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

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Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos Preview and Predictions 09-09-2018 in NFL

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

The Seattle Seahawks missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2011, and they begin their quest to return to postseason play when they visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Denver understands that misery as it has missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons and recorded just five wins last year.

Broncos general manager John Elway wasn't happy with the play at quarterback last season as the trio of Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler and Paxton Lynch combined for 22 interceptions, so he signed Case Keenum (3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns) to a two-year, $36 million contract after his breakthrough campaign with Minnesota. "Come on. He's played in big games. He got to within one win of the Super Bowl last year," Denver coach Vance Joseph said after a reporter asked if Keenum was up to the challenge. "I think he's going to be even better than we've seen." Seattle has its own fine quarterback in Russell Wilson, who led the NFL and tied the franchise mark in 2017 with 34 touchdown passes while throwing for 3,983 yards and rushing for a team-best 586. "The biggest thing is, I think Russell's better," Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin told reporters. "This is the best I've seen Russ since he's been here. I'm really excited and happy for his progress, because obviously that makes us a lot better. It makes it easier on us."

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Broncos -3. O/U: 43

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (2017: 9-7, 2ND IN NFC WEST): Establishing the run was tough for Seattle last season, but hopes are high that the ground game will be vastly improved with Chris Carson (208 yards in four games) recovered from a broken leg and first-round pick Rashaad Penny offering support. Star middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (133 tackles last season) leads the defense, while rookie Shaquem Griffin will start in place of weak-side linebacker K.J. Wright (knee). Safety Earl Thomas ended his holdout on Wednesday, leaving his status for the season opener up in the air, but the secondary is in revamping mode after the departures of cornerback Richard Sherman (San Francisco) and safety Kam Chancellor (career-ending neck injury).



ABOUT THE BRONCOS (2017: 5-11, 4TH IN AFC WEST): Third-round draft pick Royce Freeman had a strong preseason, beating out Devontae Booker for the starting job at running back. "He can carry the load from a physical standpoint and a mental standpoint," Joseph told reporters. "He was really good in pass (protection). That's your biggest worry about having a young halfback playing with a veteran quarterback - the pass (protection) issues." Star linebacker Von Miller (NFL-best 83.5 sacks since 2011) has reached double digits in sacks in six of his first seven seasons, while linebacker Brandon Marshall has topped 100 tackles in three straight campaigns.

VIDEO: NFL Week 1 Top Game Previews and Predictions by ScoresAndStats.com



EXTRA POINTS

1. The Broncos routed the Seahawks 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII following the 2013 season.

2. Denver WR Demaryius Thomas ranks second in franchise history with 8,653 receiving yards and 57 touchdown catches, and third with 629 receptions.

3. Baldwin has 29 touchdown receptions since the start of the 2015 season, the second-most in the NFL during that span.

PREDICTION: Seahawks 23, Broncos 20

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Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers Preview and Predictions 09-09-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 6th September 2018 by Gracenote
Bears vs. Packers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/06/2018

The NFL's oldest rivalry, one that featured such legendary names of Halas and Lombardi, has taken on a Moneyball slant entering the 2018 season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers became the highest-paid player in NFL history last month and will guide the Green Bay Packers into a Week 1 matchup against the visiting Chicago Bears and new meal ticket Khalil Mack on Sunday night.

Rodgers signed a four-year, $134 million contract extension but his true value was evident last season when he missed nine games due to a broken collarbone and the Packers spiraled to a 7-9 record. "Obviously, my financial commitment is such that I feel good about my place on the team in the next few years," Rodgers said. "I want to go out and prove that I'm still an elite payer in this league, and if I do that then I'll feel good (that) I've got the opportunity to finish my career in Green Bay." Ready to make Rodgers earn every dime is Mack, who was acquired by Chicago in a blockbuster trade with Oakland and rewarded with the richest contract given to a defensive player -- a whopping six-year, $141 million extension. The Bears, who have finished last in the NFC North four years running, also will feature a different look on the other side of the ball as they begin a new era under first-year head coach Matt Nagy.

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Packers -7. O/U: 47.5

ABOUT THE BEARS (5-11, 4TH IN NFC NORTH): Chicago traded a pair of first-round draft picks as part of the package to bring in Mack, the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year who has registered double-digit sacks in each of the past three seasons. The Bears also used a first-round draft pick (No. 8 overall) to select linebacker Roquan Smith out of Georgia to further bolster a defense that ranked No. 7 against the pass with an average of 211.0 yards in 2017. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky threw for only 2,193 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games as a rookie last season, but he has plenty of new weapons in wide receivers Allen Robinson (Jacksonville) and Taylor Gabriel (Atlanta) along with tight end Trey Burton (Philadelphia). Jordan Howard has rushed for at least 1,100 yards in each of his first two seasons while Tarik Cohen provides a dynamic pass-catching threat in the backfield.


