Tuesday 7-9-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Frank Sawyer

Jul 09 '19, 8:15 PM in 22h
MLB | National League vs American League
Play on: UNDER 8½ +105

Take Under the Total in the MLB All-Star Game between the American League and National League. The Total set for this game is at 8.5. Since 2006, eight of the last eleven Midsummer Classics have seen seven or less combined runs scored. Last year’s 8-6 victory for the American League was a bit of an outlier regarding all those runs — the previous two All-Star Games saw just three and six combined runs scored. With both managers having a bevy of elite relief pitchers at their disposal, it will be difficult once again for either team to enjoy a big inning. Take the Under. Best of luck — Frank.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

— Liam Hendriks, who went from discarded to opener to Oakland’s bona fide closer, is putting up some of the best numbers in the majors this season, and now the Australian reliever is an American League All-Star.

Hendriks, 30, was named a replacement for Tampa Bay’s Charlie Morton on Friday, and before the A’s game against the Mariners manager Bob Melvin indicated that Hendiks is no longer just the fill-in closer, he’s handling those duties full time based on his standout performance.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

National League starters

C -- Willson Contreras, Chicago Cubs

1B -- Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves

2B -- Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks

SS -- Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs

3B -- Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies

OF -- Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers

OF -- Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers

OF -- Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves

National League reserves

C -- Yasmani Grandal, Milwaukee Brewers

C -- J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies

1B -- Pete Alonso, New York Mets

1B -- Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates

2B -- Mike Moustakas, Milwaukee Brewers

SS -- Paul DeJong, St. Louis Cardinals

SS -- Trevor Story, Colorado Rockies

3B -- Anthony Rendon, Washington Nationals

3B -- Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs

OF -- Charlie Blackmon, Colorado Rockies

OF -- David Dahl, Colorado Rockies

OF -- Jeff McNeil, New York Mets

National League pitchers

RHP -- Walker Buehler, Los Angeles Dodgers

RHP -- Luis Castillo, Cincinnati Reds

RHP -- Jacob deGrom, New York Mets

RHP -- Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks

LHP -- Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

LHP -- Hyun-Jin Ryu, Los Angeles Dodgers

RHP -- Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals

RHP -- Mike Soroka, Atlanta Braves

RHP -- Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins

LHP -- Josh Hader, Milwaukee Brewers

LHP -- Will Smith, San Francisco Giants

RHP -- Kirby Yates, San Diego Padres

x -- injured


American League starters

C -- Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees

1B -- Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians

2B -- DJ LeMahieu, New York Yankees

SS -- Jorge Polanco, Minnesota Twins

3B -- Alex Bregman, Houston Astros

OF -- Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels

OF -- George Springer, Houston Astros

OF -- Michael Brantley, Houston Astros

DH -- Hunter Pence, Texas Rangers -- x

American League reserves

C -- James McCann, Chicago White Sox

1B -- Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox

1B -- Daniel Vogelbach, Seattle Mariners

2B -- Whit Merrifield, Kansas City Royals

2B -- Tommy La Stella, Los Angeles Angels -- x

2B -- Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays (replaces La Stella) -- x

2B -- Gleyber Torres, New York Yankees (replaces Lowe)

SS -- Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians

SS -- Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox (replaces Pence)

3B -- Matt Chapman, Oakland Athletics

OF -- Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox

OF -- Austin Meadows, Tampa Bay Rays

OF -- Joey Gallo, Texas Rangers

DH -- J.D. Martinez, Boston Red Sox

American League pitchers

RHP -- Gerrit Cole, Houston Astros

RHP -- Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox

LHP -- John Means, Baltimore Orioles

LHP -- Mike Minor, Texas Rangers

RHP -- Charlie Morton, Tampa Bay Rays

RHP -- Jake Odorizzi, Minnesota Twins -- x

RHP -- Marcus Stroman, Toronto Blue Jays

RHP -- Justin Verlander, Houston Astros

RHP -- Jose Berrios, Minnesota Twins (replaces Odorizzi)

