Friday 9-7-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Cleveland Indians vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 09-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th September 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/06/2018

The Cleveland Indians attempt to move a step closer to their third consecutive American League Central crown when they visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday for the second contest of their four-game set. Cleveland reduced its magic number for clinching the division to seven by posting its third straight win on Thursday, a 9-4 triumph in the series opener.

The Indians hope Francisco Lindor continues his hot stretch after going 4-for-5 with a pair of solo homers and a two-run single in the victory. The 24-year-old shortstop, who has matched the career high of 33 blasts he set last season, has gone deep four times in as many contests after posting his eighth career multi-homer performance - and sixth this year. Lindor will look to set the franchise single-season record for leadoff homers after tying the mark of seven achieved in 2008 by Grady Sizemore on Thursday. Toronto, which fell to 1-3 on its seven-game homestand, squandered a 4-2 lead in the opener but saw rookie Rowdy Tellez get his name in the record books as he became the first player in major-league history to record extra-base hits in each of his first three career plate appearances with a pair of doubles after also notching one as a pinch-hitter in his debut versus Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (16-8, 3.52 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (7-11, 5.43)

Carrasco has lost two of his last three starts, including a setback against Tampa Bay on Sunday in which he yielded five runs and nine hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 31-year-old Venezuelan, who needs two wins to match the career high he set last season, served up two homers in the loss to the Rays after allowing the same amount over his previous six turns. Carrasco is 3-1 with a 5.60 ERA in seven career appearances (six starts) against Toronto after escaping with a no-decision at home on May 3, when he was tagged for six runs on nine hits and three walks in 5 1/3 frames.

Estrada has been dealing with a back injury which has affected his performance, as he has surrendered 11 runs on 15 hits and seven walks over 6 1/3 innings in his last two starts - both losses. The 35-year-old Mexican won both of his previous two outings, allowing seven runs and 13 hits over 12 frames. Estrada seeks his first win against Cleveland as he is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in three career starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians OF Michael Brantley was kept out of the lineup in the series opener after fouling a ball off his left foot Wednesday against Kansas City.

2. Toronto recalled RHP Justin Shafer, who allowed an unearned run in one inning of relief, and C Reese McGuire, who went 1-for-4 in his major-league debut, from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.

3. Cleveland 2B Jason Kipnis has registered six RBIs over his last three games after belting a three-run homer on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Blue Jays 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 09-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th September 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/06/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays begin a nine-game homestand that will likely determine whether they are a real contender for an American League wild-card spot Friday night with the first of three against the major league-worst Baltimore Orioles. The Rays lost for just the third time in 16 contests Wednesday with a 10-3 setback at Toronto and sit eight games out in the race for the second wild-card behind Oakland, whom they host Sept. 14-16.

"It's not going to be easy," Tampa Bay center fielder Kevin Kiermaier told reporters after belting two homers Wednesday and improving to 7-for-13 in his last four games. "We have to do a lot of things right and hope a couple other teams falter down the stretch. It's one of those things we know we're not going to win every game from here on out. It's just not how this game works." The Rays, who are 41-24 in Tampa Bay this year and play 16 of the final 23 games at Tropicana Field, start the crucial stretch with Cy Young hopeful Blake Snell and his 8-1 home record on the mound Friday. Dylan Bundy tries to begin adding some positives to a mostly disappointing season when he gets the start in the opener for Baltimore, which has dropped five of six and is one away from reaching 100 losses for the first time since 1988. Outfielder Joey Rickard, who was drafted by the Rays in 2012, is riding a six-game hitting streak overall and has punished Tampa Bay this season to the tune of 12-for-26 with three homers and 15 RBIs in eight contests.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (7-13, 5.36 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (17-5, 2.02)

Bundy went winless in five starts last month with a 9.24 ERA, but he did begin September with an improved performance against Kansas City on Saturday. The 25-year-old former fourth-overall pick limited the Royals to three runs on eight hits and a walk with eight strikeouts without being involved in the decision. C.J. Cron is 4-for-13 with three homers versus Bundy, who is 2-1 with a 4.82 ERA in three starts against Tampa Bay this year.

