Monday 7-1-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, July 1


Kansas City @ Toronto

Game 957-958
July 1, 2019 @ 1:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Sparkman) 14.850
Toronto
(Richard) 16.757
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-145
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-145); Over

Chicago Cubs @ Pittsburgh

Game 951-952
July 1, 2019 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Alzolay) 16.157
Pittsburgh
(Williams) 13.159
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-125
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-125); Under

Milwaukee @ Cincinnati

Game 953-954
July 1, 2019 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Houser) 16.554
Cincinnati
(Mahle) 14.779
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-115
10
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-115); Under

Baltimore @ Tampa Bay

Game 959-960
July 1, 2019 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Eshelman) 13.848
Tampa Bay
(Stanek) 15.029
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
N/A

LA Angels @ Texas

Game 961-962
July 1, 2019 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Suarez) 15.941
Texas
(Minor) 14.115
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-140
10
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+120); Under

San Francisco @ San Diego

Game 955-956
July 1, 2019 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Smrdzja) 11.804
San Diego
(Allen) 14.944
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-170
8
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-170); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, July 1

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CHICAGO CUBS (45 - 39) at PITTSBURGH (39 - 43) - 7:05 PM
ADBERT ALZOLAY (R) vs. TREVOR WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1835-1871 (-270.5 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 471-490 (-101.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 19-30 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1361-1394 (-206.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 885-813 (-157.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 121-122 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 35-26 (+14.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 17-9 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 56-49 (+15.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 673-600 (+63.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 91-84 (+13.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 2-1 (+0.3 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

ADBERT ALZOLAY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

TREVOR WILLIAMS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WILLIAMS is 1-4 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.69 and a WHIP of 1.421.
His team's record is 1-5 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-1. (+3.9 units)

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MILWAUKEE (45 - 39) at CINCINNATI (38 - 43) - 7:10 PM
ADRIAN HOUSER (R) vs. TYLER MAHLE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 24-29 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 4-12 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 26-19 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 27-23 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 147-110 (+25.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 107-99 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 20-9 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 109-74 (+26.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 41-70 (-23.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 428-458 (-102.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 6-3 (+2.2 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

ADRIAN HOUSER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

TYLER MAHLE vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MAHLE is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.53 and a WHIP of 1.874.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (36 - 47) at SAN DIEGO (42 - 41) - 10:10 PM
JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R) vs. LOGAN ALLEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAMARDZIJA is 91-131 (-47.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 36-60 (-32.4 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 10-26 (-16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-4 (+9.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 219-170 (+41.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 53-70 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 5-20 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 34-54 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 27-42 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 19-27 (-12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 5-4 (-0.2 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.6 Units)

JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
SAMARDZIJA is 7-3 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.54 and a WHIP of 1.121.
His team's record is 10-6 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-6. (+3.2 units)

LOGAN ALLEN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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KANSAS CITY (29 - 55) at TORONTO (31 - 53) - 1:07 PM
GLENN SPARKMAN (R) vs. CLAYTON RICHARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 29-55 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 7-20 (-11.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TORONTO is 15-26 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TORONTO is 164-182 (-53.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.
TORONTO is 18-36 (-17.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-1 (+0.8 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

GLENN SPARKMAN vs. TORONTO since 1997
SPARKMAN is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

CLAYTON RICHARD vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
RICHARD is 2-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.73 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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BALTIMORE (24 - 59) at TAMPA BAY (48 - 36) - 7:10 PM
TOM ESHELMAN (R) vs. RYAN STANEK (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-3 (+0.8 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

TOM ESHELMAN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

RYAN STANEK vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
STANEK is 0-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 6.43 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

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LA ANGELS (42 - 43) at TEXAS (46 - 38) - 8:05 PM
JOSE SUAREZ (L) vs. MIKE MINOR (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 15-24 (-13.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA ANGELS are 11-19 (-10.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 45-80 (-30.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 46-38 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 28-15 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 13-5 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 30-25 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 20-18 (+8.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 26-18 (+10.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TEXAS is 6-17 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 5-5 (+1.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.9 Units)

