Monday 9-24-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview and Predictions 09-24-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 21st September 2018 by Gracenote
Steelers vs. Buccaneers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/21/2018

It hardly has been a smooth start for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have yet to crack the win column and been embroiled in controversy swirling around the team's top offensive playmakers. The Steelers will face a red-hot quarterback for the second time in as many weeks when they visit Ryan Fitzpatrick and the undefeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.

Star running back Le'Veon Bell continues to be a holdout for Pittsburgh while All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown caused a stir for being a no-show one day after last week's 42-37 home loss to Kansas City. "It has to die," Steelers guard Ramon Foster told reporters regarding the off-field distractions. "Way too much stuff going on not to learn from this. Nobody is invincible. Nobody is shunned from any bad things happening, whether that's on the field or off the field." The surprising Buccaneers already have knocked off a pair of 2017 playoff teams behind fill-in quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is the first player to open the season with consecutive 400-yard, four-touchdown performances. "His numbers are off the charts," Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter told reporters. "So how would you expect everybody to respond? Of course, our team is playing well. They're doing something not many thought they could."

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Steelers -1.5. O/U: 53.5

ABOUT THE STEELERS (0-1-1): Despite the absence of Bell and Brown's brief walkout, leading to disciplinary action from coach Mike Tomlin, Pittburgh's biggest issues are on the other side of the ball. After failing to protect a 14-point, fourth-quarter lead en route to a tie at Cleveland in the season opener, the Steelers were carved up by Kansas City and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 326 yards and six touchdowns in Sunday's shootout. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger rebounded from a five-turnover debacle in Week 1 by throwing for 452 yards and three scores last weekend - with JuJu Smith-Schuster hauling in 13 passes for 121 yards and a TD. Running back James Conner was limited to 17 yards on eight carries last week after rumbling for 135 and two touchdowns in Week 1.




ABOUT THE BUCCANEEERS (2-0): Fitzpatrick was supposed to simply mind the store while starting quarterback Jameis Winston was serving a three-game suspension to open the season, but after throwing for eight touchdowns and a league-high 819 yards, the job is his - for now. "With the way the team is rallying behind him and just playing lights-out football, you have to kind of honor it," wideout DeSean Jackson, who has nine receptions for 275 yards and three touchdowns through two games, told reporters. "You can't take the hot man out. You got the hot fire right now." Mike Evans has been the favorite target of Fitzpatrick with 17 catches for 230 yards and two scores. Tampa Bay's defense received a boost when defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and cornerback Brent Grimes were full participants in Friday's practice.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Fitzpatrick is bidding to become the first QB in NFL history with at least 400 passing yards in three straight games.

2. Brown, who made nine catches in each of the first two contests, has 70 receptions and seven TDs in his last eight games versus NFC foes.

3. Tampa Bay rookie DT Vita Vea, the team's first-round draft pick, could make his NFL debut.

PREDICTION: Steelers 30, Buccaneers 26

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Louisiana Downs
Louisiana Downs - Race 6

Daily Double / Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta


Allowance • 5 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 82 • Purse: $22,000 • Post: 5:39P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 24 ALLOWED 3 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $20,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY MANAGEMENT TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT FIVE FURLONGS).
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 * SILENT DRIFTER: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in a verage Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. OUR WILD DANCER: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. KEEP THE COMMISH: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
9
SILENT DRIFTER
7/2

9/2
12
OUR WILD DANCER
6/1

6/1
1
KEEP THE COMMISH
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
3
D'ROCKETMAN
3

9/2
Front-runner
77

76

92.3

72.6

62.1
10
OVER PRICED
10

10/1
Front-runner
77

77

90.3

75.3

60.8
1
KEEP THE COMMISH
1

8/1
Front-runner
86

82

89.1

76.8

67.8
4
TY DIESEL
4

20/1
Front-runner
82

86

87.2

73.4

60.4
2
NAVY TIMES
2

4/1
Front-runner
70

68

80.2

67.5

53.5
13
BAYOU BODE
13

15/1
Front-runner
79

75

61.2

68.2

48.2
7
BUD'S MR. B
7

12/1
Stalker
84

81

66.5

72.0

57.0
9
SILENT DRIFTER
9

7/2
Trailer
84

86

86.4

83.2

78.2
5
WHISTLING WIND
5

12/1
Trailer
73

71

70.6

67.8

44.3
11
NO GUTS NO GLORY
11

12/1
Trailer
85

90

68.3

74.6

59.1
12
OUR WILD DANCER
12

6/1
Trailer
87

81

63.5

83.4

74.4
8
LOVE TO SINGH
8

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
55

58

72.4

65.0

54.0
6
COUNTY CORONER
6

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
73

56

52.9

31.7

14.2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #3 - Post: 7:44pm - Maiden Special - 8.3 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $14,100 Class Rating: 58