LHP -- Aroldis Chapman, New York Yankees

RHP -- Shane Greene, Detroit Tigers

LHP -- Brad Hand, Cleveland Indians

RHP -- Ryan Pressly, Houston Astros

x -- injured

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hunter Price

Jul 09 '19, 8:15 PM in 11h
MLB | National League vs American League
Play on: American League -108 at sportsbook

1* Free Pick on American League -108

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Thistledown
PURCHASE
Thistledown - Race 4

$1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6) $.50 Pick 5 (Races 4-5-6-7-8)


Claiming $5,000 • 1 Mile 70 yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 77 • Purse: $10,700 • Post: 3:10P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON THREE RACES SINCE JULY 9 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JUNE 9 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000 (OHIO REGISTERED FOALS PREFERRED).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. DRESSED IN HEELS is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * DRESSED IN HEELS: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" d esignation or an "L" designation. QUALITY ASSURANCE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. CITY SIDEWALKS: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the hig hest TrackMaster Power Rating. RAGS TO ROSES: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
2
DRESSED IN HEELS
9/2

4/1
3
QUALITY ASSURANCE
3/1

6/1
1
CITY SIDEWALKS
5/2

7/1
4
RAGS TO ROSES
7/2

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
DRESSED IN HEELS
2

9/2
Front-runner
70

66

50.6

62.3

58.3
1
CITY SIDEWALKS
1

5/2
Alternator/Stalker
70

73

63.0

58.2

52.2
3
QUALITY ASSURANCE
3

3/1
Trailer
75

72

50.3

68.9

64.9
4
RAGS TO ROSES
4

7/2
Trailer
71

71

49.2

53.0

45.0
6
HIGH ARCH MISS
6

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
72

57

50.4

54.6

44.6
5
CHOCOLATE CANDY
5

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
73

59

44.8

50.8

41.3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Parx Racing
PURCHASE
Parx Racing - Race 6

Daily Double / Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8) Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta / 10 cent Superfecta


Claiming $25,000 • 1 Mile 70 yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 91 • Purse: $30,000 • Post: 3:10P
FOR REGISTERED PA-BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT ONE MILE OR OVER SINCE JUNE 9 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $25,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $16,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Stalker. HE'S GOT TALENT is the Lone Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * WONDERFULLY TUNED: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/su rface. TACTICAL PLAN: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. DEVINE DENTAL: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figu re at the distance/surface. HE'S GOT TALENT: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation.
6
WONDERFULLY TUNED
6/1

5/1
4
TACTICAL PLAN
7/2

6/1
1
DEVINE DENTAL
2/1

7/1
8
HE'S GOT TALENT
4/1

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
DEVINE DENTAL
1

2/1
Front-runner
96

87

87.4

74.4

70.4
4
TACTICAL PLAN
4

7/2
Front-runner
96

77

82.6

81.8

75.8
8
HE'S GOT TALENT
8

4/1
Stalker
92

87

78.3

69.7

64.2
6
WONDERFULLY TUNED
6

6/1
Trailer
96

94

65.6

88.4

81.4
2
SCHERZO
2

8/1
Trailer
95

82

60.6

68.8

55.8
7
GRIT'N'GRIND
7

12/1
Trailer
93

86

60.0

75.0

65.0
5
NICE SURPRISE
5

12/1
Trailer
84

77

37.8

70.0

56.0
3
FIRE SPARX
3

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
94

81

91.6

69.4

59.4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 7 - Claiming - 5.0f on the Turf. Purse: $14000 Class Rating: 90

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 9 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE MAY 9 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $7,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. LIMITED TO 10 STARTERS)(*PLUS UP TO $540 ONTARIO


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 DIDDLEY 2/1

# 6 MOON DOGGIE 8/1

# 4 BANGLA DANCER 5/1

DIDDLEY is the most respectable wager in this race. He has decent class ratings, averaging 99, and has to be considered for this event. Has performed well as of late in sprint races, posting a nifty 91 avg speed fig. Recent numbers for the jock - 26 win percent - make this gelding stand out in this group of animals. MOON DOGGIE - The speed figure of 82 from his last contest looks very good in here. Has competitive Equibase Class Figures relative to this group - worth a look. BANGLA DANCER - The trainer wheels this horse back soon to race again. Has run well when racing a turf sprint race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
PURCHASE

