Thursday 9-13-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 11th September 2018 by Gracenote
Ravens vs. Bengals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/11/2018

Coach John Harbaugh did his best to downplay the notion of revenge as the Baltimore Ravens travel to Paul Brown Stadium to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday in an early-season AFC North showdown. Harbaugh maintains that his focus will be on defeating a fierce division opponent rather than facing the club that unceremoniously ended the Ravens' playoff aspirations in 2017 with a last-minute touchdown in the season finale.

"You always want to redeem yourself as best as you can, certainly, but it's not going to factor into who wins the game. It's not going to matter in the outcome," Harbaugh said of a perceived revenge factor. "You still have to play better than your opponent on that day, and that's really what we have to focus on. You could easily get all wrapped up in that and get distracted from what matters, which is going out there Thursday night and playing well." Baltimore certainly played well in its season opener on Sunday, as new Ravens receivers Michael Crabtree, John Brown and Willie Snead each caught a touchdown pass from Joe Flacco in a convincing 47-3 romp over Buffalo. The Bills effectively ended a long postseason drought last year after Cincinnati's Andy Dalton capped a three-touchdown performance by tossing a 49-yard scoring strike to Tyler Boyd in the season finale against Baltimore. The 30-year-old Dalton overcame an early interception on Sunday to complete 21 of 28 passes for 243 yards with two touchdowns in a 34-23 season-opening victory over Indianapolis.

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Pick. O/U: 44

ABOUT THE RAVENS (1-0): Alex Collins has been plagued by fumbles throughout his brief NFL career, so much so that Harbaugh made it a point to bench the running back after he put the ball on the ground in the second quarter of the opener. "It's always a technique-thing. You can't fumble no matter what. Alex knows that, " Harbaugh said. "... We don't want to turn the ball over - especially fumbles. He knows that. He'll focus on that." Collins joined fellow running backs Javorius "Buck" Allen and Kenneth Dixon by finding the end zone while electric backup quarterback Lamar Jackson added 39 on the ground against the Bills, although Dixon's availability for Thursday's contest is in question as he nurses a knee injury. Baltimore's defense made a statement in the opener, permitting the fewest points and yards (153) in the league while recording six sacks and two turnovers.



ABOUT THE BENGALS (1-0): Coach Marvin Lewis isn't worried about expanding the workload of Joe Mixon, who had 22 carries and collected 149 yards from scrimmage (95 rushing, 54 receiving) on Sunday. "I think (Mixon) can carry it 22 times. The number of receptions (five) he had was good, and they were well-used," Lewis said of the 6-foot-1, 220-pound Mixon. "He got to the right spots in the pass game, and that's important." Mixon's performance drew rave reviews from teammate A.J. Green, who said that the second-year running back belongs in the same class as Los Angeles Rams star Todd Gurley and Pittsburgh Steelers stud Le'Veon Bell. Green, who had six receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown against the Colts on Sunday, was limited to just seven catches for 91 yards total in a pair of games versus the Ravens last season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cincinnati LB Preston Brown is optimistic he'll play on Thursday despite sustaining an ankle injury in the season opener.

2. Tavon Young became the first Baltimore defensive back in 22 years to record two sacks in a game last week.

3. Bengals LB Nick Vigil, who had a team-high 11 tackles in the opener, posted 10 tackles and an interception in a 20-0 loss to the Ravens on Sept. 10, 2017.

PREDICTION: Ravens 27, Bengals 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston College Eagles vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 11th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/11/2018

Boston College and Wake Forest will try to squeeze in an intriguing ACC opener amid the onset of Hurricane Florence when they meet in North Carolina on Thursday night. The storm, a Category 4 hurricane as the week begins, is expected to start impacting the Winston-Salem area as early as Thursday morning, prompting the teams to move the kickoff up two hours to 5:30 p.m. ET.

