Tuesday 7-2-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 6 - Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $6900 Class Rating: 65

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 2 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 DIAMOND RIDER 8/1

# 1 GO TRUMPY GO 6/1

# 3 CAPTAIN REGAN 5/2

DIAMOND RIDER is the most competitive bet in this race especially at 8/1. He has been running admirably and the speed figs are among the best in this group of horses. Has to be given a shot here if only for the very strong speed rating recorded in the last contest. A solid 78 avg Equibase class figure may give this gelding a distinct class edge against this group of animals. GO TRUMPY GO - Had one of the best speed figures of this group in his last contest. Is tough not to consider given the company run in as of late. CAPTAIN REGAN - Blinkers on should be the difference maker here. Bettors ought to take a good look at this one as this gelding has one of the best win percentages at this distance in this group.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Louisiana Downs
PURCHASE

07/02/19, LAD, Race 1, 3.15 CT
1M [Turf] 1.34.01 ALLOWANCE. Purse $19,000.
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES
Daily Double / Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta / .50 Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3)
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer Flags
100.0000 6 Oh Bette 9/2 Dominguez J Stall. Jr. Albert M. WL
099.2333 8 Mittie George 7/2 Eramia R E Broberg Karl F
099.0121 4 Fetching Fury 8-1 Thornton T Bourgeois Keith G. E
097.9620 1 Acorn Street 3-1 Lozada C Cates Al J
097.9104 7 Telescopic Plan 4-1 Smith K J Broberg Karl C
097.1349 3 Mizz Tutu 8-1 Tejera E A Ramirez Eduardo S
097.1234 5 Miss Perdido Key 12-1 Guerrero J A Johnson. Jr. Henry B.
095.5533 9 Our Lucky Break 12-1 Martinez O Thompson Kevin Joseph
094.7896 2 Ruthless Child 15-1 Green A Glover Tracey
After scratches, a horse Pgm# with profit must be the top rated horse for the profitable condition to be valid.
Profits are for $2 Win bets for this condition. ROI is based on $1. Stats are by [category] and exclusive to LAD.
Pgm# Profit ROI WPC Win# Occ Profitable_Conditions_If_Top_Rated_Horse
6 64.00 1.33 37.76 37 98 [Turf Not_MdnMClm] Last Race Weight Is Not Greater Than Today
8 111.80 1.26 40.83 89 218 [All Surfaces] Best Finish
4 64.00 1.33 37.76 37 98 [Turf Not_MdnMClm] Last Race Weight Is Not Greater Than Today
1 64.00 1.33 37.76 37 98 [Turf Not_MdnMClm] Last Race Weight Is Not Greater Than Today
7 64.00 1.33 37.76 37 98 [Turf Not_MdnMClm] Last Race Weight Is Not Greater Than Today
3 64.00 1.33 37.76 37 98 [Turf Not_MdnMClm] Last Race Weight Is Not Greater Than Today
5 58.00 1.37 26.58 21 79 [Turf Not_MdnMClm] Not Morning Line Favorite(not entry)
9 63.10 1.20 35.40 57 161 [All Turf] Not 3YO In 3UP Race
2 63.10 1.20 35.40 57 161 [All Turf] Not 3YO In 3UP Race
------------------------------
If Race Is Off Turf
------------------------------
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer Flags
100.0000 8 Mittie George 7/2 Eramia R E Broberg Karl F
098.0979 4 Fetching Fury 8-1 Thornton T Bourgeois Keith G. EW
098.0817 7 Telescopic Plan 4-1 Smith K J Broberg Karl C
097.8922 6 Oh Bette 9/2 Dominguez J Stall. Jr. Albert M. L
097.6134 3 Mizz Tutu 8-1 Tejera E A Ramirez Eduardo S
097.4416 1 Acorn Street 3-1 Lozada C Cates Al J
095.7821 5 Miss Perdido Key 12-1 Guerrero J A Johnson. Jr. Henry B.
095.5687 9 Our Lucky Break 12-1 Martinez O Thompson Kevin Joseph
095.3225 2 Ruthless Child 15-1 Green A Glover Tracey
After scratches, a horse Pgm# with profit must be the top rated horse for the profitable condition to be valid.
Profits are for $2 Win bets. ROI is based on $1. Stats are by [category] and exclusive to LAD.
Pgm# Profit ROI WPC Win# Occ Profitable_Conditions_If_Top_Rated_Horse
8 111.80 1.26 40.83 89 218 [All Surfaces] Best Finish
4 49.40 1.19 34.38 44 128 [Dirt Not_MdnMClm] Best Workouts
7 58.30 1.29 39.60 40 101 [All Surfaces] Third Race After 45 Days Off
6 46.20 1.20 39.32 46 117 [All Dirt] Best LeadPack
3 43.70 1.08 33.09 89 269 [All Surfaces] Race Distance Route
1 43.70 1.08 33.09 89 269 [All Surfaces] Race Distance Route
5 43.70 1.08 33.09 89 269 [All Surfaces] Race Distance Route
9 43.70 1.08 33.09 89 269 [All Surfaces] Race Distance Route
2 43.70 1.08 33.09 89 269 [All Surfaces] Race Distance Route