Bar

Super Tuesday Pick 4 - Race #1 - Post: 4:35pm - Maiden Special - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $34,000 Class Rating: 51

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 LETSBEGREATAGAIN (ML=8/1)
#3 SPARKLING JUSTICE (ML=6/1)


LETSBEGREATAGAIN - The June 11th race at Indiana Downs was at a class level of (57). Dropping down in class ranks a significant amount, so she should be in a good position to win. SPARKLING JUSTICE - Perez comes to ride again after getting to know the filly in the last race. Based on this filly's recent efforts, she should benefit from today's shorter trip.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 HYPNOTISING (ML=1/1), #7 DYNASTY OF GOODS (ML=6/1), #5 BLUEGRASS JUSTICE (ML=8/1),

HYPNOTISING - June 11th is the last time we've seen this filly around. Have to be a little bit leery. DYNASTY OF GOODS - I don't have a 'use' sensation about this steed in this affair. BLUEGRASS JUSTICE - Pace makes the race. Difficult for this speedball to be able to manage the early pressure from the rest of this group. Hasn't hit the board in any short distance races lately. Unlikely to see her doing it this time either. This pony ran a mediocre fig last time out. She shouldn't improve and will probably suffer defeat in today's event running that fig.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #4 LETSBEGREATAGAIN to win if we can get at least 2/1 odds

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 4 - Allowance - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $34500 Class Rating: 70

FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 9 ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 DA HIGH COMMISSION 6/1

# 9 APRON STRINGS 6/1

# 6 FIRST LADY MAGGIE 8/5

I've got to go with DA HIGH COMMISSION. The winning percentage shown by horses entered by Duran running at this distance are the strongest in this group. Had one of the strongest Equibase Speed Figures of this group in her last contest. With a reliable ROI of +26 this trainer has shown decent results with entries running at this distance and surface. APRON STRINGS - Put up a very good speed rating last time out. Has recorded formidable Equibase Speed Figures in dirt sprint races in the past. FIRST LADY MAGGIE - Can't overlook the connections here, a 20 winning percentage, one of the best at getting into the winner's circle. Looks strong against this group of horses and will almost certainly be one of the early speedsters.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
PURCHASE

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #2 - Post: 7:22pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 82

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 VICTORY SLIDE (ML=12/1)
#4 ROMANTIC CHANNEL (ML=5/1)
#1 THE CATMANCAN (ML=5/2)


VICTORY SLIDE - I expect a lot from this horse. His speed figs under similar conditions are tops in this group. I seem to always make money betting Bernardini horses on the grass. That barn has a dominant win percent for this distance/surface. Look for this gelding to show better in this field. Last event at Mountaineer Park finishing tenth on the soft turf is no indication of his true ability. ROMANTIC CHANNEL - Good return on investment for this rider and trainer tandem. Look for this gelding to run better in this event. Last contest at Mountaineer Park finishing fourth on the soft turf is no indication of his true talent. THE CATMANCAN - Barbaran is up for another race today after sitting atop this animal for the first attempt on June 4th and ought to know the ropes to this one a little better. I'm optimistic this gelding will run well today. Last work was 2nd fastest of the day, which tells me he's sharp right now. A definite class advantage goes to this horse. A good indication he will be very competitive in this grass race. When Barbaran and Clouston work together on horses the winning pct has been tremendous at 34.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 OWL CREEK (ML=8/5), #3 ONE SIDED (ML=6/1),

OWL CREEK - This morning-line choice ran on Jun 12th and hasn't had a morning drill after that. ONE SIDED - This entrant hasn't shown much in the last couple of races.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#5 VICTORY SLIDE to win at post-time odds of 4/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Louisiana Downs
PURCHASE

