Wednesday 9-5-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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

Race 4 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 53

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE IN 2017-2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 WESTERDAY 2/1

# 4 CAN'T CATCH THIS 7/5

# 2 BEAR DANCE 7/2

WESTERDAY looks to be a solid contender. Looks respectable to be on the lead at the first call. This mare is coming back in next to no time to race. CAN'T CATCH THIS - Tough to pass on this mare with Davila in the saddle. Must be given a chance given the class of races run lately. BEAR DANCE - The average Equibase class rating alone makes this one a definite contender. With Suarez in the saddle guiding her, this mare will probably be able to break out sharply for this race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / 50 Cent Trifecta / Superfecta 10 Cent Superfecta / 50 Cent Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3) 50 Cent Pick 5 (Races 1-2-3-4-5)


Maiden Special • 5 Furlongs • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 60 • Purse: $33,000 • Post: 2:05P
FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 118 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. CAKE INA CAN is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * CAKE INA CAN: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Ho rse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. JUMP RIGHT IN: 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.
7
CAKE INA CAN
9/5

8/5
4
JUMP RIGHT IN
6/1

6/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
CAKE INA CAN
7

9/5
Front-runner
63

47

57.7

45.2

43.2
4
JUMP RIGHT IN
4

6/1
Front-runner
0

0

53.1

34.1

28.1
5
BLUEGRASS JUSTICE
5

9/2
Stalker
0

0

41.7

25.6

17.1
6
PRETTY ASSETS
6

10/1
Alternator/Trailer
63

48

33.6

30.8

25.3
3
IMAGINE MERCY
3

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

41.8

22.6

15.1








Unknown Running Style: WANNA HAVE FUN (7/2) [Jockey: De La Cruz Fernando - Trainer: Granitz Anthony J], CAN'T BE (4/1) [Jockey: Franklin Malcolm - Trainer: Mullins Scott D].

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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Louisiana Downs
Louisiana Downs - Race 2

Daily Double / Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta / .50 Pick 3 (Races 2-3-4)


Maiden Claiming $7,500 • 1 Mile • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 53 • Purse: $7,500 • Post: 3:43P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500. (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY MANAGEMENT TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT 1 MILE AND 70 YARDS).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Class. SIMBA'S PRIDE is the Dominant Class of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SIMBA'S PRIDE: 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.
1
SIMBA'S PRIDE
9/5

1/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
10
CHARLIE DE HUSTLE
10

8/1
Front-runner
52

51

100.5

42.7

33.2
3
ROYAL CAJUN
3

5/2
Front-runner
48

37

73.0

42.7

32.2
8
LETITHAPPENQUICK
8

5/1
Front-runner
55

52

62.0

48.0

43.0
2
SARVELIO
2

12/1
Front-runner
0

0

33.2

33.2

21.2
5
PUDDIN'S THE MAN
5

15/1
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

43.7

41.3

30.3
1
SIMBA'S PRIDE
1

9/5
Trailer
80

65

67.3

64.5

62.5
9
BRUSH WHACKER
9

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

71.1

37.0

24.5
4
A LITTLE RISKY
4

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

36.0

36.0

25.0
7
BUCKSABIGBOY
7

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
54

48

28.3

38.9

22.4
6
SANCTITY
6

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

12.0

12.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #2 - Post: 7:22pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $8,900 Class Rating: 72

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 MARIE JOELLE (ML=3/1)
#7 NATIVE WAHOO (ML=7/2)
#2 BULLHEADED LADY (ML=6/1)


MARIE JOELLE - In this race here, this campaigner has clearly shown signs that she likes the turf. Her speed figs are the highest in the field for this dist-surf. This thoroughbred could be tough today, especially since Barbaran rode last time around the track and now should be more familiar with this one. A wise man taught me to wager on the lone speed horse. Take a look at this horse. This filly is in nice form. Finished first on August 19th. NATIVE WAHOO - Shipped in on August 14th to finish first here. Take right back again. This rider and handler have a favorable return on investment when they team up. Rode this racer on Aug 14th and Quinones is back again in the irons this time around. BULLHEADED LADY - Earned a nice turf number on July 30th at Mountaineer Park. A repeat today, and this one has a great shot to win.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 TWO CUTIES (ML=4/1), #10 WRECKHOUSE (ML=9/2), #1 KEEN SMEE (ML=6/1),

