Cnotes Best Bets For Satu8rday June 06th - MLB - NBA -NHL !

MLB MONEYLINE


MLB > (979) MILWAUKEE@ (980) MINNESOTA | 06/06/2015 - 02:10 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the money line in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 14 Wins and 3 Losses for the this season (+12.85 units)


MLB > (967) TEXAS@ (968) KANSAS CITY | 06/06/2015 - 02:10 PM
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 12 Wins and 4 Losses for the this season (+13.32 units)


MLB > (969) OAKLAND@ (970) BOSTON | 06/06/2015 - 04:05 PM
Play AGAINST BOSTON using the money line in All games at home with a money line of -100 to -125
The record is 9 Wins and 22 Losses for the last two seasons (-16.65 units)


MLB RUNLINE


MLB > (967) TEXAS@ (968) KANSAS CITY | 06/06/2015 - 02:10 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the in All games when playing with a day off
The record is 23 Wins and 7 Losses for the last two seasons (+21.5 units)


MLB > (979) MILWAUKEE@ (980) MINNESOTA | 06/06/2015 - 02:10 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 27 Wins and 8 Losses for the this season (+18.25 units)


MLB > (973) DETROIT@ (974) CHI WHITE SOX | 06/06/2015 - 07:15 PM
Play AGAINST DETROIT using the in All games in night games
The record is 8 Wins and 22 Losses for the this season (-19.1 units)


MLB > (957) SAN DIEGO@ (958) CINCINNATI | 06/06/2015 - 04:10 PM
Play AGAINST SAN DIEGO using the in Road games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 12 Wins and 25 Losses for the last two seasons (-22.95 units)


MLB TOTALS


MLB > (963) ST LOUIS@ (964) LA DODGERS | 06/06/2015 - 10:10 PM
Play OVER LA DODGERS on the total in Home games in games played on a grass field
The record is 69 Overs and 37 Unders for the last two seasons (+32.15 units)

MLB > (969) OAKLAND@ (970) BOSTON | 06/06/2015 - 04:05 PM
Play OVER OAKLAND on the total in All games in games played on a grass field
The record is 32 Overs and 17 Unders for the this season (+15 units)


MLB TOP POWERLINES


MLB > (965) HOUSTON @ (966) TORONTO | 06/06/2015 - 01:05 PM
Line: TORONTO -160 BTB PowerLine: TORONTO 104
Edge On: TORONTO (39)


MLB > (967) TEXAS @ (968) KANSAS CITY | 06/06/2015 - 02:10 PM
Line: KANSAS CITY -160 BTB PowerLine: KANSAS CITY -179
Edge On: KANSAS CITY (19)


MLB > (953) SAN FRANCISCO @ (954) PHILADELPHIA | 06/06/2015 - 03:05 PM
Line: PHILADELPHIA +170 BTB PowerLine: PHILADELPHIA 256
Edge On: PHILADELPHIA (56)


MLB > (969) OAKLAND @ (970) BOSTON | 06/06/2015 - 04:05 PM
Line: BOSTON -105 BTB PowerLine: BOSTON 141
Edge On: BOSTON (26)


MLB > (971) BALTIMORE @ (972) CLEVELAND | 06/06/2015 - 04:10 PM
Line: CLEVELAND -140 BTB PowerLine: CLEVELAND -107
Edge On: CLEVELAND (13)


MLB > (957) SAN DIEGO @ (958) CINCINNATI | 06/06/2015 - 04:10 PM
Line: CINCINNATI -120 BTB PowerLine: CINCINNATI -129
Edge On: CINCINNATI (9)


MLB > (959) PITTSBURGH @ (960) ATLANTA | 06/06/2015 - 07:10 PM
Line: ATLANTA -115 BTB PowerLine: ATLANTA -124
Edge On: ATLANTA (9)


MLB > (973) DETROIT @ (974) CHI WHITE SOX | 06/06/2015 - 07:15 PM
Line: CHI WHITE SOX +140 BTB PowerLine: CHI WHITE SOX 154
Edge On: CHI WHITE SOX (14)


MLB > (977) TAMPA BAY @ (978) SEATTLE | 06/06/2015 - 10:10 PM
Line: SEATTLE -175 BTB PowerLine: SEATTLE -123
Edge On: SEATTLE (27)


MLB > (963) ST LOUIS @ (964) LA DODGERS | 06/06/2015 - 10:10 PM
Line: LA DODGERS -190 BTB PowerLine: LA DODGERS -156
Edge On: LA DODGERS (5)

NHL TOTALS


NHL > (3) CHICAGO@ (4) TAMPA BAY | 06/06/2015 - 07:15 PM
Play UNDER CHICAGO on the total in Road games in non-conference games
The record is 2 Overs and 12 Unders for the this season (+9.8 units)

Game 2 - Stanley Cup Final


June 5, 2015




CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (61-32-7) at TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (62-33-8)


Stanley Cup Finals Game 2
Sportsbook.ag Line: Chicago +110, Tampa Bay -130, Total: 5.0


The Lightning look to even up the series when they host the Blackhawks in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Saturday.


In Game 1, the Lightning struck fast and decided to play cautiously the rest of the way. That did not work for them as they would blow their 1-0 lead and end up losing the game 2-1. They will need to open it up a little bit in Game 2 or they are in great danger of falling behind 2-0 heading into Game 3 in Chicago.


With the victory for the Blackhawks, the team is now 2-1 both SU and ATS against the Lightning on the season. They have split wins both SU and ATS in Tampa Bay as well. The Blackhawks are 15-5 ATS in road games when playing only their second game in five days this season and 13-5 ATS in the playoffs overall. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is 13-3 ATS after two or more consecutive Unders this season. The total has gone Under in three of the past four Lightning games and that could continue if the team continues to try to win games with a defensive mentality.


D Trevor Van Riemsdyk (Wrist) and LW Bryan Bickell (Upper Body) are both questionable for Chicago and Tampa Bay enters this game at close to full strength.


The Blackhawks were able to steal Game 1 in Tampa Bay and G Corey Crawford (10-4, 2.46 GAA, 92.1% SV% in playoffs) played very well. Crawford settled down after allowing an early goal and stopped 22 of the 23 shots he faced. He’ll need to continue to be a sturdy presence for his team moving forward.


Offensively it was LW Teuvo Teravainen (3 G, 5 A, 9 PTS in playoffs) who stepped it up for Chicago. He had a goal and an assist in the game and really came through when the Blackhawks were desperate for some firepower. C Antonie Vermette (3 G, 3 A, 6 PTS in playoffs) also scored a goal for the Blackhawks. He has been clutch throughout the postseason, but Chicago will need its usual suspects to get it going in this series.


If RW Patrick Kane (10 G, 10 A, 20 PTS in playoffs), D Duncan Keith (2 G, 17 A, 19 PTS in playoffs) and C Jonathan Toews (9 G, 9 A, 18 PTS in playoffs) are unable to make their marks in this series then it is extremely likely that the Lightning will be hoisting a trophy when it’s all over. These Blackhawks superstars must be aggressive in Game 2, as it’s unlikely that the team will win if they are pointless once again.


The Lightning got off to a fast start on a beautiful goal by C Alex Killorn (8 G, 9 A, 17 PTS in playoffs) in Game 1, but they sat on their lead and were not aggressive enough. This was the most explosive team during the regular season and it will need to try to win games with its fast-paced offense the rest of the way.


One guy who absolutely must show up for the Lightning is C Steven Stamkos (7 G, 10 A, 17 PTS in playoffs). The Lightning captain has just seven shots on goal over the past three games and has really been invisible at times throughout those games. He is one of the most potent goal scorers in the entire NHL and has to find the back of the net at some point. It would give his team a huge boost if he is to find his game in Game 2.


G Ben Bishop (12-9, 2.14 GAA, 91.9% SV% in playoffs) is going to have to be ready to stand on his head in this series. His team seemed perfectly content with playing a defensive oriented game and if that is the case then he will likely have to allow one or less goals moving forward. He was solid in Game 2 and it’s unfair to ask much more of him, as this Lightning offense should be able to provide some more scoring.

Cheat Sheet - Stanley Cup


June 3, 2015




The Stanley Cup Finals begin Wednesday June 3 from Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay as the Lightning and Blackhawks begin their best-of-seven series. Even though Tampa Bay has home ice, Chicago has been installed as the betting favorite.


Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Series Price: Blackhawks -160, Lightning +140


Exact Games Odds - 7 Game Series (2-2-1-1-1)
4 Games Lightning Win 15/1
5 Games Lightning Win 6/1
6 Games Lightning Win 5/1
7 Games Lightning Win 9/2


4 Games Blackhawks Win 10/1
5 Games Blackhawks Win 4/1
6 Games Blackhawks Win 3/1
7 Games Blackhawks Win 9/2


Odds to win Conn Smythe Trophy


Jonathan Toews (Blackhawks) 3/1
Duncan Keith (Blackhawks) 13/4
Tyler Johnson (Lightning) 4/1
Patrick Kane (Blackhawks) 9/2
Ben Bishop (Lightning) 13/2
Steven Stamkos (Lightning) 7/1
Corey Crawford (Blackhawks) 12/1
Nikita Kucherov (Lightning) 18/1
Marian Hossa (Blackhawks) 20/1
Patrick Sharp (Blackhawks) 20/1


Odds provided by Sportsbook.ag


TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING


Playoff Record: 12-8 Straight up, 10-10 Puck-Line, 9-10-1 Over/Under
Home Record: 5-5
Road Record: 7-3


- Beat Detroit in 7 Games (4-3 SU, 3-4 PL, 2-4-1 O/U)
- Beat Montreal in 6 Games (4-2 SU, 3-3 PL, 3-3 O/U)
- Beat NY Rangers in 7 Games (4-3 SU, 4-3 PL, 4-3 O/U)

Lightning: First Stanley Cup Finals since 2004 (Beat Calgary in 7 games)

Power-Play: 22.2% (16 for 72)
Penalty Kill: 81.1% (56 for 69)

Leading Scorers
Tyler Johnson (12 Goals, 9 Assists = 21 Points)
Nikita Kucherov (9 Goals, 10 Assists = 19 Points)
Steven Stamkos (7 Goals, 10 Assists = 17 Points)

Starting Goaltender
Ben Bishop (12-8, 2.15 G.A.A; .920 Sv% with 3 SO's & 3 Assists)

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS


Playoff Record: 12-5 SU, 9-8 PL, 11-3-3 O/U
Home Record: 7-1
Road Record: 5-4


- Beat Nashville in 6 Games (4-2 SU, 2-4 PL, 5-1 O/U
- Beat Minnesota in 4 Games (4-0 SU, 3-1 PL, 2-1-1 O/U)
- Beat Anaheim in 7 Games (4-3 SU, 4-3 PL, 4-1-2 O/U)

Blackhawks: 8-4 SU & O/U Last 12 Stanle Cup Finals Games (2010 & 2013)

Power-Play: 19.6% (10 for 51)
Penalty Kill: 75.5% (37 for 49)

Leading Scorers
Patrick Kane (10 Goals, 10 Assists = 20 Points)
Jonathan Toews (9 Goals, 9 Assists = 18 Points)
Duncan Keith (18 Points; Leads League with +13 & 31 Mins/Game)

Starting Goaltender
Corey Crawford (9-4, 2.56 G.A.A; .919 Sv% with 1 shutout)

Head-to-Head (Last 2 Seasons)
2/27/15 - Tampa Bay (-155) 4 vs. Chicago 0 (Under 5.5)
11/11/14 - Chicago (-145) 3 vs. Tampa Bay 2 (Under 5.5)
10/24/13 - Tampa Bay (+105) 6 vs. Chicago 5 (Over 5.5)
10/5/13 - Tampa Bay (+185) 3 at Chicago 2 (Under 5.5)


STANLEY CUP FINALS BETTING TRENDS


- Home Favorites in Game 1 are 6-0 SU, 1-5 PL, 2-3-1 O/U
- 5 of the Last 6 Stanley Cup Winners clinched on Road
- Home Teams are 27-9 SU Last 6 SCF's
- Puck-Line Underdogs are 12-5 PL
- Game 1 Winners have won the Stanley Cup in 4 of the last 6 SCF
- Favorites are 8-3 SU Last 11 OT Games

STANLEY CUP FINALS NOTES (2009-2014)

2014 - LA Kings vs NY Rangers (Kings win in 5)
4-1 Favorites, 4-1 Home, 1-4 PL Favorites, 1-2-2 O/U
3 Games in OT. Series ends in OT with Home Win
1st Game: Home Favorite Wins, Total Pushes 5

2013 - Chicago vs Boston (Blackhawks win in 6)
3-3 Favorites, 3-3 Home, 2-4 PL Favorites, 3-3 O/U
3 Games in OT, Series ends with Road Dog Win
1st Game: Home Favorite Wins, Total OVER 5

2012 - LA Kings vs NJ Devils (Kings win in 6)
4-2 Favorites, 3-3 Home, 2-4 PL Favorites, 1-5 O/U
2 Games in OT, Series ends with Road Favorite Win
1st Game: Home Favorite Wins, Total UNDER 5

2011 - Vancouver vs Boston (Bruins win in 7)
6-1 Favorites, 6-1 Home, 3-4 PL Favorites, 2-4-1 O/U
One OT Game, Series ends with Road Underdog Win
1st Game: Home Favorite Wins, Total UNDER 5.5

NOTE: 2011 Game 1 is the Last SCF game to have a 5.5 total
(23 game streak with 5 - Record: 7-13-3 O/U)

2010 - Chicago vs Philadelphia (Blackhawks win in 6)
6-0 Favorites, 5-1 Home, 2-4 PL Favorites, 5-1 O/U
2 OT Games, Series ends with Road Favorite Win
1st Game: Home Favorite Wins, Total OVER 5.5

2009 - Detroit vs Pittsburgh (Penguins win in 7)
6-1 Favorites, 6-1 Home, 5-2 PL Favorites, 2-5 O/U
No OT Games*, Series ends with Road Underdog Win
1st Game: Home Favorite Wins, Total UNDER 6

Tampa is rare Sun Belt hockey town


June 5, 2015


TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Phil Esposito swells with parental pride when he sees the Tampa Bay Lightning chasing the Stanley Cup in an arena largely packed with Florida fans who have converted to his beloved game.


The Hall of Famer who co-founded the franchise 23 years ago realizes just how unlikely it was for this team in this city to reach this magical moment. Outside the sold-out Amalie Arena, thousands more brave the June humidity to watch playoff games on an oversize screen, gathering around a bronze statue of Esposito in the plaza.


Every bit of it never fails to amaze the two-time NHL MVP.


''I did a lot of things in hockey as a player, but there's nothing that can compare to this,'' Esposito told The Associated Press. ''This, to me, is my greatest thrill. If you've had kids, you know what I'm talking about. I gave birth to this team. I gave every penny I ever had in the world. I even sacrificed a marriage because of it. To be in Tampa to see this, it makes me so happy.''


While Sun Belt hockey teams from Phoenix to Miami struggle to stay solvent or relevant, the Lightning are alive and thriving. Their second trip to the Stanley Cup Final is the next peak of a revival under owner Jeff Vinik, whose money has fueled the cold-weather sport's growth in a warm-weather town.


A franchise with a few incredible highs - including a 2004 title - and many more years of weird lows is now stable and entrenched in the Tampa Bay area. With renovations to the arena, an aggressive approach to community involvement and a first-class product on the ice, the Lightning are even better off than when Dave Andreychuk raised that Stanley Cup 11 years ago.


''When I first got here, let's face it, this franchise had some really down times,'' said Andreychuk, now the Lightning's vice president of corporate and community affairs. ''But we had a commitment, and we saw the opportunity here. We're still in a market where it's new to a lot of people. That's fun for me, but we've built something here. People realize what we are.''


The team's revival culminated with an Eastern Conference title and a showdown with the Chicago Blackhawks, but general manager Steve Yzerman's success is the foundation of a larger project.


Vinik has spent freely to provide top-notch experiences in every off-ice aspect of the Lightning, renovating its arena to world-class status - and even adding an impressive pipe organ that rocks its foundations. The Lightning do innumerable public appearances. They've started a high school hockey league and give out $50,000 community hero grants at every game.


It's all paying off: The Lightning have said they're barely losing money, which is never a given for a warm-weather hockey club. After dropping to an average of 11,510 fans in 1998-99, the Lightning have averaged at least 17,000 fans per game in nine of the last 11 years, including a robust 18,823 this year.


