Thursday 9-20-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns Preview and Predictions 09-20-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 18th September 2018 by Gracenote
Jets vs. Browns Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/18/2018

The Cleveland Browns find themselves in an unfamiliar place after continually discovering painful - and often creative - ways to escape without a victory dating to the 2016 season. The beleaguered Browns, who are winless in their last 19 games (0-18-1), find themselves as the favored team at home for the first time since 2015 heading into Thursday's game against the New York Jets.

"Our players are not going to quit. ... Our guys have the grit and toughness. What we have to do is find a way to win," Cleveland coach Hue Jackson said on the heels of Zane Gonzalez misfiring on his second field-goal attempt and fourth overall in the waning seconds of Sunday's 21-18 setback at New Orleans. Gonzalez was given the boot in favor of former Miami castoff Greg Joseph on Monday before the Browns traded troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon to New England for a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. While top overall selection Baker Mayfield remains on the bench in Cleveland, No. 3 pick Sam Darnold became the youngest NFL player to eclipse 300 yards in a game in Sunday's 20-12 loss to the Dolphins. Coach Todd Bowles believes his team is in for a stern test with the Browns, saying that: "They're definitely not an easy out. The two last games they lost went down to a nail-biter at the end."

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, NFL Network. LINE: Browns -3. O/U: 39.5

ABOUT THE JETS (1-1): Quincy Enunwa has proven to be Darnold's most trusted target with 13 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown. Former Browns wideout/quarterback Terrelle Pryor had four catches for 84 yards versus Lions, matching the total number of receptions of Robby Anderson over the first two games. As for the favorite/underdog status, Pryor downplayed any notion that the players are buying into it. "It means nothing to me," Pryor said. "It means nothing to Cleveland; it means nothing to the Jets. Paper is paper. There are so many teams that are underdogs and they're coming out and beating guys. It really doesn't matter."

ABOUT THE BROWNS (0-1-1): Tyrod Taylor nearly ended Cleveland's long and winding road of failure by connecting with rookie Antonio Callaway on a game-tying 47-yard touchdown with 1:16 remaining the fourth quarter before the Saints booted the go-ahead field goal under one minute later. "It's big-boy football, and that's what we expect out of (Callaway) to do. You're going to hear a lot more out of him this year," said fellow wideout Jarvis Landry, who has at least five receptions in 19 consecutive contests. The 25-year-old Landry has recorded 90-plus yards and a touchdown in three of his last five encounters with the Jets, including his last such meeting while playing for Miami on Oct. 22.

EXTRA POINTS

1. New York RB Isaiah Crowell, who spent four seasons in Cleveland, answered a 102-yard, two-touchdown performance in his team's 48-17 rout of Detroit on Sept. 10 by being held to just 35 yards on Sunday.

2. Browns RB Carlos Hyde, who has scored a touchdown in four straight games dating to last season, rushed for career-high 193 yards while reeling in a scoring strike in his only career meeting versus the Jets.

3. New York S Marcus Maye, who is not expected to play as he nurses a foot injury, recorded his first career interception in his team's 17-14 win over Cleveland last season.

PREDICTION: Jets 20, Browns 16

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Temple Owls Preview and Predictions

NCAAF Previews 18th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/18/2018

Temple showed signs of life its last time out and can keep the momentum going Thursday night, when it hosts Tulsa in the American Athletic Conference opener for both teams. The Owls opened their season with a pair of disappointing losses before upsetting Maryland last weekend.

Tulsa, meanwhile, won its first game of the year before dropping the last two, including a home loss to Arkansas State last weekend. The Golden Hurricane fell to the Owls, 43-22, in last season's meeting. Frank Nutile, who threw three touchdowns in that contest, missed Temple's last outing with an undisclosed injury and will be a game-time decision Thursday. If he cannot go, the Owls will once again turn to Anthony Russo, who passed for 228 yards and a score in the 35-14 triumph at Maryland.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Temple -7.5

ABOUT TULSA (1-2, 0-0 AAC): The Golden Hurricane continue to get strong production out of Shamari Brooks, who ran for 5.8 yards per carry with 10 touchdowns a season ago. This season, the sophomore ran for two TDs in his first two games and rushed for 5.5 yards per carry in the third contest, leaving him three yards shy of 1,000 for his career. Luke Skipper has failed to throw for 200 yards in any of the first three games this season and has as many touchdowns as interceptions (seven) through the first 10 games of his collegiate career.