"Wake Forest University and the Atlantic Coast Conference office continue to monitor the progress of all weather-related issues as they pertain to athletic events this week," the school said in a statement. "Our top priority is the safety and well being of our student-athletes, coaches, fans and the lives of those in the path of this storm." Both teams will be trying to stay perfect on the young season, and the Eagles are vying for their first 3-0 start since 2007 after routing Massachusetts and Holy Cross by a combined score of 117-35. Star running back AJ Dillon has picked up where he left off from a stellar freshman campaign, rushing for 247 yards and three touchdowns on just 26 carries through the first two games. The Demon Deacons, who won 34-10 at Boston College last year in the conference opener for both teams, rolled past Towson 51-20 last week and is aiming for its third straight 3-0 start.

TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Boston College -5

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (2-0): Preparing a football team for a long trip into the path of a hurricane and a Thursday night game can make for a different week, but coach Steve Addazio is doing his best to keep his Eagles focused on football. "All these things are in discussion at this point," Addazio said at his weekly press conference while discussing the storm threat. "I'm not exactly privy to the details, but in my mind, I'm going to play a game on Thursday and prepared for anything that may come our way." The rout of Holy Cross last week allowed Addazio to rest many of his starters (Dillon's 149 yards came in less than a quarter), with quarterback Anthony Brown completing his only two passes before giving way to backups.

ABOUT WAKE FOREST (2-0): Wide receiver Greg Dortch was the team's leading receiver as a freshman last year despite playing in just eight games, and he has lit up opponents early in his sophomore campaign, first hauling in 12 catches for 149 yards in a win at Tulane and then scoring three times - twice on punt returns - last week. "I may be biased, I think he's the most exciting player in college football," fellow wide receiver Alex Bachman told reporters. "Every time he touches the ball there's a chance something spectacular is going to happen." The 5-9, 170-pound Dortch has 981 all-purpose yards over his last four games dating back to last season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Demon Deacons freshman QB Sam Hartman has 620 passing yards, four TDs and three interceptions through the first two games.

2. The Eagles produced 598 total yards in the win over Massachusetts and 610 against Holy Cross. Those are the top two total yardage outputs for the team under Addazio.

3. Boston College has won four of its last five games at Wake Forest.

PREDICTION: Boston College 31, Wake Forest 28

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Belterra Park - Race #8 - Post: 4:50pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $9,000 Class Rating: 75

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 NEWS BOX (ML=8/1)
#4 WILLY I AM (ML=5/2)
#1 BOASTFUL BOY (ML=7/2)


NEWS BOX - I think this gelding is ready to run a good one. He's had enough races around the track since the vacation and should be fit. My pals and I have made cash playing horses with this type of speed. Follow my advice and do the same. I like this entrant. Should be familiar with this class since he ran against the same type last time around the track at Belterra Park. Earnings per start is something that I believe can be a very valuable factor. This mount is ranked numero uno in this bunch. WILLY I AM - He must like the track here. Shipped in to finish first on Jul 12th and he looks tough once again. The latest figure of 79 is the top last race rating in the group. 60-65-79 are last three Equibase speed figs. Improving each time out is something he should do again today. BOASTFUL BOY - That last race must not have been too hard on this gelding for him to be able to race again so quickly. This horse coming off a nice contest in the last 30 days is a serious competitor in my humble opinion. Have to like the way Brown has raced this gelding back into shape off the layoff. Animal is well spotted in this sprint and I think he'll run well today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 GET BUSY OR DIE (ML=4/1), #2 NUMBERS NEVER LIE (ML=5/1),

GET BUSY OR DIE - The move down the homestretch on August 2nd indicated to me that this horse will have a tough go of it versus this field of tougher competition. Recorded a most unsatisfactory speed rating last time around the track in a $5,000 Maiden Claiming race on Aug 2nd. Doubtful to see an improved performance off of that fig. NUMBERS NEVER LIE - Hasn't hit the board in any short distance races of late. Not likely to see him doing it this time out either. When looking at today's class rating, he will have to record a better speed figure than last time around the track to be competitive in this dirt sprint.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#9 NEWS BOX is the play if we get odds of 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,9] Box [1,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Camarero
Camarero - Race 1

NO JUGADA


Allowance • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 83 • Purse: $14,700 • Post: 2:45P
FOR NATIVE FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 26 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE AUGUST 13 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JULY 13 ALLOWED 3 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. ESPLENDOROSA is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * ESPLENDOROSA: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has run a Good Race within the la st 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating.
1
ESPLENDOROSA
2/5

1/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
SENTENCIA
2

4/1
Front-runner
83

60

80.5

63.0

58.0
1
ESPLENDOROSA
1

2/5
Stalker
83

81

83.4

81.4

79.4
3
SALSA N'BEERS
3

5/1
Alternator/Non-contender
78

59

67.8

61.0

56.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #5 - Post: 8:51pm - Maiden Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 41

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 LAND RUSH (ML=8/1)
#5 BELLA FOX (ML=3/1)


LAND RUSH - Strong return on investment for this rider and conditioner duo. Aboard this horse on August 4th and Ho is back again in the irons this time. Taking a big class drop in class rating points from her August 4th race at Charles Town. Based on that key piece of info, I will give this horse the edge. BELLA FOX - This filly is in nice condition, having run a good race on Aug 24th, finishing second. This is a fairly classic handicapping angle. Play a campaigner that finished 2nd in a maiden race last time out but finished well clear of the show horse. This filly garnered a strong speed figure of 41 in her last race. That speed figure should be high enough to prove victorious in today's event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 SEND US A RAVEN (ML=5/2), #1 CHARITABLE LASS (ML=4/1), #2 BRING ON THE GREY (ML=6/1),

SEND US A RAVEN - Hasn't been on the Charles Town oval in the last three weeks. Cause for some concern. CHARITABLE LASS - Generally I need a sprinter to have some recent success in sprint events in order to play her. BRING ON THE GREY - Charles Town has not been kind to this vulnerable equine. This pony ran a common fig last out. She shouldn't show signs of improvement and will probably lose in today's race running that fig.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - BELLA FOX - This mount should be your gambling choice today. This filly has posted improving speed figures in her last two events.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #9 LAND RUSH to win. Have to have odds of at least 8/5 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 3 - Maiden Claiming - 7.5f on the Turf. Purse: $16000 Class Rating: 77

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000, IF FOR $14,000, ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 NILE KINGDOM 10/1

# 11 CANNAVARO 4/1

# 13 CALVI 5/2

NILE KINGDOM looks to be a very good contender and could score at a price in here. Had one of the strongest Equibase Speed Figs of this field in his last competition. The quick return to the track points to a solid effort this time around. This colt is a contender based on his earnings per start in turf sprint races. CANNAVARO - With Centeno getting the mount, watch out for this animal. Should definitely be considered for this event if only for the formidable speed rating posted in the last race. CALVI - Have to consider solely on class, with some of the best class figs of this group of animals. Win percentage with this jock and trainer combo - 25 percent - strong.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

09/13/18, GP, Race 5, 4.00 ET
6F [Dirt] 1.08.01 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $19,000.
Claiming Price $12,500. FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 - $.50 Bet 3 (Races 5-6-7) / $.50 Pick 5 (Races 5-9)
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 23.65, $1 ROI 0.70, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 3 Dramamina 6-1 Jaramillo E Gonzalez Oscar M. JT
099.0494 1 Dalal 3-1 Gonzales J J Delgado Jorge S
096.9580 5 When It's Love 5/2 Zayas E J O'Connell Kathleen C
096.5893 2 Return the Favor 7/2 Maragh R R Maragh Allen FE
096.4500 6 Starof Distinction 15-1 Panici L Bates Larry WL
094.0451 4 Juanandora(b+) 9/2 Medina J C Chavez Jose
092.6884 7 Flashproudwild 20-1 Reyes L Mejia Jaime
092.0162 8 Spanish Exchange 10-1 Mena R Negrete Javier

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Penn National
Penn National - Race 8

W-P-S / Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta


Maiden Claiming $10,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 65 • Purse: $13,600 • Post: 9:10P
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000, IF FOR $9,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. FIREY GIZMO is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * FIREY GIZMO: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. OWIN: 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. Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs.
2
FIREY GIZMO
2/1