Snell has given up one earned run or fewer in six straight starts since the beginning of August after permitting one across 6 2/3 innings in a victory over Cleveland on Saturday. The 25-year-old Seattle native is 5-0 with a 1.10 ERA in six outings since spending a short period of time on the disabled list with shoulder fatigue. Adam Jones is 3-for-7 with a homer against Snell, who is 1-2 with a 4.98 ERA in four career games versus Baltimore.

WALK-OFFS

1. Jones is 13-for-33 in his last eight games overall and has batted .386 with three homers and 10 RBIs - both of which are his most against any team - against the Rays this season.

2. Tampa Bay OF Tommy Pham (groin), who is riding a 10-game hitting streak, missed Wednesday's contest but could return as early as Friday.

3. The teams have split 16 games this season, but the Rays won four of the six meetings in Tampa Bay.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Orioles 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 09-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th September 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/06/2018

The St. Louis Cardinals flexed their muscles by erupting for eight homers and 18 runs total as they strengthened their hold on the second wild card in the National League with back-to-back victories. The Cardinals (78-62) aim to continue their power display on Friday as they begin their final interleague series of the season with the opener of a three-game set versus the Detroit Tigers (57-83) at Comerica Park.

Matt Adams homered twice against his former team and Marcell Ozuna matched a career high with four hits in Wednesday's 7-6 triumph over Washington. Ozuna belted a pair of solo shots in St. Louis' 11-8 win on Tuesday after going 0-for-8 with three strikeouts in his previous two games since coming off the disabled list due to inflammation in his right shoulder. Like the Cardinals, the Tigers also showed some power by recording 18 runs in back-to-back victories versus the Chicago White Sox -- highlighted by four homers in a 10-2 romp on Wednesday. Mikie Mahtook is batting .341 since Aug. 23 after going deep in both of those contests for Detroit, which has won three of its last four after losing seven of its previous eight.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Austin Gomber (5-0, 2.77 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Daniel Norris (0-3, 5.49)

The Cardinals are a perfect 7-0 this season in games pitched by Gomber, who improved to 4-0 with a 2.52 ERA in a starting role after allowing two runs for the third straight outing. The 24-year-old rookie overcame 10 hits but did not walk a batter over a season-high seven innings in last Friday's 12-5 triumph versus Cincinnati. "This guy is not going to give in. He's going to bear down and make tough pitches and he did that," manager Mike Shildt said of Gomber, who helped his cause with a two-run double in the second.

Norris permitted two runs on one hit -- a homer -- in 4 1/3 innings of Saturday's 2-1 setback at the New York Yankees in his first start since returning from a four-month absence following groin surgery. The 25-year-old exited the contest with a cramps in his left calf, but he reported no issue afterward and is expected to be set to pitch versus St. Louis. "My breaking balls were good and my fastball is still true and has a little life on it," Norris told the Detroit News. "I'm still getting some swings and misses, even at 91 and 92 mph. ... I feel like I can absolutely compete at this level right now."

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis 1B Matt Carpenter has hit safely in four of his last six games, collecting a homer, five RBIs and four runs scored in that stretch.

2. Detroit RF Nicholas Castellanos is 10-for-30 with a homer, three RBIs and six runs scored in his last seven contests.

3. Cardinals C Yadier Molina is expected to play in the series opener after exiting Wednesday's game with left hamstring tightness.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Tigers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 09-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th September 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/06/2018

The free-falling Philadelphia Phillies have failed to win any of their last nine series, going 10-18 in that stretch to fall into second place in the National League East. After dropping two of three to the division's cellar dwellers, the Phillies (73-66) turn to ace Aaron Nola to help them take out their frustrations on the fourth-place New York Mets (63-76) in Friday's opener of a three-game set at Citi Field.

