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CAPPERS ACCESS

Padres(RL)
Cardinals
Yankees

MLB

National League
Diamondbacks @ Pirates
Hellickson is 0-3, 10.39 in his last four road starts; his last three starts overall went over the total.

Cole is 1-2, 5.51 in his last three starts; four of his lst five stayed under.

Pittsburgh won eight of last ten games (over 7-2-1). Pirates won five of last six games with Arizona; under is 3-0-1 in last four. D'backs lost three of last four games; four of their last six went over.

Marlins @ Brewers
Nicolino is 1-1, 4.86 in his three starts (over 2-1).

Garza is 2-2, 2.56 in his last five starts; three of his last four stayed under.

Marlins won four of last six games; seven of last nine went over- they lost seven of last ten games with Milwaukee (under 6-3-1). Brewers won three in a row-- four of their last five games stayed under.

Giants @ Cardinals
Heston is 0-2, 5.40 in his last three starts; his last five road starts went over.

Wacha is 3-0, 0.81 in his last three starts; his last four starts stayed under.

Giants won four of last five games with St Louis; five of last six in series went over total. SF won its last four games overall; five of last seven stayed under. Cardinals won eight of last 11 games; three of last four went over.

Braves @ Padres
Perez is 0-3, 8.35 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four on road.

Rea allowed three runs in five IP (75 PT) in his first MLB start.

Atlanta lost four of last six games; over is 6-4-1 in their last 11. Braves lost five of last seven games with San Diego- four of last five went over the total. Padres won four of last six games overall-- eight of their last 11 went over.

American League
A's @ Orioles
Gray missed last start (back spasms); he is 2-0, 0.72 in his last three starts; under is 6-0-1 in his last seven.

Tillman is 2-0, 2.08 in his last four starts; six of his last seven stayed under.

Oakland lost its last six games, allowing 48 runs. A's lost last four games with Baltimore, allowing 37 runs- ten of last 13 went over total. Orioles won five of last six home games- over is 6-4 in their last ten games overall.

Twins @ Bronx
Gibson is 0-3, 7.71 in his last five starts; under is 5-3-1 in his last nine.

Sabathia is 0-1, 2.25 in his last two starts; over is 6-4 in his last ten.

Minnesota lost five of last seven games with Bronx; seven of last eight in series went over. Twins won four of last six games overall, with last three staying under. Bronx won three of last four; four of their last five went under.

Indians @ Red Sox
Salazar is 2-0, 1.27 in his last three starts; his last four stayed under.

Barnes is making first MLB start; he has a 5.64 ERA in 22.1 IP of relief in the big leagues. He is 1-1, 4.17 in AAA this year (five starts).

Red Sox won five of last seven home games, scoring 74 runs; their last seven games overall went over. Cleveland lost three of last four games; four of their last five stayed under. Tribe won five of last seven vs Boston; five of those seven game stayed under the total.

Mariners @ Rangers
Walker is is 1-0, 2.42 in his last three starts; six of his last seven went over.

Hamels is 0-1, 5.93 in two starts with Texas; four of his last five went over.

Rangers lost seven of last eight games with Seattle; under is 7-3 in last ten series games. Texas won its last four games overall; four of their last five at home stayed under. Mariners are 4-3 in last seven games; four of their last five went over- they allowed 45 runs in last three games, in Boston.

Rays @ Astros
Ramirez is 1-1, 4.35 in his last five starts; four of his last six stayed under.

Former Ray Kazmir is 0-2, 3.32 in his last three starts (under 8-1 in last nine).

Tampa Bay lost last three games, allowing 22 runs; over is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Astros won three of last four games; six of their last eight stayed under total. Rays won seven of last eight games with Houston (under 6-1-1). .

White Sox @ Angels
Rodon is 2-2, 6.75 in his last five starts (over 5-3 in last eight).

Heaney is 5-1, 2.53 in his nine starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven at home.

White Sox won last four games with the Angels; home side won eight of last ten series games. Chicago won four of last six games; over is 7-4 in its last 11 games. Angels lost six of their last seven games; four of last six went under.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Az-Pitt-- Hellickson 10-12; Cole 16-7
Mia-Mil-- Nicolino 2-1; Garza 8-13
SF-StL-- Heston 14-9; Wacha 17-5
Atl-SD-- Perez 5-6 (0-4 last 4); Rea 1-0

A's-Balt-- Gray 15-8; Tillman 11-10
Min-NY-- Gibson 12-11; Sabathia 10-12
Cle-Bos-- Salazar 13-8; Barnes 0-0
Sea-Tex-- Walker 13-10; Hamels 10-12/0-2
TB-Hst-- Ramirez 12-6; Kazmir 10-12/2-2
Chi-LA-- Rodon 10-6; Heaney 7-2

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Az-Pitt-- Hellickson 8-22; Cole 7-23
Mia-Mil-- Nicolino 0-3; Garza 6-21
SF-StL-- Heston 3-23; Wacha 4-22
Atl-SD-- Perez 4-11; Rea 0-1

A's-Balt-- Gray 4-23; Tillman 4-21
Min-NY-- Gibson 5-23; Sabathia 7-22
Cle-Bos-- Salazar 6-21; Barnes 0-0
Sea-Tex-- Walker 6-23; Hamels 4-22
TB-Hst-- Ramirez 5-18; Kazmir 4-22
Chi-LA-- Rodon 5-16; Heaney 0-9