ABOUT TEMPLE (1-2, 0-0): Russo got plenty of help last weekend from Ryquell Armstead, who rushed for 118 yards but still has yet to find the end zone this season. The Owls' defense was outstanding against the Terps, holding Maryland to 195 yards and allowing only two scores - one on an interception return and another on a blocked punt. "I'm really proud of how they started fast, how they didn't let go of the rope and finished strong," said coach Geoff Collins, whose team limited the Terps to 1-of-12 third-down conversions.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Brooks had scored a touchdown in six straight games before last week.

2. Tulsa had 55 passing yards in last year's matchup.

3. Temple has scored a special teams touchdown in each of its three games.

PREDICTION: Temple 37, Tulsa 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Albuquerque
Albuquerque - Race 10

Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta / Last Leg Pick 4


Claiming $7,500 • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 76 • Purse: $25,000 • Post: 9:50P
FOR REGISTERED NEW MEXICO BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Trailer. STORM WARRIOR is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * STORM WARRIOR: Today is a route and this is the horse's third start after a layoff, after two sprint prep races. VIC TORIES: Horse has run a Good Race within t he last 30 days. MY BULL: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. KEEP ON ZENON ON: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. PROUD ELIAS: Hors e has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation.
2
STORM WARRIOR
7/2

7/2
6
VIC TORIES
5/2

6/1
3
MY BULL
8/1

10/1
4
KEEP ON ZENON ON
3/1

10/1
8
PROUD ELIAS
12/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
MY BULL
3

8/1
Front-runner
84

82

96.1

42.3

31.3
5
QUICK N QUIET
5

8/1
Front-runner
68

56

59.6

52.4

38.4
4
KEEP ON ZENON ON
4

3/1
Stalker
75

76

66.3

60.1

53.1
7
GO DANI GO
7

15/1
Stalker
74

60

58.1

38.3

24.3
8
PROUD ELIAS
8

12/1
Alternator/Stalker
82

74

77.4

63.6

57.6
6
VIC TORIES
6

5/2
Alternator/Stalker
78

80

70.5

70.0

64.5
1
M G MS VICTORY RUN
1

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
84

72

68.6

68.6

58.1
2
STORM WARRIOR
2

7/2
Trailer
89

81

73.8

73.8

69.8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park
RACE #2 - BELMONT PARK - 2:04 PM EASTERN POST
The Lonesome Glory Handicap
20.0 FURLONGS NATIONAL FENCE COURSE GRADE I FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STEEPLECHASE STAKES $175,000.00 PURSE

#4 ZANJABEEL
#5 OPTIMUS PRIME
#1 SHOW COURT
#7 PERSONAL START

This race honors the career of Lonesome Glory a specialist steeplechaser who won the title of American Champion Steeplechase Horse on a record five occasions. In a racing career which lasted from 1991 through 1999, he ran forty-two times and won twenty-three races including many of America's most important steeplechases including the Breeders' Cup Steeplechase, the Colonial Cup and the Carolina Cup. Lonesome Glory also became one of the few American-trained horses to compete successfully in the United Kingdom, winning races in 1992 and 1995. Lonesome Glory was the first American steeplechaser to win more than $1 million in prize money. In this year's renewal of "The Glory," #4 ZANJABEEL, a British-bred entry, has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in five straight, winning three times in this recent streak of racing consistency. #5 OPTIMUS, the morning line favorite, who was bred in France, has posted a quartet of "POWER RUN BOARD HITS" in his respective last five outings, winning three times.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 4 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $8000 Class Rating: 56

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 MYNAMEISMONEY 4/1

# 10 FLATTER'S SONG 3/1

# 8 FULL POTS 6/1

I've got to go with MYNAMEISMONEY. Looks very strong for the conditions of this race today, showing solid figs in dirt sprint races lately. Make a note that this one runs with second time Lasix today. Is a contender - given the 59 Equibase Speed Fig from her most recent race. FLATTER'S SONG - She looks very good in this spot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the midpoint. Had one of the strongest speed figs of this field in her last race. FULL POTS - With a very good 61 speed fig last time out, will surely be a factor in this contest. Ought to be considered as she drops to compete against this softer field.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Churchill Downs