"We set out to win every baseball game. And our pleasure or our disappointment hinges on how we perform, and not really what Atlanta's doing," Philadelphia manager Gabe Kapler said following Wednesday's 2-1 setback to lowly Miami. Asdrubal Cabrera improved to 6-for-14 with two homers, five RBIs and two runs scored during his four-game hitting streak after plating fellow former Met Jose Bautista for the Phillies' lone run against the Marlins. While Philadelphia remains within earshot of the Braves, New York is playing much better baseball at the moment with 17 wins in the last 28 -- including three of five at Citizens Bank Park on Aug. 16-19. Wilmer Flores had a pair of RBIs singles in Wednesday's 7-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers and is 13-for-43 versus the Phillies this season.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (15-4, 2.23 ERA) vs. Mets LH Steven Matz (5-11, 4.20)

Nola suffered his first loss since July 14 on Sunday after allowing four runs for just the third time this season in an 8-1 setback versus the Chicago Cubs. The 25-year-old struck out 11 in that contest, the same number he fanned over seven innings in a 4-2 win on Aug. 17 as he improved to 3-0 with a 1.44 ERA in four starts against the Mets in 2018. Kapler shuffled the pitching rotation to move up Nola, who is in line to face the first-place Braves on two occasions later this month.

Matz saw his winless stretch extend to five outings on Saturday despite striking out a career-high 11 batters against San Francisco. The 27-year-old, who yielded one run over seven innings for the second straight trip to the mound, has struggled in a pair of outings versus Philadelphia this season -- posting an 0-1 mark after surrendering seven runs on 10 hits in seven frames. Cesar Hernandez is 3-for-7 against Matz, but the hurler has handcuffed Carlos Santana (0-for-8) and Justin Bour (0-for-6).

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia has plated just one run in four of its last five games.

2. Mets CF Brandon Nimmo, who is 5-for-24 with nine strikeouts against the Phillies this season, is 5-for-9 with a homer and three RBIs in his last three contests overall.

3. Santana has two homers, six RBIs and four runs scored during his eight-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Phillies 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 09-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th September 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/06/2018

The Boston Red Sox are barreling toward 100 wins, the American League East title and the best record in the majors, but up next is the team that ended their 2017 season. The Houston Astros, who beat the Red Sox in the American League Divisional Series en route to winning the World Series last year, open a three-game series in Boston on Friday night.

The Astros arrive at Fenway Park having won five in a row and holding a 3 1/2-game lead over second-place Oakland in the AL West. Red-hot Alex Bregman homered for the fourth time in five games and had five RBIs in Wednesday's 9-1 drubbing of Minnesota to extend his on-base streak to 33 consecutive games. The Red Sox completed a seven-game road trip with a three-game sweep in Atlanta, capping the trek by erasing a six-run deficit in Wednesday's 9-8 victory. Brandon Phillips, the hero of Wednesday's win with a game-winning two-run homer in his Boston debut, is 11-for-25 lifetime against Gerrit Cole, who matches up against David Price on Friday night.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Gerrit Cole (13-5, 2.86 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH David Price (14-6, 3.60)

Cole stumbled out of the All-Star break by going 0-3 in his first four starts, but he has bounced back by permitting nine earned runs over his last four outings and posting a 3-0 mark in that span. He won his second straight start Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels, striking out nine and giving up two runs over 5 2/3 innings. Cole beat Boston with seven innings of three-run ball on June 1.

Price returns after missing one start, the result of taking a line drive off the wrist in the fourth inning of a no-decision against Miami on Aug. 29. That ended a superb stretch for the 33-year-old, who was 5-0 while rattling off seven consecutive quality starts. Catcher Brian McCann is 11-for-32 with three homers against Price, who tossed six innings of three-run ball to beat Houston on June 2.

WALK-OFFS

1. Bregman batted .486 with five homers, seven doubles and 17 RBIs over the just-concluded 10-game homestand.

2. Red Sox OF Mookie Betts, tied with teammate J.D. Martinez with a majors-best .335 batting average, is in a 1-for-12 rut.

3. The Astros are expected to activate RHP Charlie Morton (shoulder) off the disabled list to start Saturday's game.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Red Sox 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 09-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th September 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/06/2018

Shohei Ohtani the pitcher is done for the season but Ohtani the slugger is far from finished as the Los Angeles Angels complete a 10-game road trip with three against the Chicago White Sox starting Friday. Ohtani, who learned Wednesday that he will need Tommy John surgery, shrugged off the bad news with a pair of home runs in Los Angeles' 9-3 victory over Texas on Wednesday, giving him 18 with 47 RBIs in 247 at-bats of his magical rookie season.