TWO CUTIES - A bit of a less than stellar outing when this mare finished sixth. WRECKHOUSE - This entrant hasn't shown very much in the last pair of contests. KEEN SMEE - This animal hasn't been around in either of her last two outings. No pace in this bunch to help set-up her late rally.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#9 MARIE JOELLE to win at post-time odds of 7/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,7,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[2,7,9] with [2,7,9] with [1,2,4,7,9] with [1,2,4,7,9] Total Cost: $36

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #7 - Post: 8:43pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 53

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 NEXT STOP (ML=5/1)


NEXT STOP - It looks like Inirio had to learn about this gelding on August 10th when riding him for the first time. Back on again today. The jockey and trainer combination have a favorable return on investment when they work together. Taking a trip down the ladder based on class rating points; has the class ability to make his presence felt.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 INLET (ML=5/2), #1 LEGENDARY HUMOR (ML=3/1), #3 ALEX'S FAST LANE (ML=7/2),

INLET - Garnered a run-of-the-mill speed figure last race out in a $15,000 Maiden Claiming race on Aug 10th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that fig. LEGENDARY HUMOR - Multiple races for this entrant at Penn National and still hasn't received his first victory here. ALEX'S FAST LANE - This gelding probably needs a more hospitable pace situation to make his late rush. This gelding hasn't been showing me anything in the last two efforts.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#2 NEXT STOP is the play if we get odds of 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 7 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10300 Class Rating: 67

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE SEPTEMBER 5, 2017. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE AUGUST 5, 2018 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE JULY 5, 2018 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 I FLY FIRST CLASS 7/2

# 3 BELLA YOLANDA 3/1

# 4 DROP THE GAMBLER 12/1

My pick for this race is I FLY FIRST CLASS. Has strong early lick and will most likely fare solidly versus this group. The Equibase speed fig of 61 from her most recent affair looks formidable in here. Seems to have a very strong class edge based on the most recent company kept. BELLA YOLANDA - Could provide positive profits based on very good recent Equibase Speed Figures with an average of 61. She has strong class ratings, averaging 76, and has to be given a chance in this event. DROP THE GAMBLER - With a very good 67 speed rating last time out, will definitely be a factor in this contest. In fine fettle, and coming back soon again this time out.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 09-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th September 2018 by Gracenote
There are plenty of pitching stars in the National League East, and Mike Foltynewicz of the Atlanta Braves is establishing himself as another arm on the rise as he starts Wednesday at home against the Boston Red Sox. Foltynewicz made his first All-Star team this season and ranks in the top 10 in the NL in ERA and strikeouts after posting a 2.09 ERA and 0.983 WHIP in six August outings for division-leading Atlanta.

The Braves have dropped the first two games against the Red Sox, falling Tuesday 5-1 on a night when Atlanta pitchers walked nine, and have stranded 21 runners on base so far in the series. Boston first baseman Steve Pearce led the way with three hits and three RBIs, and since being acquired from Toronto is hitting .296 with six homers and 19 RBIs in 36 games. The Red Sox have won six of their past eight overall and continue to smash NL teams, improving to 13-3 in interleague play this season. Boston also received good news off the field, announcing David Price (bruised left wrist) will start Friday's series opener at home against Houston and Chris Sale (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and is targeted to return to the rotation next week.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Hector Velazquez (7-2, 3.24 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (10-9, 2.80)

Velazquez makes his seventh start of the season and 40th appearance overall, three days after allowing one run on two hits in one inning of relief against the Chicago White Sox. The 29-year-old lost his last two starts and was hit hard, giving up nine runs (four earned) with five walks and 11 hits allowed in 6 2/3 innings against Tampa Bay on Aug. 19 and Aug. 24. Velazquez, who is 2-2 with a 3.91 ERA as a starter, surrendered one run on five hits in 2 2/3 innings of relief May 26-27 against the Braves.