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 SOUTH CAROLINA (ML=5/1)
#9 I'M IN TROUBLE (ML=3/1)


SOUTH CAROLINA - This mount is for real on the turf. TrackMaster turf number in last race at Laurel was tops in this field. This mount obviously likes the conditions for today's race. Has recorded the highest Equibase speed figure on the turf at the distance/surface. Looking at today's Equibase class figure, this racer is encountering an easier bunch than last out at Laurel. This filly's last speed rating notched on Sep 7th is tops in last race Equibase speed figures. I'M IN TROUBLE - The jock/handler tandem of Quinones and Shirazi has a strong ROI together.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 REBA'S RIGHT (ML=6/5), #6 THIRTY TWO DEGREES (ML=8/1), #8 EASTERN PRIDE (ML=8/1),

REBA'S RIGHT - I don't normally play a probable favorite that hasn't been to the track in the last 3 weeks. THIRTY TWO DEGREES - Didn't look so good last out. Probably won't make an impact in today's race. Didn't meet expectations when backed as the favorite twice in a row. EASTERN PRIDE - Not likely that the speed figure she notched on Aug 29th will be enough in this event.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 SOUTH CAROLINA is the play if we get odds of 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [7,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 6 - Claiming - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $11000 Class Rating: 77

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE MARCH 24, 2018 OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON THREE RACES IN 2017 - 2018 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE AUGUST 24 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $4,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 MY SOLITUDE 5/1

# 8 FELL FROM GRACE 3/1

# 1 MISS RICKLES 4/1

MY SOLITUDE is my choice. Girten has this filly racing well and is a strong selection based on the respectable speed figs earned in route races recently. With Morales getting the mount, watch out for this racer. Ran a very strong last race. FELL FROM GRACE - Her 73 average has this mare with among the best Equibase speed figs in this competition. Is worth looking at and may be a bet - strong Equibase Speed Figures (73 average) at today's distance and surface lately. MISS RICKLES - The Equibase Speed Figure of 75 from her most recent contest looks strong in here.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Parx Racing
Parx Racing - Race 2

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


Claiming $5,000 • 1 Mile 70 yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 81 • Purse: $19,000 • Post: 1:22P
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE MARCH 25. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 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: Dominant Front-runner. HURRY UP ALAN is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * HURRY UP ALAN: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. KRAKEN GLACKEN : Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. STAR OF SARAVA: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse's average winni ng distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race).
7
HURRY UP ALAN
12/1

9/2
9
KRAKEN GLACKEN
20/1

5/1
1
STAR OF SARAVA
15/1

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
HURRY UP ALAN
7

12/1
Front-runner
84

76

79.4

70.6

63.6
1
STAR OF SARAVA
1

15/1
Front-runner
83

81

77.6

64.8

53.3
9
KRAKEN GLACKEN
9

20/1
Front-runner
93

81

74.4

67.0

59.0
8
ALAAPATIQUE
8

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
89

75

66.4

68.2

63.7
4
KEY CHEYNE
4

5/2
Trailer
89

88

47.4

67.2

62.7
5
SALLISAW
5

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

69.7

52.9

36.4
2
GOLDEN RIVET
2

4/1
Alternator/Non-contender
84

71

64.8

66.4

57.9
3
PAX IN TERRA
3

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
85

67

58.6

62.8

51.3
6
EDGER JONES
6

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
85

71

41.0

54.6

38.6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 3 - Optional Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $35700 Class Rating: 83

FOR REGISTERED OHIO FOALS FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES OR OPTIONAL CLAIMING PRICE OF $25,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE AUGUST 24 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 PANAMANIAC 3/1

# 2 STRIKING LASS 3/1

# 4 FLASHY G 8/1

I've got to go with PANAMANIAC. Overall the Equibase Speed Figures of this racer look very good in this contest. Going in a dirt route race gives this filly a decent shot. The Equibase Speed Figure of 84 from her last contest looks decent in here. STRIKING LASS - Could provide positive gains based on strong recent Equibase Speed Figs with an average of 78. Looks formidable versus this group and will most likely be one of the leaders. FLASHY G - Rivera ought to be able to get this mare to break out quickly in this contest. With a solid 74 speed figure last time out, will unquestionably be a factor in this contest.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Zia Park - Race #7 - Post: 3:42pm - Allowance - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $35,500 Class Rating: 83