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ABOUT THE PACKERS (7-9, 3RD IN NFC NORTH): Rodgers' impact on Green Bay's offense cannot be overstated -- the two-time NFL MVP started all 16 games from 2014-16 and amassed 109 touchdown passes against only 20 interceptions. Longtime favorite target Jordie Nelson was let go in the offseason, but Rodgers still has plenty of options with returning wideouts Davante Adams and Randall Cobb (140 combined catches in 2017) and the arrival of tight end Jimmy Graham, who had 10 TD receptions with Seattle last season. Jamaal Williams rushed for a team-high 556 yards last season and will share the load with Ty Montgomery while Aaron Jones serves a two-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The Packers were 26th in points allowed (24.0) and 22nd in total defense, leading to the dismissal of defensive coordinator Dom Capers and the hiring of Mike Pettine.

VIDEO: NFL Week 1 Top Game Previews and Predictions by ScoresAndStats.com



EXTRA POINTS

1. Rodgers had 14 touchdown passes and one interception in his last four home starts versus Chicago.

2. Mack, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has 36.5 sacks over the last three seasons.

3. Green Bay has won four straight against the Bears and leads the all-time series 95-93-6.

PREDICTION: Packers 26, Bears 20

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New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 7th September 2018 by Gracenote
Jets vs. Lions Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/07/2018

From the minute the New York Jets selected Sam Darnold with the No. 3 overall pick in this year's draft, it merely was a matter of when, not if, the team handed him the keys to their offense. Darnold impressed New York's brass enough to win the starting job in the preseason and will lead the Jets into Monday's season opener against the host Detroit Lions.

Darnold, who beat out Josh McCown and the since-traded Teddy Bridgewater for the job during the preseason, will make history in his NFL debut, becoming the youngest Week 1 starting quarterback at 21 years, 97 days. "We are trying to help the team win and we feel like he gives us a good chance to win," Jets coach Todd Bowles told reporters. "We're not starting him because he's a rookie and he's not ready, we're starting him because he gives us a chance to win the game." While Darnold represents a changing of the guard in New York, the Lions will be playing their initial game under first-year coach Matt Patricia, who spent the past six seasons as the defensive coordinator for New England. Patricia inherits a team that has posted back-to-back nine-win seasons and features an experienced quarterback in Matt Stafford, but also one that hasn't won a playoff game since 1991.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Lions -6.5. O/U: 45 ???????

ABOUT THE JETS (2017: 5-11, 4TH IN AFC EAST): Darnold, the second quarterback taken in the draft, finished the preseason by completing 29-of-45 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He will look to a wide receiving corps led by Robby Anderson, who paced the team with 941 yards and seven touchdowns last season, Jermaine Kearse (team-high 65 catches), Quincy Enunwa (58 catches in 2016) and quarterback-turned-receiver Terrelle Pryor. New York augmented the running game by bringing in a power back in Isaiah Crowell, who appeared in all 16 games in each of his four seasons in Cleveland, while Bilal Powell will provide a breather and serve as the third-down back. Leonard Williams anchors the defensive line and New York has a solid secondary, but it must improve on a pass rush that ranked 28th a year ago with 28 sacks.



ABOUT THE LIONS (2017: 9-7, 2ND IN NFC NORTH): Stafford has thrown for at least 4,000 yards for seven consecutive years to carry what has been a one-dimensional offense that ranked last in rushing in two of the past three seasons. To that end, Detroit drafted rookie running back Kerryon Johnson from Auburn in the second round and signed LeGarrette Blount, who is one year removed from leading the league with 18 rushing touchdowns. Marvin Jones led the Lions with 1,101 yards and nine touchdowns on 61 catches last season while fellow wideout Golden Tate also surpassed 1,000 yards on 92 receptions. Detroit has a pair of standouts on the other side of the ball in defensive end Ziggy Ansah (12 sacks) and cornerback Darius Slay (eight interceptions) but needs to find another pass rusher for a unit that ranked 27th in 2017.

