Monday 9-17-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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

Race 2 - Trial - 400y on the Dirt. Purse: $9600 Class Rating: 68

QUARTER HORSE 400Y, FOR NOMINATED TWO YEAR OLDS, SEEKING TO QUALIFY TO THE FINAL, CONTESTED ON MON, OCT 8 FOR NOMINATION & SUSTAINING PAYMENT DETAILS PLEASE REFER TO THE QROOI STAKES BOOK.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 MILDRED DIDRICKSON 7/2

# 7 STRIPPER DUST 3/1

# 9 CHICKSDIGMYMONEYBAGS 10/1

MILDRED DIDRICKSON seems to be the bet in here. With a reliable 65 average speed figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's outing. With Figueroa uptop her, this filly will almost certainly be able to break out early for this event. Appears to have a solid class edge based on the latest company kept. STRIPPER DUST - Had one of the best Equibase speed figs of this field in her last outing. Appears to have a formidable class edge based on the latest company kept. CHICKSDIGMYMONEYBAGS - Will most likely be one of the front-runners of the group going into the midpoint of the race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 5 - Maiden Claiming - 7.5f on the Turf. Purse: $18000 Class Rating: 73

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000, IF FOR $16,000, ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 THANK YOU SO MUCH 7/5

# 5 SECRET CAPE 8/1

# 6 RECLINER 20/1

THANK YOU SO MUCH is the most favorable bet in this race. Could provide positive gains based on formidable recent Equibase Speed Figures with an average of 61. Is a definite contender - given the 79 Equibase Speed Fig from his most recent race. Has been racing admirably and has among the most competitive speed in the race for today's distance. SECRET CAPE - Well above average win clip at this distance/surface. Should be given a chance in this competition if only for the very good speed figure posted in the last race. RECLINER - Has performed strongly as of late in sprint races, posting a nifty 64 avg speed fig. Have to take notice when any pony makes a quick major improvement.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #9 - Post: 9:56pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,100 Class Rating: 59

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 E Z GAIN (ML=5/2)
#2 WAR OR PEACE (ML=5/1)


E Z GAIN - This gelding is in good physical condition. Finished second on Sep 4th. After the race aboard this horse on Sep 4th, the jock is going to 'know' the gelding much better. Ran a winning race Sep 4th, but just couldn't topple the victor. The latest speed rating of 64 is the best last race figure in the field. WAR OR PEACE - Looking at today's Equibase class figure, this thoroughbred is meeting an easier bunch than last out at Presque Isle Downs.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 LITTLE PAISA (ML=7/2), #3 SEVEN KNOTS (ML=5/1), #6 MR P (ML=8/1),

LITTLE PAISA - Has been beaten as the chalk in back to back races. A repeat is probably in store. SEVEN KNOTS - Hasn't been close to winning at all recently. Hard to put your money on the win end of any mount that finishes second and third as regularly as this thoroughbred does. This questionable contender ran a somewhat easily forgotten speed fig last time out. He shouldn't improve and will probably lose in today's race running that rating. MR P - Finished third in his most recent race with a somewhat easily forgotten speed fig. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to win after that in this field.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #4 E Z GAIN to win. Have to have odds of at least 3/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Presque Isle Downs
Presque Isle Downs - Race 4

$2 WPS / $2 Exacta / Trifecta (min .50 cent) / Superfecta (min .10 cent) $2 Daily Double / Pick 3 (min .50 cent) (Races 4-5-6) Pick 6 (min .20 cent) (Races 4-9)


Claiming $5,000 • 6 Furlongs • All-Weather • Ages 3 and up • CR: 86 • Purse: $10,000 • Post: 6:40P
(PLUS UP TO 30% PABF) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES IN 2017 - 2018 OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 17, 2017. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 17 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $4,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * MAN ABOUT TOWN: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. GOLDEN EMPEROR: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. IT'S ALL REALITY: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. I B MIKE: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. OUR KARMA: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and trainer's win percentage with horses coming off a layoff is at least 25.
2
MAN ABOUT TOWN
5/2

6/1
5
GOLDEN EMPEROR
2/1

6/1
10
IT'S ALL REALITY
15/1

7/1
13
I B MIKE
6/1

8/1
14
OUR KARMA
6/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
5
GOLDEN EMPEROR
5