JOSE SUAREZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

MIKE MINOR vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MINOR is 3-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.03 and a WHIP of 1.161.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.3 units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 3
David Schwab

Week 2 Betting Recap

This past weekend’s betting action in the CFL featured a trio of games starting with Ottawa’s thrilling 44-41 victory over Saskatchewan on Thursday night as a 4 ½-point home favorite. On Friday night, Edmonton stayed perfect on the year with a 39-23 win at home against British Columbia to easily cover the closing three-point spread.

Hamilton also moved to 2-0 straight-up with Saturday’s 64-14 romp over Toronto as a 4 ½-point road favorite. The Tiger-Cats are the only CFL team to also go 2-0 against the spread.

Monday, July 1

Toronto Argonauts (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS) at Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-2 SU, 1-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Saskatchewan -13
Total: 54

Game Overview

Toronto started this season pretty much the way it played last season with a bad loss. The 2017 Grey Cup Champions sunk to just four straight-up victories last year. The Argonauts’ defense allowed a touchdown on six consecutive Hamilton drives in Saturday’s loss, in what was the team’s worst loss ever in this heated East Division battle. James Franklin got the call at quarterback and he threw for 211 yards and no scores against one interception. Mcleod Bethel-Thompson completed nine-of-16 passes for 99 yards and the team’s only touchdown throw.

The Roughriders hung tight against Ottawa last Thursday coming off a tough loss to Hamilton on the road in Week 1. With quarterback Zach Collaros once again sidelined with an injury, Cody Fajardo took over the reins and completed 27 of his 34 passing attempts against the RedBlacks for 360 yards and two touchdowns against zero interceptions. Saskatchewan’s defense allowed 354 yards and three scores through the air.

Betting Trends

-- Saskatchewan has a SU 5-1 record against Toronto in the last six meetings with a 4-2 edge ATS. However, the Argonauts are 8-4-1 ATS in their last 13 road games against the Roughriders.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL

Dunkel

Week 3

Monday, July 1

Toronto @ Saskatchewan

Game 687-688
July 1, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
96.166
Saskatchewan
115.386
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Saskatchewan
by 19
60
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Saskatchewan
by 13 1/2
54
Dunkel Pick:
Saskatchewan
(-13 1/2); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 3

Monday, July 1

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TORONTO (0 - 1) at SASKATCHEWAN (0 - 2) - 7/1/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) as an underdog of 10 or more points since 1996.
TORONTO is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) as a road underdog of 10.5 to 14 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 56-36 ATS (+16.4 Units) in July games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-1 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL

Week 3

Trend Report

Monday, July 1

Toronto Argonauts
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Toronto is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 10 games
Toronto is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Saskatchewan
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Saskatchewan is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Saskatchewan is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Saskatchewan is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Saskatchewan is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Saskatchewan is 4-8-1 ATS in its last 13 games when playing at home against Toronto

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL Week 3 preview, odds, picks and predictions: Riding the Roughriders offense
Rohit Ponnaiya

The Saskatchewan Roughriders exploded for 41 points in Week 2 and could be in for another big performance on Canada Day against the Toronto Argonauts.

It's Week 3 of the CFL and there are four games on the betting board, culminating in a Canada Day Clash on July 1 between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Argonauts.

Week 2 had plenty of offensive fireworks with four out of six teams scoring 39 points or more. Seven games into the season and we're starting to notice some trends; home teams are having trouble covering the spread and Overs are turning a tidy profit.

We break down the football odds north of the border with our analysis, betting trends, picks and predictions.