Foltynewicz entered Tuesday fourth in the NL in ERA, fifth in strikeouts per nine innings (10.371), sixth in strikeouts (174) and seventh in WHIP (1.139). The 26-year-old struggled a bit in his last start, allowing five runs (four earned) in six innings to lose to the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, but allowed only three earned runs in his previous 26 2/3 innings. Foltynewicz beat the Red Sox in Boston on May 27, allowing one run on three hits with seven strikeouts in seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. At 96-44 the Red Sox need to go 10-12 the rest of the way to surpass the franchise record of 105 victories, set in 1912.

2. Atlanta SS Dansby Swanson left Tuesday's game after being hit in the head with a pitch.

3. Red Sox 3B Rafael Devers (left hamstring injury) was activated from the disabled list Tuesday and drew a walk and scored as a pinch-hitter.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Braves 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 09-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th September 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/04/2018

The Cleveland Indians have plenty of room for error this month, but showed a little extra urgency Tuesday night after losing their first three games of September by scoring six runs in the first two innings en route to a 9-3 win. The American League Central-leading Indians look to follow up that effort with a series victory Wednesday afternoon when they host the last-place Kansas City Royals in the rubber match of a three-game set.

Reds vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

Yandy Diaz finished a double shy of the cycle while All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor also went deep for the 31st time this year for Cleveland, which boasts a magic number of 10 to clinch the AL Central and is 43-28 at home. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber attempts to match his career-high with an 18th victory when he takes the mound for the Indians on Wednesday against rookie right-hander Brad Keller, who is coming off his best month as a starter. The Royals saw their season-best six-game winning streak end Tuesday, but can still win their second straight series against Cleveland. Hunter Dozier has led the offense of late for Kansas City, recording multiple hits six times during a seven-game hitting streak after registering two doubles and an RBI in Tuesday's setback.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Kansas City, STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Brad Keller (7-5, 3.26 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (17-7, 2.80)

Keller is unbeaten in his last four trips to the mound, allowing a total of six runs over 25 innings with 18 strikeouts and five walks. The 23-year-old Georgia native yielded two runs on four hits across eight innings in a 9-2 victory over Baltimore last Friday, throwing a career-high 114 pitches. Yonder Alonso has homered in three at-bats against Keller, who is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in three appearances (one start) against Cleveland this season.



Kluber earned his fourth victory in August and fifth in six decisions overall last Friday with seven scoreless innings during a 3-0 win against Tampa Bay. The 32-year-old Alabama native finished August with a 2.81 ERA in six starts - his best since May - striking out 41 over 41 2/3 innings. Jorge Bonifacio is 4-for-5 with an RBI versus Kluber, who is 11-7 with a 3.09 ERA in 23 career starts against Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland 3B Jose Ramirez needs one stolen base to become the third player in franchise history with 30 homers and 30 steals in a season, joining Joe Carter and Grady Sizemore.

2. Kansas City SS Alcides Escobar is 25-for-71 since Aug. 2 after posting two hits Tuesday, raising his batting average from .195 to .221.

3. The Indians recalled INF Adam Rosales and OF Brandon Barnes from Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Royals 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th September 2018 by Gracenote
The St. Louis Cardinals turned up the power Tuesday to halt their three-game slide and hope to begin a winning streak when they visit the Washington Nationals one day later for the rubber match of their three-game set. Marcell Ozuna belted two of St. Louis' five homers as the club outlasted Washington 11-8 to even the series.

Yadier Molina provided some much-needed insurance with a grand slam in the ninth inning as the Cardinals remained 1 1/2 games behind National League Central rival Milwaukee for the first wild-card spot. Ozuna is two blasts away from reaching the 20-homer plateau for the third consecutive season and the fourth in his six-year career. Washington's slim postseason hopes took a hit with Tuesday's loss, as it remained 7 1/2 games behind first-place Atlanta in the NL East and fell eight in back of St. Louis for the second wild card. Wilmer Difo went 2-for-4 with a solo homer in the setback as the Nationals dropped to 2-3 on their 10-game homestand.