2/1
Front-runner
86

84

89.8

80.7

76.2
2
MAN ABOUT TOWN
2

5/2
Front-runner
86

83

84.0

81.6

77.1
14
OUR KARMA
14

6/1
Front-runner
87

88

82.1

72.1

55.1
4
STRANGLEHOLD
4

20/1
Front-runner
81

75

79.2

58.2

39.2
6
ALLTHELEAVESRBROWN
6

6/1
Front-runner
84

76

76.3

74.0

62.0
7
EDDIE SET GO
7

20/1
Stalker
87

84

65.4

66.8

47.8
10
IT'S ALL REALITY
10

15/1
Alternator/Stalker
85

82

77.0

76.6

70.1
13
I B MIKE
13

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
82

81

74.0

74.4

67.4
8
STABLEFORD (GB)
8

10/1
Alternator/Stalker
85

72

69.8

73.4

62.4
3
OUR SMOKIN HERO
3

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
86

73

70.8

70.4

49.4
11
CLIFFS OF MALIBU
11

50/1
Alternator/Non-contender
82

64

69.2

67.2

43.7
12
TAIL GUNNER CARL
12

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
80

72

68.8

68.6

48.1
1
JUMP FOR KITTEN
1

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
65

66

57.2

61.6

34.6
9
LAKE CREEK
9

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
85

69

54.0

66.0

52.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #9 - Post: 4:31pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $24,000 Class Rating: 69

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 EMPTY HOUSE (ML=4/1)
#2 TWO SHY (ML=9/2)
#5 CLARISTA (ML=7/2)
#1 BORINO (ML=10/1)


EMPTY HOUSE - Nunez and Vazquez teamed up together are a horseplayer's friend. Was in a $7,500 Claiming race at Parx Racing last time out. That race had an Equibase class figure of 76 and she is moving down in this field. A certain serious competitor. TWO SHY - Delgado brings her back again. I recommend you stick with this strong filly. Took a big class drop last out, and I think she may have needed it. Delgado enters her at a similar class level today. I'd expect an improved performance. CLARISTA - Ocasio and Milian perform well when they combine forces. Hard to top a winning percentage of 33. This thoroughbred ran outside the top 3 at Parx Racing in the last race on a sloppy track. She should improve in this race on a fast track. BORINO - This thoroughbred coming off a nice try in the last month is a solid contender in my book. I like this mare. Has the highest earnings per race in this one.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 VIVA NEVADA (ML=3/1), #3 GHOST MAGI (ML=6/1),

VIVA NEVADA - Hard to recommend any animal with deteriorating Equibase speed figs of 70/61/51. GHOST MAGI - Speed ratings tell a tale of lessening condition. The rating last time out doesn't fit very well in this affair when I look at the class rating of today's contest. Mark this entrant as a questionable challenger.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - CLARISTA - This filly takes a big tumble in the class figure department from a rating of 84 down to 69. Strong contender.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#8 EMPTY HOUSE is the play if we get odds of 9/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Thistledown
Thistledown - Race 8

$1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta


Claiming $5,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 88 • Purse: $10,700 • Post: 5:10P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE MARCH 17, 2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 17 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JULY 17 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000 (OHIO REGISTERED FOALS PREFERRED).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * WHERE'S WOODY: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. PHIL'S COCKTAIL: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. YO BERBS: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race).
10
WHERE'S WOODY
8/1

4/1
2
PHIL'S COCKTAIL
4/1

5/1
8
YO BERBS
8/1

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
8
YO BERBS
8

8/1
Front-runner
82

88

85.0

75.4

67.4
3
NOBLE DAVE
3

5/1
Front-runner
83

79

72.8

75.2

61.7
10
WHERE'S WOODY
10

8/1
Stalker
97

92

71.2

83.4

78.4
2
PHIL'S COCKTAIL
2

4/1
Alternator/Stalker
95

88

70.3

80.2

77.2
7
LAGOON OF DIAMONDS
7

6/1
Alternator/Trailer
91

82

62.6

71.0

63.5
4
ABIE
4

7/2
Alternator/Trailer
90

71

47.8

75.8

68.8
9
ROCK VICTOR
9

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
81

75

83.0

69.0

54.5
1
RACE READY
1

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
77

79

50.2

72.8

55.8
6
FOREVER KRZ
6

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
84

71

49.8

68.2

52.2
5
WATCH IT BUSTER
5

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
91

74

43.4

61.6

46.6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kansas City Royals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/16/2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates inserted themselves into the National League postseason race over the weekend, but only as spoilers. The Pirates will try to carry the momentum gained from a series win at Milwaukee back home when they host the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game interleague series on Monday.