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

Anthony Rendon is finally an All-Star after being snubbed a couple times but is perhaps thinking Nationals more than National League as Washington kicks off a six-game homestand Tuesday against the Miami Marlins. Rendon hasn't decided whether he'll attend, citing a nagging injury and a desire to potentially use the break to get healthier and concentrate on the second half.

"I hear it's no rest, so that's not a good thing," Rendon, who is batting .311 with 19 home runs, 58 RBIs and a 1.028 OPS, told reporters about the All-Star festivities. "They said your schedule is jam-packed and you're going to events or whatever, or you're doing interviews or whatever it might be. So it seems like it's right up my alley. It'll be funny how it's going to play out, if I decide to go." The Nationals (42-41) have won 11 of their last 15 games to get within seven of first-place Atlanta in the National League East and are among several teams in wild card contention. Miami (32-50) is the worst team in the NL but has won seven of its last 12 after taking two of three from Philadelphia over the weekend. Washington's Patrick Corbin on Tuesday makes his third start of the season against Miami (2-0, 0.56 ERA) and opposes Zac Gallen, who lost to Corbin and the Nationals on Wednesday in his second career start.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN 2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Zac Gallen (0-1, 3.60 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Patrick Corbin (7-5, 3.71).

Gallen allowed three runs, four hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in five innings of a 7-5 loss to Washington on Wednesday. "I kind of settled in after the second inning," the 23-year-old New Jersey native told reporters. "I would have liked to have gotten through six with less pitches, but other than that, I think I did OK." Gallen earned a no-decision after yielding one run and five hits while striking out six in five innings of Miami's 7-6 victory at St. Louis - the team that drafted him in the third round in 2016 - on June 20 in his major league debut.

Corbin has permitted one run in winning each of his last two starts, including Wednesday against the Marlins when he allowed three hits and one walk with nine strikeouts. The 29-year-old New Yorker returned to good form after going 0-3 and yielding 16 earned runs in 12 2/3 innings over his previous three turns. Corbin, who yielded Gallen's first major league hit, was 1-1 with a 4.62 ERA in six starts against Miami prior to this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington has won seven of 10 meetings in 2019 after sweeping three games last week by a combined 21-11.

2. The Nationals have homered in a club-record 15 straight games after Rendon went deep Sunday, making him 5-for-9 with two HRs and three RBIs in his last two contests.

3. Marlins 1B Garrett Cooper hit .372 with four of his seven home runs and 16 of 27 RBIs in June but is 7-for-27 with one RBI versus Washington this season.


PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Marlins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

The Chicago Cubs' ailing pitching staff will receive a boost when the club visits the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday as Kyle Hendricks is expected to be activated from the injured list following a 2 1/2-week absence due to inflammation in his pitching shoulder. Hendricks' expected return in the second contest of the four-game series comes on the heels of seeing Cole Hamels land on the IL with a left oblique strain.

Hendricks would be wise to keep a keen eye on Josh Bell, who tuned up for next week's Home Run Derby by going deep three times in Pittsburgh's 18-5 romp in Monday's series opener. The Pirates' All-Star first baseman wasn't alone in padding his offensive totals, as Adam Frazier matched a major-league record with four doubles to highlight his five-hit performance. While Pittsburgh has answered an eight-game skid with 10 wins in 16 contests, Chicago has lost three straight and 13 of its last 21 to fall behind first-place Milwaukee in the National League Central. "You talk, talk, talk, and at some point, they just have to start getting it done. Those (mistakes) have been very glaring," Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (7-5, 3.36 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Joe Musgrove (6-7, 4.27)

Hendricks sported a sizzling 6-0 record and 1.99 ERA during an eight-start stretch before suffering a loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 14. "I haven't set a number, but it's probably between 60-70 (pitches), 75 at most. You don't want to get greedy on the first time back," Maddon said of the pitch count for the 29-year-old, who tossed a bullpen session on both Wednesday and Saturday. Starling Marte (3-for-21) and Bell (3-for-17) have struggled mightily versus Hendricks, who is 4-5 with a 3.13 ERA in 13 career starts against the Pirates.