The Lightning's work in the past decade has cemented their reputation not only in Florida, but around the sport. Scotty Bowman, the winningest coach in NHL history and a 13-time Stanley Cup champion, moved to Sarasota, Florida, a year after Tampa Bay's championship.


''Nobody in my area ever talked hockey, even living in a condo complex with five buildings and 400 people, but now there's a lot of fans there,'' Bowman told the AP. ''I think it's because they had a good run in the playoffs there, and now there are more rinks. The kids are starting to play, but it's not so much about finding players. It's about creating fans.''


So many hockey men - and goalie Manon Rheaume, who suited up for exhibition games in the 1990s - have failed where Vinik and Yzerman are succeeding. The Lightning's first decade was an extended comedy featuring three arenas, empty seats, retread players, oddball owners - including one, Takashi Okubo, who never saw a game - and lawsuits.


The Lightning attracted weirdness from their very first home game at Expo Hall on the Florida State Fairgrounds: When Chris Kontos completed a hat trick, his godfather threw his hat on the ice - and was nearly thrown out of the building by an angry usher.


Everything changed in their 12th season of existence in 2004 when the Lightning shockingly assembled a championship team. When the 40-year-old Andreychuk lifted the Cup after Game 7, Tampa Bay was forever changed.


''This community won, and when those players come into this room, they know there's been a championship won in that room,'' Andreychuk said. ''Not every city can say that. And all those young kids in `04 that were watching, they're now buying seats, and they want to be part of it. They've been fans since then.''


Brad Richards, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy with Tampa Bay in 2004, believes the Lightning's biggest advantage over the Panthers, the Coyotes and other warm-weather teams is that Stanley Cup title. Anyone driving by Amalie Arena can see the statue depicting Andreychuk raising the trophy.


Richards, now playing for Chicago, said Tampa ''came alive with hockey.''


''We talked about that when we won, that it was something special to do in this market and that it's probably going to last a long time,'' Richards said. ''I know friends here that have kids that play hockey and watched that Cup run, and they understand it when they go to games now. When I first got here, I'm not so sure they understood what was going on. Now they're passionate. They know the height, and how special it is. It's good to see this town back in form.''

Preview: Cubs (28-24) at Nationals (29-25)
Game: 3
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: June 06, 2015 12:05 PM EDT

After breaking out to end their latest slide, the Washington Nationals could face a difficult time building on that needed victory while trying to tarnish Jason Hammel's perfect record against them.


The Chicago Cubs right-hander looks to continue his success overall and against the host Nationals on Saturday.


After totaling 15 runs during a 1-6 stretch, Washington (30-25) got an early three-run homer from Danny Espinosa and pounded out 12 hits to snap a three-game skid with Friday's 7-5 win.


"Nice job through the lineup," manager Matt Williams said. "It's a good win for us. We needed that one."


Looking to win two in a row for the first time since May 24-25, the Nationals don't have much time to exhale with Hammel (4-2, 2.82 ERA) awaiting.


He's 8-0 in 10 starts versus Washington, and has a 2.87 ERA with 46 strikeouts and seven walks while winning seven in a row. Five of those overall victories have come in six starts at Nationals Park.


He's also looked extremely strong while going 2-1 with a 2.02 ERA over his last five starts. During that stretch, opponents are batting .180 and Hammel has struck out 42 and walked five. He gave up a run and fanned a career-high 11 without a walk in 6 2-3 innings of Monday's 5-1 win at Miami.


'I'm not really trying to strike guys out,' Hammel said. "When I'm missing, my misses are better,' he said. 'That's about it. When I've made mistakes this year, it hasn't hurt me.'


Ryan Zimmerman is batting .355 with three doubles and a homer versus Hammel, but Bryce Harper is 0 for 10 with five strikeouts against him.


Needing a spot starter due to a doubleheader earlier in the week, the Nationals hand the ball to Joe Ross for his major league debut.


Among the club's top prospects and brother of San Diego's Tyson Ross, the right-hander has the potential to be a fixture in Washington's rotation as early as 2017. Acquired from the Padres as part of a three-team trade that sent outfielder Steven Souza Jr. to Tampa Bay and Wil Myers from the Rays to San Diego, Ross was 2-2 with a 2.81 ERA in nine starts for Double-A Harrisburg.


"Like a lot of 22-year-old pitchers, (they) just have to get a feel for their craft, and the only way you can get that is pitching innings," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told MLB's official website. "He's in an important stage of his career, because he's got really good stuff and he's performed admirably at each level he's at, and that's one of the reasons we felt he'd be the guy, at least until some of our veteran starters get ready."


Ross will try to contain Anthony Rizzo, batting .361 during a hitting streak that reached 10 games after he homered twice Friday as the Cubs (28-25) fell to 2-3 on a seven-game trip.


It's uncertain if Washington shortstop Yunel Escobar will play after sitting Friday with a sore wrist.


"We have to keep evaluating him and see where he is at," Williams said. "It's still a little swollen."




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Cubs at Nationals
Thu, Jun 4 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Cubs at Nationals
Fri, Jun 5 Final 5 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 3
Cubs at Nationals
Sat, Jun 6 - 12:05PM EDT


GAME 4
Cubs at Nationals
Sun, Jun 7 - 4:05PM EDT

Preview: Astros (34-21) at Blue Jays (25-30)
Game: 2
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: June 06, 2015 1:07 PM EDT

As the Toronto Blue Jays look to bolster their roster for the future, their recent play should have them feeling good about the present.


The Blue Jays will try for a season-high fourth consecutive victory Saturday against the visiting Houston Astros.


Prior to Friday's 6-2 series-opening victory, Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos mentioned free-agent closer Rafael Soriano is on the club's radar to help bolster a bullpen that's recorded a major league-low six saves and blown nine opportunities.


Though it's uncertain if or when the Blue Jays (26-30) will actually make a move on the veteran, their immediate goal is to get back to .500 and keep pace in the tight AL East.


'The fortunate thing for us is no one really took off in the division,' Anthopoulos said. 'When I look at the club overall and I look at the division, where we're positioned and the upside, I still think we've got a very good team and a chance to make a run.'


Toronto has outscored its last three opponents 21-5 while batting .280 and posting a 1.04 ERA. Aaron Sanchez gave up an earned run over eight-plus innings as the Blue Jays snapped a seven-game skid to the AL West leaders.


'Our game plan was to go and attack these guys,' Sanchez said. 'They're a very aggressive team."


Jose Bautista homered for a second straight contest and Chris Colabello had three hits to extend his hitting streak to 15 games. It's the longest active streak in the majors and longest by a Blue Jay since Scott Rolen's 25-gamer in 2009. Colabello is batting .366 with 17 RBIs in 29 games since he was called up to make his season debut May 5. He's hitting .406 in his last eight against the Astros.


Bautista has batted .371 with nine RBIs in the last nine games.


Teammate Drew Hutchison (4-1, 5.26 ERA) won his only decision while posting a 7.80 ERA in six road starts but has a 2.97 ERA to go 3-1 in five at Rogers Centre. He tossed a four-hitter and struck out eight without a walk during a 6-0 home win over the Chicago White Sox on May 25, then gave up four runs in 5 1-3 innings of Sunday's 6-5 loss at Minnesota.


One of the right-hander's better road outings came while yielding two runs and striking out nine over six innings of a 6-4 loss to Houston on May 14.


Jose Altuve and Preston Tucker went a combined 4 for 5 with two doubles versus Hutchison in that contest. That duo was 1 for 8 on Friday as the Astros were held to three or fewer runs for the sixth time while splitting their last eight contests.


Fresh off his second stint on the disabled list because of a blister, Houston's Brett Oberholtzer (0-0, 3.24) allowed two runs and seven hits in 5 1-3 innings of a 5-2 win over Baltimore on Monday in his second start of 2015.


The left-hander went 1-1 with a 3.65 ERA against the Blue Jays last season.


Batting .381 during a 10-game hitting streak, Josh Donaldson is 6 for 15 with four doubles and a home run versus Oberholtzer.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Astros at Blue Jays
Fri, Jun 5 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Astros at Blue Jays
Sat, Jun 6 - 1:07PM EDT


GAME 3
Astros at Blue Jays
Sun, Jun 7 - 1:07PM EDT

Preview: Rangers (28-26) at Royals (30-21)
Game: 2
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: June 06, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

The fact that one team in a matchup between the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers is going for a sixth consecutive series win and the other is trying to avoid dropping a fourth straight isn't necessarily surprising.