VIDEO: NFL Week 1 Top Game Previews and Predictions by ScoresAndStats.com



EXTRA POINTS

1. Stafford has recorded four scoring passes and zero interceptions in two career meetings with New York.

2. Crowell is one of six active running backs with at least 600 yards rushing in each of the last four seasons.

3. Lions RB Theo Riddick has registered 186 catches and 10 TD receptions over the last three seasons.

PREDICTION: Lions 23, Jets 20

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Los Angeles Rams vs. Oakland Raiders Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 7th September 2018 by Gracenote
Rams vs. Raiders Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/07/2018

Jon Gruden's second stint as coach of the Oakland Raiders was supposed to begin with a matchup between two of the NFL's best defensive players. Oakland squashed that showdown by trading superstar Khalil Mack last weekend and will need to receive phenomenal efforts from his replacements when it hosts the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.

Gruden, who was given a 10-year, $100 million contract to return to the sideline for the first time since 2008 with Tampa Bay, never even got to meet Mack, a three-time Pro Bowler and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 who was a holdout during preseason before being dealt to Chicago - and signed to a six-year, $141 million deal - last Saturday. Oakland's defense was suspect at best with Mack and figures to be considerably weaker when the team meets the Rams, who were able to come to terms with their defensive stud a day before the Raiders parted with theirs. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald, a four-time Pro Bowler who was the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014 and Player of the Year in 2017, inked a six-year, $135 million contract last Friday. Los Angeles is looking to build off a season in which it captured its first division title since 2003 with a first-year coach in Sean McVay and an inexperienced quarterback in the 23-year-old Jared Goff.

TV: 10:20 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Rams -4. O/U: 48.5

ABOUT THE RAMS (2017: 11-5, FIRST IN NFC WEST): McVay stated on Thursday that Donald is ready to face Oakland despite missing the entire preseason due to his holdout. The 27-year-old Donald, who leads all NFL defensive tackles with 39 sacks since 2014, has proven to be a fast starter as he recorded two sacks in the 2015 season opener and one in his 2017 debut. Goff, who led Los Angeles to a league-best average of 29.9 points per game last year, was kept out of all of the team's preseason games and may rely heavily on Todd Gurley, who led the NFL in 2017 with 29 rushing touchdowns en route to being named the Offensive Player of the Year.



ABOUT THE RAIDERS (2017: 6-10, THIRD IN AFC WEST): Derek Carr passed for 3,496 yards and 22 touchdowns last year to join Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for 3,000 yards and 20 scores in each of their first four seasons. Carr lost one of his favorite targets in Michael Crabtree but gained a new one in Jordy Nelson, who was signed to a two-year contract in March after being released by Green Bay - the team with which he recorded at least 1,250 receiving yards in four of nine seasons. Bruce Irvin has been moved from linebacker to defensive end in an effort to compensate for the departure of Mack, while the team also hopes to receive contributions from newcomer Tank Carradine and rookies Maurice Hurst, P.J. Hall and Arden Key.

VIDEO: NFL Week 1 Top Game Previews and Predictions by ScoresAndStats.com




EXTRA POINTS

1. Rams LB Mark Barron (ankle) did not practice Thursday and is questionable for the season opener.

2. Oakland may need to rely on Doug Martin, a two-time 1,400-yard rusher with Tampa Bay, as fellow RB Marshawn Lynch (groin) was limited during Thursday's practice and is questionable for Monday's contest.

3. Los Angeles backup C Austin Blythe is expected to fill in for G Jamon Brown, who will miss the season's first two games due to a suspension.

PREDICTION: Rams 44, Raiders 24

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

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Cleveland Indians have scored exactly nine runs on three occasions during their current 4-1 run, an impressive trend they'll try to maintain in the finale of a four-game series at the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Roberto Perez homered and drove in four runs as the Indians outlasted the Blue Jays 9-8 on Saturday.

Michael Brantley also went deep after being held out of the starting lineup the previous two games due to a sore foot for Cleveland, which reduced its magic number to clinch the American League Central to five. Mike Clevinger has won four straight decisions and is unbeaten since July 28 as he gets set to start the series finale for the Indians. The Blue Jays, losers of nine of their last 13, counter with rookie Thomas Pannone as they look to win the finale of a seven-game homestand. Rowdy Tellez provided a highlight in Saturday's loss for Toronto with his first career home run and Randal Grichuk went deep twice to record his third straight 20-homer campaign.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), Sportsnet, OMNI, TVA (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (11-7, 3.11 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Thomas Pannone (1-1, 4.58)

Clevinger worked at least six innings in each of his last four starts while allowing a total of four earned runs in that span. He fanned 10 batters and yielded one run and three hits over six frames to defeat the Kansas City Royals his last time out. Clevinger's shortest start of the year was against Toronto on April 13, when he gave up four runs in four innings.