Season Betting Trends

Favorites: 5-2 SU, 3-4 ATS
Home teams: 4-3 SU, 2-5 ATS
Over/Under: 6-1

Week 2 Picks: 1-2
Season to date: 3-4

TORONTO ARGONAUTS AT SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS

Line: Saskatchewan -11.5, 53.5
Time: Monday, July 1, 7:00 p.m. ET

I faded Riders replacement QB Cody Fajardo last week and paid the price. Fajardo completed 27 of 34 passes for 360 yards and two touchdowns, and the Riders put up 41 points against the Redblacks in a three-point loss. Fajardo and dangerous running back William Powell should have a big game on Canada Day against an Argonauts defense that was gashed for 64 points by Hamilton last Saturday.

Toronto's offense wasn't much better with 14 points and 322 yards but has the talent to play much better with S.J. Green, Armanti Edwards and Derel Walker catching passes and James Wilder Jr. running the ball.

Saskatchewan's defense played very well in Week 1 against Hamilton before getting shredded for 447 yards and 44 points against Ottawa. With the O/U set at a very reasonable 53.5, back the Over.

PICK: Over 53.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Argonauts at Saskatchewan Roughriders Preview and Best Bet

Early wishes to those up in Canada for a Happy Canada Day on July 1st, as it's actually the game that's played on that day that is getting the focus this week.

Odds: Saskatchewan (-11.5); Total set at 53.5
(Monday, 7:00 p.m. ET)

There aren't too many instances in professional football on either side of the border where we as fans/bettors can be completely sure of what type of message a coaching staff will bring to their team each week, but for this matchup, we all can be pretty sure both staffs have been harping on their respective defenses for days.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders defense – one that has the talent pool to be by far and away the best in the league – got shelled in Ottawa last weekend, giving up 44 points to the Redblacks and Dominque Davis. It was the second straight year that Saskatchewan's annual trip to Ottawa resulted in the Redblacks putting up 40 on the Roughriders, and thanks to the 2019 Riders offense, the 44-41 losing score this year looks a lot more flattering then the 40-17 one this organization suffered a year ago.

Yet, the message defensively will be just as stern this time around, as they can't go around giving up easy yards and points like they did and expect to win too many games. But if we can use last year as any indication, we should expect the Riders defense to step up from here on out, because last season's visit to Ottawa in Week 2 was the only time all year Saskatchewan allowed more then 34 points against. Welcoming a Toronto team that looked awful last week for the home opener is a great situation for this Riders defense to get back on track, and it's hard to believe that they won't be able to to some degree.

From Toronto's perspective, everybody knows about the offensive issues this team is likely to have this year, but I don't think many saw them giving up 64 points at home to Hamilton in their season opener. Toronto's staff had all of camp and the preseason to prepare for Hamilton and to lay an egg that badly was abysmal.

There is no way around that effort for the defense this week in practice, and on an individual and team level, every single man on that Toronto defense is looking for redemption this week. Going out on the road and silencing the crowd early with a big stop would be a huge boost of confidence for the Argos D, and considering the Riders are winless themselves, it's not like the Argos D comes into this game completely deflated, as they could be say against a perfect 2-0 SU opponent.

The Riders may have gashed Ottawa's D a week ago, but they only put up 3 more points against that same Hamilton team that Toronto faced, so Argos fans can take something from that, but the Riders defense did manage to hold Hamilton to 41 fewer points in their game as well. Hence the double-digit home chalk price. But with the emphasis on defense for both sides this week, the only way I can look at this game is to go 'under' the total for the full game.

That might seem odd to say given that we just saw each side give up 40+ points last week and it's easy to figure something similar will happen. But oddly enough, it's these scenarios where I look to go against conventional wisdom so to speak and it's because of the idea that neither team, on offense or defense, is really as bad or as good as they've looked through two games or less so far.

Furthermore, looking to go 'under' the total following a game where a team scored 40 or more points (ie: Saskatchewan) was a highly profitable scenario league wide last year. Not including two playoff games where totals went 1-1 O/U featuring a team coming off a 40-point performance, the 26 times it was live in 2018 produced a 5-20-1 O/U record the the following game.