07/09/19, LAD, Race 1, 3.15 CT
1M [Turf] 1.34.01 CLAIMING. Purse $7,500.
Claiming Price $7,500, if for $6,500, allowed 2 lbs. FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD 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 3 Putsumdirtonit 6-1 Naupac W Perez. Jr. Gilbert O. W
099.9463 2 Lady El Prado 7/2 Eramia R E Cascio Andrew J. JT
099.1566 1 Dr. Frankie Kaye 2-1 Dominguez J Pedigo Randy
099.1328 4 Velvet Vision 8-1 Del-Cid H Dison Phillip Mark
099.0197 6 Claire's Flair 5/2 Rodriguez C Johnson. Jr. Henry B. FEC
096.8076 5 Expections High 5-1 Pivaral G Davidson Sarah Nicole SL
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
3 64.00 1.33 37.76 37 98 [Turf Not_MdnMClm] Last Race Weight Is Not Greater Than Today
2 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
4 64.00 1.33 37.76 37 98 [Turf Not_MdnMClm] Last Race Weight Is Not Greater Than Today
6 113.20 1.25 41.07 92 224 [All Surfaces] Best Finish
5 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 2 Lady El Prado 7/2 Eramia R E Cascio Andrew J. JT
099.3527 6 Claire's Flair 5/2 Rodriguez C Johnson. Jr. Henry B. FEC
099.1629 1 Dr. Frankie Kaye 2-1 Dominguez J Pedigo Randy
098.7630 3 Putsumdirtonit 6-1 Naupac W Perez. Jr. Gilbert O. W
098.2226 4 Velvet Vision 8-1 Del-Cid H Dison Phillip Mark
096.1159 5 Expections High 5-1 Pivaral G Davidson Sarah Nicole SL
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
2 53.10 1.09 33.92 96 283 [All Surfaces] Race Distance Route
6 113.20 1.25 41.07 92 224 [All Surfaces] Best Finish
1 53.10 1.09 33.92 96 283 [All Surfaces] Race Distance Route
3 59.00 1.22 35.77 49 137 [Dirt Not_MdnMClm] Best Workouts
4 53.10 1.09 33.92 96 283 [All Surfaces] Race Distance Route
5 53.10 1.09 33.92 96 283 [All Surfaces] Race Distance Route

[Can'tPickAWinner]

2019 MLB All-Star Game

This year's All-Star Game is Tuesday at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Here's what you need to know about the teams and all the festivities. Rosters, schedules, analysis

Participants: Matt Chapman, Oakland Athletics (No. 1 seed, stepping in for the injured Christian Yelich); Pete Alonso, New York Mets (2); Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates (3); Alex Bregman, Houston Astros (4); Joc Pederson, Dodgers (5); Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves (6); Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians (7); Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (8)

It's going to be hard to top the past two Home Run Derbies -- Aaron Judge winning 2017 while dueling Giancarlo Stanton with a barrage of long-range missiles, and then Harper pulling out a dramatic, last-second victory over Kyle Schwarber at his home park -- but this field is loaded and should provide some fun energy with all the young guys.

Also, for the first time there is the added incentive of $1 million going to the winner, as the overall pool for the participants increased from $725,000 to $2.5 million.

No wonder Alonso has actually been practicing for the event. The rookie slugger has the opportunity to basically double his 2019 salary.

Bregman and Pederson have participated in previous Home Run Derbies (Pederson lost in the 2015 final to Todd Frazier), so that might help them. Yelich is the first reigning MVP winner to participate since Albert Pujols in 2009. Acuña and Guerrero give us two of the most exciting young players in the game, and the hometown fans will root on Santana.

Bell, however, might be the favorite (he and Yelich were the top picks in Vegas, before Yelich pulled out), as his raw power might top even Alonso's. His seven home runs of 440-plus feet lead the majors, and he has cranked two into the Allegheny River beyond the right-field stands at PNC Park -- becoming just the fourth player in PNC history to reach the river on the fly.

Tuesday: All-Star Game
Will Mike Trout add to the success he's already enjoyed in the All-Star Game? Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (Fox)
2018 MVP: Alex Bregman, Astros

Format: Nine innings, doesn't count. The past two All-Star Games both went 10 innings. The AL has won six in a row (after winning 12 in a row with one tie from 1997 to 2009).