Pannone will be making his first start since he was rocked for seven runs over 3 1/3 innings at Baltimore on Aug. 28. He made two relief appearances since that outing, yielding three hits in three scoreless frames while fanning four. The 24-year-old rookie has a 1.86 ERA while limiting opponents to a .152 average at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tellez is 8-for-14 with four RBIs in four games since being recalled Wednesday.

2. Indians 3B Josh Donaldson (calf) made his second start for Double-A Akron and could be activated Tuesday in Tampa Bay.

3. The all-time series is tied at 208 wins apiece.

PREDICTION: Indians 8, Blue Jays 3

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

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia Phillies will have to solve New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom if they are to avoid their seventh straight series loss when the teams meet Sunday in the Big Apple. The National League East rivals have split the first two games of the three-game series, with the Mets coasting to a 10-5 victory Saturday night.

Todd Frazier homered and drove in four runs while Jeff McNeil had three hits and scored twice for New York, dropping the Phillies 3 1/2 games behind first-place Atlanta in the division. DeGrom continues to lead the majors in ERA by a comfortable margin and is 7-1 with a 2.20 ERA in 14 career starts against the Phillies. He will be trying to pitch the Mets to their 21st series win in the last 27 tries against Philadelphia, which is 25-47 against New York since the start of 2015. Cesar Hernandez was 4-for-4 with three RBIs in Saturday's loss for the Phillies, who turn to Vince Velasquez in the series finale.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (9-10, 4.10 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (8-8, 1.68)

Velasquez has not lasted beyond five innings in over a month, allowing three runs in five frames in a loss at Miami on Monday. He sparkled through six scoreless innings at New York on July 11 for his first win in seven career starts against the Mets. Michael Conforto is 4-for-9 with two homers and three walks in his career against the 26-year-old Velasquez.

The 30-year-old deGrom's ERA over his last four starts is 0.93, a stretch that began with a complete-game win at Philadelphia on Aug. 18 in which he allowed one unearned run. He received another hard-luck no-decision at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, giving up a run and two hits in six innings of a game the Mets would win 4-2. The Stetson University product, who needs nine strikeouts to match his career high of 239, has a 1.59 ERA in 14 home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets RHP Noah Syndergaard left Saturday's game after taking a line drive to the ribs. X-rays were negative.

2. Phillies 1B Carlos Santana is batting .341 during a 10-game hitting streak.

3. McNeil has hit safely in 20 of his last 21 starts.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Phillies 2

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

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
The surging Tampa Bay Rays can tie the franchise record for consecutive home victories when they go for a three-game sweep of the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Sunday afternoon. The Rays have won 10 in a row at Tropicana Field and can match the mark set by the 2008 team, which went on to the World Series, after scoring 24 runs combined in the last two games and winning 15 of 18 overall.

"We're getting to the point where we're really believing in ourselves," Matt Duffy told reporters after going 2-for-2 with two RBIs in Tampa Bay's 10-5 win Saturday. "We feel like we're flying under the radar a little bit with the other teams in the American League, but we think we can beat anybody. ... We carry that confidence every day." The Rays, who are 13 games over .500 (77-64) for the first time since 2013, will go with a bullpen day Sunday as Ryne Stanek opens the game against Baltimore rookie Josh Rogers. Tommy Pham takes a 12-game hitting streak into the contest for Tampa Bay, which is still eight games behind Oakland for the AL's second wild-card, while Baltimore (41-101) owns the majors' worst record after dropping seven of the last eight. Joey Rickard had three hits Saturday to extend his overall hitting streak to eight games and improve to 16-for-35 with 17 RBIs against the Rays in 2018.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Baltimore), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles LH Josh Rogers (1-1, 4.35 ERA) vs. Rays RH Ryne Stanek (2-3, 2.67)

Rogers, an 11th-round pick in 2015 who came over in the Zach Britton trade, gets his third major-league start after scheduled starter Alex Cobb was scratched with a blister issue. The 24-year-old gave up five runs on 11 hits (one homer) over 10 1/3 innings while splitting his first two starts, striking out six and walking three. Rogers went 8-9 with a 3.54 ERA in 24 starts at Triple-A this year, between Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Norfolk.