Then, when you add in that teams coming off a performance where they allowed 40+ points (ie: both teams in this game), the O/U record the following game was 8-12 O/U a year ago, going 'low' here starts to look better and better. The opener for this game has already dropped a half-point for this game with early action seemingly looking low, as neither offense can really give you that much belief in their ability to put up 28 or so points.

With two winless teams looking to rebound after some of the worst defensive performances you'll see all year, I expect both teams on that side of the ball to step up in a big way this week, while their respective offenses still search for their identities. Put it all together and getting a combined score higher then the 40's will be tough this week.

Best Bet: Under 53.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL

Monday, July 1

Toronto (0-1) @ Saskatchewan (0-2)— Roughriders won five of last six series games; Toronto is 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to Regina, losing last two, 27-19/38-27. Under is 5-2 in last seven series games. Argonauts lost their home opener 64-14 to Hamilton LW, getting outscored 44-0 in 2nd half; they gave up 604 yards to the TiCats. Riders lost their first two games by 3-6 points, falling 44-41 in Ottawa LW. Argos are 6-18 vs spread in their last 24 road games. Happy Canada Day to our friends north of the border.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Argonauts vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders Preview and Predictions 07-01-2019 in CFL

The Saskatchewan Roughriders search for their first win of the season when they host the Toronto Argonauts on Monday. The Roughriders opened the 2019 campaign with back-to-back road losses to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (23-17) and Ottawa Redblacks (44-41) and hope to start a three-game homestand on the right foot in the first Canada Day matchup with the Argonauts since 1984.

"We talked a lot about Toronto and we looked at their roster closely ... and there's some good players," Saskatchewan coach Craig Dickenson told reporters. "Toronto is going to come with their best game and our guys know it." The Argonauts are left to go back to the drawing board following one of their most lopsided losses in franchise history. Toronto suffered a 64-14 setback to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in its home opener, which was the largest margin of defeat in the rivalry that dates back to the late 1940s, and hopes to put the loss in the rearview mirror by handing coach Corey Chamblin, who led the Roughriders to a Grey Cup championship in 2013 only to be fired two years later, his first win since taking the reins in Toronto. "We've just gotta get our minds right," Chamblin told reporters. "We're going to talk about not how big we lost but how we lost."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (0-1): James Franklin completed 16-of-26 passes for 211 yards and an interception before he was replaced by McLeod Bethel-Thompson in the second half but the former Missouri Tigers star is expected to start again Monday. Toronto signed kicker Zack Medeiros to the active roster after Ronnie Pfeffer was hurt against the Tiger-Cats while safety Jermaine Gabriel is sidelined with a neck injury. Toronto made a pair of moves to add depth to its defence as defensive back Jonathan Dowling, who played for three NFL teams in three years, and defensive lineman Kingsley Opara were added to the practice roster.

ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (0-2): Cody Fajardo threw for 360 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his CFL debut against Ottawa and is expected to get the start once again after his career night. Defensive lineman Makana Henry was fined an undisclosed amount after he was flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty for knocking down Ottawa quarterback Dominique Davis in the bench area. Linebacker Solomon Elimimian, who won the league's Most Outstanding Defensive Player award in 2014 and 2016, completed his first practice since suffering a calf injury in training and could make his Saskatchewan debut.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Saskatchewan has won five straight regular-season meetings with Toronto.

2. Franklin has been limited to one touchdown pass in his last four starts dating back to last season.

3. Roughriders LBs Cameron Judge (tied for first) and Derrick Moncrief (tied for fifth) are among the league leaders in tackles with 15 and 13, respectively.

PREDICTION: Saskatchewan 28, Toronto 22

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kansas City Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-01-2019 in MLB

The Kansas City Royals gave themselves a chance at earning a split of the four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays with a come-from-behind triumph on Sunday, bouncing back after a disappointing setback in Saturday's contest. The Royals will try to finish off the road trip strong when they visit the Blue Jays in Monday's finale.