"He's a professional," Angels' shortstop Andrelton Simmons told reporters about the 24-year-old Ohtani, who went 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA in 10 starts. "People will never understand how seriously he takes his job. He's very professional. He comes in, he works. He does his homework, and he balls. He goes out there and impresses his teammates every day, really. It's nice to see that he's still in good spirits. And he can still hit a ball really, really hard." Ohtani, who has served exclusively as a designated hitter when not pitching, is 11-for-26 with five home runs and nine RBIs in his last five starts as DH. Chicago (56-84) enters on a two-game slide, getting outscored by Detroit 18-5, but has won 14 of its last 22 games as the rebuilding process continues. Los Angeles' Felix Pena brings a 2.14 road ERA to Guaranteed Rate Field and opposes Carlos Rodon, who lost for the first time since June 30 in his last outing.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS Chicago Plus

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Felix Pena (1-4, 4.19 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (6-4, 2.89)

Pena earned a no-decision after allowing two runs (one earned) and five hits while striking out three in a career-high seven innings of Los Angeles' 7-3 loss at Houston on Saturday. The 28-year-old Dominican is 0-4 with a 4.35 ERA over his last 10 outings with Los Angeles scoring 27 runs during that span. Pena lost his only appearance versus the White Sox - 4-2 on July 24 when he yielded two runs, four hits and three walks over six frames.

It took the best team in baseball to halt Rodon's winning streak as he permitted five runs (four earned), six hits (two home runs) and two walks while striking out four over 6 1/3 innings of a 6-1 loss to Boston on Saturday. The 25-year-old Miami native, who has emerged as the ace of the staff, was 5-0 with a 1.84 ERA over nine starts spanning July and August. Mike Trout is 0-for-7 with five strikeouts and three walks versus Rodon, who is 2-2 with a 3.52 ERA in four career starts against the Angels after defeating them and Pena 4-2 on July 24 with a season-high eight strikeouts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Trout (.305, 31 home runs, 63 RBIs) missed Wednesday's game with a tight calf after getting hit by a pitch Tuesday.

2. Chicago C Kevan Smith (.294 in 143 at-bats) is 6-for-11 with four walks over his last four games, raising his average 21 points.

3. The clubs split a four-game series in July, capped by Los Angeles' 12-8 victory July 26 when C Francisco Arcia (.224, three home runs, 15 RBIs in 25 games) drove in four runs in his major league debut.

PREDICTION: White Sox 3, Angels 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 09-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th September 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/06/2018

The Minnesota Twins are struggling to score runs of late and enter the weekend riding a five-game losing streak after finishing up a 2-7 road trip. The Twins will try to turn things around at home when they open a three-game series against the visiting Kansas City Royals on Friday.

Minnesota totaled four runs in three games at Houston this week and let things get out of hand in a 9-1 loss in Wednesday's finale. "It's a fine line," Twins manager Paul Molitor told reporters. "A couple of zeros early. You try to keep it close and compete with your starting pitcher and we just didn't hold them down very well early in these games. And we certainly didn't hit well enough to get back into them." The Royals pushed themselves well ahead of the Baltimore Orioles in the race to avoid the worst record in the American League with a surprising six-game winning streak but finally fell back with a pair of losses at AL Central-leading Cleveland this week. Kansas City will try to coax a third straight quality start out of right-hander Heath Fillmyer on Friday while Minnesota turns to lefty Stephen Gonsalves.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (2-1, 4.01 ERA) vs. Twins LH Stephen Gonsalves (0-2, 9.90)

Fillmyer earned a win over Cleveland while allowing one run in six innings on Aug. 25 and followed it up with seven strong frames against Baltimore on Saturday. The 24-year-old rookie scattered two runs and nine hits against the Orioles but did not factor in the decision in a game Kansas City won 5-4. Fillmyer surrendered three runs on five hits and three walks in three innings at Minnesota on Aug. 3 but was not involved in the decision.

Gonsalves is making his fourth career start and looking for his first win after allowing a total of 14 runs - 11 earned - and 19 hits over nine innings in his first three chances. The 24-year-old issued four walks in each of his last two turns and could not make it out of the fourth inning at Texas last Friday. Gonsalves is facing Kansas City for the first time and is 0-2 with an 11.37 ERA in two home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins LF Eddie Rosario (quad) and 3B Miguel Sano (leg) could both return this weekend.

2. The Royals claimed RHP Ben Lively off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies and added him to the major-league roster.