09/20/18, CD, Race 4, 6.27 ET
6F [Dirt] 1.07.03 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $22,000.
Claiming Price $20,000, For Each $2,000 To $16,000 1 lb. FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD
Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6) - Pick 5 (Races 4-8)
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 38.26, $1 ROI 1.06, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 16 Go for Sherrie 8-1 Camacho. Jr. S Ackerman D. Kelly TW
099.9663 2 Ricochet Bay 2-1 Santana. Jr. R Asmussen Steven M. JFE
098.2734 4 Intonation 7/2 Saez G Sharp Joe
096.3505 5 Bar Stool Budget 12-1 Albarado R Hartman Chris A.
095.8815 11 Six Shooter 10-1 Camacho. Jr. S Calhoun W. Bret
094.6254 6 Strider 15-1 Gilligan J Danner Kelsey
094.6222 15 Battalstown 15-1 Arrieta R Martin Dawn
094.6220 12 Tequila Cowboy 5-1 Hernandez. Jr. B J Wilkes Ian R.
094.1874 1 Jay Vee Bee 12-1 Morales E Van Berg Thomas L.
093.8449 8 Midland 15-1 McMahon C Morse Randy L. C
093.0549 9 Take Charge d'Oro 15-1 Borel C H Byrne Patrick B.
092.5872 3 Power Source 15-1 Rocco. Jr. J Lyster Stephen S.
091.6295 7 No Mistake N Me 15-1 Miranda R Demeritte Larry W.
089.2167 13 Famous Pen Pal 20-1 Esquilin C Campbell Donald H.
088.7062 10 Whataboutlamar 30-1 Ortiz A Radcliffe Robert W. L
084.7228 14 Chase Runner(b+) 20-1 Ortiz A Martinez Richard A.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Delaware Park - Race #5 - Post: 3:15pm - Optional Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $36,000 Class Rating: 95

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 HEY WILLIE (ML=8/1)
#4 ROCKIN COWBOY (ML=5/2)


HEY WILLIE - When Rosado and Haynes combine forces on animals the return on investment has been wonderful at +117. I have to figure Haynes is making a good move here. This gelding can only be aided by the shorter distance. Changes tracks from last out at Charles Town to here. Multiple wins at multiple tracks tell me this animal likes to switch it up, so that's a good sign. Getting a break of 11 lbs from last race at Charles Town. He should make the most of this advantage. ROCKIN COWBOY - This gelding's last rating is high enough to score here, I'll bet on him back again in today's event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 GLINDAS GOOD KARMA (ML=9/5), #2 FLYBOY (ML=7/2), #5 ANIMAL KINGSTON (ML=6/1),

GLINDAS GOOD KARMA - The finish of fourth in the last race shows me that this horse may be losing physical conditioning. This less than sharp equine ran a mediocre speed figure last race out. He shouldn't run much better and will likely get beat in today's event running that number. FLYBOY - Tough to back a sophomore meeting older for the first time. Probably needs more seasoning. ANIMAL KINGSTON - Today's race is 5 1/2 furlongs. Hasn't finished in the money in a sprint event in the last 60 days. Not the best of signs. A bit of a less than stellar effort when this gelding finished fifth. Garnered a quite unimpressive speed fig last time around the track in a $35,000 Claiming race on September 9th. Unlikely to see an improved performance off of that fig.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #3 HEY WILLIE to win if we can get at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

09/20/18, GP, Race 6, 4.30 ET
1M [Turf] 1.31.02 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. Purse $65,000.
FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 - $.50 Bet 3 (Races 6-7-8) / $.50 Pick 5 (Races 6-10)
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 26.32, $1 ROI 0.93, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Turf
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 2 Hill Valley 10-1 Sanchez J Gold Stanley I. FEWC
098.8422 3 Anumati 2-1 Gaffalione T Pletcher Todd A. J
098.8294 8 She's an Introvert 7/2 Batista J A Pinchin Jose S
098.0210 6 Stormy D 6-1 Alvarado. Jr. R Servis John C. T
097.2810 9 Sweet Blossom 9/2 Zayas E J Sano Antonio
097.1105 7 Shrew Grit 8-1 Camacho S Yates Michael L
095.5158 5 Handsome Girl 20-1 Rodriguez W Westlye Kenneth
093.8286 1 Painted Image 12-1 Panici L Procino Gerald
092.4377 4 Letsnotgetoexcited 20-1 Maysonett F Z Getto Larry
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse Win Percent 23.11, $1 ROI 0.68, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 8 She's an Introvert 7/2 Batista J A Pinchin Jose SF
099.6895 3 Anumati 2-1 Gaffalione T Pletcher Todd A. J
098.7692 2 Hill Valley 10-1 Sanchez J Gold Stanley I. EC
098.6280 9 Sweet Blossom 9/2 Zayas E J Sano Antonio W
098.0633 7 Shrew Grit 8-1 Camacho S Yates Michael L
096.9398 6 Stormy D 6-1 Alvarado. Jr. R Servis John C. T
096.0202 5 Handsome Girl 20-1 Rodriguez W Westlye Kenneth
093.8834 1 Painted Image 12-1 Panici L Procino Gerald
092.1801 4 Letsnotgetoexcited 20-1 Maysonett F Z Getto Larry