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Mohawk Racetrack

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 1 - Post: 7:25 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$70000 - ONTARIO SIRES STAKES - GOLD - 3 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS. STARTING FEE $800.00


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 DONT RUSH 5/2


# 3 MUSCLE UP THE GOAL 2/1


# 2 OLYMPIC SON 12/1

If you want a very good play in this event, feast your eyes on DONT RUSH. His 81 avg has this colt among the top TrackMaster Speed Ratings for this one. Many expert selectors will recognize the top notch speed figure in the last contest. Stacks up against any horse in this race. This solid standardbred could get the victory here beginning from the Mohawk Racetrack 5 post. MUSCLE UP THE GOAL - Been competing with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class edge. (Average Rating 82). This entrant will be greatly helped with Filion guiding. 20 percent winners over the last 30 days. OLYMPIC SON - This colt has been squaring off versus some of the most competitive horses in this grouping of late. This horse has a nose for the wire, just look at his better than average win percent.

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Tioga Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 10 - Post: 9:15 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 89 - Purse:$9300 - NON-WINNERS $6,250


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 EASTEND EDDIE 2/1


# 5 BETTORSLUCKYSTREAK 4/1


# 1 ELECTROFIRE 9/2


The consensus in this contest is that EASTEND EDDIE is the one to beat. Many selectors know speed is is such an important factor. This race horse has credentials with a 93 average rating. Could most definitely handle this grouping given the 89 TrackMaster Speed Rating achieved in his most recent race. This interesting entrant has been making trips to the winner's circle on a routine basis, look for him to make another showing soon. BETTORSLUCKYSTREAK - A really strong class horse shouldn't be be missed. With an avg class figure of 92 all signs look good for this one. Certainly did like this gelding's last race. Ran a big 89 TrackMaster Speed Rating. Major contender. ELECTROFIRE - Many race players will recognize the fantastic TrackMaster Speed Rating in the last race. Stacks up against any horse in this grouping.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mountaineer

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 8 - Allowance - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $18400 Class Rating: 80

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 17 ALLOWED 3 LBS. W V A RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 GRAND ELMENDORF 4/5


# 5 COED KATE 3/1


# 2 TOE TAPPIN FAST 8/1


I think GRAND ELMENDORF is a very good choice. Earnings per start in dirt route races is formidable for this animal. Has a strong shot here if you like back class. Has run well when moving a dirt route race. COED KATE - Have to bet on this money-making jock and trainer twosome. Looks strong to be up on the front end at the first call. TOE TAPPIN FAST - This horse has a very good win percent in dirt routes. Is tough not to look at based on Equibase Speed Figs which have been very good - 59 avg - of late.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Ruidoso

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 3 - Allowance - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $12900 Class Rating: 81

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR REGISTERED NEW MEXICO BRED THREE YEAR OLDS WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 122 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 TUSCAN REDD 2/1


# 6 RTS TOP GUN 5/2


# 1 SERGEANT AT ARMS 8/1


TUSCAN REDD looks to be a strong contender. Could best this group of horses in this race here, showing very strong figs of late. Has been moving solidly and has among the top speed in the race for today's distance. Earning some good money in short races. RTS TOP GUN - His chances to score are much better today facing this softer field. The winning percentage shown by horses entered by Munoz running at this distance are the top in this field. SERGEANT AT ARMS - Sound average Equibase Speed Figures in short races make this pony a solid choice. Will almost certainly go to the lead and could never look back.

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Presque Isle Downs - Race #5 - Post: 7:05pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,000 Class Rating: 74

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 PROM GOWN (ML=6/1)
#1 SCREAMING MIMI (ML=5/1)
#8 MAJESTIC GAL (ML=2/1)


PROM GOWN - My experience tells me to be on the alert for this racer in this affair SCREAMING MIMI - Good return on investment for this jock and trainer twosome. This mare is most likely the strongest closer in the bunch. Each one of this mare's recent finish positions has been progressively better. A pony coming back this soon after a solid outing is a good sign. Have to like the way Steffee has raced this mare back into shape off the layoff. Horse is well spotted in this sprint and I think she'll run well today. MAJESTIC GAL - Allen comes to ride after getting to know the filly in the last race. Girten drops her down to this level. You don't need too much more handicapping knowledge to think this animal should have a chance to win at this level. When this jock and handler unite you have to take a look. Allen and Girten have been terrific together.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 WITTY BIDDY (ML=5/2), #4 PLAY FOR PLAY (ML=7/2), #6 POWER OF GOLD (ML=8/1),

WITTY BIDDY - Can't wager on this mount in today's sprint of 6 1/2 furlongs. Hasn't even hit the board in a sprint event of late. PLAY FOR PLAY - In the last event this pony finished fourth. Doesn't look good for her chances today. Registered a pedestrian rating last out in a $12,500 Claiming race on Jul 28th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that fig. POWER OF GOLD - Usually I need a sprinter to have some recent good showings in short distance affairs in order to play her.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #5 PROM GOWN to win. Have to have odds of at least 9/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Delaware - Race #2 - Post: 1:45pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $17,000 Class Rating: 65

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 MISS MODELA (ML=6/1)
#9 FOREVER LILY (ML=15/1)


MISS MODELA - This filly is in top physical condition right now. Ended up third last time out and comes back rapidly. Rode this horse on Jul 28th and Felix is right back in the irons in today's contest. Nunn has an 'uncoupled' entry here. