Friday 9-14-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Georgia State Panthers vs. Memphis Tigers Preview and Predictions

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

Memphis coach Mike Norvell is happy his team has one fewer day than usual to prepare this week, as it is anxious to make amends for a disappointing loss at Navy when it hosts Georgia State on Friday. The Tigers had difficulty getting their offense on track in pouring rain last week and it cost them at the end, as four turnovers and 13 points allowed in the fourth quarter resulted in a 22-21 defeat.

"It really was kind of like a perfect storm in all senses," Norvell told reporters during Monday's press conference. "Unfortunately, we've been here before. We know what it takes to be able to move forward." The Tigers held the ball for only 17 minutes, 13 seconds, spoiling a brilliant performance by running back Darrell Henderson, who recorded 212 yards and three touchdowns on only 13 carries. Henderson has averaged 13.1 yards per carry through two games, tops in FBS, after finishing second in the nation last season (8.9). The Panthers were shredded through the air last week, giving up 370 passing yards in a 41-7 loss at North Carolina State.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Memphis -27

ABOUT GEORGIA STATE (1-1): Despite the loss, junior-college transfer quarterback Dan Ellington played well for the second consecutive game, completing 15-of-28 passes for 194 yards. His primary target will be wide receiver Penny Hart, who ranks first among active FBS receivers in career yards per game (82.1) and third in touchdown receptions (18). Brandon Wright leads the nation in punting with an average of 55 yards.

ABOUT MEMPHIS (1-1): Quarterback Brady White, who passed for 358 yards and five touchdowns in the Tigers' season-opening 66-14 rout of Mercer, finished with only 145 yards and an interception last week. Henderson has rushed for 290 yards and four touchdowns thus far this season. Cornerback T.J. Carter, who recorded five interceptions last year, already has returned one for a touchdown and forced a fumble over his first two games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Memphis KR Tony Pollard has averaged an FBS-best 31.9 yards per return since 2016, and his six for touchdowns is one away from the NCAA career record.

2. The Tigers have won 13 of their last 15 games at home, where they are 23-4 since 2014.

3. Memphis plays four of its next five contests at home.

PREDICTION: Memphis 48, Georgia State 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BC Lions vs. Montreal Alouettes Preview and Predictions 09-14-2018 in CFL

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

The BC Lions look to notch back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they visit the Montreal Alouettes on Friday. The Lions scored 17 points off turnovers and recorded six sacks en route to a 26-14 win against the Ottawa Redblacks in Week 13 and aim to keep their playoff hopes alive by beating the Alouettes for the seventh consecutive time.

"I think all the next eight games are must-wins," BC head coach Wally Buono admitted to reporters. "We're still the fifth-place team in the West and all the games are going to be tough so when you put yourself up against a wall then they're all must-wins." The Alouettes are growing in confidence following two straight wins and hope their bye week doesn't rob them of their momentum as they search for their first playoff berth in four years. The Alouettes edged Toronto 25-22 before beating the East Division-leading Redblacks 21-11 on Aug. 31 to move into a third-place tie with the Argonauts and look to continue their upward trajectory by taking down the Lions for the first time since Aug. 20, 2015. "We have to keep this streak going," Montreal wide receiver B.J. Cunningham told reporters. "This season can definitely be salvaged."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TSN, RDS

ABOUT THE LIONS (4-6): Travis Lulay completed 9-of-15 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown before suffering a concussion in the second quarter of the win against Ottawa, but took reps with the first team offence during practice and is expected to play on Friday. BC officially signed wide receiver DeVier Posey, who was the MVP of the 2017 Grey Cup, after the former Ohio State Buckeyes star was released by the Baltimore Ravens. Centre Cody Husband was put on the six-game injured list after he was carted off the field with a leg issue against the Redblacks and will likely be replaced by rookie Peter Godber, who was the third overall selection in the 2018 CFL Draft.

ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (3-8): Antonio Pipkin will make his fourth straight start after he accounted for 317 yards of total offence and a rushing touchdown in the win against Ottawa while Johnny Manziel, who just came out of the concussion protocol, missed the last two days of practice due to the stomach flu. Linebacker Chris Ackie was a late scratch with a strained hamstring against the Redblacks, but took part in practice and is expected to play on Friday while running back William Stanback returned to the fold after sitting out last week with a pulled muscle. Montreal re-signed wide receiver T.J. Graham to the practice squad after he was released earlier in the season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Montreal hasn't won three straight games since 2016.