Musgrove won his second straight start and improved to 3-1 in his last five after scattering nine hits over six scoreless innings in a 10-0 rout of his former Houston team on Thursday. The 26-year-old fell to 2-2 with a 1.37 ERA in four career starts versus the Cubs on April 11 despite allowing two runs and four hits in 6 1/3 frames. Anthony Rizzo (0-for-10) and Javier Baez (1-for-12) have been flustered by Musgrove, although Jason Heyward (3-for-10) has fared significantly better.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 3B Kris Bryant has recorded 24 hits and scored 13 runs in his last 18 games.

2. Pittsburgh 3B Colin Moran, who collected a career-high five hits in the series opener, has registered five RBIs in his last five contests.

3. Baez belted a solo homer on Monday to give him 11 hits - including three blasts - nine RBIs and seven runs in his last nine games.


PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Pirates 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

Left-hander David Price could be the perfect cure for the pitching ills of the Boston Red Sox when he takes the ball in the opener of the three-game series against the host Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night. Boston has allowed 37 runs while losing the last three games, including the past two across the pond in London, but Price is 22-3 with a 2.37 ERA in 31 appearances (30 starts) in his career against the Blue Jays.

Price would like to get the same offensive support the Red Sox provided in the three losses as Jackie Bradley Jr. (8-for-12, three runs, three games), Rafael Devers (11-for-22, seven doubles, five games) and JD Martinez (9-for-17, two homers, five games) contributed to 28 runs during the losing streak. "We have the talent to win the World Series but we have to play better," Boston manager Alex Cora told reporters. "I've been saying it since Day One. It better happen sooner rather than later." The Blue Jays are 21 games under .500, but won't be a pushover after taking two of three at Fenway Park June 21-23 and winning three of four against Kansas City, capped by Monday's 11-4 triumph on Canada Day. Toronto's Eric Sogard was 7-for-16 in the series against the Royals to push his batting average to .311 and teammate Lourdes Gurriel Jr. began a nine-game hitting streak (19-for-39, five homers, eight RBIs, 11 runs) with five hits in the last two contests versus the Red Sox.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH David Price (5-2, 3.36 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Trent Thornton (2-5, 4.60)

Price is unbeaten in his last nine trips to the mound and earned the victory Tuesday when he allowed three runs (two earned) on eight hits across six innings against the Chicago White Sox. The 33-year-old Vanderbilt product has five quality starts in that stretch and boasts 82 strikeouts to go along with 15 walks in 72 1/3 innings overall this year. Gurriel is 2-for-6 with a double versus Price, who gave up two unearned runs on three hits in five innings of a 12-2 victory against Toronto on May 20.

Thornton strung two quality starts together for the second time this season, including a matchup with the Red Sox on June 21, before giving up five runs over 3 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees on Wednesday. The 25-year-old North Carolina native limited Boston to two runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts across 6 1/3 innings for a no-decision in his first-ever game versus the Red Sox. Michael Chavis and Martinez went 2-for-3 against Thornton, who is 0-3 with a 6.39 ERA in seven home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will participate in the Home Run Derby and RHP Marcus Stroman was named the team's representative for next week's All-Star Game.

2. Boston LF Andrew Benintendi (seven homers, 36 RBIs) left Saturday's game with a quad injury and is questionable.

3. Blue Jays OF Randal Grichuk is 10-for-24 with a homer and seven RBIs over his last six contests.


PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Red Sox 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Yankees vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

The streaking New York Yankees return from a wildly successful overseas trip to take on the stumbling New York Mets in the opener of the latest edition of the Subway Series, beginning Tuesday with the first of two at Citi Field. The Yankees scored 29 runs in a pair of wins over the Boston Red Sox in London and returned to the states with a seven-game lead in the American League East.