7/5
7
OWIN
5/2

9/2




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
FIREY GIZMO
2

2/1
Front-runner
71

61

77.0

59.0

56.5
4
COSACO
5

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

82.5

39.8

30.8
7
OWIN
8

5/2
Trailer
71

54

43.6

55.4

50.9
1
MRMISTAKENIDENTITY
1

3/1
Alternator/Trailer
0

0

0.0

37.0

27.0
1A
GUNPOWDERANDSMOKE
4

3/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

53.3

29.8

22.3
6
TWO PUNCH SMART
7

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

37.8

33.6

24.1
3
KEEP THE WINNINGS
3

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
51

28

24.8

26.4

13.9








Unknown Running Style: BILLY O BILLY (8/1) [Jockey: Inirio Maicol J - Trainer: Stites Flint W].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 8 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $11000 Class Rating: 67

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE AUGUST 13 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 GLOBAL WARNING 5/1

# 8 DIM SUM 3/1

# 1 DISTORTED SUNRAYS 9/2

GLOBAL WARNING has a very good shot to take this race. With Vickers in the saddle guiding her, this mare should be able to break out quickly in this event. Garnered a reliable Equibase Speed Fig in the last race. Can run another good one in this race. DIM SUM - Earnings per start in dirt route races is sound for this equine. She has been racing quite well as of late while recording strong Speed Figures. DISTORTED SUNRAYS - Could beat this group of animals given the 62 speed figure recorded in her last outing. Has a very solid shot for this race if you like back class.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th September 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/13/2018

Mother Nature prevented the Miami Marlins and New York Mets from playing their scheduled doubleheader on Wednesday, with a 5-hour, 35-minute rain delay limiting the struggling National League East clubs to just one game in front of a sparse crowd. The Marlins (57-87) and Mets (66-78) will attempt to squeeze in a single-admission doubleheader on Thursday when they reconvene at Citi Field in New York.

Jay Bruce belted a grand slam and Dominic Smith also went deep to highlight a seven-run sixth inning as New York posted its seventh win in 10 outings this month with a 13-0 romp over Miami on Wednesday. Jeff McNeil recorded his third three-hit performance in four games for the Mets and is 12-for-27 with six runs scored during his last six outings overall. Miami's Derek Dietrich had one of his team's five hits to improve to 14-for-46 versus New York this season while scoring 10 runs. Dietrich has limited experience against Steven Matz and none versus fellow left-hander Jason Vargas, who are expected to pitch in the doubleheader for the Mets opposite right-handers Jeff Brigham and Sandy Alcantara - although neither team has confirmed the order of the pitchers on Thursday.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, FS Florida, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jeff Brigham (0-1, 9.00 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jason Vargas (5-9, 6.75)

Brigham is patiently biding his time to make his second career start after Mother Nature forced rainouts on back-to-back starts. The 26-year-old 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. Brigham posted a 10-3 mark with a 2.36 ERA in 17 starts over three minor-league levels this season, including 5-2 with a 3.44 in nine turns with Triple-A New Orleans.

Vargas answered a three-start winning streak by getting shredded for five runs on six hits over 3 1/3 innings of an 11-4 setback at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sept. 4. The 35-year-old allowed two homers in that contest after being taken deep twice in his previous six trips to the mound. Vargas fared significantly better in his previous outing against Miami, scattering two hits and striking out seven across five innings in a 2-0 win on May 21.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami has seen three games postponed in the last week due to poor weather conditions.

2. New York OF Michael Conforto is 7-for-18 with three homers, six RBIs and five runs scored in his last four contests.

3. Marlins 3B-OF Brian Anderson is 3-for-7 with two runs scored in this series after going 1-for-19 in his previous six games.

PREDICTION: Marlins 3, Mets 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/13/2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks have very little time to dwell on a crushing setback as they visit the Colorado Rockies on Thursday afternoon for the finale of their four-game series. Arizona was two outs away from drawing within 1 1/2 games of first-place Colorado in the National League West before DJ LeMahieu belted a walk-off, two-run homer in the ninth inning to give the Rockies a 5-4 victory.