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#11 WHOOP WHOOP (ML=12/1)
#5 GUNNERS ONE (ML=6/1)
#8 SABOTARE (ML=4/1)


WHOOP WHOOP - I'll forgive that last effort on September 3rd when he flopped as the favorite. That race was pretty good for a $5,000 Claiming Stakes Trial race and this gelding's fig was solid. I like to play this handicapping theory, a horse coming back off a nice outing within the last thirty days. This gelding is most obviously on the improve with speed ratings of 75, 86, 91 last 3 out. GUNNERS ONE - I have to like this gelding's chances at the shorter trip. This thoroughbred has increased his speed figures in each of the last two races. That kind of progress is important to note. SABOTARE - Have to make this gelding a serious competitor; he comes off a sharp race on Aug 24th. PP lines show this campaigner with three improving speed figs. Eikleberry should be on a live one in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 CHERRY WAY (ML=5/2), #2 A ZENON NITE (ML=6/1),

CHERRY WAY - Can't invest in this less than sharp equine in today's sprint of 5 1/2 furlongs. Hasn't even hit the board in a sprint race recently. This racer ran a substandard speed figure in the last race. He shouldn't show signs of improvement and will likely lose in today's event running that rating. A ZENON NITE - Can't play this less than sharp equine in today's sprint of 5 1/2 furlongs. Hasn't even finished in the money in a sprint contest of late. Notched a common fig last time around the track in an Allowance race on August 24th. Unlikely to see an improved performance off of that fig.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#11 WHOOP WHOOP is going to be the play if we are getting 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
11 with [5,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [5,8,11] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[5,8,11] with [5,8,11] with [1,3,5,8,11] with [1,3,5,8,11] Total Cost: $36

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd September 2018 by Gracenote
Stephen Strasburg has manhandled the Miami Marlins throughout his career, and this campaign has been no different. Strasburg aims to continue his dominance of the division rival on Monday as the Washington Nationals (78-78) host the Marlins (62-93) in the opener of their final home series of the season.

Strasburg surrendered just two runs and struck out 19 to win both of his starts this season versus Miami to improve to 17-7 with a 3.04 ERA and 1.11 WHIP against the National League East rival. Trea Turner is riding an 11-game hitting streak and career-best 23-game on-base stretch while fellow infielder Anthony Rendon has respective streaks of nine and 31 for Washington, which has won 10 of the 16 meetings with Miami this season. While the Nationals have dropped three of four contests overall, the Marlins recorded a pair of shutouts to highlight a three-game sweep of Cincinnati. Brian Anderson had three singles in Sunday's 6-0 romp to give him five hits and four runs scored during the series, although he is 0-for-6 with two strikeouts in his career versus Strasburg.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Sandy Alcantara (2-1, 2.35 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (9-7, 3.83)

Alcantara tasted defeat for the first time in his career on Tuesday, as he allowed three runs on six hits over four innings of a 4-2 setback versus Washington. The 23-year-old Dominican issues six walks to drive up his pitch count to boot. Adam Eaton and Turner each had a pair of singles in the contest, although the rest of the Nationals combined to go 2-for-11 against Alcantara.

Strasburg improved to 3-0 with a 2.64 ERA in his last five starts after yielding two runs on five hits in Tuesday's victory. The 30-year-old matched his season high with 11 strikeouts in that contest to raise his five-game total to 38. Strasburg has struggled at home in 2018, posting a 2-5 mark with a 5.20 ERA while surrendering 10 of his 16 homers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington LF Juan Soto is 2-for-23 with five strikeouts in his last six contests.

2. Miami C J.T. Realmuto is 6-for-15 with three runs scored and two RBIs during his four-game hitting streak.

3. Turner's RBI total (19) versus the Marlins this season is more than twice than his count against any other team.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Marlins 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 09-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd September 2018 by Gracenote
The Houston Astros cut their magic number to clinch the American League West to three with a strong weekend and are hoping to keep their collective foot on the pedal and carry that momentum into the playoffs. The Astros will try to move even closer to the division title and notch a fourth consecutive victory when they visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday for the opener of their three-game series.