"The energy never let up," manager Aaron Boone told reporters after Sunday's 12-8 victory. "It felt like a huge event, these two games." The Mets are 5-13 since splitting a pair at Yankee Stadium in June but they enter with a tiny bit of momentum after winning the finale of a three-game series against Atlanta on Sunday. All-Stars Jeff McNeil and Pete Alonso combined for four hits and four RBIs in the 8-5 win as the Mets snapped a seven-game slide. Yankees lefty James Paxton was rocked for six runs in 2 2/3 innings in a loss to the Mets on June 11 and will seek better results Tuesday opposite Zack Wheeler.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network; YES (Yankees), WPIX (Mets)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH James Paxton (5-3, 4.34 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (6-5, 4.51)

Paxton bounced back from his rocky outing against the Mets to win two straight starts while allowing a total of three runs in 11 innings. He struggled again in a start against Toronto on Wednesday, giving up six runs and eight hits - including a season-high three home runs - in 4 1/3 frames. Alonso had a three-run homer and a walk in his only two plate appearances versus Paxton last month.

Wheeler has allowed one run in each of his last two outings, recording 12 strikeouts and allowing seven hits in 13 innings during that stretch. He was pounded for nine runs (five earned) in a loss at Yankee Stadium last month. The 29-year-old, who has four straight quality starts at home, has a 10.00 ERA in two career matchups with the Yankees.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees have won nine of their last 12 road games in the series.

2. McNeil is 5-for-9 with two doubles, four RBIs and three runs scored over his last two games.

3. All-Star D.J. LeMahieu went 7-for-12 with seven RBIs in London.


PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Mets 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

Christian Yelich set a franchise record by belting his 30th homer prior to the All-Star break after going deep in the series opener against the host Cincinnati Reds on Monday. The reigning National League Most Valuable Player, who homered twice against the Reds in teams' previous series from June 20-23, will look to continue his good fortune on Tuesday as the division rivals reconvene for the second contest of their four-game set.

Yelich went deep against Tanner Roark, who starts for Cincinnati on Tuesday, in a 7-1 setback against the Reds on June 20 and again the following day before snapping his brief home-run slump with a two-run shot in Monday's 8-6 victory. The 27-year-old Yelich also recorded an RBI single as part of a five-run seventh inning for the Brewers, who have won four in a row overall and 11 of their last 15 against Cincinnati. Eugenio Suarez launched a pair of two-run shots to give him three homers in his last two games and a club-best 19 on the season for the Reds, who have lost six of their last eight games. The 27-year-old Suarez has gone deep on two occasions against Chase Anderson, although he is just 3-for-19 overall versus Milwaukee's starter on Tuesday.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Chase Anderson (4-2, 4.42 ERA) vs. Reds RH Tanner Roark (5-6, 3.36)

Anderson recorded his first win in nearly a month on Thursday after allowing two runs - one earned - and three hits in 5 1/3 innings versus Seattle. The 31-year-old pitched into the sixth frame for second time in 10 starts and kept the ball in the park for just the second time in his last six outings (six homers). Anderson fell to 5-3 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in his career against Cincinnati after permitting six runs and five hits in five innings of an 11-7 setback on June 21.

Roark allowed just one run in his second straight start but settled for a no-decision after yielding four hits in 5 1/3 innings at the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. The 32-year-old surrendered a solo homer in that contest as well as another while yielding three hits on June 20, but he snapped a three-game skid with the win over the Brewers. Roark, who has flustered Lorenzo Cain (2-for-13), owns a 5-2 record with a 2.82 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 10 career appearances (nine starts) versus Milwaukee.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 1B Joey Votto has collected nine hits and scored eight runs versus Milwaukee this season.

2. Brewers 2B Keston Hiura has belted four homers in his last nine games.

3. Cincinnati OF Jesse Winker notched two hits in Monday's opener after entering 4-for-25 in the season series.


PREDICTION: Reds 5, Brewers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

The Tampa Bay Rays have rebounded from a rough stretch with three straight victories and look to take advantage of the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday in the second contest of their three-game series. The Rays lost 12 of 17 before taking the final two games against Texas over the weekend and rallied for a 6-3 victory over Baltimore on Monday as Kevin Kiermaier launched a go-ahead, three-run homer.