Pittsburgh, which will get more chances to impact the NL Central race with three games against the Brewers next weekend followed by a four-game set at the Chicago Cubs, is finishing the season strong and reached .500 at 74-74 with a 3-2 win over the Brewers on Sunday - its eighth victory in the last 11 contests. The Pirates pitching staff surrendered three or fewer runs in each of those eight wins as young starters like Trevor Williams and Jameson Taillon asserted themselves. Pittsburgh will turn things over to another promising young arm on Monday, when right-hander Joe Musgrove takes the mound opposite Royals rookie righty Brad Keller. Kansas City is enjoying its own surge down the stretch and earned the win in each of its last two series, taking a combined five of seven from the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins while averaging six runs.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Brad Keller (8-6, 3.04 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Joe Musgrove (6-9, 3.87)

Keller is earning himself a spot in the Kansas City rotation of the future with a strong finish to the season and will look to allow two earned runs or fewer in his seventh straight outing on Monday. The 23-year-old is coming off a win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, in which he allowed one run and four hits over seven innings while striking out six - his third straight outing of seven or more frames. The last time Keller allowed more than two earned runs came in his last interleague start on Aug. 7, when he was knocked around for four runs and seven hits over six frames by the Chicago Cubs.

Musgrove struck out eight over six innings at St. Louis on Tuesday but was reached for four runs on as many hits and suffered the loss. The 25-year-old managed to keep the ball in the ballpark against the Cardinals after surrendering a total of six homers over his previous four turns. Musgrove's lone interleague start this season came at Cleveland on July 24, when he held the Indians to two runs and five hits over seven innings to pick up a win.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 1B Josh Bell reached base safely in each of his last eight games.

2. Kansas City INF Adalberto Mondesi is 13-for-28 with seven RBIs over the last six contests.

3. Pittsburgh rookie 2B-SS Kevin Newman has hit safely in five straight and owns four RBIs in that span.

PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Royals 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
The rest of the American League East ran away and left the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles behind months ago, but the two teams are still doing their best to disrupt things. Fresh off a series win over the New York Yankees, the Blue Jays will try to finish off the road trip strong when they visit the Orioles for the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

Toronto began the road trip by dropping three straight at first-place Boston and lost the opener against the Yankees before recovering to earn a pair of one-run wins. The Orioles own the worst record in baseball and are looking for any sign that the future might be better, and the organization's minor league player of the year, Cedric Mullins, is creating some excitement. Mullins enjoyed a four-hit day in Sunday's 8-4 win over the Chicago White Sox and is 8-for-16 over the last four contests. Baltimore, which enjoyed its lone three-game sweep of the season over the Blue Jays at home Aug. 27-29, has yet to announce a starter for Monday's game while the Blue Jays will hand the ball to rookie lefty Ryan Borucki.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto), MASN 2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (3-4, 4.26 ERA) vs. Orioles TBD

Borucki is suffering through a three-start winless streak but turned in quality starts in each of his last two outings. The 24-year-old yielded two runs and three hits over 6 1/3 innings against the major league-best Boston Red Sox on Tuesday but was left out of the decision in a game Toronto ended up losing 7-2. Borucki was not as sharp at Baltimore on Aug. 29, when he was lit up for five runs on eight hits - two homers - over 4 2/3 innings.

The Orioles are scrambling to find a starter for Monday after right-hander Andrew Cashner was ruled out due to a knee injury. The veteran Texan received a cortisone shot on Thursday but was still not able to make it through his bullpen session on Saturday and is pushed back indefinitely. Baltimore could instead give the start to left-hander Sean Gilmartin, who worked three innings in relief of Cashner on Wednesday at Oakland and has not pitched since, before turning things over to the rest of an expanded September bullpen.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays OF Randal Grichuk is 4-for-9 with four extra-base hits and three RBIs in the last two games.

2. Baltimore C Chance Sisco left Sunday's game after taking a foul tip off the mask and is day-to-day.

3. Toronto rookie OF Billy McKinney is 0-for-14 with six strikeouts over his last five contests.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 12, Orioles 6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia Phillies' struggles against their National League East rivals have gone a long way toward dimming their bids for both a division title and wild-card berth. The Phillies have dropped 10 of their 16 meetings with the New York Mets heading into the opener of the teams' final series of the season Monday in Philadelphia.