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 Tanner Roark (8-14, 4.03)

Mikolas' unbeaten streak ended at 10 starts last Wednesday, when he lost to Pittsburgh despite giving up just two runs over five innings. The 30-year-old Floridian recorded five victories during his string of success, allowing fewer than three runs on seven occasions. Mikolas lost at Washington in a relief outing on May 14, 2012 while with San Diego and didn't face the club again until Aug. 13, when he yielded four runs and four hits - two homers - over seven innings in a no-decision.

After winning five straight decisions, Roark has lost back-to-back starts - including a setback against Milwaukee on Friday in which he surrendered four runs and six hits - three homers - over six innings. The 31-year-old native of Illinois has worked at least six frames in seven of his last eight turns, with the only exception coming on Aug. 21 versus Philadelphia due to a rain delay. Roark evened his record at 2-2 in six career appearances (four starts) against the Cardinals on Aug. 16, when he notched the win despite yielding four runs on five hits and three walks across six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals OF Bryce Harper has reached base safely in eight of his 11 plate appearances over the first two games of the series, going 2-for-4 with six walks and five RBIs.

2. Washington activated RHPs Erick Fedde (shoulder) and Joe Ross (elbow) from the 60-day disabled list, recalled OF Victor Robles, INF Adrian Sanchez and RHP Austin Voth from Triple-A Syracuse and purchased the contract of RHP Kyle McGowin from the Chiefs.

3. St. Louis 2B Kolten Wong (hamstring) is expected to be activated from the DL on Wednesday but may not play until Friday in Detroit.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Nationals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 09-05-2018 in MLB

The Pittsburgh Pirates have faded in the second half, but they're trying to give a core group of young players something to build on in the final month of the season. The Pirates will try to finish off a three-game sweep of the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.

Pittsburgh leads the season series 11-4 after a 7-3 victory on Tuesday in which Starling Marte homered and Gregory Polanco had three hits and two RBIs. The Pirates have won back-to-back games for the first time since Aug. 18-19 and clinched their first series win since Aug. 6-8 at Colorado. Cincinnati won the final two games of its weekend series in St. Louis, but the offense has gone quiet in the first two games against Pittsburgh. Scooter Gennett's solo homer accounted for the only run in Monday's 5-1 loss, and he hit two solo shots Tuesday.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (1-13, 6.13 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (11-9, 3.45)

Bailey's only win - and the Reds' only victory in his 19 starts - came May 12 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 32-year-old has posted quality starts in three of his last eight outings, but he was roughed up for seven runs (only three earned) over five innings of a loss at St. Louis on Friday. Bailey is 10-7 with a 3.68 ERA in 23 starts against the Pirates, and he has allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 9 2/3 innings across two meetings this season.

Taillon has set a career-high for wins and has victories in his last two starts along with quality starts in seven consecutive outings. The 26-year-old held Atlanta to two runs over seven innings in a win Friday, finishing August with a 3-1 mark and a 2.38 ERA. Taillon is 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 10 starts against the Reds, including 2-1 with a 3.10 ERA in three meetings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 1B Josh Bell, who is hitless in his last four games, and LF Corey Dickerson, who is 3-for-34 over his past 10 contests, got the day off Tuesday.

2. Gennett is 10-for-27 with four doubles and a homer versus Taillon.

3. Polanco is batting .356 with 10 extra-base hits and 13 RBIs in his past 15 games.

PREDICTION: Pirates 7, Reds 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 09-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Tampa Bay Rays' pitching staff has stymied the Toronto Blue Jays all season, a trend they hope to continue when the American League East foes finish a three-game series north of the border Wednesday. Seven Rays combined on a three-hitter in a 4-0 win over the Blue Jays on Tuesday night, giving Tampa Bay a 9-2 record against Toronto this year.