"We need that," Kiermaier told Fox Sports Sun after Monday's victory. "Everyone knows how this last road trip went for us (3-7). So for us to rattle off three wins in a row, it's big. We want to close out the first half on a good note." All-Star Charlie Morton goes after his ninth victory of the season for the Rays, who hold down the first wild-card spot in the American League, while the Orioles likely will send Asher Wojciechowski to the mound after acquiring him from Cleveland on Monday. Baltimore owns the worst record in baseball (24-60) after losing 15 of its last 18 contests and scored a total of 34 runs in its three victories during that stretch. Hanser Alberto has gone 14-for-39 with eight RBIs over his last nine games to raise his batting average to .315 while Jonathan Villar has recorded eight hits in 18 at-bats and scored five runs over his last five contests.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Asher Wojciechowski (2017: 4-3, 6.50 ERA) vs. Rays RH Charlie Morton (8-2, 2.43)

Wojciechowski is expected to get the call and make his first appearance in the majors since 2017, when he made eight starts and 17 relief appearances with Cincinnati. The Orioles sent cash to the Indians for the 30-year-old native of South Carolina, who has gone 8-2 with a 3.61 ERA in 15 starts for Triple-A Columbus this season. Wojciechowski, who will face Tampa Bay for the first time in his career, has registered 80 strikeouts over 78 2/3 innings in 30 major-league games.

Morton has earned his second straight All-Star Game invitation but is winless in his last three starts after giving up five runs - three earned - over 6 1/3 innings at Minnesota on Wednesday. The 35-year-old from New Jersey won four straight starts before the drought, yielding a total of three runs with 31 strikeouts and four walks in 27 frames. Morton, who is 1-2 with a 4.41 ERA in four career games against Baltimore, has struck out 120 batters over 100 innings this year while issuing 34 free passes.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles 1B-OF Trey Mancini is 6-for-16 over his last four contests and has hit safely in 21 of his last 25 games.

2. Tampa Bay 3B-1B Yandy Diaz has gone 6-for-11 with four doubles and six runs in his last three contests.

3. Baltimore LHP John Means (7-4, 2.50 ERA) was named to the AL All-Star team on Sunday.


PREDICTION: Rays 6, Orioles 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

The Philadelphia Phillies endured a rough June in which it went 11-16 and tumbled out of first place in the National League East, but are optimistic after winning five of their past seven games entering Tuesday's road series opener at the division-leading Atlanta Braves. Philadelphia pitching struggled throughout the month, posting a 5.63 ERA that ranked 28th in the majors while its relief corps pitched to a 6.62 ERA as opponents slashed .317/.389/.579.

Right fielder Bryce Harper, who has slumped at times during the first year of his 13-year contract, homered and drove in four runs in Sunday's 13-6 victory at Miami - moving him within one homer of 200 for his career and one hit shy of 1,000. The Braves completed a 10-game, three-city road trip at 6-4 but let a victory get away Sunday night at the Mets, as the bullpen allowed five runs in the eighth inning of an 8-5 defeat. The Braves enjoyed a productive month, moving from three games behind the Phillies in the East to 5 1/2 games in front by winning 20 of 28 games in June and hitting a franchise-record 56 homers. First baseman Freddie Freeman set a club record with his 33rd RBI of the month in Sunday's loss, and is seventh in the NL in hitting (.312) and homers (22), while sitting third in RBIs (65) entering the week.

TV: 7:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (6-2, 4.22 ERA) vs. Braves LH Dallas Keuchel (1-1, 5.06)

Nola gets the nod in the series opener after his most dominant start of the season - seven shutout innings of one-hit pitching with one walk and 10 strikeouts against the New York Mets on Thursday. The 26-year-old also fanned 10 in his previous start on June 21 against Miami, allowing one earned run in eight innings, after he began June by surrendering 14 earned runs in 16 1/3 frames. Nola surrendered five runs over 4 1/3 innings against Atlanta in a no-decision on June 15, and began his season by holding the Braves to one run on two hits with five walks and eight strikeouts across six innings on March 28.

Keuchel picked up his first victory in his second start with Atlanta on June 26 at Chicago, allowing three runs on eight hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings of a 5-3 win over the Cubs. The 31-year-old, who signed with the Braves on June 7 and pitched in two minor-league tune-up starts, gave up four runs (three earned) in his Atlanta debut on June 21 at Washington, losing 4-3. Keuchel is 1-0 with a 0.73 ERA in two career starts against the Phillies, but has not faced Philadelphia since 2014.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta placed RHP Anthony Swarzak (right shoulder inflammation) on the injured list before Sunday's game, a big blow considering he has a 0.52 ERA in 17 appearances since being acquired from Seattle.

2. Phillies C J.T. Realmuto, named to the NL All-Star team Sunday, was removed from the series finale at Miami in the sixth inning for precautionary reasons after tweaking his left hamstring.

3. Philadelphia outscored the Braves 23-11 in sweeping the season-opening series in March, but Atlanta scored 29 runs in winning two of three at home against the Phillies on June 14-16.


