $9,000 • Post: 1:37P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Paceless Race. There is no true early speed in this race. * KEY ANGLES * MR. SKITTLES: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. FRENCHANA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the dis tance/surface.
6
MR. SKITTLES
5/2

5/2
3
FRENCHANA
7/5

9/2

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
FRENCHANA
3

7/5
Stalker
53

46

37.4

41.6

37.1
6
MR. SKITTLES
6

5/2
Alternator/Trailer
64

64

31.8

51.8

46.8
2
ONLY THE SILK
2

8/1
Alternator/Trailer
53

43

30.0

40.2

35.2
1
BAD TO DAH BONE
1

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

61.0

24.7

18.7
5
CRYPTO'S PICK
5

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

36.4

24.0

14.5

Unknown Running Style: COMEONLETSDANCE (5/1) [Jockey: Gomez Oscar - Trainer: Barrow Paul W].

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 08:20 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #6 - Post: 8:50pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,600 Class Rating: 86

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 BEACHTOWN BENNY (ML=3/1)
#5 WHITE GLADIATOR (ML=2/1)

BEACHTOWN BENNY - This gelding is in fine condition. Finished third on Aug 13th. This rider and trainer have a beneficial return on investment when they unite. Recent Equibase speed figs show dominant pattern of improvement. Just check out his last speed fig, 86. That one looks good in this group. WHITE GLADIATOR - Based on morning blow outs, I look for this gelding to run a big race. Bell drops him down to this level. You don't need too much more handicapping data to figure that this thoroughbred will be tough to beat at this level. Another way to evaluate class is EPS (earnings per start). This thoroughbred has the topmost in the field. I think he'll be close at the finish.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 OPEN BAR (ML=7/2), #3 CHOSEN HEIR (ML=9/2), #4 CANDID OPINIONS (ML=8/1),

OPEN BAR - This gelding hasn't been showing me anything positive in the last couple of races. Recent declining speed figures of 83/57/54 give a clue that this equine may be going off form. CHOSEN HEIR - Should be difficult for this horse to beat this field off of that last speed rating. Improbable to improve enough to run a figure close to today's Equibase class figure, so put him on the likely underpriced equines list. CANDID OPINIONS - Pony ran a great speed figure last out, but that was on a muddy track. This gelding will probably bounce, and not come anywhere near the last speed fig of 84.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #1 BEACHTOWN BENNY to win. Have to have odds of at least 8/5 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 08:20 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Parx Racing
Parx Racing - Race 1

Daily Double / Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3) Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta / 10 cent Superfecta

Maiden Claiming $20,000 • 7 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 74 • Purse: $24,000 • Post: 12:55
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Lone Front-runner. GRAND BLUE HARBOR is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * RESONATE: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. SUG AR INCLUDED: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. GRAND BLUE HARBOR: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMa ster Power Rating.
4
RESONATE
9/5

7/2
5
SUGAR INCLUDED
6/5

4/1
3
GRAND BLUE HARBOR
5/2

6/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
GRAND BLUE HARBOR
3

5/2
Front-runner
53

51

73.8

45.6

39.1
4
RESONATE
4

9/5
Stalker
67

61

23.7

83.4

79.4
5
SUGAR INCLUDED
5

6/5
Alternator/Trailer
73

75

50.9

63.3

60.3
6
RISQUE EXPRESS
6

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
59

46

49.0

39.4

29.4
2
DEREYA
2

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

4.7

28.4

17.9
1
TIZZY DANCER
1

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
68

53

0.0

33.2

25.7

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 08:21 AM

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

Race 4 - Maiden Claiming - 5.0f on the Turf. Purse: $8500 Class Rating: 59

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 120 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000. TEXAS BRED CLAIMING PRICE $20,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 ZMOR ARISTOCAT 6/1

# 1A EARS A WINNER 9/5

# 9 BACKYARD HERO 9/2

ZMOR ARISTOCAT is the top bet in this race. Put up a strong speed figure in the last race. Can run another good one in this contest. EARS A WINNER - He ought to be given consideration given the very good speed numbers. Trainer has very solid win rate (15 percent) at this distance and surface. BACKYARD HERO - His chances to win are much better this time out facing this easier group. Love when any equine makes a quick return to the races.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 08:21 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #5 - Post: 3:40pm - Allowance - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $34,200 Class Rating: 78

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 OHIYO (ML=8/1)
#1 WEST LEONARD (ML=3/1)
#6 FUNNEL CAKE (ML=7/2)
#4 RUN THE NUMBERS (ML=6/1)