The last time All-Star festivities were held in Cleveland was 1997, when Randy Johnson started against Greg Maddux. The AL starting lineup featured six future Hall of Famers (Johnson, Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, Cal Ripken, Ivan Rodriguez, Roberto Alomar) plus Alex Rodriguez. The NL starting lineup featured five future Hall of Famers (Maddux, Craig Biggio, Tony Gwynn, Mike Piazza, Jeff Bagwell) plus Barry Bonds and Larry Walker. There were eight more future Hall of Famers on the benches, plus Roger Clemens and Mark McGwire.

The first four NL pitchers were Maddux, Curt Schilling, Kevin Brown and Pedro Martinez. Now that is an All-Star pitching staff. Indians catcher Sandy Alomar played the hero for the hometown fans with a two-run homer in the seventh inning off Giants lefty Shawn Estes, giving the AL a 3-1 win.

Players to watch

• The NL starting outfield of Yelich, Acuña and Cody Bellinger is third-youngest outfield by average age in All-Star history, trailing only the 1957 NL trio of Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Frank Robinson and the 1940 AL trio of Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio and Charlie Keller. Yelich and Bellinger, battling for MVP honors, both head into the break with at least 30 home runs.

• Mike Trout, Angels. The two-time All-Star MVP might be having his best season yet. He's 7-for-15 with five extra-base hits (including two home runs) in All-Star games.

• Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers. The likely NL starter, Ryu is 10-3 with a 1.73 ERA. He has allowed more than two runs in a start just twice all season -- one game with three runs (but just one earned) and one bad seven-run outing at Coors Field in which he allowed three home runs. He has walked just 10 batters in 109 innings. He's joined on the NL roster by teammates Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, making the Dodgers just the fifth team in 20 years with three starting pitchers on an All-Star roster.

• Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs. Last year's NL MVP runner-up started the 2018 game at second base but starts at shortstop this year. He joins Bobby Grich and Granny Hamner as the only players to start All-Star Games at both shortstop and second base.

• Justin Verlander, Astros. He started in 2012 and could be the AL starter seven years later, as he's 10-4 with a 2.98 ERA and has held batters to a .162 average. After finishing as the Cy Young runner-up in 2018 and 2016, he's intent on adding a bookend to his 2011 trophy.

• Francisco Lindor, Indians. He isn't starting, but he'll play in front of the hometown fans. And maybe like Alomar in 1997, he walks away with MVP honors.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

2019 MLB All-Star Game betting picks and predictions: Plenty of pop at the plate for NL vs AL

The American League has held a six-year stranglehold on the MLB All-Star Game since snapping a three-year winning streak by the National League in 2013.

The MLB All-Star Game is the only show in town for baseball bettors Tuesday night, with the American and National Leagues doing battle at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio (7:30 p.m. ET).

We dive into the odds for the MLB All-Star Game and break down the best bets and top predictions for the Mid-Summer Classic, from quick-paying plays, top props, and the moneyline and Over/Under.


QUICK HITTER

Unlike most All-Star events around the sporting world, the MLB showcase isn’t bloated with an outpouring of offense. The American and National Leagues have played some low-scoring tight contests in recent years, and that competitiveness starts with the first pitch.

Generally, the respective managers will look to their top starter to open the game, and in the case of the All-Star Game, that means the best of the best: Top Gun style. With those elite aces on the mound to open the ASG, it’s no surprise the past six Mid-Summer Classics have produced a total of just five runs in the first innings (three of those coming in 2014). The past two All-Star Games, the AL and NL standouts have combined for a goose egg on the scoreboard and the 2013 game also featured a scoreless opening frame.

Astros starter Justin Verlander is first up for the AL, while Dodgers ace Hyun-jin Ryu gets the honors for the NL. Verlander has a 3.32 ERA in opening innings this season, but hasn't allowed a first-inning run in his last three starts. Ryu boasts a 3.71 first-inning ERA and blanked the Padres in the first inning of his previous start.