Cesar Hernandez homered for the second straight game in Philadelphia's 6-4 setback to Miami on Sunday, giving him 12 hits to go along with eight RBIs and four runs scored in his last eight contests. The 28-year-old Venezuelan is 19-for-65 against the Mets this season and is a stellar 7-for-11 lifetime versus Tuesday starter Zack Wheeler. While the free-falling Phillies have dropped 10 of 14 in September to fall 6 1/2 games behind division-leading Atlanta, the Mets had won 10 of 13 this month before losing back-to-back interleague contests at Boston. Michael Conforto recorded a run-scoring double on Sunday to give him 18 hits and 16 RBIs in September heading into an encounter with Jake Arrieta, against whom he is just 1-for-7 in his career.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (11-7, 3.23 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (10-9, 3.66)

Wheeler improved to 8-1 with a 1.32 ERA in his last 10 starts on Wednesday after scattering four hits and striking out seven in eight innings of a 13-0 romp over Miami. The 28-year-old has faced Philadelphia on one occasion this season and came away with a no-decision on July 9 after permitting three runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 frames. Former Met Asdrubal Cabrera (1-for-10) and Odubel Herrera (1-for-9) have struggled mightily versus Wheeler.

Arrieta came away his second no-decision in three starts on Tuesday after yielding three runs and as many hits in five innings against Washington. The 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner has posted a 1.94 ERA in nine career starts versus New York, although he is 0-1 this season despite producing a pair of strong outings. Arrieta settled for a no-decision on May 11 despite scattering five hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings before taking the hard-luck loss on Aug. 18 after allowing one run and four hits in six frames of a 3-1 setback.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia OF Rhys Hoskins has recorded five multi-hit performances in his last eight games.

2. New York OF Brandon Nimmo is 1-for-9 in his last four contests, although the lone hit was a homer.

3. Phillies 1B Carlos Santana has registered 20 hits and 12 runs scored in his last 17 games.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Phillies 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/16/2018

The Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins will see plenty of each other as they play out the string over the next two weeks. The National League East rivals will meet five times over the next 10 days, including a two-game series that begins Monday in Miami.


The Nationals haven't yet been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, but they're close as they trail division-leading Atlanta by 7 1/2 games and are 6 1/2 out of the second NL wild-card spot. Washington has won seven of its last nine contests, however - including two of three on the road against the Braves over the weekend. The Marlins snapped their five-game losing streak with a 6-4 win at Philadelphia on Sunday, wrapping up a 2-7 road trip. Miami owns the worst record in the NL.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FS Florida (Miami)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Erick Fedde (2-3, 5.12 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Trevor Richards (3-9, 4.85)

Fedde is looking to build off his best major-league start to date as he held Philadelphia to two hits while registering nine strikeouts in 5 2/3 scoreless innings on Tuesday. The 25-year-old has recorded only one quality start in 11 outings over the last two seasons. Both of Fedde's career victories have come on the road.

Richards is winless in his last nine starts and has been roughed up in each of his last two. The 25-year-old rookie surrendered 12 runs - 10 earned - over 6 1/3 innings in those outings and has served up eight home runs in his last six turns. Richards has made two starts against the Nationals, allowing two runs over 9 2/3 frames in a pair of no-decisions.


WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals 3B Anthony Rendon has reached base in 25 consecutive games, the longest streak by a Washington player this season.

2. The Marlins have recorded 42 stolen bases - the fewest in the majors and only three more than Nationals SS Trea Turner's major league-leading total.

3. Washington OF Juan Soto has reached safely in 21 straight contests, one shy of Hall-of-Famer Mel Ott's 1928 record for a teenager.


PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Marlins 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/16/2018

The Detroit Tigers attempt to snap their four-game losing streak at Comerica Park when they kick off their final homestand of the season with the opener of a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins on Monday. Detroit is coming off a series victory in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday's 6-4 triumph over the American League Central champion.

Jim Adduci belted a three-run homer and finished with a career-high four RBIs as the Tigers ended a string of five consecutive series losses to the Indians. Christin Stewart has hit safely in five of his first seven major-league contests after joining Jeimer Candelario with a 3-for-5 performance on Sunday. Minnesota used the long ball to salvage the finale of its four-game set in Kansas City, belting four solo home runs in Sunday's 9-6 triumph. Jorge Polanco and Johnny Field both went deep while registering four hits, with the former finishing 6-for-14 in the series.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Gabriel Moya (3-1, 4.88 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (7-7, 4.17)

Moya makes his third start of the month in the "opener" role after working one inning at Texas on Sept. 2 and two in Kansas City 11 days later. The 23-year-old Venezuelan took the loss against the Rangers after yielding two runs on one hit - a homer - and one walk. Moya has made five relief appearances versus Detroit in his brief career, notching his lone save while allowing one run over 5 2/3 frames.

Zimmermann is coming off a loss to Houston on Tuesday when he surrendered five runs and six hits - three homers - over five innings. The 32-year-old native of Wisconsin has served up three blasts in two of his last three outings and is five shy of matching the dubious career high of 29 he yielded last season. Zimmermann is 4-3 with a 5.86 ERA in eight career starts against the Twins, winning his lone meeting this year on Aug. 10.

WALK-OFFS

1. Candelario has recorded multiple hits in three of his last five games and a trio of three-hit performances over his last 10 contests.

2. Minnesota OF Max Kepler homered on Sunday, ending his 21-game drought while matching the career high of 19 he set last season.

3. Detroit RHP Michael Fulmer (knee) will undergo an MRI on Monday and may be done for the season.

PREDICTION: Tigers 7, Twins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 17th September 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/17/2018

The Atlanta Braves look to maintain their sizeable cushion in the National League East when they host the playoff-contending St. Louis Cardinals on Monday for the opener of their three-game series, with another big test looming over their final 10 contests of the regular season. The Braves lead second-place Philadelphia by 6 1/2 games in the East but play seven of their last 10 against the Phillies, with a three-game set versus he pesky New York Mets sandwiched in between.

Atlanta, which has not been to the postseason since 2013, lost one game off its lead over the weekend after dropping back-to-back contests to visiting Washington, which has crept within 7 1/2 games of the division leader. Mike Foltynewicz hopes to match his last effort against St. Louis, an outing in which he allowed one hit and registered nine strikeouts over five scoreless innings on July 1, as he gets the ball for the Braves while the Cardinals counter with 15-game winner Miles Mikolas. St. Louis snapped its four-game losing streak with a 5-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday that put the clubs in a tie for the second wild card spot in the NL with 12 contests remaining for both. Marcell Ozuna homered among three hits in the victory for the Cardinals, improving to 19-for-49 with six blasts and 14 RBIs over his last 12 games.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (15-4, 2.99 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (11-9, 2.66)

Mikolas limited Pittsburgh to one run on five hits and one walk over seven innings on Tuesday to open the month with back-to-back wins. The 30-year-old Floridian has held opponents to fewer than three runs 11 times in his last 15 starts, including a loss to Atlanta on June 29 in which he gave up one over 6 1/3 frames. Johan Camargo and Dansby Swanson are 2-for-3 versus Mikolas, who is 8-0 with a 3.86 ERA in 14 road starts this season.

Foltynewicz has been dominant in his first two starts of September, permitting two runs on eight hits and three walks with 12 strikeouts over 15 innings. The 26-year-old native of Illinois has yielded fewer than two earned runs in six of his last seven outings, including his second career complete game on Tuesday at San Francisco in which he gave up one. Kolten Wong is 3-for-5 versus Foltynewicz, who is 2-2 with a 7.13 ERA against St. Louis.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cardinals clinched their 11th consecutive winning season on Sunday, a feat they accomplished only once before (15 straight from 1939-53).

2. Atlanta rookie 2B Ozzie Albies needs one run to become the first to reach 100 for the team since 1B Freddie Freeman in 2016.

3. The Braves swept a three-game set at St. Louis from June 29-July 1 but have dropped the last six meetings at home.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 3, Braves 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/16/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers' aspirations for the National League Central title haven't been done any favors by their play against division rivals. After losing for the 11th time in 16 meetings with Pittsburgh, the Brewers bid to rebound on Monday as they open a three-game home series versus the one NL Central foe they have enjoyed success against in the Cincinnati Reds.