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #2 - Post: 6:27pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,800 Class Rating: 72

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 ECLIPTICALS WOLF (ML=8/1)
#9 HOUSE OF FRIENDS (ML=4/1)
#3 EMOTIONINMOTION (ML=5/1)


ECLIPTICALS WOLF - This horse didn't run well on a track listed as good in his last race at Penn National. You probably want to overlook that showing. HOUSE OF FRIENDS - This horse is tops in EPS (earnings per start). He looks sharp in today's event. EMOTIONINMOTION - This gelding is rounding his way back into shape. Should race well today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 THAT'S HISTORY (ML=2/1), #5 SHOT THE SHERIFF (ML=8/1), #1 I'M A GENIUS (ML=8/1),

THAT'S HISTORY - This favorite ran on August 23rd and hasn't had a drill after that. Hard to back the chalk when he continues to lose as the favorite. SHOT THE SHERIFF - The speed ratings continue to drop, 58/53/50. Not a good sign. A bit of a less than stellar try when this gelding finished fifth. When scrutinizing today's Equibase class figure, he will have to record a better speed rating than last time around the track to vie in this dirt sprint.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #8 ECLIPTICALS WOLF on the win end if we get at least 9/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,8,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,8,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Presque Isle Downs
Presque Isle Downs - Race 2

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


Maiden Claiming $6,250 • 6 1/2 Furlongs • All-Weather • Ages 3 and up • CR: 70 • Purse: $10,000 • Post: 5:50P
(PLUS UP TO 30% PABF) FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. FLASH ME NOT is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * FLASH ME NOT: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
2
FLASH ME NOT
8/5

1/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
FLASH ME NOT
2

8/5
Alternator/Stalker
78

62

67.8

59.2

57.2
1
REINA PEPEADA
1

5/2
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

52.4

39.9

33.9
5
CHEER FOR GRACE
5

8/1
Alternator/Trailer
52

27

31.4

36.2

28.7
6
PATIENCE IS KEY
6

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

64.0

28.1

18.1
3
QUEEN MAEVE
3

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

62.2

26.0

14.5
4
VOLADORA
4

7/2
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

41.2

27.0

18.5
7
WILDCAT RISING
7

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
52

53

29.0

31.2

21.7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Marc Lawrence Incredible Stat of the Day:

The Miami Marlins are 0-14 on Thursdays this season.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 09-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th September 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Athletics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/20/2018

The Oakland Athletics snapped a three-game slide with a convincing victory and look to take another step toward securing a postseason berth when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday in the finale of a three-game set. Oakland walloped the Angels 10-0 on Wednesday to maintain a 5 1/2-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays for the American League's second wild-card spot.

Right fielder Stephen Piscotty matched his career high of five RBIs in Wednesday's victory on a three-run homer and two-run double as the Athletics moved within four games of the Houston Astros in the American League West. Second baseman Jed Lowrie and center fielder Ramon Laureano each drove in two runs as Oakland scored at least seven runs for the fourth straight meeting with the Angels. Los Angeles managed four hits and had only one at-bat with runners in scoring position as it was blanked for the second time in the past five games. Star center fielder Mike Trout was hitless in three at-bats Wednesday and is batting .340 with three homers and eight RBIs in 47 at-bats against the Athletics this season.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, Facebook Watch

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (2-1, 3.98 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Edwin Jackson (5-3, 3.17)

Shoemaker is making his fifth start since returning from a forearm injury and it will be his fourth outing on the road. The 31-year-old lost to the Seattle Mariners in his last turn when he gave up three runs and five hits and struck a season-best eight in 4 2/3 innings. Shoemaker defeated the Athletics when he gave up three runs and four hits over 5 2/3 innings March 31 - the outing in which he was injured - and stands 6-2 with a 3.61 ERA in 13 career appearances (12 starts).

Jackson received a no-decision in his last turn when he gave up one run and four hits over five innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. The 35-year-old journeyman has pitched five or fewer innings in five of his last six starts, allowing two homers in three of the outings. Jackson defeated the Angels on Aug. 11 when he tossed 7 1/3 innings of three-hit shutout ball to improve to 5-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 13 career appearances (10 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Piscotty is batting .328 with six homers and 18 RBIs in 58 at-bats in September.

2. Los Angeles DH Shohei Ohtani is 2-for-5 with two walks in the series and is batting .367 with five homers and 12 RBIs in 49 at-bats in September.