PREDICTION: Under 0.5 runs first inning


FIRST FIVE INNINGS

While low-scoring first innings have been the trend in MLB All-Star Games, so have uneventful first-five-innings spans. Over the past six seasons, the first five innings of action have averaged 3.33 runs, and four of those events had three or fewer runs scored.

All-Star team managers are still working with some elite starters through the opening five innings, but we have seen an uptick in scoring in the first half of the 2019 schedule, especially in terms of power.

Both lineups are loaded with pop at the plate, with the American League starting lineup totaling 164 home runs (three players with 20-plus HRs) and the National League lineup touting 185 homers (NL has seven players with 20-plus HRs) – give or take if MLB home run leader Christian Yelich (31) plays or not.

The starting lineups will likely get two at-bats before managers start swapping in reserves, which means plenty of power-hitting potential in the early innings.

PREDICTION: Over 4.5 runs first five innings


TEAM/PLAYER PROP

As measured above, the American League doesn’t pack the same punch at the plate as its Senior Circuit foes, but does have a deeper collection of pure hitters on its All-Star roster.

Three of the top four leaders in total hits this season are featured among the AL All-Stars (but not Boston’s Rafael Devers – glaring ASG snub), including major-league hit leader Whit Merrifield of Kansas City coming off the bench as a reserve. Houston’s Michael Brantley, who ranks No. 7 in hits, is also among the American League starting lineup.

The MLB All-Star Game averaged 14 total hits between 2010 and 2015, but that jumped in the past three years, with 18 hits in 2016, 17 hits in 2017 and 20 hits in last July’s Mid-Summer Classic. The American League was responsible for 13 of those hits in 2018 and will rely on getting guys on base and advancing those runners more than the NL on Tuesday night.

PREDICTION: American League Over 8.5 hits

BONUS PROP PREDICTION: If you’re looking for a tasty flier, you could take “Yes” on the extra innings prop at +650. The current moneyline has this game as a pick ’em, and the previous two ASGs have gone into extra frames.


OVER/UNDER BET

Last year’s All-Star Game went Over the 7-run total, thanks to a busy final three innings in which the teams combine for seven runs and forced the game into extra innings, tacking on an added four runs in those two bonus frames for an 8-6 win for the Junior Circuit.

Traditionally, the seventh, eighth and ninth innings have been relatively quiet. Before the 2018 ASG, the previous seven Mid-Summer Classics produced a total of just six runs in the final three frames, and four of those runs came in 2015.

However, measuring up past All-Star Game results doesn’t hold much water when looking at 2019. So far, this MLB season has produced the highest scoring rate (9.6 total runs per game) since 2007 (9.6) and 2006 (9.72). A good part of that uptick in production has been the explosion in power hitting, namely the home run rate.

Major League Baseball is producing 2.74 home runs per game in the first half of the 2019 schedule, which is the highest home run rate ever and on pace to break the 2018 record rate of 2.52. The next highest home run rate came in 2000 (2.34) – smack dab right in the middle of the steroid era.

Plenty of the bats responsible for those rising home run numbers are stepping into the box Tuesday night.

PREDICTION: Over 8.5 runs


SIDE BET

The American League has held a six-year stranglehold on the MLB All-Star Game since snapping a three-year winning streak by the National League in 2013. Home-field advantage has had little to do with that success, as 2019 is the first time the All-Star Game has been played in the AL park since 2014.

The Mid-Summer Classic has been a hotly contested showcase during that six-year run, with the previous two games going to extra innings and the average margin of victory in those ASGs sitting at 2.16 in favor of the AL.

The National League holds an 89-73 advantage in interleague action this season, but there are some big guns missing from the NL roster: Washington starter Max Scherzer and third baseman Anthony Rendon. The National League could also be without the massive bat of Yelich, who withdrew from the Home Run Derby due to back issues.

Six-year steak aside, the American League gets the nod in 2019.