The 27-year-old Stanek threw five pitches to get one out Saturday but will open the game for the 25th time this season in the series finale. The Kansas native is 0-2 as a starter with a 2.60 ERA and 45 strikeouts over 34 2/3 innings, while opponents are batting just .172 against him in that role. Stanek has given up six runs across eight innings against the Orioles this year, serving up five of the six homers he has surrendered in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore's veteran OF Adam Jones, who is 13-for-33 over his last eight games, was rested the past two contests.

2. Tampa Bay CF Kevin Kiermaier is 11-for-21 with three homers and seven RBIs during a season-best, six-game hitting streak.

3. Orioles INF Jonathan Villar has hit safely in seven consecutive games, going 10-for-28 with seven RBIs in the stretch.

PREDICTION: Rays 8, Orioles 4

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

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
The slumping St. Louis Cardinals look to avoid a sweep when they visit the Detroit Tigers on Sunday for the finale of a three-game interleague series, after suffering a second straight walk-off defeat. Jeimer Candelario ended Friday's game with a two-run homer and the Cardinals scored three runs in the final two innings Saturday to tie before an error, two walks and a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth doomed them.

St. Louis has dropped five of its last seven contests, but still owns the second wild-card spot in the National League by one game over the Los Angeles Dodgers, and outfielder Marcell Ozuna is red-hot with five homers in four games - going 9-for-18 during the run. John Gant will try to get the Cardinals back on track when he makes the start against fellow right-hander Michael Fulmer, who is seeking his first victory since June 14. The Tigers have won four in a row, allowing 11 runs combined, and Victor Reyes has played a big role with the bat while going 4-for-7 with four runs scored in the series. Candelario, who worked his second walk of the contest in the ninth Saturday, is 7-for-14 with a pair of homers, five runs scored and four RBIs in his last three games for Detroit.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH John Gant (6-5, 3.19 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (3-10, 4.57)

Gant has given up a total of five earned runs in his last six trips to the mound, including 5 2/3 scoreless innings to beat Pittsburgh on Aug. 30 to finish that month with a 3.06 ERA. The 26-year-old Georgia native allowed three unearned runs on two hits and five walks across 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision Tuesday to start September. Gant did not give up a hit in 1 1/3 innings of relief in his only career meeting with Detroit in 2016.

Fulmer has pitched well in two of his three starts since spending more than a month on the disabled list, including Monday when he held the Chicago White Sox to one run and one hit over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision. The 25-year-old gave up seven runs in two of his previous three starts and is winless in his last eight appearances overall. Fulmer faces St. Louis for the first time and is 2-5 with a 2.90 ERA in nine career interleague starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Tigers have won 14 of the 17 games in the series at Detroit's Comerica Park and lead 23-11 overall against the Cardinals.

2. St. Louis INF Jedd Gyorko (groin) was expected to be activated from the 10-day disabled list but sent home for more treatment Saturday.

3. Cardinals 2B Kolten Wong, who was rested Saturday, is 5-for-10 with two runs scored in his last four contests.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Tigers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 09-09-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
Trevor Williams' eye-popping second-half pitching exploits are going widely unnoticed on the national stage but the Pittsburgh right-hander doesn't seem to care as he and the Pirates try for a three-game sweep of the visiting Miami Marlins on Sunday. "That's not what I pitch for," Williams told reporters. "I pitch to win ball games in a Pirates uniform."

Williams boasts a 0.72 ERA since the All-Star break - 0.66 in his last nine starts - and opposes Jeff Brigham, a September call-up who will make his second career start. "The growth I've seen from him is just incredible," Pittsburgh pitcher Jameson Taillon told reporters about his teammate. "He's in a good place right now. I think when the season ends, it's going to be one of those things where he wishes it was just going to keep going, because he's throwing that well." The Pirates (71-71) prevailed 5-1 on Saturday for their fifth straight victory, improving to 15-6 at home versus the Marlins since 2012 as Josh Bell homered for the second straight game after not going deep for 19 contests. Miami (56-86), which is 3-8 in its last 11 games, extended a club record Saturday with its 83rd consecutive errorless contest at third base.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jeff Brigham (0-1, 9.00 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (12-9, 3.15)

Brigham allowed three runs, four hits and four walks while striking out two in three innings of a 6-1 loss to Toronto on Sept. 2. "I definitely didn't stay within myself early," the 26-year-old Washington native told reporters. "It was a big day for me and definitely a good learning experience." Brigham was 10-3 with a 2.36 ERA in 17 starts over three minor-league levels this season, including 5-2, 3.44 in nine turns with Triple-A New Orleans.