3. Kansas City RF Jorge Bonifacio is 1-for-10 with eight strikeouts in his last three games.

PREDICTION: Royals 7, Twins 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 09-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th September 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/06/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers head into the weekend leading the wild-card race in the National League, but competition is far from settled. The Brewers will try to maintain their slim advantage when they host the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a three-game series on Friday.

Milwaukee enters the weekend a half-game ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals for the top spot and two games clear of the Los Angeles Dodgers after taking two of three from the Chicago Cubs this week to clinch a fifth straight series win. The Brewers are still chasing the Cubs in the NL Central and trail by four games with another showdown looming next week. "It would have been nice to sweep (those) guys, but it's always tough to sweep a team - and they have a pretty good team over there," Brewers CF Lorenzo Cain told reporters after a 6-4 loss on Friday. "We've been playing them tough all year. It's definitely been good games all season long. I don't expect anything less when we play those guys (next week)." The Giants will hope to take advantage of a Milwaukee team looking ahead and snap a five-game slide when they pit left-hander Derek Holland against Brewers righty Chase Anderson on Friday.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS Wisconsin, Dish455 (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Derek Holland (7-8, 3.56 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (9-7, 3.96)

Holland has not lost since returning to the rotation on July 25 and breezed through six innings while allowing one run and four hits in a no-decision against the New York Mets on Saturday. The Ohio native has surrendered one or no runs in each of his last four outings and hasn't given up a home run in any of the last five. Holland is seeing Milwaukee for the first time this season and is 3-5 with a 3.45 ERA in 16 games - 15 starts - on the road.

Anderson is struggling to work deep into games and last recorded an out in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins on July 4. The 30-year-old allowed one run and four hits in five innings at Washington on Friday and kept the ball in the ballpark - a rarity for a pitcher tied for the NL lead with 28 homers allowed. Anderson did not surrender a home run at San Francisco on July 27 and earned a win while scattering one run and four hits over six frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers LF Christian Yelich reached base safely in each of the last 22 games.

2. Giants 2B Joe Panik has multiple hits in each of his last two games after going a combined 3-for-22 in the previous six contests.

3. Milwaukee LHP Xavier Cedeno has yet to allow a run in three appearances since joining the team, spanning 2 1/3 innings.

PREDICTION: Brewers 8, Giants 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 09-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th September 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/06/2018

The Colorado Rockies have never won the National League West in their 25-plus years of existence, but Trevor Story appears to be on a mission to change that this season. With the day off to appreciate his first career three-homer game, the 25-year-old shortstop sets his sights on trying to help the Rockies pad their 1 1/2-game division lead Friday when they begin a three-game set at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Story enjoyed a brilliant start to the beginning of his club's 10-game homestand earlier this week, finishing 6-for-12 with five homers and eight RBIs during Colorado's three-game sweep of San Francisco, including one home run estimated to have traveled a club-record 505 feet in Wednesday's 5-3 triumph. The one-time All-Star has been red-hot during a six-game hitting streak, going 12-for-24 while recording five multi-hit efforts during his run. Story has yet to hit a home run in 47 at-bats this season versus the Dodgers, who briefly held the division lead at the end of last weekend before dropping two of three to the New York Mets. Los Angeles also lost three of four at Coors Field last month and are expected to be without closer Kenley Jansen this weekend after a team cardiologist recommended he remain home after experiencing an irregular heartbeat - thought be caused by the increased elevation in Colorado - that led to a trip to the hospital during the Dodgers' last trip to Denver.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (6-5, 2.40 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jon Gray (11-7, 4.70)

Kershaw is unbeaten in his last seven outings, but he settled for his fourth no-decision over that stretch Saturday against Arizona after surrendering two solo homers among the four hits he allowed over seven innings. The three-time Cy Young Award winner has logged 11 straight quality starts and been particularly stingy since the All-Star break, going 3-1 with a 1.94 ERA while striking out 49 and walking three. Nolan Arenado (16-for-49, three homers) and Charlie Blackmon (15-for-48, home run) have fared well against Kershaw, who is 9-4 with a 4.65 ERA in 20 starts at Coors Field.