2. The Lions are 0-5 on the road this season.

3. Pipkin has four rushing touchdowns in his last three games.

PREDICTION: Alouettes 24, Lions 21

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Belmont Park

09/14/18, BEL, Race 6, 4.14 ET
6F [Dirt] 1.07.03 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $46,000.
Claiming Price $50,000. FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLDFOALED IN NEW YORK STATE AND APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE-BRED REGISTRY
Exacta, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Pick 3 Races (6-8) - Pick 4 (.50) Races (6-9), Double
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 25.53, $1 ROI 0.71, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 2 Prairie Fire 9/2 Cohen D Gargan Danny
099.9302 8 Alphabetting 8-1 Rosario J Contessa Gary C. SWC
099.1051 11 Rossby 6-1 Franco M Martin Carlos F. FL
098.8551 9 Annette's Humor 7/2 Ortiz. Jr. I Asmussen Steven M.
098.6059 6 D's Sis 10-1 Ortiz J L Levine Bruce N.
098.2039 10 Mimic 6-1 Castellano J Rodriguez Rudy R.
098.1177 4 L. A. Page 10-1 Cancel E Englehart Jeremiah C. T
095.3381 1 Salt Hay Bay 12-1 Reyes L R Rodriguez Rudy R.
095.0970 5 Devil's Flair 20-1 Bravo J Ryerson James T. J
093.5679 3 Catch My Breath 15-1 Luzzi M J Gullo Gary P.
093.5627 7 Big Brown Cat(b+) 15-1 Davis D Gullo Gary P.
093.3438 12 Minit Maus 20-1 Maragh R Sciacca Gary
090.7450 13 Charming Cara 30-1 Cancel E Friedman Mitchell E.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 6 - Optional Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $35000 Class Rating: 88

FOR MN-BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $12,500. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 CINCO STAR 9/5

# 6 MOONLITE JOEY 8/1

# 10 TRUE WEST 5/1

I give the nod to CINCO STAR here. Has run solidly when racing a dirt route race. Looks like a solid candidate for the exotics. Is difficult not to examine based on Equibase Speed Figures which have been very good - 85 avg - of late. MOONLITE JOEY - Has quite good speed figures and has to be considered for a wager for this event. Could beat this field given the 89 speed figure earned in his last outing. TRUE WEST - Garnered a very strong Equibase speed fig last time out. With a nice class fig average of 97, has one of the best class advantages in this group of animals.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Churchill Downs

09/14/18, CD, Race 7, 3.48 ET
7F [Dirt] 1.20.02 CLAIMING. Purse $37,000.
Claiming Price $50,000, For Each $5,000 To $40,000 2 lbs. FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES
Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) - Pick 4 (Races 7-8-9-10)
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 18.92, $1 ROI 0.53, For Race Category Non-Maiden Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 1 Ballard High 5-1 Geroux F Rice Linda JSE
099.6647 2 Bourbon Country 9/2 Lanerie C J Kenneally Eddie TW
098.5550 11 Full of Run 4-1 Santana. Jr. R Asmussen Steven M. C
096.0661 3 Dedicated(b+) 10-1 Leparoux J R Moquett Ron F
095.1951 6 Toothpic 8-1 Rocco. Jr. J Tomlinson Michael A.
094.8813 8 My Eminence 6-1 Borel C H Byrne Patrick B.
094.0937 4 Firehorn 15-1 McMahon C Van Meter William B.
093.9010 7 Dig Charlie Dig 5-1 Saez G Foley Gregory D.
093.5610 9 Portal 10-1 Landeros C Wilkes Ian R.
092.9601 5 Wolf Strike 15-1 Journet J Puhl Kim A.
091.2438 10 Gettysburg 8-1 Albarado R Hartman Chris A. L

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $3800 Class Rating: 37

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 120 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,200.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 SILENCE IS AWESOME 9/5

# 4 REID HILL LIL 6/1

# 5 DODGE'N BULLETS 8/1

SILENCE IS AWESOME looks quite good to best this field. Simpson has recent return on investment numbers which make this horse a strong bet. Will likely be one of the leaders of the pack going into the halfway point of the race. With a nice class fig average of 50, has one of the best class advantages in this group. REID HILL LIL - She has a good opportunity in this contest as conditioner, Adams, has sharp win clip with horses going this distance. DODGE'N BULLETS - Has a strong shot in here if you like back class. She should have a good showing versus this softer field of horses.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #3 - Post: 6:54pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $19,900 Class Rating: 66

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 GLACIER EXPRESS (ML=9/5)