Williams hasn't yielded a run in winning his last two starts - 5-1 over Cincinnati on Monday and 2-0 at St. Louis on Aug. 29, permitting eight hits and four walks while striking out 12 over 12 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old Californian is 6-2 over his last nine starts, lowering his season ERA by 1.45 during that span. Williams is 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA in two games versus Miami, including a no-decision last season after allowing five runs over four innings with home runs to Derek Dietrich and J.T. Realmuto.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins CF Lewis Brinson went 0-for-4 on Saturday after going 11-for-22 in six games since coming off the disabled list (hip).

2. Pittsburgh RF Gregory Polanco (.254, 23 home runs, 81 RBIs) is out for the season with a knee injury after an awkward slide Friday.

3. Miami SS JT Riddle (left wrist) missed his fifth straight game Saturday but took indoor batting practice.

PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Marlins 0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-09-2018 in MLB

The Chicago Cubs hope to rebound from a sour, soggy Saturday when they play the finale of their four-game road series against the Washington Nationals on Sunday. The Nationals swept a doubleheader from the Cubs on Saturday, reducing their lead over Milwaukee in the National League Central to 2 1/2 games.

The Cubs, who already were frustrated by the handling of Friday's game - which was rained out after one inning and bumped to Saturday, were foiled by rain again Saturday. The teams played through steady rain for much of the second game of the doubleheader, with Chicago building a 4-0 lead on Victor Caratini's grand slam before Washington chipped away and took a 6-5 advantage on Bryce Harper's two-run blast in the seventh before play was suspended. The Nationals quickly finished off the 6-5 victory after another lengthy delay, making for a quick turnaround before the finale. The sweep evened the season series at three wins apiece.





TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, TBS, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (4-5, 3.85 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Erick Fedde (1-3, 6.00)





Montgomery has recorded only one win since June 29 and allowed six runs over 8 1/3 innings in two starts since returning from the disabled list. The 29-year-old gave up two runs over four frames in a loss at Milwaukee last time out. Montgomery has made two relief appearances against the Nationals, allowing one run in 1 2/3 innings.

Fedde returned from a two-month stint on the disabled list to face St. Louis on Tuesday. The 25-year-old matched his career high with seven strikeouts and allowed four runs over five frames in a no-decision. Fedde faced the Cubs last season, giving up four runs while registering seven strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings of a no-decision.

WALK-OFFS





1. Cubs LHP Jon Lester will start Monday's series opener against Milwaukee after pitching only one inning Friday before the game was suspended.

2. Nationals LHP Sean Doolittle made his first appearance since July 6 in Saturday's second game, retiring both batters he faced - one via strikeout.

3. Caratini went 3-for-6 during the doubleheader to snap a 1-for-11 skid during which he struck out six times.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Nationals 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
After narrowly avoiding a no-hitter from a little-known young pitcher, the Minnesota Twins hope an inexperienced arm of their own can steal the spotlight. The Twins send Chase De Jong to the mound for his Minnesota debut in the rubber match of a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Jorge Lopez took a perfect game into the ninth inning Saturday before a leadoff walk to Max Kepler and Robbie Grossman's single moments later spoiled his chance to make history. The Royals still snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 win and evened the season series at seven wins apiece. The Twins have lost six of their last seven overall. Minnesota is 40-30 at home but has lost four of its last five at Target Field.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Ian Kennedy (1-8, 5.13 ERA) vs. Twins RH Chase De Jong (2017: 0-3, 6.35)

Kennedy is set to come off the disabled list and make his first start since July 10, also at Minnesota. The 33-year-old has not won since his second start of the season on April 7, and he has posted only three quality starts in his last 15 outings. Kennedy is 4-4 with a 4.59 ERA in 13 starts against the Twins, and he allowed two runs over three innings in a no-decision in the last meeting.

De Jong was acquired from Seattle in July for Zach Duke. He last pitched in the majors on June 15, 2017, when he faced the Twins in Minnesota while with the Mariners. The 24-year-old went 7-8 with a 3.66 ERA in 28 games (26 starts) in the minors this season, pitching for Double-A Arkansas until he was traded to the Twins and assigned to Triple-A Rochester.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota 3B Miguel Sano (knee) and 1B Tyler Austin (back stiffness) have missed the first two games of the series.

2. Royals INF Adalberto Mondesi has 15 stolen bases since the All-Star break - tied for the most in the majors.

3. Kansas City 2B/OF Whit Merrifield has reached base in all eight games he has played at Target Field this season and 18 of 19 in his career.

PREDICTION: Royals 5, Twins 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
Since returning from a physically and emotionally challenging three-week stretch last month, Mike Trout had been held in check offensively - for the most part. He broke through with a performance befitting of a two-time MVP on Saturday and will attempt to power the Los Angeles Angels to a three-game sweep when they visit the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

Trout entered Saturday batting .270 with one home run and three RBIs in 12 games after missing the previous 19 contests following a wrist injury that sent him to the disabled list and the death of his brother-in-law shortly thereafter. The seven-time All-Star needed only two at-bats to surpass that production in Saturday's 12-3 victory, following a two-run homer in his first at-bat with a three-run shot in the third inning as part of a 5-for-5, five-RBI effort. The Angels improved to 4-2 this season against the White Sox, who have dropped four straight after winning three of their previous four. Kevan Smith went 2-for-3 in the loss and is batting .500 over his last five games for Chicago, which has been outscored 35-10 during its slide.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (8-9, 4.16 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (5-9, 4.37)

Heaney was masterful at Houston on Aug. 30 as he worked six scoreless innings, but he was unable to repeat the effort Tuesday in a loss at Texas, where he yielded four runs and seven hits in six frames. The Oklahoma State product has struggled to the tune of a 1-6 record and 5.02 ERA in 14 road outings, as opposed to a 7-3 mark and 3.26 ERA in 12 turns at home. Heaney's only two career starts against Chicago came in 2015, when he settled for a pair of no-decisions after allowing three runs across 11 2/3 innings.

opez has been on point in each of his last two turns, permitting one run while striking out six over seven innings in a win against the New York Yankees on Aug. 29 and a no-decision versus Detroit on Monday. The 24-year-old Dominican is unbeaten over his last seven trips to the mound but has recorded only one win despite allowing fewer than three runs on five occasions. Kole Calhoun has belted a home run in three at-bats versus Lopez, who yielded four runs in six frames of a no-decision against the Angels last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Trout has gone 10-for-16 with 11 walks, four homers, 11 RBIs and seven runs scored in six games against the White Sox this season.

2. Chicago SS Tim Anderson recorded his 26th stolen base in his 137th game of the season Saturday, eclipsing the total from his first 245 career games.

3. Los Angeles DH Shohei Ohtani failed to homer Saturday for the first time in four games this month, but he has plated exactly three runs in three straight contests.

PREDICTION: White Sox 3, Angels 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/09/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers look to continue the surge toward their first playoff spot since 2011 when they attempt to finish off a three-game sweep of the visiting San Francisco Giants on Sunday afternoon. The Brewers hold a 2 1/2-game lead on St. Louis for the National League's top wild-card spot after winning eight of their last 10, including a 4-3 triumph Saturday aided by solo homers from Travis Shaw and Christian Yelich.

Angels vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

Yelich has reached base in 24 straight games and sits second in the NL with a .316 batting average for Milwaukee, while Shaw snapped out of a 1-for-13 slump to launch his 28th homer in Saturday's victory. Zach Davies looks to match his impressive first start since coming off the disabled list when he takes the mound for the Brewers and the Giants counter with former World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner. San Francisco is playing out the string after losing seven straight games and falling to 2-11 in their last 13 road contests despite out-hitting Milwaukee 6-5 on Saturday. Third baseman Ryder Jones belted a pinch-hit homer Saturday and is 3-for-7 with a pair of blasts and three RBIs in four games since being recalled.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS Wisconsin, Dish455 (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (5-5, 3.07 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Zach Davies (2-5, 4.88)

Bumgarner was pounded for seven runs (six earned) and eight hits (three homers) over five innings Monday at Colorado after two dazzling performances in which he allowed one run over 15 frames. The 29-year-old North Carolina native owns five quality starts in his last eight appearances, including scoreless outings against playoff hopefuls Houston and Arizona. Yelich is 5-for-14 with four doubles versus Bumgarner, who is 7-3 with a 2.25 ERA in 11 career games against Milwaukee.



Davies pitched his first game since a three-month stretch on the disabled list Monday, holding the Chicago Cubs to one run over five innings with seven strikeouts. "Oh, man, that's a great outing," Brewers manager Craig Counsell told reporters. ". ... He tunnels in, he doesn't let a lot of things get in his way and I thought he was outstanding." The 25-year-old Arizona native gave up two unearned runs over six frames in his only career meeting with the Giants, suffering the loss last year.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Francisco 1B Brandon Belt and SS Brandon Crawford were limited to pinch-hitting duties Saturday due to a sore left knees.