Eduardo Escobar and Alex Avila went deep in the setback for the Diamondbacks, who remained four games behind St. Louis for the second wild-card spot in the NL. Escobar has heated up in the high altitude, going 5-for-12 with a blast and three RBIs over the first three games of the series. Nolan Arenado also homered for Colorado as he and LeMahieu both finished with three hits and two RBIs while the team improved to 8-3 this month and maintained its 1 1/2-game division lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers. LeMahieu has recorded multiple hits in six of his last seven contests, going 13-for-29 in that span.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, FB-WATCH

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Clay Buchholz (7-2, 2.01 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (14-7, 2.91)

Buchholz extended his unbeaten streak to five starts on Saturday against Atlanta but was denied a victory for the third straight time despite allowing two runs - one earned - and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. The 34-year-old Texan, who has given up more than two earned runs just twice in his 16 outings, has yielded a total of four runs - three earned - in 34 1/3 frames during his streak. Buchholz, who has suffered both of his losses on the road despite posting a 1.73 ERA over 10 turns, surrendered six runs and seven hits - three homers - over five innings of a loss in his only career start against Colorado on May 26, 2016 while with Boston.

Freeland is riding a seven-start unbeaten streak during which he has recorded five victories, including one against the Dodgers on Saturday in which he allowed one run and four hits over six innings. The 25-year-old native of Denver, who has won each of his last three overall outings, has gone 5-0 in eight turns at home since losing to Arizona on June 10. That setback dropped Freeland to 0-1 in three starts against the Diamondbacks this year and 1-2 with a 4.60 ERA in six career meetings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games after registering two of his team's four hits on Wednesday.

2. Arenado has recorded two doubles in back-to-back contests and driven in six runs during his four-game streak, leaving him one RBI shy of reaching the century mark for the fourth consecutive season.

3. Escobar, who already has set a career high with 81 RBIs, matched the personal best of 21 homers he hit last year with his blast on Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 4, Rockies 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th September 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/13/2018

The Chicago Cubs' quick trip back to the nation's capital takes place as their lead in the National League Central has been trimmed to the narrowest of margins. The Cubs will try to preserve their one-game edge over Milwaukee when they face the host Washington Nationals in a makeup game on Thursday.


The Cubs have lost four of their last five - including two of three during a rain-soaked trek to Washington last weekend - to allow the Brewers to carve into their division lead. Chicago's offense has struggled of late, producing a total of 14 runs in those five contests. The Nationals, meanwhile, are looking to match their season high with a sixth consecutive win. Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman and Juan Soto homered in Wednesday's 5-1 win over Philadelphia, keeping the Nationals' slim playoff hopes alive as they sit eight games behind first-place Atlanta in the NL East and trail St. Louis by seven for the second wild card.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago, MASN2 (Washington)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (4-5, 3.85 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Joe Ross (2017: 5-3, 5.01)

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 of a loss at Milwaukee in his last outing on Sept. 4. Montgomery has made two relief appearances against the Nationals, allowing one run in 1 2/3 innings.

Ross will be making his first major-league start since July 9, 2017 after recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 25-year-old went 2-1 with a 2.39 ERA in six turns in the minors as he worked his way back. Ross is 0-2 with a 3.44 ERA in three career starts against the Cubs, including his major-league debut in 2015.


WALK-OFFS

1. Soto has hit 19 home runs, tying Mel Ott for third-most by a teenager in major-league history behind teammate Harper (22) and Tony Conigliaro (24).

2. Chicago INF Tommy La Stella has recorded a major league-leading 23 pinch hits, 10 more than the next closest player (Chase Utley, 13).

3. Cubs RHP Brandon Morrow threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and hopes to return to game action late next week.


PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Nationals 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th September 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/13/2018

Mother Nature prevented the Miami Marlins and New York Mets from playing their scheduled doubleheader on Wednesday, with a 5-hour, 35-minute rain delay limiting the struggling National League East clubs to just one game in front of a sparse crowd. The Marlins (57-87) and Mets (66-78) will attempt to squeeze in a single-admission doubleheader on Thursday when they reconvene at Citi Field in New York.