GLACIER EXPRESS - I like to bet on this handicapping angle, a horse coming back off a nice effort within the last thirty days. This gelding recorded a nice speed rating of 65 in his last race. That speed figure should be strong enough to prove victorious in today's event. This animal is tops in (EPS) earnings per start. He looks solid in today's clash.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 OWIN (ML=2/1), #3 FREE AGENT (ML=7/2), #4 RAVENS DELIGHT (ML=4/1),

OWIN - This less than sharp equine hasn't been near the victor at the wire recently. Hasn't finished in the money in any short distance affairs lately. Not probable to see him doing it this time out either. FREE AGENT - 7/2 is just too low of a price to take on this thoroughbred. RAVENS DELIGHT - In any contest of 6 furlongs, I like to wager on a contender that has been looking good in short distance events of late. This colt notched a speed fig in his last event which likely isn't good enough in today's race.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #5 GLACIER EXPRESS to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Remington Park
Remington Park - Race 5

Exacta / Trifecta (.50 Cent Minimum) / Superfecta (.10 Cent Minimum) Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7) (.50 Cent Minimum)


Claiming $7,500 • 7 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 79 • Purse: $12,100 • Post: 8:58P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500. OKLAHOMA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. SEVEN FORTY SEVEN is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SEVEN FORTY SEVEN: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. MISTER HENRY LEE: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. Horse's average winning dis tance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race).
10
SEVEN FORTY SEVEN
4/1

7/2
7
MISTER HENRY LEE
7/2

4/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
5
DOC HOLIDAY RULES
5

8/1
Front-runner
65

63

55.8

55.4

38.9
10
SEVEN FORTY SEVEN
10

4/1
Stalker
82

79

65.8

74.8

69.3
6
BANKROLL BEN
6

6/1
Stalker
82

76

49.7

61.1

50.6
7
MISTER HENRY LEE
7

7/2
Alternator/Stalker
85

74

64.0

74.3

68.8
3
PINNACLE PEAK
3

15/1
Alternator/Stalker
77

79

40.5

65.8

54.8
2
COWBOY DON
2

5/2
Trailer
75

78

57.3

66.6

56.1
9
ALPHATIME
9

20/1
Trailer
84

87

25.9

62.5

50.0
1
THE UNION FOREVER
1

15/1
Alternator/Trailer
76

68

42.8

66.0

55.0
4
PARAMONT
4

12/1
Alternator/Trailer
83

78

41.4

62.0

51.0
8
BUSTAMOVE
8

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
72

70

58.8

63.8

48.8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Woodbine - Race #5 - Post: 3:20pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $27,200 Class Rating: 67

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 MAHONE BAY (ML=6/1)


MAHONE BAY - This jock and trainer's horses have been producing a positive ROI. This mount could be tough in today's race, especially since Lermyte rode last time out and now should be acquainted with this one. This filly likes to be near the lead. Today's affair is a shorter distance and should promote her winning probability.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 PINK SCRIBBLES (ML=2/1), #2 CON ARTIST (ML=3/1), #3 WILBURNRUBBER (ML=4/1),

PINK SCRIBBLES - Would have to get much more than the morning line odds of 2/1 to play this racer. CON ARTIST - Today's race is 5 furlongs. Hasn't hit the board in a sprint event in the last sixty days. Not the best of signs. WILBURNRUBBER - In any race of 5 furlongs, I like to bet on a contender that has been looking good in short distance contests of late. Finished seventh in her most recent performance with a mediocre speed fig. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to prove victorious after that in this group.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #4 MAHONE BAY on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
4 with 8

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Will Rogers Downs
Will Rogers Downs - Race 5

Exacta / Quinella / Trifecta (.50 min.) / Superfecta (.10 min.)


Claiming $5,000 • 250 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 70 • Purse: $9,700 • Post: 1:40P
QUARTER HORSE 250Y, FOR ACCREDITED OKLAHOMA-BREDS THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * JB VALENTINO: Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. BV SHES GOT IT ALL: Horse has a TrackMaster "B" designation. Quarter horse has the highest last race Equiba se Speed Rating. JAGGER JAMES: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. SUNSETS CORONA GIRL: Horse's average wi nning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race).
4
JB VALENTINO
5/1

4/1
5
BV SHES GOT IT ALL
4/1

6/1
3
JAGGER JAMES
6/1

7/1
10
SUNSETS CORONA GIRL
8/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
STUCK ON SPEED
1