Gray improved to 5-0 during his 12-game undefeated streak with Saturday's victory at San Diego despite permitting two solo shots among the seven hits he yielded in six frames. The Oklahoma native has managed only one strikeout in each of his last two turns spanning 12 2/3 innings, however, after fanning 71 across his previous 64 2/3 frames. Max Muncy (2-for-3) is one of several Dodgers with one home run versus Gray, who was tagged for four runs in 5 2/3 frames during a no-decision against Los Angeles on Aug. 10.

WALK-OFFS

1. With 31 homers in 2018, Story is one of only two shortstops in team history with at least 30 in a season.

2. Jansen is expected to rejoin the team Monday for the opener of a three-game series at Cincinnati.

3. Los Angeles RHP Ross Stripling (back) is expected to rejoin the team from the disabled list Saturday.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Rockies 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 09-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/07/2018

The Atlanta Braves started their seven-game road trip with a 10-inning triumph and look to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks again on Friday in the second contest of their four-game series. Atlanta squandered a two-run, ninth-inning lead before notching a 7-6 victory to win for just the third time in nine contests.

Nick Markakis went 4-for-5 with two RBIs, Kurt Suzuki hit a two-run homer and Johan Camargo belted a solo shot to help the Braves increase their lead over Philadelphia in the National League East to 3 1/2 games. Young star Ronald Acuna Jr. was hitless in five at-bats in the series opener and is just 1-for-16 - with the hit being a homer - with seven strikeouts over his last four games. The Diamondbacks have dropped five of their last six contests and are 2 1/2 games behind first-place Colorado in the NL West and trail St. Louis by three for the NL's second wild-card spot. Slugger Paul Goldschmidt went 3-for-5 with a game-tying solo homer in the ninth inning on Thursday and is 12-for-28 with two blasts, three doubles and five RBIs over his last seven games.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Kevin Gausman (9-9, 3.78 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (10-5, 3.06)

Gausman has been splendid since being acquired from Baltimore, going 4-1 with a 1.66 ERA in six starts. The 27-year-old did not factor in the decision in his last start after giving up three runs - one earned - and five hits over six innings against Pittsburgh. Gausman has served up just two homers since joining the Braves after giving up 21 in 21 outings with the Orioles.

Corbin is 0-1 over his last three starts despite allowing just four runs and 12 hits while recording 24 strikeouts in 18 innings during the stretch. The 29-year-old is 6-3 with a 3.25 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 14 home starts. Corbin is 4-1 with a 1.69 ERA in eight career appearances (six starts) against the Braves, with the loss coming on July 15 as he yielded four runs and six hits over six frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks SS Nick Ahmed has notched four RBIs over his last two games - three on Thursday - after driving in just two runs over his previous 26 contests.

2. Suzuki is 19-for-53 with three homers and nine RBIs over his last 17 contests.

3. Arizona OF Jarrod Dyson (groin) will undergo season-ending surgery, while the club acquired INF-OF Patrick Kivlehan from the New York Mets for cash considerations.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Diamondbacks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 09-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/06/2018

The Oakland Athletics continue to march toward their first playoff appearance in four years when they complete a 10-game homestand by hosting the Texas Rangers in a three-game set beginning Friday. Oakland (84-57) took two of three from the New York Yankees, including Wednesday's 8-2 rout, and sits 3 1/2 games behind Houston in the American League West, 5 1/2 ahead of Seattle for the second and final wild-card spot and 3 1/2 back of New York for home field in the wild-card game.

"We take every game right now as a playoff game,'' Athletics right-hander Mike Fiers told reporters Wednesday after Oakland completed a stretch in which they played 20 straight days. "We're a couple games back from a couple teams. Every game matters. Every pitch matters. But we're not locking up in these situations. The boys are playing ball, making it tough on those other teams." Oakland has an opportunity to better its standing with 12 of its next 15 games versus sub-.500 competition with nine of those contests at home while improving on its 10-6 season series lead over Texas. The Rangers (61-79) are coming off a 9-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday to complete a 3-5 homestand. The Athletics will recall Chris Bassitt from Triple-A Nashville to make a spot start and he will oppose Yovani Gallardo, who snapped a three-start winless streak (0-2) in his last outing.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest, NBCS California

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (8-3, 5.97 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Chris Bassitt (2-3, 3.19)

Gallardo allowed three runs, six hits and a walk while striking out one in five innings of a 7-4 victory over Minnesota on Saturday. The 32-year-old Mexican is 5-2 with a 4.07 ERA over his last eight starts, going 1-1, 2.61 in two road outings during that span and improving to 3-2, 7.24 in seven games (five starts) away from home this season. Khris Davis is 3-for-10 with three solo home runs versus Gallardo, who is 2-5 with a 4.47 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) versus the Athletics - 1-2, 3.58 in five turns at Oakland Coliseum.

Bassitt received a no-decision after yielding one run, four hits and three walks while striking out three over 4 2/3 innings of his last major-league appearance -Oakland's 6-2 victory at Minnesota on Aug. 26. The 29-year-old Ohio native was 5-5 with a 4.30 ERA in 18 games (14 starts) with Nashville this season. Bassitt is 0-1 with an 11.25 ERA in two games (one start) versus Texas - both in 2015.

WALK-OFFS

1. Davis (.248, 106 RBIs), who leads the majors with 40 home runs, has gone deep only once in his last 13 games.

2. Texas 3B Adrian Beltre (.275, 10 home runs, 51 RBIs) has homered in three of his last five games and owns 472 for his career, one behind Carlos Delgado for 32nd all-time. Beltre also has 3,149 career hits and is six shy of passing George Brett for 15th.

3. Oakland RF Stephen Piscotty (.265, 22 home runs, 71 RBIs) is 11-for-29 during an eight-game hitting streak after delivering a two-run single Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Athletics 3, Rangers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Yankees vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 09-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th September 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Mariners Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/06/2018

The New York Yankees own the second-best record in baseball and are leading the American League wild-card race, but they still believe they are capable of playing better. The Seattle Mariners, who host the Yankees in the opener of a three-game series beginning on Friday, need a spark to get back into the wild-card race and could stand for New York to take a few more days getting its act together.

The Yankees (87-53) sit 9 1/2 games behind Boston in the AL East and are 3 1/2 games up on Oakland for the first AL wild-card but are losers of five of their last eight and began their west coast trip with a series loss in Oakland this week. "I want to get rolling, no question about it," New York manager Aaron Boone told reporters. "I think we're doing some things well, but we're not certainly rolling like we're capable of. We're starting to get some guys back, which is really important, but we've got to play better if we want to get to where we want to go." The Mariners (78-62) need an extended stretch of strong play to make it a three-team race for the AL wild-card and enter the weekend 5 1/2 games behind the Athletics. Seattle will try to take advantage of slumping New York behind ace James Paxton while dealing with Yankees righty Masahiro Tanaka.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (10-5, 3.83 ERA) vs. Mariners LH James Paxton (11-5, 3.74)

Tanaka snapped a five-start winless stretch by holding Detroit to one run and seven hits over seven innings on Saturday. The 29-year-old has permitted only one home run in his last four outings after surrendering 22 in his first 19 turns. Tanaka is seeing Seattle for the first time in 2018 and is 6-0 with a 2.34 ERA in seven career starts against the Mariners.

Paxton came off the disabled list on Saturday and needed five innings to rack up 10 strikeouts and earn a win over Oakland. The Canada native missed over two weeks after getting hit on the forearm by a comebacker and was a little rusty with his control while issuing four walks against the Athletics. Paxton struck out nine in five innings at New York on June 21 but suffered the loss while allowing four runs on seven hits and three walks.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees are expected to activate SS Didi Gregorius from the 10-day DL on Friday.

2. Seattle OF Denard Span went 3-for-3 on Wednesday, matching his hit total from the previous six games.

3. New York OF prospect Clint Frazier (post-concussion syndrome) is unlikely to play again this season.

PREDICTION: Mariners 4, Yankees 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cole Faxon

Sep 07 '18, 9:40 PM in 3h
MLB | Braves vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Diamondbacks -152 at YouWager

FREE PLAY on Diamondbacks -152

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Williams

Sep 07 '18, 8:10 PM in 1h
MLB | Angels vs White Sox
Play on: Angels +120 at MyBookie

1* on Angels +120

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sal Michaels

Sep 07 '18, 8:00 PM in 1h
NCAA-F | TCU vs SMU
Play on: UNDER 60½ -110

Free Play on TCU vs SMU under 60½ -110