2. Milwaukee 1B Jesus Aguilar has four RBIs in his last four games and needs three to reach 100 for the first time.

3. The Giants are batting .311 with the bases loaded this season, best in the NL and fourth-best in the majors.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Brewers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

If the Colorado Rockies go on to win the National League West for the first time in 26th seasons of existence, they likely will be able to look back on their ability to pull out the tight victories over the Los Angeles Dodgers as a major reason why. The Rockies hope to extend their lead over the Dodgers to 2 1/2 games on Sunday, when the division rivals meet in the rubber match of their three-game series in Colorado.

Charlie Blackmon's two-run homer in the fifth inning proved to be the difference in Colorado's 4-2 victory on Saturday, keeping Los Angeles from retaking the lead in the West while also beating its division rival for the fourth time in the last five meetings. The Rockies have held the NL's most homer-happy team to a total of three blasts in their recent victories and done just enough in those contests, as Saturday marked the first time over that stretch Colorado won by more than one run. Los Angeles isn't doing much to help its own cause, however, scoring three runs or fewer in eight of its last 10 contests. The Dodgers have alternated wins and losses over their last five contests and trail St. Louis by one game for the second NL wild-card spot.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Rich Hill (7-5, 3.73 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (6-7, 4.80)

Hill won for the fifth time in six decisions Tuesday against the New York Mets despite surrendering four runs while striking out eight in six innings. The 38-year-old was moved ahead of Alex Wood due to "matchups," according to manager Dave Roberts, but has recorded only one quality start over his last four outings. Nolan Arenado is 3-for-6 with a homer versus Hill, who settled for a no-decision in Colorado on Aug. 12 after yielding three runs - two earned - in six frames.

Anderson rebounded from a dismal start against St. Louis with a no-decision versus San Francisco on Monday, giving up three runs and six hits while registering seven strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. The native of Las Vegas has struggled in particular since the beginning of August, giving up 30 runs, 41 hits, nine walks and 10 homers in 26 2/3 frames. Anderson's only quality start in that span came against the Dodgers on Aug. 9, when he allowed one run over six innings, although he did not factor in the decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Saturday's setback was only the second loss in the Dodgers' last 10 games against division rivals.

2. Colorado is 30-6 since June 28 in games started by Kyle Freeland, Jon Gray or German Marquez. In their other 25 contests over that span, the Rockies are 10-15.

3. Los Angeles OF Matt Kemp's next home run in Colorado will move him past former Dodger Eric Karros (21) and into second place for the most homers hit by an opposing player at Coors Field (Barry Bonds, 26).

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Rockies 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Oakland Athletics are inching toward a playoff berth on the strength of a relentless lineup that is producing remarkably consistent results of late. The Athletics have scored exactly eight runs in each game during a three-game winning streak and will try to push the run to four in a row when they complete a series with the visiting Texas Rangers on Sunday.

After topping the New York Yankees 8-2 on Wednesday, Oakland produced 8-4 and 8-6 wins over the Rangers to start the final series between the American League West rivals. Khris Davis slugged a two-run homer - his 10th of the season against Texas - to set the tone in Saturday's triumph as the Athletics opened a commanding 7 1/2-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the race for the second wild card in the AL. Adrian Beltre gave the Rangers something to cheer about with a pair of homers of his own, moving him past Carlos Delgado (473) and into 32nd place on the all-time list. Veteran Trevor Cahill will try to help the A's end their homestand on a good note when he starts the series finale against opener Jeffrey Springs.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Southwest (Texas), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Jeffrey Springs (0-0, 2.29 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Trevor Cahill (6-3, 3.60)

Springs was named the opener for the series finale as he makes his second straight start. The 25-year-old tossed two scoreless innings as the starter in a matchup with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Fellow rookie Ariel Jurado, who is 2-4 with a 6.69 ERA in seven starts, is expected to get the bulk of the innings in relief.

Cahill has a 6.75 ERA over his last three starts, but did just enough in five innings to win his last time out against the Yankees. The 30-year-old, who enters Sunday with 999 career strikeouts, is 5-0 with a 1.09 ERA in nine home starts. Beltre is 13-for-35 with two homers and four doubles against Cahill, who is 11-4 with a 3.07 ERA in 19 career starts against Texas.

WALK-OFFS

1. Davis needs one home run Sunday to tie Mickey Mantle's record for most homers in a single season against the Rangers' franchise.

2. Beltre also tied Paul Waner with his 3,152nd career hit, two shy of George Brett for 15th on baseball's all-time list.

3. Oakland has won 12 games against Texas this year, its best total in the season series since 2003 (15-4).

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Rangers 4