Houston, which is 16-4 this month, whipped the Los Angeles Angels by a combined score of 27-10 in a three-game sweep over the weekend to close out the home portion of its regular-season schedule and move 4 1/2 games ahead of Oakland in the AL West. "As easy as these guys are making it look, it's hard being the hunted and being the team that's in it, and certainly getting some good at-bats pieced together against good pitching," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters. "We're doing our part." The Blue Jays are losers of three of their last five as they play out the string in a disappointing season as they finish their home slate with Houston before closing the campaign at Tampa Bay. Toronto will send Marco Estrada to the mound on Monday while the Astros counter with Dallas Keuchel.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (11-11, 3.71 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (7-13, 5.57)

Keuchel is trying to get back into the win column and find some consistency before heading into the postseason after not being sharp last time out. The former Cy Young Award winner was rocked for five runs on six hits and two walks in five innings to suffer a loss against Seattle on Wednesday, marking the second time in three starts he surrendered five earned runs. Keuchel struggled against Toronto on June 27, when escaped with a no-decision after yielding six runs on seven hits and three walks in 5 1/3 frames.

Estrada is winless in his last five starts but was solid at Baltimore on Wednesday, allowing one run and four hits in six innings. The 35-year-old Mexican is having trouble finding any consistency as he was lit up for eight runs on six hits and three walks by the Yankees in New York in his previous turn on Sept. 14. Estrada started at Houston on June 27 and did not factor in the decision after surrendering four runs - three earned - and seven hits over five frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros SS Carlos Correa (back) has missed the last four games and is day-to-day.

2. Toronto SS Lourdes Gurriel Jr., whose older brother Yuli plays for the Astros, has collected seven RBIs in his last six contests.

3. Houston RHP Charlie Morton (shoulder) left Saturday's game after one inning and it is unclear if he will pitch again before the postseason.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Blue Jays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 09-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 24th September 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/24/2018

The Boston Red Sox open the final week of an impressive regular season looking to get healthy for the playoffs and add some milestones as they host the major league-worst Baltimore Orioles in the opener of their three-game series on Monday. The American League East-champion Red Sox have lost four of their last six contests following a 4-3 setback in 11 innings at Cleveland on Sunday that kept them tied with the 1912 team that went 105-47 for the franchise record for the most wins in a season.

Boston shortstop Xander Bogaerts left Sunday's contest with a strained left shoulder and is day-to-day, but teammate Mookie Betts is feeling good after going 4-for-6 with his 31st homer - passing Nomar Garciaparra for the most blasts in a season by a leadoff hitter in Red Sox history. Nathan Eovaldi will try to put together back-to-back strong starts when he takes the mound for Boston in the series opener against fellow right-hander Dylan Bundy. The Orioles defeated the New York Yankees 6-3 on Sunday with the help of two homers by Tim Beckham, keeping them one loss away from the dubious franchise record of 111 set by the 1939 St. Louis Browns. Rookie DJ Stewart has gone 7-for-12 with three doubles, two homers and six RBIs during his five-game hitting streak after going 0-for-13 to start his major-league career.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (8-15, 5.37 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Nathan Eovaldi (5-7, 3.98)

Bundy has pitched better in his last two starts, allowing two earned runs in each outing while taking the loss against Toronto and defeating Oakland. The 25-year-old native of Oklahoma went 0-5 over his previous seven turns, adding to his career-high loss total while posting a 9.09 ERA during that rough stretch. Brock Holt is 8-for-13 with a homer versus Bundy, who is 0-2 with a 4.38 ERA in four starts against the Red Sox this year and 3-6 with a 4.80 ERA in 16 career appearances (12 starts).

Eovaldi permitted just two hits and two walks in six scoreless innings against the Yankees last time out but extended his winless streak to eight games. The 28-year-old Texan had not completed six frames in his previous seven appearances (six starts), going 0-3 in that span. Chris Davis is 4-for-13 with two homers versus Eovaldi, who gave up eight runs - four earned - over 2 2/3 innings against Baltimore on Aug. 10 but escaped with a no-decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore 3B Renato Nunez has gone 4-for-8 with two homers, three RBIs and three runs scored in his last two games.

2. Boston OF-DH J.D. Martinez has belted 41 homers, one shy of Dick Stuart's mark (1963) for most by a first-year Red Sox player.