PREDICTION: Braves 5, Phillies 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

For the second time in just over 10 years, the Los Angeles Angels find themselves in a position where they are forced to cope with an unexpected death of a player. The Angels attempt to begin the healing process following the passing of Tyler Skaggs when they visit the Texas Rangers on Tuesday for the opener of a three-game series after Monday's contest was postponed.

Los Angeles, which mourned the death of 22-year-old pitcher Nick Adenhart in 2009 in a car accident, announced early Monday afternoon that the 27-year-old Skaggs passed away due to unknown causes earlier in the day. "It is with great sorrow that we report Tyler Skaggs passed away earlier today in Texas. Tyler has, and always will be, an important part of the Angels Family," the team said in a statement. Los Angeles (42-43) hopes to get back to .500 after being outscored 23-5 in three straight at home against Oakland over the weekend after winning Thursday's series opener. The Rangers (46-38), who hold a one-half game lead over two teams for the second wild-card spot in the American League, are coming off back-to-back defeats at Tampa Bay following a six-game winning streak and have split their 10 meetings with the Angels this season.

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 was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday and is expected to make his fifth career start. The 21-year-old Venezuelan was roughed up in his last major-league outing on June 20, when he gave up five runs and eight hits - three homers - over five innings in a no-decision at Toronto. Suarez has served up at least one home run in every start and issued a total of nine walks over his first 21 frames, but he is 2-0 despite posting a 6.06 ERA in three road turns.

Minor capped off a brilliant month with his second career complete game and first shutout Wednesday in Detroit, registering seven strikeouts and yielding a solo home run among the five hits he allowed. The first-time All-Star finished 3-0 with a 1.70 ERA over five outings in June and owns a 2.03 ERA in eight turns at home. Mike Trout (4-for-14) and Shohei Ohtani (3-for-9) both have homered and doubled versus the AL's ERA leader, who has permitted one run over 15 innings in two starts against the Angels this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels 1B-DH Albert Pujols needs one hit to tie Tony Gywnn (3,141) for 19th place on the all-time list.

2. Texas OF Joey Gallo, who was named to his first All-Star team on Sunday, is hitting .353 with 11 homers at home this season (.231, nine on the road).

3. Ohtani belted two solo home runs on Sunday and is batting .385 with 19 runs, six doubles, a triple, nine blasts and 21 RBIs in his last 25 games.


PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Angels 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

The weather has turned hot in Denver, turning Coors Field into more of a run-producing factory than usual over the last two homestands and making pitchers' lives hell. Colorado and its opponents each scored 96 runs in the 11 games and the Rockies hope to continue their onslaught when they host the Houston Astros for a two-game interleague set beginning Tuesday.

Colorado went 6-5 in those contests, gaining some confidence by splitting a four-game series with the Dodgers that snapped a 12-game slide versus Los Angeles while remaining a bona fide National League wild card contender. Houston owns a comfortable lead in the American League West, returning to form by sweeping a three-game series with Seattle over the weekend after losing nine of its previous 11 contests. Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez, who has seven home runs and 21 RBIs in his first 16 career games, returned Sunday after missing two contests with a knee injury and was 2-for-3 with three RBIs as the designated hitter but will likely be reduced to pinch hitting at Coors Field. Houston on Tuesday is expected to call up Jose Urquidy to make an extra challenging major league debut and oppose German Marquez, who is 4-1 with a 5.70 ERA in nine home starts this season.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Jose Urquidy (NR) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (8-3, 4.29)

Urquidy faces a formidable task in starting his career at Coors Field but has pitched well in the minors this season. The 24-year-old Mexican, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2016 and came back with increased velocity, was the opening day starter at Corpus Christi before getting promoted after making seven appearances (six starts) in Double A. Urquidy earned his promotion by going 3-1 with a 2.89 ERA in eight games (seven starts) with Triple-A Round Rock, striking out 64 in 43 2/3 innings while recording a 0.97 WHIP.

Marquez allowed three runs (two earned) and seven hits in five innings of a 6-3 victory at San Francisco on Wednesday after yielding one earned run in eight innings of a no-decision at Dodger Stadium on June 21. The 24-year-old Venezuelan, though, permitted 11 runs in 11 2/3 frames over his previous two starts - both at home, including a 14-8 victory over San Diego when he allowed seven runs. Marquez won at Houston 5-1 on Aug. 14, 2018 in his only start against the Astros, yielding one run and three hits with seven strikeouts in seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Colorado RF and All-Star Charlie Blackmon hit .412 with 10 home runs, 25 RBIs and 30 runs scored in 97 June at-bats, and has reached base safely in all 30 of his 2019 home games.