Kansas City dropped a 5-3 decision in Friday's opener and could not keep the ball in the yard on Saturday, when Toronto picked up a 7-5 victory on a walk-off homer to drop the Royals to 12-30 away from home. The bullpen stepped up for Kansas City in Sunday's contest, firing off four hitless innings, and a solo blast from Jorge Soler - his 22nd - proved to be the difference for a team trying to find some momentum with a week left until the All-Star break. The Blue Jays are trying to find their own momentum and hope to take advantage of a 10-game homestand going into the All-Star break with the slumping Boston Red Sox and the major league-worst Baltimore Orioles coming to town after the Royals depart. Toronto left-hander Clayton Richard will try to earn his first win on Monday while Kansas City turns to righty Glenn Sparkman looking for the split.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Kansas City, Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Glenn Sparkman (2-3, 4.07 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Clayton Richard (0-4, 6.89)

Sparkman was roughed up at Cleveland on Tuesday, allowing five runs on seven hits - three homers - and two walks over 5 2/3 innings but was held out of the decision. The 27-year-old Texan surrendered seven home runs in 24 1/3 innings over his last four outings, going 1-2 with a 4.44 ERA in that span. Sparkman made one start against Toronto during his 2018 rookie campaign and allowed two runs on four hits across four innings without factoring in the decision.

Richard is still looking for his first win of 2019 but posted his first quality start at New York on Tuesday, yielding three runs and eight hits in a season-high six innings. The 35-year-old has surrendered a total of 37 hits - eight home runs - over 31 1/3 total innings while issuing 16 walks. Richard spent most of his career in the National League but is 2-2 with a 4.45 ERA in eight career games - four starts - against Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays 1B Justin Smoak homered twice on Sunday - his first two blasts since coming off the Injured List on Friday.

2. Kansas City RHP Ian Kennedy converted his ninth consecutive save opportunity on Sunday, capping off a month of June in which he allowed one run in 9 1/3 innings and went 8-for-8 in save chances.

3. Toronto INF Eric Sogard is 6-for-12 with three runs scored in the series.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Royals 4

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Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-01-2019 in MLB

The Chicago Cubs can't seem to pull away from the pack in the National League Central and enter the final week before the All-Star break tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the top spot. The inability to gain any ground is allowing the rest of the division to stay in the race, and the Pittsburgh Pirates will try to knock a game off their deficit when they host the Cubs in the opener of a four-game series on Monday.

Chicago, which is in the midst of a stretch of nine straight road games leading into the All-Star break, began the trip by dropping two of three at Cincinnati over the weekend and is 8-12 over the last 20 games while going 0-3-3 in its last six series. "It could have been a lot worse," Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters after watching his team cap off a 14-15 June with an 8-6 loss at the Reds on Sunday. "That's the team we've been the entire month. We haven't played well enough to be better than that." The Pirates enter the week five games behind Chicago after failing to bring the bats over the weekend and scoring one run in back-to-back losses at Milwaukee. Pittsburgh will try to muster some support on Monday for right-hander Trevor Williams while the Cubs give promising rookie Adbert Alzolay his second start.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Chicago, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Adbert Alzolay (1-0, 2.08 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (2-2, 4.25)

Alzolay is making his second career start after holding the Atlanta Braves to one run on one hit over 4 2/3 innings on Tuesday. The 24-year-old Venezuelan has allowed a total of two hits in 8 2/3 innings, including a four-inning relief stint in his debut against the New York Mets on June 20, but both of those hits left the yard. Alzolay went 2-1 with a 3.09 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 32 innings over six starts for Triple-A Iowa before being recalled.

Williams is making his third start since recovering from a strained right side and struggled in his first two outings off the injured list, allowing 11 runs on 17 hits - four homers - over 11 2/3 combined innings. The 27-year-old yielded four homers in his first nine starts before suffering the injury and was carrying a 3.33 ERA. Williams went 1-2 in three starts against Chicago last season despite posting a 2.50 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 3B-OF Kris Bryant was added as a reserve to the NL All-Star roster on Sunday, joining teammates C Willson Contreras and SS Javier Baez.