The Rangers being in the favorable position probably is.


Texas tries for its 14th win in 17 games Saturday in Kansas City, while the slumping Royals attempt to get their offense going to avoid a ninth loss in their last 11.


The Rangers (29-26) opened the series with Friday's 4-0 victory, and with seven hits it was a comparatively modest offensive showing considering they're batting .286 with 5.94 runs per game in their last 16.


Mitch Moreland was 2 for 3 with a home run to extend his road hitting streak to 12 games. He's batting .344 away from Arlington with homers in four of his last eight road games.


Recent infield callups Hanser Alberto and Joey Gallo each went without a hit for the first time, but they're collectively 13 for 44.


"I'm seeing the ball better so I have a better (strike) zone," Alberto told MLB's official website. "The umpires up here are better, but now I'm looking for my pitch until I get two strikes."


The Rangers haven't won six straight series since Aug. 17-Sept. 9, 2012, with that stretch also concluding in Kansas City and the season resulting in their last playoff appearance. The clubs split four from May 11-14, so Texas can also secure this season's overall series.


Kansas City (30-21) was shut out for the first time in 37 games with a season-low three hits. Over the 2-8 stretch, the Royals are batting .192 and averaging 2.10 runs.


Salvador Perez was 0 for 3 Friday, extending his slump to 2 for 26 overall and 2 for 15 in the season series.


Yordano Ventura will be charged with slowing down the Rangers.


Ventura (3-4, 4.26 ERA), who turned 24 on Wednesday, has completed seven innings in each of his last four starts, but the quality of those outings has fluctuated. The right-hander held the Chicago Cubs to a run and four hits in seven innings of Sunday's 2-1 loss and wasn't stuck with the decision.


"He just had everything going," manager Ned Yost said. "Had a really good curveball. Good command with his fastball and mixed in some changeups. He was really good."


The next step is repeating it. Prior to facing the Cubs, he allowed four runs in a 6-1 home loss to St. Louis on May 24, and he hasn't posted consecutive starts yielding under four runs since his first two of the year.


Ventura pitched in a 5-2 loss in Texas on May 13, surrendering five runs and a season-high 10 hits in seven innings to drop to 2-1 with a 3.72 ERA in three career starts against the Rangers.


Delino DeShields is 3 for 3 and Prince Fielder 3 for 4 with a homer in their matchups.


Ventura will be opposed by Wandy Rodriguez, who posted a 3.22 ERA in six May starts after a 4.82 in two during April. June, however, has traditionally been his worst month with a 5.01 mark and .820 opponent OPS.


Rodriguez (2-2, 3.55) gave up three runs - two earned - and a season-high nine hits in 5 2-3 innings of Sunday's 4-3 win over Boston and didn't earn the decision.


That came at home, but on the road he's gone 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA in five starts. The left-hander has never pitched in Kansas City but is 0-2 with a 4.15 ERA in two starts against the Royals.




SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Royals
Fri, Jun 5 Final 4 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Rangers at Royals
Sat, Jun 6 - 2:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Rangers at Royals
Sun, Jun 7 - 2:10PM EDT

Preview: Brewers (18-36) at Twins (32-21)
Game: 2
Venue: Target Field
Date: June 06, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

Matt Garza trudged through three straight rough starts for the Milwaukee Brewers, a stretch that shook the veteran after feeling as if he had found his groove.


An unexpected relief outing seems to have brought back his confidence.


Garza takes the mound Saturday looking to help the Milwaukee Brewers take the first two of a three-game set with the host Minnesota Twins.


The right-hander originally was scheduled to start Monday against St. Louis, but he was called into relief action during Sunday's 7-6, 17-inning win over Arizona.


Garza (3-7, 5.52 ERA) allowed three hits in five scoreless innings and earned the victory after posting an 11.66 ERA while dropping three consecutive starts. He had a 3.16 ERA over his previous four starts.


"I got back to being me," Garza said after his outing against the Diamondbacks. "Win or lose, the way I felt out there, I was pumped."


That's a good sign heading into this start against the Twins (32-22), with whom Garza began his career in 2006. He's 1-0 with a 1.77 ERA in three starts against his former team, most recently beating Minnesota 6-2 while throwing 6 1-3 scoreless innings on June 2 of last season.


Joe Mauer doubled twice off Garza in that contest, and he went 2 for 3 with a three-run homer in a five-run fifth inning that tied Friday's series opener. The Brewers (19-36), though, capitalized on misplayed flyballs by Torii Hunter and Kurt Suzuki in the eighth and added three more runs in the ninth for a 10-5 victory.


Adam Lind hit a three-run homer in the third, an RBI double in the eighth and a two-run single in the ninth to finish with his most RBIs since having a career-high eight against Texas on Aug. 31, 2009.


'Obviously they're a good team, so you can't ease up,' Lind said. 'Because they scored the five and tied it up, they make us lock it in and keep playing.'


Lind hasn't eased up at all over his last seven, hitting .478 with no strikeouts. Manager Craig Counsell is most impressed with Lind going 6 for 8 with two homers with runners in scoring position in the last four games he's had opportunities.


'He came up in some big spots with runners on base and he delivered,' Counsell said. 'That's what we want. We want him hitting with runners in scoring position.'


The Twins dropped to 19-8 at home, still the fewest home losses in the AL. Mauer's solid night came after going 0 for 9 over his previous three.


'The first couple innings I felt like we were flat,' Hunter said. 'We got a burst of energy and a little adrenaline and got something going. And then we just fell apart in the eighth.'


Minnesota looks to bounce back with help from J.R. Graham, who will be making his first career start after the rookie made 14 appearances out of the bullpen.


Graham (0-0, 3.10) allowed an unearned run in three innings of Sunday's 6-5 win over Toronto and might not go much more than that in this contest.


The right-hander will likely be the first of multiple relievers to eat up innings after starter Ricky Nolasco was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a right ankle injury.


"More than likely, it's going to be one of those games where we're going to have to piece it together with the bullpen," manager Paul Molitor told MLB's official website.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Brewers at Twins
Fri, Jun 5 Final 10 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Brewers at Twins
Sat, Jun 6 - 2:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Brewers at Twins
Sun, Jun 7 - 2:10PM EDT

Preview: Giants (30-25) at Phillies (21-34)
Game: 2
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: June 06, 2015 3:05 PM EDT

Brandon Belt inexplicably remains hitless in his career at Citizens Bank Park.


San Francisco's first baseman seems to have a good chance to change that Saturday given Philadelphia Phillies rookie Severino Gonzalez's struggles with left-handed hitters.


After dropping the final five of a seven-game homestand, the Giants (31-25) opened a six-game trip Friday with a 5-4 win. It was the ninth victory in 11 road games for San Francisco, which got homers from Buster Posey, Matt Duffy and Justin Maxwell.


"It was a good win because we've come off a tough skid at home," manager Bruce Bochy said. "It's always good to get that first game of a road trip."


Belt entered this series on a bit of a tear, totaling three homers and three doubles while hitting safely in eight of nine games. That surge abruptly ended as he went hitless in three at_bats Friday, dropping to 0 for 14 lifetime in Philadelphia.


Despite Belt's struggles in Philadelphia, the Giants have found success there on account of Posey. The star catcher hit the go-ahead home run in the seventh and is batting .400 with nine extra-base hits in 13 games in Philadelphia, where the Giants have won six of seven. His .382 career average against the Phillies is his best against any NL team.


Belt, however, may have the advantage in a matchup with Gonzalez (2-1, 6.88 ERA), who is limiting right-handed hitters to a .268 average while lefties are batting .536 (15 for 28). That mark is easily baseball's worst for those that have faced at least 30 lefties.


That also bodes well for left-handed bats Brandon Crawford and Joe Panik, who had two hits and is batting .385 during a 10-game hitting streak. He is 8 for 15 in his last four in Philadelphia.


The Giants could get Nori Aoki back after he was out of the starting lineup Friday due to the flu but was available to pinch hit. He is 11 for 17 in his last four games away from AT&T Park and leads the majors with a .386 road batting average.


Ryan Howard and Maikel Franco homered Friday for the Phillies (2-9), who lost for the ninth time in 11 games.


Franco is 7 for 17 with three homers, two doubles and seven RBIs in four games this month after going 2 for 27 in his final seven May contests.


"Franco continues to show pop in his bat," manager Ryne Sandberg said.