3. Oakland RHP Trevor Cahill (back) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and could return to the rotation over the weekend.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Angels 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th September 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/19/2018

The New York Mets started September with a flourish before dropping four of the last five contests, including their 12th shutout loss of the season last time out. The Mets (70-82) hope to wake up their slumbering bats against Max Scherzer and the host Washington Nationals (77-75) on Thursday in the opener of a four-game series.

Amed Rosario recorded three of New York's six hits in Wednesday's 4-0 setback versus Philadelphia to give him 11 hits to go along with five runs scored in his last seven games. The 22-year-old Dominican hasn't been as successful versus Washington this season, going just 10-for-52 with 10 strikeouts. Anthony Rendon is 11-for-20 with two homers, eight RBIs and four runs scored during his five-game hitting streak for the Nationals, who open their final homestand of the season with wins in eight of their last 11 contests. Rendon, who drove in two runs for the fourth straight contest in Tuesday's 4-2 win at Miami, is batting a blistering 20-for-48 with three homers, 11 RBIs and 12 runs scored versus New York this season.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jason Vargas (6-9, 6.47 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (17-7, 2.53)

Vargas improved to 4-1 in his last five trips to the mound last Thursday after permitting two runs on three hits over six innings of a 5-2 victory versus Miami. The 35-year-old was masterful in his lone outing against Washington this season, scattering three hits and striking out a season-best eight in six innings of a 3-0 triumph on Aug. 24. Ryan Zimmerman is 3-for-7 and Mark Reynolds is 3-for-8 with a pair of doubles in his career versus Vargas.

Scherzer's bid for a fourth Cy Young Award took a hit in his last outing on Friday, as he surrendered six runs on seven hits in a season-low four innings of a 10-5 setback at Atlanta. The 34-year-old fanned six batters to reside seven strikeouts shy of matching his career high of 284. Scherzer picked up the win in his lone encounter with the Mets this season, overcoming two homers and three runs total in seven innings of a 5-4 triumph on July 12.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington SS Trea Turner has scored five runs during his seven-game hitting streak.

2. New York's Corey Oswalt will get the start on Saturday in place of fellow RHP Zack Wheeler, who was shut down for the remainder of the season as a precaution after tossing 182 1/3 innings.

3. Nationals OF Bryce Harper, who walked five times on Tuesday, is 15-for-49 versus the Mets this season.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Mets 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 09-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th September 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/20/2018

The New York Yankees provided their own version of pop to once again prevent the Boston Red Sox from a bubbly celebration in the Bronx. Fresh off a three-homer performance, the Yankees (93-58) look to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Red Sox (103-49) on Thursday and avert their long-time rivals from clinching their third straight American League East title.

Luke Voit went deep on two occasions to highlight his four-hit performance in Wednesday's 10-1 romp to raise New York's home run total to 245, tying its franchise record set in 2012. Miguel Andujar went deep in that contest and also has homered among his two hits in a small sample size versus Thursday starter Eduardo Rodriguez. While the Yankees reside 2 1/2 games ahead of Oakland for the top wild-card spot, the Red Sox are bidding to clinch the AL East in the Bronx for the second time in three years. J.D. Martinez collected three hits on Wednesday to improve to 20-for-59 versus New York this season heading into a matchup with right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, against whom he is a robust 7-for-16 with three homers, seven RBIs and seven runs scored in his career.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (12-4, 3.53 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (12-5, 3.47)

Rodriguez sandwiched a pair of strong one-run starts around a disastrous one since returning from the disabled list, although he picked up a no-decision despite striking out seven over six innings versus Toronto last Thursday. The 25-year-old Venezuelan fell to 2-3 with a 3.00 ERA in seven career starts at Yankee Stadium after permitting five runs - including two homers - in an 8-1 setback on June 29. Rodriguez fared much better in his previous outing against New York, as he allowed just one hit and struck out eight in five innings of a no-decision on May 10.

Tanaka ran his scoreless innings streak to 20 on Friday after scattering four hits and striking out eight over six frames of an 11-0 rout of Toronto. The 29-year-old Japanese star has answered three losses in four starts with three straight wins. Tanaka owns a 1-0 mark in three outings versus Boston this season, although he has yielded 11 runs on 21 hits - including five homers - with a 6.60 ERA while allowing the club to bat .328 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston OF Mookie Betts is 0-for-8 with five strikeouts in his last three games.

2. New York OF Giancarlo Stanton is 0-for-9 with four strikeouts in the series.

3. Red Sox INF Eduardo Nunez has hit safely in six straight games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 3, Yankees 2