OHIYO - When the real running starts, this gelding should be flying past them. Was in an Allowance race at Mahoning Valley Race Cour last out. That contest had a class number of 84 and he is moving down in today's race. A certain win candidate. Meyers gets a break on this entrant carrying 5 pounds less than last out. This certainly could make the difference in this race. WEST LEONARD - Trainer Gorham moves this thoroughbred down the class scale to face weaker company. Look for a strong race racing against these lower level horses. A repeat of that latest effort on Aug 1st where he garnered a fig of 80 looks good enough to win in this clash. FUNNEL CAKE - Looking at today's class rating, this horse is meeting an easier field than in the last race at Belterra Park. RUN THE NUMBERS - This gelding is in nice form, having run a nice race on August 12th, finishing third. Look at this pattern of improvement. 53/60/68 are the last 3 speed figures.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 CONNORRSKIE (ML=5/2), #3 CANDY CLASSIC (ML=6/1),

CONNORRSKIE - Showed very little in the last affair. Really don't see any chance of any improvement today. This gelding recorded a speed figure in his last affair which likely isn't good enough in today's event. CANDY CLASSIC - Improbable that the speed fig he registered on July 28th will hold up in this event.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 OHIYO is the play if we get odds of 4/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,7] Box [4,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 10:17 AM

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

The Washington Nationals are in the midst of a stretch of 19 consecutive games against National League playoff contenders, so even if they can't get back in the race, they have a prime opportunity to make an impact. The Nationals will try to play spoiler again Tuesday when they host the St. Louis Cardinals in the second of a three-game series.

The Nationals won the series opener 4-3 but remain seven games behind the Cardinals for the second NL wild card and 7 1/2 back of Atlanta in the NL East. Bryce Harper ended a drought of 61 at-bats without a homer with a game-tying two-run blast in the ninth inning Monday, then won it with a sacrifice fly in the 10th. The Cardinals have dropped three straight to fall 5 1/2 games behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central, but they remain a half-game ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies for the final playoff spot. St. Louis is 29-16 since manager Mike Shildt took over for Mike Matheny on July 15.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (13-4, 2.96 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Erick Fedde (1-3, 5.79)

Mikolas is coming off his first loss since June 29 after allowing two runs over five innings in a 2-0 defeat against Pittsburgh on Wednesday. The 30-year-old has only one quality start in his last four outings after a string of three straight prior to that stretch. Mikolas faced the Nationals on Aug. 13 and allowed four runs over seven innings in a no-decision.

Fedde is set to come off the disabled list and make his first big-league start since July 4. The 25-year-old made three rehab starts in the minors, allowing four runs over 14 2/3 innings. Fedde is 0-4 with a 6.75 ERA in six career starts at Nationals Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals INF Matt Carpenter has 23 home runs on the road this season, tied with Stan Musial for the most by a left-handed hitter in franchise history.

2. The Nationals are expected to activate RHP Joe Ross and recall OF Victor Robles, their top prospect, as soon as Tuesday.

3. Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright is expected to return to the rotation Monday against Pittsburgh after being sidelined since May 17 with right elbow inflammation.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Nationals 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 10:17 AM

Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a series of moves in front of the waiver trade deadline on Friday designed to open more playing time for younger players, especially on the infield, and the early returns are positive. The Pirates will try to ride the hot bat of second baseman Adam Frazier to a series win when they host the Cincinnati Reds for the second of a three-game series on Tuesday.

Pittsburgh waived goodbye to veteran infielders David Freese and Adeiny Hechavarria on Friday, immediately opening up playing time on the infield for Frazier, who had logged time at all three outfield spots this season in addition to second base. Frazier got the start at second base in the opener against the Reds on Monday and responded by going 4-for-4 with three RBIs while coming up a triple short of the cycle in a 5-1 victory. Cincinnati has its own hot second baseman in All-Star Scooter Gennett, who went 2-for-4 with a homer on Monday and leads the National League with a .320 batting average. Pirates right-hander Joe Musgrove will try to slow Gennett on Tuesday while Reds lefty Cody Reed tangles with Frazier and company.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH Cody Reed (0-1, 3.26 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Joe Musgrove (5-8, 3.80)

Reed is getting a chance to prove he belongs in the rotation and will make his third start among 13 appearances in 2018. The 25-year-old was solid in a start against Milwaukee on Thursday, allowing one run on four hits and three walks over 4 2/3 innings, but was lifted after 73 pitches. Reed, who is seeing Pittsburgh for the first time this season, could build his pitch count further on Tuesday.