Jesus Aguilar and Domingo Santana hit back-to-back home runs to begin the ninth inning in Sunday's 3-2 setback for Milwaukee, which has answered winning nine of 11 by dropping back-to-back contests to fall to 32-35 versus NL Central adversaries. Aguilar has recorded four hits in his last two games overall and is a robust 18-for-51 this season versus Cincinnati, against which the Brewers have won 11 of 16 encounters. The Reds' sputtering offense did just enough on Sunday to keep Milwaukee 2 1/2 games behind division-leading Chicago, increasing the team's total to five runs in its last four games with a 2-1 victory over the Cubs. Jose Peraza has gone 19-for-46 during his 11-game hitting streak, although he is just 1-for-9 against Monday starter Wade Miley.

TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (7-5, 4.80 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Wade Miley (4-2, 2.23)

DeSclafani retired the first nine batters he faced on Wednesday before the bottom fell out, as he allowed six runs in 4 2/3 innings of an 8-1 setback against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 28-year-old has permitted four runs in both outings versus Milwaukee this year, escaping with a no-decision after 6 1/3 frames on June 28 before picking up the win on Aug. 28 in 6 2/3 innings. Ryan Braun (3-for-16) has been kept under wraps by DeSclafani, although Christian Yelich has gotten in his licks by going 3-for-9 with a homer.

Miley yielded fewer than three earned runs for the 12th time in 13 starts with Milwaukee after allowing two in five innings of a 3-2 triumph over the Cubs. The 31-year-old has pitched well in a pair of turns versus Cincinnati, permitting one run and three hits in six frames of a 3-1 win on May 2 before surrendering one run in 7 1/3 innings of a no-decision on Aug. 30. Speedster Billy Hamilton is 3-for-8 at the plate versus Miley, who owns a 4-2 record and 3.14 ERA in nine career meetings with Cincinnati.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yelich, who saw his NL-best 30-game on-base streak halted on Sunday, is 20-for-44 versus Cincinnati this season.

2. Reds 2B Scooter Gennett, who is hitting .318 this year, is batting just .224 against the Brewers in 2018.

3. Brewers 3B Mike Moustakas has gone 0-for-8 in his last two games after collecting six hits - including a homer - to go along with three RBIs and four runs scored in his previous three.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Reds 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/16/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays kept alive their slim hopes of an American League wild-card spot over the weekend and hope to make up some more ground when they open a three-game series against the host Texas Rangers on Monday. The Rays are seven games behind Oakland for the second wild card after edging the Athletics each of the last two days to remain unbeaten in their last eight series (7-0-1).

It will take a near-perfect run and some help for Tampa Bay to reach the postseason, but the team has optimism for the future after clinching its first winning season since 2013 with Sunday's 5-4 win, getting homers from C.J. Cron and rookie Willy Adames (.350 batting average this month). "This organization has been very fortunate over the last decade to play in a lot of playoff games. We want to get back to that," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash told reporters. "We've had a little bit of a lull recently, and these guys give you some positive thoughts like (playing in the postseason) is on the horizon." Texas, which resides in the AL West cellar, returns home after giving up five runs in the bottom of the ninth inning of a 7-3 loss at San Diego on Sunday to finish its 3-6 road trip. Jurickson Profar, who recorded a solo homer and a double in the setback, has gone 7-for-16 with a pair of blasts and four RBIs over his last four contests but is just 4-for-26 lifetime versus the Rays.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Tyler Glasnow (1-6, 4.48 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Adrian Sampson (0-1, 5.06)

Glasnow matched his career high with seven innings against Cleveland on Tuesday, allowing two runs on solo homers, but still is looking for his first win with Tampa Bay. The 25-year-old Californian, who has registered 43 strikeouts in 38 1/3 frames with the Rays, has limited opponents to fewer than three runs in five of eight starts since being acquired from Pittsburgh. Glasnow, who will face the Rangers for the first time in his career, owns a 6.53 ERA on the road in 2018.

Sampson makes his second start with the Rangers after suffering a tough-luck loss Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels after permitting one run and two hits over five innings. The 26-year-old, who was claimed off waivers from Seattle in 2016, gave up three runs - two earned - while retiring one batter at Oakland in relief on Sept. 7 in his only other major-league appearance this year. Sampson went 8-4 with a 3.77 ERA in 33 outings (19 starts) for Triple-A Round Rock this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas 3B-DH Adrian Beltre has hit 474 career homers, one behind Stan Musial and Willie Stargell for 30th place on the all-time list.

2. Tampa Bay CF Kevin Kiermaier has gone 17-for-40 with three homers, nine RBIs and 10 runs scored this month.

3. The Rays took two of three from the Rangers in April after losing won four of six meetings in 2017.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, Rangers 2