The Rays have a stellar 1.47 ERA in the season series and their two victories to begin this set gives them 13 wins in the last 15 games overall. Tommy Pham had two hits and an RBI in Tuesday's win and is batting .419 with nine RBIs during a 10-game hitting streak. He will be getting his first look at Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez, who starts the series finale opposite Tyler Glasnow. Toronto has seven hits in 56 at-bats in the series and has been shut out twice during a 2-7 slide.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Tyler Glasnow (1-4, 3.95 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (3-5, 5.22)

Glasnow continued his solid run since joining the Rays near the trade deadline with seven innings of one-run ball at Cleveland on Friday, but he took the loss and remains winless with Tampa Bay. Opponents have just 16 hits in the last 34 2/3 innings against the 25-year-old dating back to his final two appearances with Pittsburgh. He limited the Blue Jays to one run and two hits while striking out six over five innings Aug. 12.

Sanchez gave up 11 runs and 18 hits with just four strikeouts across 8 1/3 frames through his first two starts since coming off the disabled list in August. He was roughed up for four runs over 3 2/3 innings at Tampa Bay earlier in the year but still has a 1.58 ERA in 14 career outings (six starts) against the Rays. Kevin Kiermaier is 3-for-11 with a double and Mallex Smith is 2-for-2 against Sanchez.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay DH/1B Ji-Man Choi is 6-for-15 with one home run and three doubles during a four-game hitting streak.

2. The Rays recalled RHP Jake Faria from Triple-A Durham and reinstated C Adam Moore from the restricted list.

3. Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales is homerless in six contests since going deep in a club-record seven straight games.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Blue Jays 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 09-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th September 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/05/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies responded to an offensive drought with six runs in the first two innings for a much-needed victory last time out and look to build off that effort when they visit the Miami Marlins on Wednesday for the rubber match of their three-game series. Carlos Santana launched his 21st homer in the opening frame to extend his hitting streak to seven games as Philadelphia posted a 9-4 victory on Tuesday.

Mets vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

The Phillies managed just one run in each of their previous three contests - all losses - but the victory pulled them within three games of first-place Atlanta in the National League East, with their next 13 encounters coming against teams under .500. Nick Pivetta, who has limited Miami to two runs with 16 strikeouts over 11 2/3 innings this season, gets the ball for Philadelphia in the series finale and the Marlins counter with prime prospect Sandy Alcantara. Miami, which sits last in the NL East, has dropped six of its last eight games after outhitting the Phillies 11-9 on Tuesday. J.T Realmuto is 12-for-30 with four homers and nine RBIs during his eight-game hitting streak after going deep twice on Tuesday to reach the 20-homer mark for the first time in his career.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (7-10, 4.66 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Sandy Alcantara (1-0, 1.80)

Pivetta is winless in his last four trips to the mound but limited two of his opponents to one run without being involved in the decision in either contest. The 25-year-old Canadian recorded his last win at Arizona on Aug. 7 as he worked six scoreless innings five days after allowing two runs over six frames in a no-decision against Miami. Realmuto is 4-for-9 with two doubles versus Pivetta, who is 2-1 with a 5.83 ERA in six career starts against the Marlins.



Alcantara returns to the majors for his second start of the season after permitting one run on three hits and five walks over five innings in a win over the New York Mets on June 29. The 22-year-old Dominican, who was acquired from St. Louis in the trade involving Marcell Ozuna last winter, registered 10 strikeouts in eight relief appearances for the Cardinals last year. Alcantara went 6-3 with a 3.89 ERA in 19 starts at Triple-A New Orleans this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami 2B Starlin Castro has recorded multiple hits in four of his last six games, going 10-for-24 with five RBIs during that stretch.

2. Philadelphia INF Asdrubal Cabrera has belted three homers in his last five games and is 13-for-38 over his past 10 contests.

3. The Marlins placed veteran 3B Martin Prado (abdomen) on the 60-day disabled list on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Marlins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 09-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Dodgers broke out of their offensive slumber and look for another strong performance with the bats when they conclude their three-game series against the visiting New York Mets on Wednesday. Los Angeles scored three runs or fewer in six consecutive games before exploding for 13 hits in Tuesday's 11-4 trouncing of the Mets.