3. Orioles 2B Breyvic Valera left Sunday's game with a broken left index finger he suffered while getting tagged out at home plate.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Orioles 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 09-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd September 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/23/2018

The visiting New York Yankees can strengthen their hold on the top wild-card spot and eliminate the Tampa Bay Rays from postseason contention in one fell swoop on Monday when the American League East rivals play the opener of a four-game series at Tropicana Field. The Yankees (95-60) are clinging to a 1 1/2-game lead over Oakland, while the Rays (87-68) reside 6 1/2 behind the Athletics with seven contests remaining on their slate.

Miguel Andujar had two of New York's four hits in Sunday's 6-3 setback to major league-worst Baltimore, giving the rookie three multi-hit performances in his last four outings. Giancarlo Stanton recorded just his second hit in 20 at-bats over his last five games, however the slugger is 18-for-57 with three homers and 10 RBIs versus the Rays this season. Tommy Pham has three homers, seven RBIs and eight runs scored during his seven-game hitting streak for Tampa Bay, which boasts a 16-5 mark in September and majors-best 25-7 record since Aug. 19. C.J. Cron homered in Sunday's 5-2 win over Toronto giving him six RBIs and three runs scored during his five-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (18-8, 3.38 ERA) vs. Rays RH Diego Castillo (3-2, 3.25)

Severino turned in his second straight one-run performance on Wednesday to post his first win since Aug. 26 in a 10-1 romp over Boston. The 24-year-old Dominican owns a 2-1 mark with a 3.54 ERA in three starts versus Tampa Bay this season, although he surrendered season highs in runs (seven) and hits (11) over five innings of a 7-6 setback on July 23. Severino has stymied Kevin Kiermaier (3-for-23, 11 strikeouts) in his career, although Jake Bauers is 3-for-5 with a homer in a small sample size versus the hurler.

Castillo is expected to make his 11th start this season before likely giving way to left-hander Ryan Yarbrough. The 24-year-old Castillo last pitched on Friday, allowing a solo homer in one inning of a no-decision at Toronto. He owns a 1-0 mark in six appearances this season versus the Yankees, surrendering three runs and six hits over seven innings while issuing five walks and striking out five.

WALK-OFFS

1. Per New York manager Aaron Boone, SS Didi Gregorius will be re-evaluated in a few days after sustaining cartilage damage in his wrist while sliding to home plate with Saturday's game-winning run.

2. Tampa Bay SS Willy Adames is 10-for-29 with two homers and six RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.

3. Yankees INF Gleyber Torres is just 4-for-32 with 13 strikeouts this season against the Rays.

PREDICTION: Yankees 3, Rays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 09-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd September 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/23/2018

Despite an inconsistent offense and injuries to several key players throughout the year, the Chicago Cubs begin the final week of the regular season on the cusp of a third consecutive National League Central title. They'll try to move closer to wrapping up their spot in the postseason when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday for the opener of their four-game series.


The Cubs reduced their magic number to clinch the NL Central to five with a 6-1 win over the crosstown White Sox on Sunday, maintaining their 2 1/2-game lead over Milwaukee. "In spite of not being the offensive team I thought we would be, we're still in a pretty good position," Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters. "I think that just goes back to the culture and a winning attitude and you expect to win when you go play. The game is close and you expect to win it somehow. That's something you have to develop over time, and it doesn't happen overnight." The Pirates have won 12 of their last 17 contests, but they mathematically were eliminated from playoff contention with Sunday's 13-6 loss to the Brewers. The Cubs lead the season series 8-7 and have held the head-to-head advantage over the Pirates every season since 2014.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, NBCS Chicago


PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (13-9, 3.24 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Cole Hamels (9-10, 3.90)

The Pirates have won the last six games Taillon has started, as he is 4-0 with a 1.66 ERA over that stretch. The 26-year-old didn't get the win last time out despite a dominant effort, as he registered 11 strikeouts over seven scoreless innings against Kansas City. Taillon is 3-3 with a 4.35 ERA in seven career starts against the Cubs.

Hamels' dominant stretch to begin his tenure with the Cubs ended when he was roughed up for seven runs over six innings in a loss at Arizona last time out. The 34-year-old still has posted an impressive 2.42 ERA in 10 turns since being acquired from Texas and has allowed only four runs in 27 2/3 frames at Wrigley Field since calling it home. Hamels is 5-3 with a 2.49 ERA in 12 career starts against Pittsburgh.


WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago INF Javier Baez has recorded an NL-best 81 extra-base hits, the most by a Cub since Derrek Lee collected 99 in 2005.