Jay Bruce belted a grand slam and Dominic Smith also went deep to highlight a seven-run sixth inning as New York posted its seventh win in 10 outings this month with a 13-0 romp over Miami on Wednesday. Jeff McNeil recorded his third three-hit performance in four games for the Mets and is 12-for-27 with six runs scored during his last six outings overall. Miami's Derek Dietrich had one of his team's five hits to improve to 14-for-46 versus New York this season while scoring 10 runs. Dietrich has limited experience against Steven Matz and none versus fellow left-hander Jason Vargas, who are expected to pitch in the doubleheader for the Mets against right-handers Jeff Brigham and Sandy Alcantara - although neither team has confirmed the order of the pitchers on Thursday.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, FS Florida, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Sandy Alcantara (2-0, 0.75 ERA) vs. Mets LH Steven Matz (5-11, 4.17)

Alcantara has fared well in a pair of major-league starts this season, allowing just one run on six hits over 12 innings to win both outings. The 23-year-old Dominican overcame five walks to pitch five frames in an 8-2 victory over the Mets on June 29 before scattering three hits over seven scoreless innings in a 2-1 triumph versus Philadelphia on Sept. 5. Marlins manager Don Mattingly talked long-term as it relates to Alcantara, telling reporters that "you're talking about a guy who can be a top of the rotation guy."

Matz saw his winless stretch extend to six starts, although he is just 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA with 31 strikeouts in his past four. The 27-year-old looks to get back on track when he faces Miami, against which he picked up the win after allowing one unearned run on three hits while striking out six over 5 1/3 frames of a 5-2 win on July 1. Matz has flustered Starlin Castro (0-for-6, four strikeouts), although J.T. Realmuto is 3-for-7 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami has seen three games postponed in the last week due to poor weather conditions.

2. New York OF Michael Conforto is 7-for-18 with three homers, six RBIs and five runs scored in his last four contests.

3. Marlins 3B-OF Brian Anderson is 3-for-7 with two runs scored in this series after going 1-for-19 in his previous six games.

PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Mets 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oakland Athletics vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th September 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/12/2018

The red-hot Oakland Athletics only needed to score in one inning en route to a sixth straight victory and now can complete a three-game sweep when they visit the major league-worst Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore on Thursday. The Athletics sent 15 batters to the plate while scoring 10 times in the third inning of Wednesday's 10-0 victory, remaining three games behind first-place Houston in the American League West and climbing within one of the New York Yankees for the first wild-card spot.

Matt Olson belted Oakland's 200th homer of the season - the sixth time in team history that plateau has been reached - on Wednesday and Stephen Piscotty extended his hitting streak to a career-best 13 contests as the club moved 32 games over .500 for the first time since 2003. Brett Anderson is in line to come off the disabled list and start the series finale for the Athletics, who own an 8 1/2-game lead over Tampa Bay for the AL's second wild card, while Baltimore sends Dylan Bundy to the mound. The Orioles, who are 0-5 in the season series, have dropped six straight contests overall and are three losses away from tying the club record of 107 set in 1988. Trey Mancini's single was the only hit recorded on Wednesday by Baltimore, which has scored just 14 runs during its losing streak.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS California (Oakland), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Brett Anderson (3-4, 4.02 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (7-14, 5.58)

Anderson is expected to make his 14th start of the season after spending a little over two weeks on the DL with nerve irritation in his left arm. The 30-year-old Texan produced three scoreless efforts of at least seven innings over a stretch of four starts before allowing five runs over 2 2/3 frames in his last turn on Aug. 27 at Houston. Adam Jones is 2-for-6 with a double versus Anderson, who is 0-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts against the Orioles.

Bundy has gone 0-5 with a 9.09 ERA in seven starts since the beginning of August after giving up six runs over four innings in a loss at Tampa Bay on Friday. The 25-year-old fourth overall pick in 2011 has not recorded a win since July 29 and has served up a major league-high 37 homers in 27 starts this year. Khris Davis is 3-for-7 with a homer and a double against Bundy, who is 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) versus the Athletics.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics are 20-8 against AL East opponents and meet another over the weekend in red-hot Tampa Bay.

2. Baltimore OF D.J. Stewart became the 55th player used by the team this year, eclipsing the club record set in 1955.

3. Oakland 3B Matt Chapman is 3-for-8 with a pair of doubles, two runs scored and four RBIs in the series.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Orioles 4