2. Houston 2B Jose Altuve, who is not an All-Star for the first time since 2013, is batting .292 in 11 games since missing 35 with a hamstring injury to raise his average to .255 this season.

3. Rockies SS and All-Star Trevor Story (17 home runs, 48 RBIs) could return to the lineup after missing 11 games with a thumb injury. ... Colorado OF and first-time All-Star David Dahl has five home runs and 15 RBIs in his last eight contests.


PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Astros 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

The Chicago White Sox are trying to remain a factor in the American League wild-card chase and hope to make some hay against the struggling Detroit Tigers, who visit the Windy City for a four-game, three-day series beginning Tuesday. The White Sox won two of three against AL Central-leading Minnesota over the weekend and they've won three of four overall to get within three games of .500.

All-Star Lucas Giolito tossed five scoreless innings and Yoan Moncada was 3-for-4 with two RBIs in Sunday's 4-3 victory for Chicago, which is 20-15 against division opponents. Struggling right-hander Reynaldo Lopez has shown signs of improvement of late and will try to take advantage of the Tigers' AL-worst offense. Detroit has dropped nine of its last 10 and 13 of 15, and has been held to one run in each of its last four defeats. It will try to give lefty Matthew Boyd a bit more run support when he starts the series opener opposite Lopez.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (5-6, 3.72 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (4-7, 6.12)

Boyd gave up at least four runs in each of his final three starts in June to post a 5.90 ERA in the month after recording an ERA of 2.55 in May and 2.78 in April. He was the hard-luck loser opposite Lopez on April 28 in Chicago, allowing two runs in six innings and striking out nine. The Oregon State product has a 6.23 ERA in seven career starts at Chicago's Guaranteed Rate Field and needs to be careful against slugger Jose Abreu, who is 12-for-24 with two home runs against Boyd.

Lopez allowed three runs in six innings at Fenway Park on Wednesday for his second quality start in the last seven turns. He had back-to-back strong outings against Detroit in April, giving up a total of two earned runs in 12 innings and striking out a career-high 14 opposite Boyd in the second of those two starts. The 25-year-old from the Dominican Republic is 2-2 with a 2.86 ERA in nine career meetings with the Tigers but will be wary of Nicholas Castellanos, who is 10-for-27 with six doubles against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. The teams are scheduled to play a day-night doubleheader Wednesday and a matinee Thursday.

2. Moncada has hit safely in each of the last eight games in which he's had an at-bat, going 13-for-33 in that stretch.

3. Tigers LF Brandon Dixon has four home runs in his last nine contests.


PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Tigers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

The Cleveland Indians were at their lowest point after becoming the first team to be shut out in consecutive games by at least 13 runs on Friday and Saturday and are still looking for more out of their offense despite avoiding a sweep with a 2-0 win at Baltimore on Sunday. The Indians will try to break out the bats when they visit the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday for the opener of a three-game series.

Shane Bieber saved a struggling Cleveland staff with 11 strikeouts in eight innings on Sunday and All-Star Carlos Santana pushed across the two runs as the Indians pulled back within eight games of the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central. "Baseball's a crazy game," Bieber told reporters. "Momentum can stop just like that, so just trying to go out there and collect outs and get through as many innings as I can. That's what I was trying to do." The Royals, who dropped two of three at Cleveland last week, had a chance to earn a split of a four-game series at Toronto on Monday but was crushed 11-4 to fall to 13-31 on the road. The Indians will look for another solid outing out of Trevor Bauer on Tuesday while the Royals counter with fellow right-hander Jakob Junis.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Trevor Bauer (6-6, 3.55 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jakob Junis (4-7, 5.23)

Bauer is making his second straight start against the Royals after yielding one run and three hits over 6 2/3 innings last Wednesday while striking out 12 in a win. The 28-year-old threw a season-high 127 pitches in that outing and averages a major league-high 112.1 pitches per start. Bauer is 3-1 with a 1.87 ERA in eight career games - seven starts - at Kansas City.

Junis went up against Bauer last Wednesday and came away with the loss after yielding four runs on nine hits and one walk over six innings. The 26-year-old allowed two earned runs in each of his previous three outings but was held out of the decision in all of them and is winless in five straight turns. Junis started at home against Cleveland on April 14 and was knocked around for five runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians SS Francisco Lindor and LHP Brad Hand were named as AL All-Star reserves on Sunday.

2. Royals UTL Whit Merrifield was named to his first AL All-Star team.

3. Cleveland LF-1B Jake Bauers (foot) left Sunday's game and is day-to-day.


PREDICTION: Indians 5, Royals 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

The Oakland Athletics are playing some of their best baseball of the season as they work toward the All-Star break and have a chance to make a statement against a division leader this week. The Athletics will try to push their winning streak to four straight when they host the American League Central-leading Minnesota Twins in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.

Oakland is 13-5 over its last 18 contests and won the last three games at the Los Angeles Angels over the weekend by a combined 23-5. The Athletics pounded their way to a 12-3 victory on Sunday behind third baseman Matt Chapman, who was named to his first All-Star team and celebrated by going 3-for-5 with his 21st home run and six RBIs. The Twins enter the week with an eight-game lead over the Cleveland Indians in the Central but are losers of three of their last four and fell to 27-16 on the road with a 4-3 loss at the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. Minnesota will turn to All-Star Jake Odorizzi on Tuesday while Oakland counters with right-hander Daniel Mengden.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (10-3, 2.73 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (2-1, 4.03)

Odorizzi was carrying a 1.92 ERA after a win at Detroit on June 9 but struggled in his last three turns, allowing a total of 11 runs and 19 hits across 15 1/3 innings. The 29-year-old struck out seven over 5 1/3 innings against Tampa Bay on Wednesday but yielded three runs on four hits - two homers - along with two walks, and was held out of the decision. Odorizzi surrendered two runs - one earned - over seven innings in his lone start against Oakland last season but suffered the loss.

Mengden is coming off his best start of the season after tossing six scoreless innings in a win at St. Louis on Wednesday. The 26-year-old was sent to Triple-A Las Vegas after getting knocked around for six runs on as many hits over 2 1/3 innings at the Los Angeles Angels on June 5. Mengden is making his first career appearances against Minnesota and is 0-1 with a 3.95 ERA in three games - two starts - at home this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins DH Nelson Cruz homered three times in the last two games.

2. Oakland OF Khris Davis (hand) sat out the last three games and is questionable.

3. Minnesota OF Max Kepler (knee) was held out of the starting lineup on Sunday and is day-to-day.


PREDICTION: Twins 6, Athletics 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 07-02-2019 in MLB

The San Francisco Giants have been hot at the plate lately, registering 23 runs and 27 hits in back-to-back victories. They hope to keep their feet on the gas when they visit the San Diego Padres on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series.

After pounding Arizona 10-4 on Sunday, San Francisco recorded nine of its 14 hits for extra bases as it rolled to a 13-2 triumph in the series opener. Buster Posey and Kevin Pillar have been two of the Giants' main contributors, with the former going 5-for-8 with two runs and two RBIs while the latter has gone 5-for-10 with two homers, three runs and eight RBIs. San Diego managed only five hits Monday as it has suffered back-to-back losses following a four-game winning streak during which it scored a total of 33 runs. Fernando Tatis Jr. is 12-for-27 with three homers and eight RBIs during his seven-game hitting streak for the Padres, who were 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position in the series opener.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Tyler Beede (1-3, 6.45 ERA) vs. Padres LH Matt Strahm (3-6, 4.94)

Beede allowed two runs and four hits over 5 1/3 innings against Arizona on Thursday but issued three walks en route to a loss. The 26-year-old native of Massachusetts has had control issues during his tenure with the Giants this season, handing out at least three free passes in seven of his nine appearances and 28 over 37 2/3 overall frames. Beede has made two career starts against the Padres, losing in San Diego last season before escaping with a no-decision at home on June 11 after yielding four runs in 4 2/3 innings.

Strahm lost three straight decisions before ending the slide Wednesday at Baltimore despite permitting four runs and five hits in six innings. The 27-year-old from North Dakota has yielded at least four runs in each of his four turns last month after giving up three or fewer in nine consecutive outings. Strahm has made one start and four relief appearances against San Francisco during his career, losing his only decision while registering 12 strikeouts over 7 2/3 overall frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants SS Brandon Crawford was kept out of Monday's starting lineup because of tightness in his right hamstring.

2. San Diego OF Hunter Renfroe went 0-for-4 in the series opener after being held out of the lineup for three games while battling the flu.

3. San Francisco recalled OF Austin Slater, who went 2-for-5 with a homer and two RBIs on Monday, from Triple-A Sacramento and optioned RHP Dereck Rodriguez to the River Cats.


PREDICTION: Padres 6, Giants 4