2. Pirates 1B Josh Bell was added to the NL All-Star roster and will compete in the Home Run Derby.

3. Chicago RHP Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) is expected to come of the IL and start Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Pirates 3

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Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-01-2019 in MLB

The Cincinnati Reds used the weekend to end the Chicago Cubs' tenuous 1 1/2-week grasp of sole possession of first place in the National League Central. Beginning Monday, they will spend the early part of the upcoming week doing their part to make the division race a veritable free-for-all when they host the opener of a four-game set against the co-Central leading Milwaukee Brewers.

Cincinnati (38-43) was within two games of reaching .500 for the first time since the end of March when it took two games in Milwaukee from June 20-21, but it lost the final four games of its six-game road trip. The Reds rebounded nicely upon returning home over the weekend, taking two of three from Chicago to forge a two-way tie atop the division and close the gap between first and last place in the Central to 5 1/2 games. Milwaukee (45-39) continued to sputter offensively but was able to conclude a 5-5 homestand against three teams with losing records by winning three of its last four after edging Pittsburgh 2-1 on Sunday. Eric Thames hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the eighth inning and is 6-for-12 with two home runs, a triple, three doubles and four RBIs during his four-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Adrian Houser (2-2, 2.94 ERA) vs. Reds RH Tyler Mahle (2-8, 4.35)

Houser, opening for the first time since May 7, did not fare well in the role for the second time in three tries in a loss to Seattle on Wednesday, giving up three runs on four hits and three walks over two innings. The Oklahoma native, who is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in three career starts, had yielded only two runs while striking out 27 across 21 1/3 innings over his previous 11 relief appearances. Houser has worked three scoreless innings out of the bullpen versus the Reds this season.

Mahle failed to register a quality start for the fifth time in six tries Wednesday in Los Angeles, surrendering a pair of homers among the four runs and six hits he allowed to the Angels over five innings. The 24-year-old has been much more comfortable at home this season, however, going 2-1 with a 2.96 ERA in five turns while holding opponents to a .194 batting average. Mahle is 0-1 in two career starts versus the Reds despite posting a 2.53 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 10 2/3 frames against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers OF Christian Yelich is 4-for-29 with no homers, one RBI and nine strikeouts over his last eight games, but his third-inning double Sunday gave him 1,000 hits for his career.

2. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez is 4-for-8 with a home run and three RBIs in his last two games following a 22-game stretch in which he went 11-for-80 with two homers and five RBIs.

3. Each of Milwaukee's six wins in the season series have been by two runs or fewer, while each of the Cincinnati's three victories have been decided by three runs or more.

PREDICTION: Reds 6, Brewers 3

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Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 07-01-2019 in MLB

The Tampa Bay Rays owned a one-half game advantage in the American League East after winning six of their first 10 games in June, but the inability to win consecutive games for nearly three weeks has them staring at a seven-game deficit in the division. The Rays were able to string back-to-back victories together for the first time since June 9-10 over the weekend and look to make it three in a row on Monday when they host the opener of a three-game set against the Baltimore Orioles.

Tampa Bay (48-36) moved a season-high 17 games over .500 after defeating Oakland three weeks ago before a prolonged stretch against two AL division leaders and six more games versus the Athletics contributed to a stretch in which the club went 4-11. The Rays rediscovered the early pitching excellence that served as the foundation for their major-league best 3.21 team ERA in an 18-inning triumph in Minnesota and closed June by winning three of four after beating Texas 6-2 on Sunday. Majors-worst Baltimore (24-59) missed an opportunity to secure its first sweep of the season, ending a bizarre three-game series in which it became the first club in major-league history to post consecutive shutouts of at least 13-0 with Sunday's 2-0 loss to Cleveland. The Orioles did not give up a home run in three games to the Indians after surrendering a major-league high 165 entering the weekend.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles TBD vs. Rays RH Ryne Stanek (0-1, 2.76 ERA)

Dylan Bundy is expected to be moved back in the rotation and start Tuesday's game, but manager Brandon Hyde did not announce who would get the nod in the series opener. Left-hander Tanner Scott was also optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday to potentially open up space for a pitcher to be called up and start Monday. The Orioles may opt for a bullpen game with righty Jimmy Yacabonis being a potential choice to get the start.