2. Pirates CF Starling Marte left Sunday's game in the fifth inning with tightness in his left calf.

3. Cubs 3B-OF Kris Bryant was held out of the lineup Sunday due to left shoulder fatigue.


PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Cubs 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 09-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 24th September 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/24/2018

Corey Kluber aims to become the second 20-game winner in the major leagues when the Cleveland Indians begin their season-ending seven-game road trip Monday with the opener of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox. Kluber looks to join Tampa Bay's Blake Snell (21) and reach the 20-win plateau for the first time in his impressive career.

Kluber is the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner after capturing the prize for the second time, and a three-time All-Star who also led the AL in victories (18) and ERA (2.25) last season, but figures to cede the award to Snell this year. AL Central champion Cleveland completed the home portion of its schedule by taking two of three from AL East winner Boston, including a 4-3 triumph in 11 innings on Sunday. Michael Brantley has been heating up for the Indians, going 9-for-21 over his last four games. The White Sox, who have lost five of their last seven contests - including two of three in Cleveland last week, begin their final home series of the season before wrapping up 2018 with four contests in Minnesota.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (19-7, 2.93 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Dylan Covey (5-13, 5.33)

Kluber registered his career-high 19th win on Tuesday after allowing three runs and eight hits with 11 strikeouts over eight innings against Chicago at home. The 32-year-old native of Alabama, who recorded at least 18 victories four of the last five seasons, has won seven of his last eight decisions and reached double digits in strikeouts in two of his last three turns. Kluber is 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three outings against the White Sox this year and 12-4 with two complete games, one shutout and a 2.93 mark in 23 career meetings - including one relief appearance.

Covey is hoping for a repeat performance with a better result as he settled for a no-decision in Cleveland on Wednesday after giving up just two hits across six scoreless innings. It was the second start for the 27-year-old Californian after rejoining the rotation following a stint in the bullpen during which he made six appearances. Covey is 1-2 with a 4.82 ERA in seven career games (five starts - all this season) against the Indians, with the victory coming when he permitted two runs over seven frames at home on June 13.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians DH Edwin Encarnacion drove in a run Sunday to reach the 100-RBI mark for the fourth straight season and sixth time in his career.

2. Chicago's Tim Anderson notched two of the team's four hits and drove in the lone run in Sunday's 6-1 loss to the crosstown Cubs - a day after becoming the first shortstop in team history to record 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in a season.

3. Cleveland's Trevor Bauer is expected to start Tuesday's contest, with fellow RHP Carlos Carrasco slated to follow him out of the bullpen.

PREDICTION: Indians 9, White Sox 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 09-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd September 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/23/2018

Both the visiting Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals carry some momentum into a three-game series beginning Monday night that will go a long way toward sorting out the wild-card picture in the National League. The Brewers took two of three at Pittsburgh to begin their final road trip of the year, capped by Sunday's 13-6 rout behind another big effort by MVP candidate Christian Yelich (2-for-3, home run, three RBIs).

The win kept Milwaukee 2 1/2 games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central and two games ahead of the Cardinals for the first wild-card spot. St. Louis has won six of seven after a 9-2 win over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday and holds a 1 1/2-game lead over Colorado for the second wild card with six to play. The Brewers and Cardinals have split 16 meetings this year but Milwaukee was limited to exactly two runs in each of the last six encounters while going 2-4. Jack Flaherty will try to keep that trend alive when he starts the series opener for St. Louis, while the Brewers will enter one of their biggest series in years with a bullpen game.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers TBD vs. Cardinals RH Jack Flaherty (8-8, 3.08 ERA)

Chase Anderson, who was originally scheduled to start Monday, reportedly will be available out of the bullpen in this one but will not take the first inning, in which he has a 6.30 ERA. Manager Craig Counsell said that star left-hander Josh Hader will not be the opener but the young All-Star is rested after not pitching in the last two games. The same goes for closer Jeremy Jeffress, who has 8 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings over his last eight appearances.

Flaherty allowed three runs or fewer in eight straight starts before giving up five over 4 2/3 innings in a loss at Atlanta on Wednesday. He is 1-0 with a 1.00 ERA and a whopping 29 strikeouts across 18 innings against the Brewers this year. The former first-round pick boasts a 2.74 ERA in 11 home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yelich is 12-for-22 during his six-game hitting streak to raise his NL-leading batting average to .322.

2. Cardinals 2B Kolten Wong (cramps) has missed two straight games and is considered day-to-day.

3. Brewers INF Travis Shaw had two homers and four RBIs in the series against Pittsburgh.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Brewers 4