The Dodgers have won nine of their last 11 contests and sit one-half game behind first-place Colorado in the National League West with a crucial three-game set slated for this weekend in Denver. Los Angeles, which trails St. Louis by one game for the second wild-card spot, recorded six extra-base hits (two homers, four doubles) in Tuesday's victory - with newcomer David Freese contributing a homer and a double while Austin Barnes also went deep. Yasiel Puig will miss the final contest as he serves his two-game suspension - he lost his appeal on Tuesday - for his role in an altercation with San Francisco on Aug. 14. Jay Bruce and Michael Conforto each hit a two-run homer for the Mets, who fell for just the second time in six games.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SNY (New York), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (9-7, 3.37 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Hyun-Jin Ryu (4-1, 2.24)

Wheeler pitched well against the Giants in his last turn but suffered the loss despite allowing one run and four hits with nine strikeouts over seven innings. The 28-year-old won his previous seven decisions and was unbeaten in 11 turns dating back to a loss to the Dodgers on June 22. Wheeler gave up four runs and five hits over seven frames in that setback and is 0-2 with an 11.00 ERA in two career outings against Los Angeles.

Ryu settled for a no-decision against Arizona in his last turn after giving up two runs and four hits over seven innings. The 31-year-old has registered 23 strikeouts and issued two walks over 22 2/3 frames in four starts since returning from a groin injury. Ryu is 3-0 with a 1.69 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in five career outings against the Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets SS Amed Rosario has recorded five hits in the series and is 14-for-32 with three stolen bases during his seven-game hitting streak.

2. Los Angeles 3B Justin Turner was named National League Player of the Month after batting .402 with six homers and 20 RBIs over 25 games in August.

3. New York C Devin Mesoraco (neck/back) sat out Tuesday after getting injured while swinging the bat during the series opener.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Mets 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 09-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Texas Rangers continue their four-game series against the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday with a classic matchup of youth versus experience. The Angels are sending 22-year-old rookie Jaime Barria to start against 45-year-old wonder Bartolo Colon, whose 246 career wins are the most by a native of Latin America in major-league history.

The Rangers evened the series at one win apiece with Tuesday's 4-2 victory behind solo homers by Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre, who has reached base safely in seven straight games. Jose Leclerc recorded his ninth save, but Joey Gallo went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts and has recorded one hit in his last 20 at-bats after hitting .294 in August. David Fletcher notched three hits and Shohei Ohtani belted his 16th homer for the Angels, who fell to 3-3 on their 10-game road trip. Andrelton Simmons celebrated his 29th birthday by going 1-for-4 with an RBI and is 9-for-29 with six RBIs over his last six contests.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jaime Barria (9-8, 3.46 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (7-11, 5.45)

Barria closed the month of August on a high note with six scoreless innings in a 3-0 win over Houston on Friday. The Panamanian has worked 35 2/3 innings in his last seven starts, going 4-1 with a 2.78 ERA during that stretch. Barria made his major-league debut on May 3 at Globe Life Park and owns a 2-0 record and 1.13 ERA in three starts versus Texas.

Colon is set to make his first appearance since Aug. 20, when he allowed seven runs over five innings against Oakland before landing on the disabled list due to a lower back strain. The Dominican has gone 12-9 with a 3.88 ERA in 27 career games (26 starts) against the Angels and is 0-1 with a 10.50 mark in two contests (one start) this season. Mike Trout is 11-for-20 with three homers against Colon, who has recorded victories with 11 different teams.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels LF Justin Upton (concussion) has missed the last three games and is questionable for Wednesday.

2. The Rangers recalled OF Willie Calhoun and RHPs Austin Bibens-Dirkx and Adrian Sampson from Triple-A Round Rock, purchased the contract of LHP C.D. Pelham from Double-A Frisco and activated INF Hanser Alberto from the disabled list.

3. The Angels recalled OFs Jabari Blash and Michael Hermosillo and C Joe Hudson from Triple-A Salt Lake.

PREDICTION: Angels 8, Rangers 3