Stanek labored through his most recent outing as an opener Thursday in Minnesota, throwing a season-high 40 pitches while giving up two runs on three hits over two innings. It was a rare bump in the road in that role for the 27-year-old, who owns a 2.25 ERA in his 23 starts - games in which Tampa Bay is 15-8. Trey Mancini is 2-for-7 with a home run versus Stanek, who struck out the side as the opener in his only inning of work against the Orioles on April 17.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays never trailed in Sunday's victory after having fallen behind in 16 of their previous 18 contests - by multiple runs in 14 of those games.

2. The Orioles struck out 14 times Sunday, marking the eighth time this season they have recorded that many in a game this season.

3. Tampa Bay is 21-8 against sub-.500 opponents in 2019.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Orioles 2

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Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 07-01-2019 in MLB

The Texas Rangers look to rebound after losing their first series since May 24-26 when they host the American League West-rival Los Angeles Angels for the first of four games Monday night. The Rangers were 6-0-3 in nine series since dropping two of three at the Angels late in May and won the first game at Tampa Bay on Friday, but managed nine hits combined in the final two contests after the 6-2 setback Sunday.

Elvis Andrus has hit safely in eight straight games (13-for-32) while teammate Joey Gallo is 6-for-13 with three homers in the past four contests for Texas, which holds down the second wild card position in the AL by one-half game despite the rough weekend. Mike Minor hopes to pick up where he left off in June, when he went 3-0 with a 1.70 ERA in five outings, as he takes the mound for the Rangers in the series opener and the Angels are expected call up rookie left-hander Jose Suarez to start Monday. Los Angeles continues its see-saw campaign, following up a four-game winning streak by losing the last three contests against Oakland at home by a combined score of 23-5 to fall back under .500 at 42-43. Tommy La Stella, who was named to the All-Star Game on Sunday, had three hits in Sunday's 12-3 setback and is 16-for-43 in his last 10 outings while teammate Shohei Ohtani went deep twice and is 11-for-23 over his past seven games.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Jose Suarez (2-1, 5.57 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Mike Minor (8-4, 2.40)

Suarez is slated to make his fifth start of the season and first since June 20, when he allowed five runs on eight hits over five innings in a no-decision at Toronto. The 21-year-old Venezuela native earned the win at Tampa Bay on June 15, yielding three runs on five hits across 5 2/3 innings, and has 19 strikeouts in 21 frames overall. Suarez, who is 15-14 in his five minor league seasons, is 2-0 with a 6.06 ERA in three starts on the road with Los Angeles.

Minor has won each of his last three starts, including a complete-game victory Wednesday when he allowed one run on five hits with seven strikeouts at Detroit. The 31-year-old Vanderbilt product boasts six quality starts in his last eight outings and has not permitted more than three runs in his last 12 trips to the mound. Kole Calhoun is 3-for-7 with a homer versus Minor, who is 3-0 with a 2.23 ERA in seven career appearances (five starts) against the Angels.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles 1B-DH Albert Pujols needs one hit to tie Tony Gwynn (3,141) for 19th in major league history and two to match Robin Yount (3,142).

2. Texas OF Hunter Pence (groin), who was picked as a starter for the All-Star Game as a DH, could return to the lineup as early as Monday.

3. The teams have split 10 games this season with the Rangers winning all three of the contests played at home by a combined score of 22-11.

PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Angels 2