Howard entered Friday mired in a 2-for-32 slump and is 1 for 9 with five strikeouts against Madison Bumgarner (6-2, 3.12).


Leadoff hitter Ben Revere, who is 6 for 9 in his last three games but had a bad baserunning blunder Friday, has fared much better, going 4 for 8 with a double in their matchups.


In two starts against the Phillies last season, Bumgarner gave up a run and nine hits with 15 strikeouts and no walks in 15 innings. He has a 2.57 ERA in five career games versus Philadelphia.


Bumgarner retired the first 12 Atlanta batters Saturday and ended up allowing three runs and five hits in 6 1-3 innings of a 7-5 loss.


Gonzalez, who had his last start skipped due to off days, has shown some glimpses of excellence but hasn't been able to put it all together.


Against the New York Mets on May 25, the right-hander struck out eight but also allowed two homers and three runs overall in 4 1-3 innings of a 6-3 loss. He was pulled after 69 pitches and has not lasted longer than five innings in any of his four starts.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Giants at Phillies
Fri, Jun 5 Final 5 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Giants at Phillies
Sat, Jun 6 - 3:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Giants at Phillies
Sun, Jun 7 - 1:35PM EDT

Preview: Athletics (23-33) at Red Sox (24-31)
Game: 2
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: June 06, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

Dustin Pedroia has been much better at home than on the road, but the venue doesn't seem to matter against the Oakland Athletics.


Pedroia looks to continue pounding the A's as the Boston Red Sox attempt to beat them for the sixth time in eight meetings at Fenway Park on Saturday.


Pedroia is hitting .366 at home compared to .264 as the visitor. He's 11 for 21 with six runs while Boston (25-31) has gone 3-2 on this seven-game homestand. He has a nine-game hitting streak at Fenway, during which he's 17 for 37 (.459).


The four-time All-Star collected three hits - one double - and scored twice in Friday's 4-2 win over the A's, snapping Oakland's four-game winning streak.


Pedroia's success against the A's (23-34) hasn't been limited to Boston, as he's batting .370 in his past 30 overall meetings - .404 during a 12-game hitting streak.


Oakland is hoping Jesse Chavez (2-5, 2.11 ERA) can slow him down again since he's held Pedroia to one hit in five at_bats.


Chavez, though, is looking for some help again since he gets an average of 1.36 runs of support, the lowest qualifying mark in the majors by nearly one run.


"I don't look at that every time I go out there," Chavez told MLB's official website. "I just look at trying to get the offense back in as soon as possible and watch them do their thing."


The right-hander went 25 innings without getting a run of support before Stephen Vogt's two-run homer in the sixth of Sunday's 3-0 win over the Yankees. Chavez went eight innings without allowing an earned run for the second straight start.


"It wears on you to keep going out there knowing you have to put up zeroes," manager Bob Melvin said. "The two-run homer felt like a five-run homer. ... It's great that we could finally reward him."


Chavez allowed three hits in seven scoreless innings of a 2-1 win in 10 in his only career start against Boston on June 21.


Vogt, however, may not be available after being limited to a pinch-hit appearance Friday due to leg cramps. The catcher leads the team with a .308 average, while he's tied with Marcus Semien for the most runs at 27.


The Red Sox are turning to Joe Kelly (1-4, 5.83), who hasn't won since allowing one run and one hit with eight strikeouts in seven innings of an 8-4 win over the Yankees in his season debut April 11.


The right-hander has allowed two runs or fewer in three of his last four games, yielding one earned in five innings while not getting a decision in Sunday's 4-3 loss at Texas.


Kelly's only meeting with the A's came with St. Louis on June 28, 2013, when he allowed one run in 5 1-3 innings of relief.


Friday's opener was marred by a fan being hit by the A's Brett Lawrie's broken bat in the second inning. She was transported to a local hospital with apparent life-threatening injuries.


"Any time anybody's taken off the field on a stretcher you have your fingers crossed," Melvin said. "You realize that that's a lot more important than a baseball game."




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Athletics at Red Sox
Fri, Jun 5 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Athletics at Red Sox
Sat, Jun 6 - 4:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Athletics at Red Sox
Sun, Jun 7 - 1:35PM EDT

Preview: Orioles (24-29) at Indians (26-27)
Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: June 06, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

Matt Wieters provided a spark for the offensively challenged Baltimore Orioles in his return, while the Cleveland Indians couldn't capitalize on another solid pitching effort in the series opener.


Danny Salazar will try to help the Indians bounce back as he goes after a career high-tying sixth win Saturday against the visiting Orioles, who haven't had a three-game winning streak since late April.


Wieters picked up where he left off last season, going 2 for 3 with a double and two RBIs in Friday's 5-2 win in his first game since May 10, 2014 following Tommy John surgery.


The All-Star catcher was hitting .308 with five home runs in 26 games before getting shut down. He spent time at extended spring training and on a minor league rehab assignment before finally re-joining the Orioles.


'I felt like I was back to what I love doing,' said Wieters, who started behind the plate. 'It was a great feeling. It makes you think of all the hard work and that had to go into just getting back here.'


Wieters' anticipated return provided a lift for a Baltimore team that had totaled 17 runs while hitting .200 over its previous seven games. Adam Jones homered for a second straight game and is 7 for 12 in his last three.


The Orioles (25-29) hope to keep it going as they try to win three consecutive games for the first time since April 25-29.


Cleveland starters have a 2.93 ERA while opponents are batting just .226 over their last 18 starts, but the Indians (26-28) scored two runs for the third time in four games Friday. They lost for only the fifth time in 17 games since May 19, but have one of the majors' worst home records at 10-15.


Mike Aviles started his third straight game at shortstop in place of the slumping Jose Ramirez (.184).


'I thought he was coming out of it 10 days ago, but he's struggling now," manager Terry Francona said.


Salazar (5-1, 3.79 ERA) is one of three Indians with at least five wins, but he's allowed three runs or more in five of his last seven starts. The right-hander has benefited from the majors' third-best run-support average at 7.90.


The Indians, though, have only provided five runs in Salazar's last two starts. He allowed three runs over 5 2-3 innings but did not factor in a 4-3 loss to Texas on May 26, before giving up three over 5 1-3 in Sunday's 6-3, 12-inning win at Seattle.


Since issuing six walks over his first six starts, he's walked 10 over his last three. Salazar, who hasn't lost in five starts, yielded two runs over five-plus innings in a 4-1 home loss to Baltimore on Aug. 17.


Former Indian Ubaldo Jimenez (3-3, 3.12) gave up two runs with eight strikeouts over six-plus innings in Monday's 5-2 loss at Houston. The right-hander had allowed seven runs and 17 hits over 11 innings in his previous two starts.


He hasn't fared well against his former team, posting an 11.88 ERA while the Orioles lost two meetings by a combined 15-0 score last season. Carlos Santana has a three-run home run and three walks in four plate appearances in the matchup.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Orioles at Indians
Fri, Jun 5 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Orioles at Indians
Sat, Jun 6 - 4:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Orioles at Indians
Sun, Jun 7 - 1:10PM EDT

Preview: Padres (27-28) at Reds (23-29)
Game: 2
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: June 06, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

In Andrew Cashner's last start, hittable and unhittable came together in a manner unseen in more than 100 years of baseball, and the results weren't favorable.


The right-hander will try following up that baffling outing with more positive results Saturday in a visit to the Cincinnati Reds as the San Diego Padres go for a season-best fourth straight win.


Cashner (2-8, 3.46 ERA), flipped in the rotation with Odrisamer Despaigne, gets a chance a day early to forget about Monday's 7-0 home loss to the New York Mets. Cashner became the first pitcher dating to 1914 to allow 10-plus hits while striking out at least 10 batters and failing to make it through five innings. In all, his 11 hits and 12 strikeouts marked career highs while allowing six runs - five earned - in 4 2-3 innings.


"We thought it would be good to give (Despaigne) a few extra days and we thought it would be good to get Cashner back on the mound as soon as possible," manager Bud Black told MLB's official website.


Cashner, the only pitcher in the majors with eight losses, probably agrees with the decision after feeling short changed.


"I thought I had some of the best stuff I've had this season," said Cashner, who didn't issue a walk. "Some balls just fell in."


He's 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in two starts against the Reds. Brandon Phillips is 4 for 9 against him and Joey Votto is 3 for 5.