PREDICTION: American League -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

WNBA Betting Recap - 7/2-7/8
Joe Williams

League Betting Notes (Tuesday, July 2 through Monday, July 8)

-- Underdogs went 6-5 straight up (SU)
-- Underdogs went 8-3 against the spread (ATS)
-- Road teams went 6-5 SU
-- Road teams went 8-3 ATS
-- The 'under' went 7-4

Season Totals To Date

-- Favorites are 47-37 straight up (SU)
-- Underdogs 50-31-3 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams are 49-35 SU
-- Road teams are 44-37-3 ATS
-- The 'under' is 50-34

Team Betting Notes

-- Atlanta (3-10 SU, 5-8 ATS) picked up a surprising road win over the defending WNBA champions in Seattle (8-8 SU, 7-8-1 ATS) on Friday night, and they lost a narrow game in Phoenix (6-6 SU, 5-6-1 ATS) on Sunday. The Dream has struggled without star F Angel McCoughtry (knee), but they have covered back-to-back games, and they're a respectable 4-3 ATS over the past seven.

-- As far as the Storm is concerned, they have really struggled without stars Breanna Stewart (Achilles') and Sue Bird (knee) this season, and several other complementary options out of the lineup. They have dropped three in a row, and failed to cover in each. They have scored 67 or fewer points in three of the past five, and five of the past eight. As such, they're a favorite at the betting window for total bettors, with the 'under' cashing in seven of the past nine.

-- For the Mercury, they're on an upward trajectory after a slow start. Phoenix has won four of the past five, and defense has been key to the turnaround. The under is 3-0 in the past three, and 5-2 over the past seven outings, as well as 3-0 in the past three on the road.

-- Chicago (7-7 SU, 8-5-1 ATS) has been playing so-so ball lately, as they entered Sunday's game against Dallas (4-9 SU, 7-6 ATS) on a four-game skid. A win over the last-place Wings isn't exactly a turnaround, but it's a start. They have covered two in a row for the first time since four straight covers from June 9-19.

-- For the Wings, they have dropped and failed to cover in two in a row, but surprisingly it's their first time failing to cover consecutive games since an 0-3 ATS run from June 7-13. They have kept games surprisingly close despite their losing ways. The under is 4-1 over their past five, too, and 11-2 in their 13 games overall.

-- Connecticut (9-5 SU, 6-8 ATS) continues its nosedive after a 9-1 start to the season. They have dropped four straight dating back to June 23, and they have failed to cover in five in a row. A lack of scoring has been the problem, as the Sun is averaging just 69.5 PPG over the past four after scoring 81.1 PPG in the first 10 outings.

-- Indiana (6-9 SU, 8-7 ATS) has matched its win total from 2018, which is fairly impressive. However, they have benefited by a frontloaded schedule with Dallas appearing on the early slate three times. They're done with the Wings now, going 3-0 SU/ATS against Dallas, and 3-9 SU and 5-7 ATS against everyone else.

-- Las Vegas (9-5 SU, 5-9 ATS) routed defensively-challened New York (7-8 SU, 7-7-1 ATS) on the road, winning for the third straight game, and fifth time in the past six. The Aces have scored 90 or more points in each of the past three outings, a key to their success. Suddenly, they're looking like a WNBA championship contender like they were picked to be during the preseason after their acquisition of Liz Cambage.

-- Los Angeles (7-6 SU, 6-6-1 ATS) enters the new week with victories in a season-high three straight games, and they're also on a season-best 3-0 ATS run while hitting the 'over' in four in a row. L.A. has registered at least 86 points on offense in three in a row after failing to hit the mark in each of their first four, and nine of their first 11.

-- Minnesota (8-6 SU, 8-5-1 ATS) won and covered each of their two games in the completed week, topping Atlanta at home by 17 and winning by three on the road in Connecticut as an eight-point 'dog. The Lynx have covered three in a row as an underdog, but it was their first outright win in four tries as a 'dog.

-- The Liberty rank dead-last in scoring defense, allowing 82.8 PPG. However, their lack of scoring lately has resulted in four unders in the past five outings.

-- Washington (9-4 SU, 8-5 ATS) had their season-best five-game winning streak snapped in L.A., running into a hot Sparks side. The Mystics are still 5-1 ATS over the past six outings and 6-3 ATS as a favorite.