Musgrove struggled through his last two outings, allowing a total of nine runs on 13 hits over 10 innings at Milwaukee and St. Louis. The 25-year-old enjoyed a string of five straight quality starts prior to the recent blip, including wins over first-place clubs Cleveland and the Chicago Cubs. Musgrove suffered through his worst start of the season at home against Cincinnati on June 17, when he was ripped for season highs of six runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 1B Josh Bell went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on Monday and is hitless in his last four games.

2. Cincinnati CF Billy Hamilton is 11-for-29 over his last seven contests, raising his batting average to .244.

3. Pittsburgh LF Corey Dickerson is 3-for-34 over his last 10 games.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Reds 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 10:17 AM

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Tampa Bay Rays' playoff hopes may be slim, but they've kicked off the final month of the season in strong fashion. Tampa Bay aims for its fourth consecutive victory to start September when it visits the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series.

The Rays rolled to a 7-1 triumph in Monday's series opener, improving to 4-2 on their eight-game road trip and remaining eight games behind Oakland for the second wild-card spot in the American League. Kevin Kiermaier finished a homer shy of the cycle and drove in a run while Ji-Man Choi went deep for Tampa Bay, which has won 12 of its last 14 contests. Toronto managed only four singles on Monday as it began a seven-game homestand with its sixth loss in eight games. Teoscar Hernandez plated the lone run for the Blue Jays, who have dropped two straight at home following a six-game winning streak at Rogers Centre.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Ryne Stanek (2-3, 2.72 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (3-3, 4.52)

Stanek will make his 24th start of the season and second in two nights as Tampa Bay continues its method of using a reliever to open a contest. The 27-year-old native of St. Louis worked one perfect inning in the series opener on Monday, fanning one batter while throwing 11 of his 16 pitches for strikes. Opponents are batting just .185 this season against Stanek, who has worked four scoreless frames versus Toronto this season.

Borucki has been hit hard of late, surrendering four or more runs in four of his last five starts - including a no-decision at Baltimore on Wednesday in which he was tagged for five runs and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old rookie from Illinois has won three of his last four decisions, with two of the victories coming at home. Borucki, who has yet to face Tampa Bay in his career, has posted a 2.59 ERA at Rogers Centre as opposed to a 6.40 mark on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays INF Joey Wendle is riding a nine-game hitting streak during which he has gone 17-for-40 with seven multi-hit performances.

2. Tampa Bay purchased the contract of Nick Ciuffo from Triple-A Durham, placed fellow C Adam Moore on the restricted list and activated OF Mallex Smith (virus) from the 10-day disabled list.

3. Toronto added Mark Leiter Jr., who was claimed off waivers from Philadelphia on Saturday, to the active roster, activated fellow RHP Marcus Stroman (finger) - who yielded four runs over 1 2/3 innings in the series opener - from the 10-day DL and sent OF Dwight Smith Jr. outright to Triple-A Buffalo.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Blue Jays 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 10:18 AM

Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
The Cleveland Indians won 19 of 28 games in August to make a playoff spot inevitable, but they will be looking for their first win in their fourth try this month when they host the red-hot Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night. The Indians managed just a Francisco Lindor ninth-inning homer Monday afternoon as the Royals extended their winning streak to a season-high six games with a 5-1 triumph.

Cleveland leads the American League Central by 14 games despite losing the final two of the series with Tampa Bay at home over the weekend and recording just four hits Monday against Kansas City, which sits last in the division. Rejuvenated right-hander Mike Clevinger will try to snap the losing streak for the Indians when he takes the mound Tuesday against lefty Danny Duffy, who has pitched better of late but is 0-3 with a 10.80 ERA in three starts against Cleveland this year. The Royals have won eight of their last nine, averaging 6.7 runs during that stretch, but are still last in the AL and 29th in the majors in scoring. Rookie first baseman Ryan O'Hearn went deep twice for Kansas City on Monday and boasts nine homers along with 22 RBIs in 24 games since being recalled.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (8-11, 4.72 ERA) vs. Indians RH Mike Clevinger (10-7, 3.17)

Duffy finished August with two strong outings after a brief stint on the disabled list, allowing three runs on eight hits and five walks across 11 innings combined. The 29-year-old Californian yielded at least six runs five times and limited opponents to one or fewer eight times during his last 14 starts. Yan Gomes is 10-for-26 with three homers and nine RBIs versus Duffy, who is 2-9 with a 5.38 ERA in his career against the Indians.

Clevinger turned things around in August with a 3-0 record and 2.21 ERA, capped by a victory over Minnesota on Thursday in which he gave up two unearned runs over 6 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old Floridian went 1-4 with a 4.85 ERA in five July outings before posting five quality starts in six tries last month. Alcides Escobar is 1-for-14 with a homer versus Clevinger, who is 4-0 with a 2.49 ERA in his career against the Royals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kansas City 2B Whit Merrifield went 0-for-5 on Monday to snap a 22-game on-base streak and a seven-game hitting streak.

2. Cleveland 1B/DH Edwin Encarnacion needs one homer to reach 30 for the seventh consecutive season.

3. Royals 3B/1B Hunter Dozier is 11-for-24 with two homers and six RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Royals 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 10:18 AM

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia Phillies hope to wake up a dormant offense and climb back into the race in the National League East when they visit the last-place Miami Marlins on Tuesday for the second of a three-game set. The Phillies managed just one run for the third straight contest in a 3-1 setback at Miami on Monday afternoon and have lost 11 of 15 to fall four games behind first-place Atlanta in the NL East.

Asdrubal Cabrera, who is a respectable 11-for-34 over his last nine games, homered for Philadelphia's only run in the latest loss and the Phillies are in jeopardy of losing their sixth straight series against teams at or under .500. Jake Arrieta will try to find his top form again after a rough August when he takes the mound for Philadelphia on Tuesday and Miami will counter with rookie right-hander Trevor Richards, who has pitched well against the Phillies this season. The Marlins have won two of three games this month after ending August with four consecutive losses as they play out the string on their transitional season with a young lineup. Center fielder Lewis Brinson, the key player acquired in the Christian Yelich deal last offseason, is 5-for-11 with a double and an RBI in three games since returning from a near-two month stint on the disabled list with a hip injury.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (9-9, 3.54 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Trevor Richards (3-7, 4.26)

Arrieta is winless in his last five starts, giving up four runs in each of his last two trips to the mound against Toronto (loss) and Washington (no-decision). The 32-year-old TCU product, who won the Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs in 2015, finished with a 4.50 ERA in August after going 4-0 with a 2.80 mark in July. Infielder Miguel Rojas is 2-for-4 with a homer versus Arrieta, who is 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA against the Marlins this season.

Richards has not posted a win in his last seven starts, but limited opponents to three runs or fewer six times during that stretch. The 25-year-old Illinois native gave up five runs on six hits over 11 innings combined against the New York Yankees and Boston in his last two starts without a decision. Richards earned his last win against the Phillies on July 14, allowing four hits over six scoreless innings, and is 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA in the season series.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami C-1B J.T. Realmuto is 10-for-27 with two homers and seven RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

2. Philadelphia 1B Carlos Santana has hit safely in six straight games, going 8-for-24 with a homer and four RBIs in that stretch.

3. The Phillies activated RHP Jerad Eickhoff (lat strain), who has not pitched in the majors this year, from the 60-day DL on Monday.

PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Marlins 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 10:18 AM

Boston Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
Boston Red Sox president Dave Dombrowski felt comfortable not making any big moves at the waiver deadline Friday like his rivals, because he and the front office had already done the work. The Red Sox will continue chasing the franchise's best regular season when they visit the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday in the second of a three-game series.

While the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians both made deals for former MVPs last week, Boston knew it had stars coming back to the pitching staff in Chris Sale, Eduardo Rodriguez and David Price and a former All-Star just rounding into form in the lineup in second baseman Ian Kinsler. Rodriguez pitched the Red Sox to a win over the weekend and Kinsler showed off his clutch hitting ability with three RBIs in Monday's 8-2 triumph. The Braves are leading the National League East but missed a chance to add to that advantage with Monday's setback, and sit four games clear of the slumping Philadelphia Phillies. Boston will hand the ball to former Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello on Tuesday while Atlanta counters with lefty Sean Newcomb.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (15-7, 4.27 ERA) vs. Braves RH Sean Newcomb (11-7, 3.85)

Porcello is winless in his last three turns and was knocked around for a combined 12 runs and 20 hits across 17 innings in those outings. The former Cy Young Award winner's last victory came in a National League park at Philadelphia, where he struck out 10 and yielded one run over seven innings while helping himself with a double. Porcello is 20-8 with a 4.13 ERA in 39 career interleague games, including 2-1 in three starts against Atlanta.

Newcomb allowed five or more runs in three of his last four turns and suffered a loss to Tampa Bay in his last outing on Wednesday. The University of Hartford product was ripped for six runs on eight hits and a pair of walks across four innings by the Rays while notching seven strikeouts. Newcomb started at Boston on May 26 and lasted three innings while allowing three runs on six hits and four walks.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox are expected to recall veteran 2B Brandon Phillips from Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday.

2. Atlanta 1B Freddie Freeman is 5-for-34 over his last eight games, dropping his batting average from .317 to .306.

3. Boston 3B Rafael Devers (hamstring) is expected to be activated off the 10-day DL on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Red Sox 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 10:18 AM

Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th September 2018 by Gracenote
Andrew Heaney has his sights set on recording a second straight road win when the Los Angeles Angels visit the Texas Rangers on Tuesday for the middle contest of their four-game series. Heaney was victorious at Houston in his last start for his initial road triumph this season and first since Sept. 2, 2015.

Heaney is 1-5 with a 4.94 ERA in 13 road starts after a strong outing on Thursday in which he outdueled Houston ace Justin Verlander. Rookie Taylor Ward snapped a scoreless tie on Monday with a two-run homer in the seventh inning as the Angels recorded a 3-1 victory. The Rangers recorded only six hits in the series-opening setback after scoring 32 runs while taking two of three from Minnesota. Joey Gallo registered a run-scoring double for the Rangers - his lone hit in 15 at-bats over his last five games.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (8-8, 4.09 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Mike Minor (10-7, 4.33 ERA)

Heaney gave up five hits over six scoreless innings against the Astros as he ended his three-start winless stretch. The 27-year-old gave up five or more runs in three of his previous four turns, including a no-decision against Texas on Aug. 18 in which he was pounded for six runs and 10 hits over 5 1/3 frames. Heaney is 1-2 with a 7.88 ERA in five career starts versus the Rangers and 0-2 with a 10.38 ERA in three outings at Globe Life Park.

Minor won four consecutive starts before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last turn. The 30-year-old gave up just two runs and two hits against the Dodgers as he served up solo homers to Cody Bellinger and Manny Machado after allowing a total of two blasts during his winning streak. Minor has posted a 5.68 ERA in three career appearances (one start) against the Angels, with the start - in which he yielded three runs over five innings - occurring on June 15, 2014 while with Atlanta.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels LF Justin Upton (concussion) has missed back-to-back games and is questionable for Tuesday.

2. Texas SS Elvis Andrus went 3-for-4 on Monday for his third multi-hit performance in six contests.

3. Los Angeles CF Mike Trout reached base three times (one single, two walks) in the series opener and is 3-for-18 without a homer over his last six games.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, Rangers 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-04-2018, 10:18 AM

Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/03/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers won in walk-off fashion to claim the opener of their three-game series against the visiting Chicago Cubs, and they'll try to tighten the race in the National League Central a little more when the division rivals square off on Tuesday. The Brewers pulled within four games of the Central-leading Cubs with Monday's 4-3 victory, and with five more meetings with Chicago over the next nine days, they have an opportunity to further narrow the gap.

The Cubs lead the season series 9-5, but the NL wild card-leading Brewers have won four of the last five matchups after Christian Yelich beat out a potential double play at first base to allow the winning run to score in the ninth inning on Monday. "They're very good, and they beat us at the end," Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters. "This is what we expect moving forward. When we have the opportunity to win games late with the lead, we have to do that." The Brewers have a chance to keep their hot streak against the Cubs going with Wade Miley on the mound, as he has been their most reliable starter of late. Chicago's Mike Montgomery will try to change his luck against Milwaukee, as he is 1-6 with a 5.24 ERA in 14 career games (five starts) versus the club.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (4-4, 3.82 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Wade Miley (2-2, 2.18)

Montgomery will make his second start since coming off the disabled list, and he hopes to be sharper than he was in his return to the rotation. The 29-year-old was tagged for four runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings of a no-decision at Atlanta. Montgomery has suffered two losses to the Brewers this season - one in relief and one in a start on June 13, when he allowed just one run and two hits over six frames.

Miley has allowed more than two earned runs in only one of his 11 starts - a no-decision against Colorado on Aug. 5 in which he gave up three over five innings. The 31-year-old is coming off a strong outing at Cincinnati, where he gave up one run and five hits in 7 1/3 frames but did not factor in the decision. Miley is 4-2 with a 4.47 ERA in seven career starts against the Cubs, and he was shelled for seven runs over 4 2/3 innings in the most recent meeting last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs INF Javier Baez has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games, batting .381 with five home runs over that span.

2. Yelich has reached base in 20 consecutive games - the longest active streak in the NL - and is batting .311 with nine homers and 23 RBIs during that stretch.

3. The Brewers are tied with St. Louis for the major-league lead with 10 walk-off wins, while the Cubs' 10 walk-off losses put them behind only Minnesota (12).

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Cubs 3

Tuesday 9-4-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Tuesday 9-4-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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