The Padres (28-28) opened the series with Friday's 6-2 win and got at least a hit from all eight position players. Will Venable, Derek Norris and Will Middlebrooks all homered after the club had managed seven in its previous 16 games. Venable was 2 for 5 for a third straight game, and Norris' homer was his third in six games and second in seven career at_bats against Cincinnati.


San Diego has also won three straight on the road, which it hasn't topped since Sept. 15-18, 2013, and five straight against the Reds while limiting them to five runs.


Over the last 17 games, the Padres have a 2.97 ERA, and they've allowed a big-league low two home runs in seven games along with the New York Yankees.


"It starts with pitching and defense, and that's what we were able to do," Yonder Alonso said.


The Reds (23-30) have dropped three of four and are 5-13 dating to May 15. In that span, the starting pitching has an MLB-worst 6.01 ERA.


Votto knocked in both runs Friday and is batting .370 with nine RBIs in seven games after going 12 games without driving in a run.


Reds starter Michael Lorenzen has been far less hittable than Cashner lately, but he's muddled that with walks. Lorenzen (1-1, 3.06) gave up two runs and one hit in 6 1-3 innings of Sunday's 8-2 home win over Washington, but he walked six.


Over 13 1-3 innings in his last two starts, he's given up three runs and three hits with nine walks and failed to earn a decision. The rookie right-hander is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA in his five starts, but the 5.22 walks per nine innings figures to catch up with him before long.


"We talk about learning experiences," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Lorenzen is learning to manage a 2-0 lead, when you know a home run won't beat you, and challenging the hitters instead of making perfect pitches. He was just missing the plate."




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Padres at Reds
Fri, Jun 5 Final 6 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Padres at Reds
Sat, Jun 6 - 4:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Padres at Reds
Sun, Jun 7 - 1:10PM EDT

Preview: Pirates (29-24) at Braves (26-27)
Game: 2
Venue: Turner Field
Date: June 06, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Both Julio Teheran and Jeff Locke have been All-Stars within the past two years, but neither can be particularly happy with the way things have gone through the first two months of 2015.


Yet Teheran's had plenty of success at home, while Locke has been a disaster on the road.


The Pittsburgh left-hander can't be too thrilled that Saturday night's game is at Turner Field, while the more comfortable surroundings Teheran is pitching in might not make a difference against the red-hot Pirates.


Teheran (4-2, 4.87 ERA) had a 3.20 ERA as a rookie in 2013 and a 2.89 ERA during his All-Star second season, but nothing's come easy for the right-hander through May.


His strikeout-to-walk rate (3.65) was 11th in the NL last season, and that's been cut nearly in half (1.88). He allowed 0.90 homers per nine innings in 2014, a rate that's nearly doubled to 1.77. And his 5.60 FIP - second-worst in the NL - suggests things could be even worse.


After allowing eight runs in a road loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 26, Teheran settled down to give up three over six innings Sunday at San Francisco before the Braves (26-28) rallied for a 7-5 win. But he surrendered two homers, walked four and only struck out one, leaving manager Fredi Gonzalez quite concerned.


"I didn't feel comfortable the whole game with Julio," Gonzalez told MLB's official website. "I know the numbers showed different, but it wasn't the normal Julio Teheran outing that you feel pretty good about.


"Health-wise, he's fine. But it's not the same Julio Teheran from a year ago, when you gave him a lead and it was over."


Folks who have only seen him pitch at Turner Field might not share those concerns. Teheran is 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA in four starts in Atlanta, where his 2.06 ERA since 2014 is baseball's sixth-best at home.


He's 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in two career home starts against Pittsburgh (30-24), striking out 17 in 13 innings, but the Pirates team he'll see Saturday seems rather locked in at the plate.


Pittsburgh has been baseball's best team the past two weeks, with Friday's 10-8 win - in which it overcame four errors - registering as Clint Hurdle's club's 12th in 14 games over that stretch.


'We're capable of a lot of things,' Hurdle said. 'We just don't look back. We don't like making mistakes, especially on the defensive side. ... We're making more than our share (of errors).'


Andrew McCutchen has led the charge, bumping his average from .185 on May 6 to .295 exactly one month later. He's been especially excellent for the latter half of that stretch, posting the majors' best average (.473) and second-best OPS (1.348) after another two-hit game in the opener.


The Pirates have averaged the third-most runs in baseball (5.71) during this 14-game stretch, and they might need to surpass that with Locke pitching away from home.


His All-Star first half of 2013 looking more and more like an aberration, Locke (3-3, 5.34) had his third start of four innings or fewer on Sunday. He recorded 12 outs and allowed 11 baserunners leading to seven runs in a 7-1 loss in San Diego.


Each of those short outings has come on the road, where his 9.35 ERA is the worst for any NL pitcher with at least four starts, but Hurdle is keeping him in the rotation.


'He's not throwing enough strikes to be effective,' Hurdle said. 'He threw out of the stretch 75 percent of his pitches. When you're not throwing strikes, and with his ball-strike ratio, you have no safety net.'


Locke is 1-1 with a 6.20 ERA in four starts in this series after allowing 13 baserunners and six runs in four innings of a 6-2 road loss to Teheran and the Braves on Sept. 24.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Pirates at Braves
Fri, Jun 5 Final 10 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Pirates at Braves
Sat, Jun 6 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Pirates at Braves
Sun, Jun 7 - 1:35PM EDT

Preview: Angels (28-26) at Yankees (29-25)
Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: June 06, 2015 7:15 PM EDT

Alex Rodriguez is closing in on some major milestones and one could arrive as early as this weekend.


Coming off his first four-hit game in over four years, Rodriguez and the Yankees seek a season-best fifth straight win Saturday night against the Los Angeles Angels.


Something of an unknown entering this season after sitting out all of 2014 due to a drug suspension and closing in on his 40th birthday, Rodriguez has been better than expected in the first two months.


He ranks second on the Yankees (30-25) with a .284 average, 11 homers and 31 runs, and is third with 28 RBIs. Rodriguez went 4 for 5 with a run-scoring single in the fifth and Stephen Drew hit a pair of homers before New York allowed six ninth-inning runs then held on for an 8-7 series-opening victory Friday.


"That would've been a really hard game to swallow if you lose," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.


It was Rodriguez's first four-hit game since May 22, 2011, and the RBI was the 1,997th of his career, moving him past Barry Bonds into second place on the all-time list. He should soon join Hank Aaron (2,297) as the only players to reach 2,000.


Rodriguez's big night left him nine hits shy of becoming the 29th player with 3,000. He also scored his 1,950th run, breaking a tie with Stan Musial for eighth place.


"Just means I'm getting older every day," said Rodriguez, who is 14 for 27 during a seven-game home hitting streak. "I think I'm in a good place."


While the ending wasn't what the Yankees had in mind, Friday's win was their fourth straight and eighth in 11 after a six-game skid. They've hit 18 home runs in that 11-game stretch, though it's the starting pitching that has keyed the turnaround.


New York's rotation has compiled a 2.96 ERA and recorded six quality starts, with Saturday's starter, Adam Warren, responsible for two.


Warren (3-4, 3.75 ERA) has posted a 2.70 ERA during four consecutive quality starts and has pitched shutout ball into the sixth inning in his last two outings.


The right-hander lasted a career high-tying seven innings in Sunday's 3-0 loss at Oakland, making his only mistake on Steven Vogt's two-run homer in the sixth.


"He made one mistake and unfortunately it cost the game," Girardi said.


Warren has never started against the Angels, throwing 4 1-3 scoreless innings in three relief appearances.


Kole Calhoun had three hits, including an RBI single in the six-run ninth, but Los Angeles (28-27) lost its third straight following a five-game win streak.


The Angels try to avoid matching their longest skid of the season behind Garrett Richards (5-3, 3.26), who seeks his first road win. The right-hander is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in three starts away from Anaheim but has allowed four runs over 15 innings in his past two.


He's alternated wins and losses in his last five starts, a trend he hopes to stop after allowing three runs over six innings in Monday's 7-3 victory over Tampa Bay.