10/1
Average
72

61

4.9

0.0

0.0
2
JK EAGLE EXPRESS
2

3/1
Average
69

65

4.2

0.0

0.0
3
JAGGER JAMES
3

6/1
Fast
69

72

1.0

0.0

0.0
4
JB VALENTINO
4

5/1
Slow
78

86

6.8

0.0

0.0
5
BV SHES GOT IT ALL
5

4/1
Average
77

68

5.8

0.0

0.0
6
FEATURED SECRET
6

10/1
Average
68

61

5.8

0.0

0.0
7
REDNECK ON THE GO
7

15/1
Average
62

56

0.0

0.0

0.0
8
RUSHAGOCHICK
8

12/1
Average
58

54

0.0

0.0

0.0
9
COTTON AMRALENE
9

10/1
Slow
66

63

8.0

0.0

0.0
10
SUNSETS CORONA GIRL
10

8/1
Slow
76

69

7.1

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 09-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th September 2018 by Gracenote
The New York Yankees are closing in on a berth in the American League Wild Card Game, but they're in danger of having to play it on the road. The Yankees return from a 4-5 road trip that tightened up the race for the top wild-card spot to open up a nine-game homestand with the first of three against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday.

New York (90-56) did not get a hit until the eighth inning in a 3-1 loss at Minnesota on Wednesday, and its lead on Oakland for the first wild card is down to 1 1/2 games with 16 to play. The Yankees are 12-4 against the Blue Jays in 2018, including 6-1 at home, and will have their hottest pitcher in Masahiro Tanaka on the mound for the opener. Toronto dropped all three at Boston to begin a nine-game road trip, scoring a total of five runs in the sweep at the hands of the Red Sox. The Blue Jays, who are one defeat away from clinching their second straight losing season, go with veteran Marco Estrada on Friday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA Sports (Toronto), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (7-11, 5.32) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (11-5, 3.61)

Estrada posted his first quality start in six turns with six innings of two-run ball in a no-decision against Cleveland last Friday. He held New York to four runs in 13 innings over two matchups at home earlier in the year but was tagged for five runs and seven hits - including three home runs - in five frames at Yankee Stadium on April 20. Giancarlo Stanton is 7-for-20 with four homers and three doubles against the 35-year-old Estrada.

Tanaka has been the Yankees' best pitcher for about two months and he was at his best last Friday at Seattle, where he tossed eight scoreless innings while striking out a season-high 10. He has a 2.35 ERA over his last 10 starts and has surrendered just one home run - an issue earlier in the year - over his last five appearances. The Japan native is 10-4 with a 2.86 ERA in 16 career starts against the Blue Jays.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees CF Aaron Hicks is 1-for-20 over his last five games.

2. Toronto is 23-40 against the AL East.

3. New York 3B Miguel Andujar is 8-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Blue Jays 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 09-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th September 2018 by Gracenote
Winning streaks have been hard to come by lately for the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles, but one of them will be able to claim consecutive victories before the start of the weekend. Two of the three teams with the worst records in the American League square off on Friday as the Orioles host the White Sox in the opener of their three-game series.

Chicago (57-89) entered Wednesday's series finale with Kansas City on a seven-game slide before Tim Anderson's two-run homer in the 12th inning gave the team its fifth win in 15 contests. Offense has been in short supply for the White Sox throughout most of that stretch, producing fewer than five runs in nine straight games to match its longest such run from last season. Baltimore (42-104) owns the worst record in the majors, but it received a rare strong start from Dylan Bundy to defeat Oakland 5-3 on Thursday and snap its six-game skid. The White Sox and Orioles, who are a combined 5-17 this month, split a four-game series in late May.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH James Shields (6-16, 4.58 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Luis Ortiz (0-0, 40.50)

Shields gave up at least six runs for the sixth time in 2018 during Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Angels, surrendering six and nine hits - including a pair of home runs - over 4 1/3 innings. The 2011 All-Star was enjoying one of his best stretches of the season over his previous six turns, going 2-2 with a 3.76 ERA in that span. Adam Jones (14-for-50) and Jonathan Villar (3-for-7) have homered against Shields, who is 7-2 with a 3.81 ERA in 13 career starts in Baltimore.

Ortiz was roughed up in his major-league debut at Tampa Bay on Friday, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while recording only two outs in a relief appearance. The 22-year-old, who was acquired from Milwaukee at the trade deadline in a four-player deal involving Jonathan Schoop, went 2-1 with a 3.69 ERA in six outings with Triple-A Norfolk prior to being recalled this month. Ortiz went 5-5 with a 3.70 ERA in the minors this season and is 20-22 with a 3.25 ERA in 88 games (76 starts) over his minor-league career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Anderson needs one more home run to become the first White Sox shortstop with at least 20 blasts and 20 stolen bases in a single season.

2. Baltimore 1B Trey Mancini is batting .337 in 22 home games since the All-Star break.

3. Chicago has struck out a major league-high and club-record 1,412 times this season.

PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Orioles 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia Phillies spent more than a month atop the National League East this summer, but their freefall over the last month or so has put their hopes of ending a six-year postseason drought on life support. The Phillies will try to avoid a season-high sixth straight defeat on Friday, when they host the Miami Marlins in the opener of their three-game series.

Philadelphia reached a season-high 15 games over .500 on August 5, but little has gone right for the team since, as it has won only 11 of its last 34 contests to fall 7 1/2 games behind division-leading Atlanta. The Phillies, who also trail St. Louis by six games for the second wild-card spot, are coming off a day of rest after falling to 2-9 in September following a three-game sweep by Washington that began their six-game homestand. The Marlins contributed to Philadelphia's woes earlier this month, winning two of three against the Phillies from Sept. 3-5. Miami has struggled to get much of anything going since that series victory, however, going 1-5 over their last six contests after losing both ends of their doubleheader against the New York Mets on Thursday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (6-10, 4.72 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Zach Eflin (9-7, 4.42)

Chen's recent run of success came to a halt Saturday in Pittsburgh, as he threw first-pitch strikes to only seven of the 18 batters he faced and yielded three runs on four hits and two walks in four innings. The 33-year-old had been dominant in his previous five outings, going 3-1 while posting a 1.44 ERA and 0.80 WHIP. Asdrubal Cabrera (3-for-24) has struggled while Maikel Franco (7-for-18, two homers) has excelled against Chen, who took the loss versus Philadelphia on July 13 despite permitting one run in six frames.

Eflin's second-half struggles continued Saturday as he surrendered six runs on four hits and three walks in three innings against the Mets for his third loss in as many starts. The former first-round pick entered the All-Star break sporting a 7-2 record and 3.15 ERA in 12 outings, but he is only 2-5 with a 6.35 mark in nine turns since. Eflin was sharp in his two starts against Miami this season against Miami, going 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA while holding the Marlins to a .149 batting average.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies 1B Rhys Hoskins' 30 home runs and 62 extra-base hits are the most by a Philadelphia hitter since Ryan Howard recorded 33 and 64 in 2011.

2. Miami OF Lewis Brinson is 2-for-18 over his last five games after going 11-for-22 in his first six contests following an extended stint on the disabled list.

3. Philadelphia 1B Carlos Santana is one of only three major-leaguers with at least 80 RBIs (82) and 95 walks (97).

PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Phillies 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 09-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th September 2018 by Gracenote
While they inch closer to formally clinching the American League Central title, the Cleveland Indians are more preoccupied with having their roster rested and clicking in advance of the upcoming playoffs. To that end, Josh Donaldson will make his second start for the Indians when they open a three-game series against the visiting Detroit Tigers on Friday night.

Donaldson, the 2015 AL MVP who was acquired from Toronto on Aug. 31, made his Cleveland debut Tuesday after spending 3 1/2 months on the disabled list and is 0-for-5 in two games. Jose Ramirez, who swatted his team-leading 38th homer in Wednesday's 3-1 loss at Tampa Bay, has gone deep four times and has nine RBIs in 16 games against The Tigers this season. The Indians rested four starters Wednesday and will likely continue to do so against Detroit, which has dropped four in a row overall and 12 of 16 in the season series with Cleveland. Nicholas Castellanos, who leads the Tigers in most offensive categories, clubbed his 21st homer Wednesday but is batting only .175 with 19 strikeouts in 57 at-bats against the Tigers in 2018.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (9-12, 4.11 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (1-5, 6.63)

After earning a win or loss in 11 consecutive starts (5-6), Boyd had to settle for a no-decision last time out despite a masterful performance against St. Louis. He notched a season-high 11 strikeouts while permitting one run and two hits over seven innings. He dominated Cleveland with seven innings of one-run ball on April 10, but was battered for six runs on eight hits over three innings by the Indians on June 24.

Tomlin has pitched solely in relief since returning from a lengthy stint on the disabled list, making five appearances -- the last four consisting of one inning or fewer. Tomlin is making his seventh start of the season and first since May 15, but is 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA in that role. He tossed five scoreless innings against the Tigers on April 10 and was tagged by Detroit for four runs in 5 1/3 innings May 15.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians have won six of the last seven meetings, outscoring Detroit 52-11.

2. Tigers SS Niko Goodrum could miss the series with a deep quad contusion.

3. Indians SS Francisco Lindor has six homers and 14 RBIs in 16 games versus Detroit this season.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Indians 4