Richards has a 2.40 ERA in his past two starts against the Yankees. He limited them to two runs and three hits in seven innings before leaving without a decision in a 3-2 road loss April 27, 2014.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Angels at Yankees
Fri, Jun 5 Final 7 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Angels at Yankees
Sat, Jun 6 - 7:15PM EDT


GAME 3
Angels at Yankees
Sun, Jun 7 - 1:05PM EDT

Preview: Tigers (28-27) at White Sox (24-28)
Game: 2
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: June 06, 2015 7:15 PM EDT

Although they were one out away from winning the series opener, the Detroit Tigers aren't showing signs of ending the offensive slump that has contributed to their worst slide in a decade.


With David Price looking to play the stopper role, the visiting Tigers might not need a huge scoring outburst to avoid a ninth straight loss Saturday night against the last-place Chicago White Sox.


Detroit's Joakim Soria retired the first two batters in the bottom of the ninth Friday and had an 0-1 count on Adam LaRoche before the first baseman hit a tying solo shot to send the game to extra innings.


Alex Wilson then hit former Tiger outfielder Avisail Garcia with a pitch with the bases loaded in the 11th inning as the White Sox (25-28) escaped with a 4-3 victory in the first of three at U.S. Cellular Field.


'We've had some games where we let some guys dominate us for seven, eight innings," LaRoche said. "We need to get past that. The bright side there is we're coming back in a lot of games, just like tonight getting down 3-1.'


The Tigers (28-28) had nine hits while scoring three runs or less for the ninth time in 11 games. They're batting .211 with 82 strikeouts and only four home runs while averaging 2.4 runs over that stretch.


Ian Kinsler (8 for 61) and J.D. Martinez (8 for 42) are among those slumping for the four-time defending AL Central champions, who will try to avoid their longest losing streak since September 2005. They're also trying to avoid dropping under .500 this late into the season since they were 41-42 on July 5, 2012.


'I think everybody in this clubhouse knows we're a good team and this is just a bad stretch," manager Brad Ausmus said.


The Tigers had won Price's previous six outings before he gave up two runs in the eighth inning of Sunday's 4-2 defeat to the Los Angeles Angels. He allowed four runs over 7 2-3 innings while issuing four walks - his most since September 2012.


"Got to pitch better," the left-hander told MLB's official website.


Price (4-2, 3.15 ERA) is 4-1 with a 2.68 ERA in his last seven meetings against the White Sox. His lone loss came in his last outing in Chicago, when he gave up eight runs - six earned - over six-plus innings in a 9-2 defeat.


He put together one of his best outings of the season against the White Sox on April 17, yielding one run and four hits while striking out nine over eight innings in a 2-1 victory.


Garcia, who homered off Price in that contest, hit a solo shot Friday. Adam Eaton is 7 for 12 against Price, but Jose Abreu's only hit in 10 at_bats in the matchup left the yard.


The White Sox hope to win consecutive games for only the second time since a six-game winning streak from May 12-18.


After giving up 11 runs over 10 1-3 innings in his previous two starts, John Danks (3-4, 4.81) became the only pitcher to give up at least 10 hits and at least five extra-base hits in a shutout going back to 1914 in Sunday's 6-0 win at Houston.


Danks is 6-10 with a 5.11 ERA in 22 starts versus Detroit but went 2-0 with a 3.44 mark in three meetings last season. Kinsler has gone 14 for 41 (.341) with four home runs off him, though Miguel Cabrera is 11 for 44 (.250) with one homer.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Tigers at White Sox
Fri, Jun 5 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores


GAME 2
Tigers at White Sox
Sat, Jun 6 - 7:15PM EDT


GAME 3
Tigers at White Sox
Sun, Jun 7 - 2:10PM EDT

Preview: Cardinals (36-18) at Dodgers (31-23)
Game: 3
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: June 06, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

If there's been a knock on Clayton Kershaw in his career, it's been his inability to carry regular-season greatness into the postseason.


A closer look might reveal he just can't handle the St. Louis Cardinals.


The Los Angeles Dodgers ace's 2014 season came to a bitter end against that nemesis in the NL division series, and he gets his first shot at beginning to put those matchup struggles behind him at home Saturday night.


He could have added support if Yasiel Puig returns from strained hamstring that's had him on the disabled list since April 25. He's gone 3 for 7 with a home run and a double in two games of a Single-A rehab stint.


"I feel good," Puig told MLB's official website. "I want to be back by Saturday, but it's not my decision. We'll have to talk with the doctors."


Kershaw (4-3, 3.73 ERA) has lost his last four postseason starts, but they've all come against St. Louis as part of a nine-start stretch in the series that's resulted in a 1-7 record and 5.69 ERA - including losses in games 1 and 4 last October. Against the rest of the league in that time, the reigning NL MVP is 48-16 with a 1.92 ERA in 81 starts.


No individual in the St. Louis lineup has been a particularly recurrent nuisance to Kershaw, but among players who were with the club before this year and have at least five at_bats, only Jon Jay (2 for 13) is batting under .200 against him. Not bad considering Kershaw's opponent batting average across the league during the time period of the nine-start struggle against St. Louis was .197. Cardinals newcomer Jason Heyward is 0 for 10.


This season, Kershaw wasn't himself through nine starts with a 2-3 record and 4.32 ERA, but he's won his last two with two runs and nine hits allowed in 14 innings while striking out 17. Both runs came on a home run in Monday's 11-4 victory in Colorado.


The last time he felt this good about consecutive starts?


"Last September, I guess," Kershaw said.


He's up against Jaime Garcia, who's been strong in three starts since returning from shoulder surgery but hasn't been welcomed back with much support. Garcia (1-2, 2.70) turned in his best outing yet in Monday's 1-0 loss to Milwaukee, yielding a run and three hits in seven innings on 86 pitches. It was the second time he went seven innings and got nothing in return from the lineup.


"It's just a shame we wasted a start like that," manager Mike Matheny told MLB's official website. "He could've gone a complete game, his stuff was that good today."


The left-hander is 1-1 with a 5.59 ERA in four starts against Los Angeles, but he hasn't faced them since 2012.


The Cardinals (37-18) are trying to beat the Dodgers (31-24) for the fifth time in six games dating to May 29, though they've thus far missed Kershaw and Zack Greinke entirely. Greinke pitches the finale Sunday.


St. Louis scored twice in the eighth inning to come from behind for Friday's 2-1 win, giving it a fourth straight victory.


Los Angeles is in danger of its first four-game losing streak since Sept. 13-16, 2013, as well as its first four-game home skid since dropping five straight from May 1-10, 2013.


After scoring 29 runs in four games in Denver, the Dodgers have fallen back into an offensive funk with one-run efforts in consecutive losses to open the series. Dating to last week, they've been held to one run in three straight against the Cardinals and have eight runs in five meetings this season while batting .188.


Dodgers second baseman Howie Kendrick has missed the last two games because of a sprained knee, but manager Don Mattingly doesn't expect him to land on the DL.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Cardinals at Dodgers
Thu, Jun 4 Final 7 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Cardinals at Dodgers
Fri, Jun 5 - Final 2 - 1
Boxscores


GAME 3
Cardinals at Dodgers
Sat, Jun 6 - 10:10PM EDT


GAME 4
Cardinals at Dodgers
Sun, Jun 7 - 8:05PM EDT

Preview: Mets (30-25) at Diamondbacks (25-28)
Game: 3
Venue: Chase Field
Date: June 06, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

Bartolo Colon has already reached one goal this season, albeit an unexpected one.


He'll try to become the NL's first nine-game winner Saturday night as the New York Mets face the Arizona Diamondbacks.


Colon (8-3, 4.72 ERA) is tied with three others for the most wins in baseball, but only Seattle's Felix Hernandez is scheduled to start Saturday. While the right-hander didn't win his ninth game last year until July 23, it's his bat and not his arm that's drawing attention.


After getting two hits last year, Colon was challenged by hitting coach Kevin Long to do one better and he already has. He recorded his third hit of the season Sunday, connecting for an RBI double in a 4-3 win over Miami.


"I prefer not to hit because at my age I rather pitch and not to concentrate on running or swing the bat," Colon said through a translator after allowing three runs in seven innings.


Colon's at_bats usually include awkward swings while his helmet falls off his head, and that's reason enough for commissioner Rob Manfred to feel the DH isn't worthwhile for the NL.


"Not having National League pitchers hit would deprive us of the entertainment that Bartolo Colon has given us this year," Manfred said. "It's been a great source of entertainment for me. I don't know about for the rest of you, but it has been for me."


The Mets (30-26) are more concerned about his pitching, however, since he has a 7.31 ERA in his last five starts after compiling a 2.90 ERA over his first six.


Colon, though, has managed to continue last season's road success, winning three of his four outings away from Citi Field this year after earning victories in four of his final five road starts in 2014.


This will be his first start against the Diamondbacks (26-28) since 2006.


He's going to get his first look at red-hot A.J. Pollock, who is among the NL leaders with a .330 average in what's becoming a breakout season. The center fielder is hitting .429 over the past 17 games, and he's 13 for 28 with two homers among his seven extra-base hits and seven RBIs in six games.


"Some days you get your hits, some days you don't," Pollock said. "I'm not going to think too much about it. I'm just going to go up with the same approach and whatever happens, happens."


Pollock has five hits through the first two of this four-game set, improving to 10 for 20 in the last six at home against New York.


He went 3 for 4 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs in Friday's 7-2 win, the Diamondbacks' first in seven home games against the Mets.


Chase Anderson (1-1, 3.26) hasn't received much run support from his teammates, but his most recent outing was entirely his fault.


The right-hander failed to protect a 4-0 lead Sunday at Milwaukee, allowing six runs and 10 hits in five-plus innings of a 7-6 loss in 17.


He had a 1.39 ERA over his previous five starts - winning his only decision.


"He's going to have learn to pitch with a lead," manager Chip Hale told MLB's official website. "He's going to have to learn how to get us back in (the dugout) to hit and put them away."


Michael Cuddyer is the only current Met that's faced Anderson, going 1 for 6. The left fielder is hitting .350 during a 10-game hitting streak, matching Juan Lagares' team high from April.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Mets at Diamondbacks
Thu, Jun 4 Final 6 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Mets at Diamondbacks
Fri, Jun 5 - Final 2 - 7
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 3
Mets at Diamondbacks
Sat, Jun 6 - 10:10PM EDT


GAME 4
Mets at Diamondbacks
Sun, Jun 7 - 4:10PM EDT

Preview: Marlins (23-32) at Rockies (24-29)
Game: 2
Venue: Coors Field
Date: June 06, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton continues crushing baseballs, and now those long home runs finally are starting to come in Miami's victories.


Stanton has homered in three straight games to match the club's win streak and he'll look to improve his already solid numbers at Coors Field on Saturday against the Colorado Rockies.


Stanton's latest blast traveled an estimated 478 feet, helping the surging Marlins (23-32) beat the Rockies 6-2 on Friday for their fifth victory in seven tries.


He has seven hits over his last six games with five leaving the ballpark, each coming in a win. None of his previous seven home runs helped the Marlins pick up a victory, and 10 of his last 11 have been solo shots.


Stanton is hitting .362 with eight homers and six doubles in five career games at Coors Field.


"I like the backdrop," Stanton said. "Forest green, my favorite backdrop."


The Marlins have scored 18 runs during a winning streak that has followed a 5-16 stretch. J.T. Realmuto went 4 for 4 with a triple and RBI single for Miami, which looks to keep rolling as Chris Rusin makes his second start for the Rockies (24-29).


Rusin (1-0, 0.77 ERA) was called up to start in place of then-injured starter Jorge De La Rosa on May 26, his first start in the majors since Sept. 24, 2013, while with the Chicago Cubs.


The left-hander allowed one run and four hits in seven innings of Colorado's 2-1 loss to Cincinnati. Rusin then came on in relief Sunday when Jordan Lyles left with an injury in the second inning, picking up the win after throwing 4 2-3 scoreless innings in a 4-1 victory over Philadelphia.


"I knew I was going to be the first guy out of the 'pen, so I was already aware, stretched and ready to go," said Rusin, who earned his first major league win since Aug. 9, 2013, against St. Louis. "It was tough, but I was fortunate enough to throw strikes, keep the ball down and get early contact."


Rusin has never faced the Marlins, who will send David Phelps to the mound.


Phelps (2-2, 3.50) has a 2.98 ERA in eight starts since joining the rotation after two appearances out of the bullpen. He's pitched at least six innings seven times, including Sunday when he went exactly that many while allowing two runs in a 4-3 loss to the New York Mets. The right-hander's 104 pitches marked a season high.


Phelps hasn't faced the Rockies since giving up two runs in six innings of a 3-2 victory while with the New York Yankees on May 8, 2013. He'll attempt to slow Troy Tulowitzki, who is 13 for 24 with four homers over his last six to raise his average from .266 to .303.


Tulowitzki improved to 7 for 15 in his last four against the Marlins after finishing with three hits Friday. He had an RBI single in the sixth and scored on Nolan Arenado's sacrifice fly in the eighth following a rain delay of 1 hour, 55 minutes.


Colorado also dealt with nearly 2 1/2 hours of delays against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday.


"It's almost like every time we play at home it's always raining," Carlos Gonzalez said. "You're going to lose your momentum. Fans leave."


Miami activated catcher Jeff Mathis off the disabled list before the series opener. He hasn't played since fracturing his right ring finger April 12 against Tampa Bay, and it's unclear if he'll play in this contest.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Marlins at Rockies
Fri, Jun 5 Final 6 to 2
Boxscores


GAME 2
Marlins at Rockies
Sat, Jun 6 - 4:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Marlins at Rockies
Sun, Jun 7 - 4:10PM EDT

Preview: Rays (30-26) at Mariners (24-31)
Game: 3
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: June 06, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

Even if Felix Hernandez can bounce back from a second straight rough home performance and post another strong outing against the Tampa Bay Rays, it may not be enough to end the Seattle Mariners' losing streak given the way his teammates are swinging the bats.


While Hernandez again has a chance to become the majors' first nine-game winner, the Mariners look to avoid an eighth consecutive defeat Saturday night against the surging Tampa Bay Rays.


Closer Fernando Rodney allowed a ninth-inning homer to Logan Forsythe and his teammates wasted a leadoff triple from Austin Jackson in the bottom of the frame to fall 1-0 on Friday.


Seattle (24-31) has failed to score more than three runs in 10 straight contests and totaled two over the last three. Losers in eight of nine on an 11-game homestand, the Mariners have stranded 60 and batted .159 with runners in scoring position during those seven consecutive defeats.


As the boos from a frustrated fan base at Safeco Field grow louder, the Mariners are doing their best to remain upbeat while trying to avoid their first eight-game home skid since 2010.


"We can't point or blame anybody in here," second baseman Robinson Cano told MLB's official website. "You lose as a team, you win as a team. We have to stay positive and keep grinding."


Seattle should at least feel confident behind Hernandez (8-2, 2.63 ERA), who improved to 6-2 and dropped his ERA to 1.94 over 14 starts versus Tampa Bay after tossing a four-hitter during a 3-0 road victory May 27.


'What a performance,' manager Lloyd McClendon said after that contest. 'I don't know what to say.'


Hernandez has not yielded a run in three of his last four starts against the Rays (30-26), and none through 16 of the last two.


However, he must find a way to successfully move on from giving up season highs of seven runs and five walks over a season-low 4 2-3 innings in Monday's 7-2 home defeat to the New York Yankees.


'It was one of those days,' he said.


Hernandez posted a 1.20 ERA while winning his first four home starts but has a 9.28 while dropping the last two.


'He's human, I guess,' McClendon said.


Forsythe, 3 for 10 against Hernandez, set a career high with a seventh home run Friday.


Tampa Bay has won four straight and six of seven following a six-game slide.


"We're sticking with each other and coming out here every day trying to play hard," Forsythe said.


The only two runs Alex Colome (3-2, 5.05) allowed over 10 1-3 innings while going 1-0 over a two-start stretch came in 5 1-3 innings of a 7-6, 10-inning loss at Tampa Bay on May 26. The right-hander then followed by yielding five on three homers in six innings of Monday's 7-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.


"Missed three pitches," Colome summed things up after falling to 1-1 with a 6.28 ERA in three road starts.


Cano is 2 for 4 versus Colome, but batting .182 in his last 14 contests.


It's uncertain how much more patience McClendon will have with Rodney, who has a 9.00 ERA over his last 11 appearances.


Tampa Bay outfielder Joey Butler is 12 for 27 in the last seven games but went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts versus Hernandez last month.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Rays at Mariners
Thu, Jun 4 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Rays at Mariners
Fri, Jun 5 Final 1 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 3
Rays at Mariners
Sat, Jun 6 - 10:10PM EDT


GAME 4
Rays at Mariners
Sun, Jun 7 - 4:10PM EDT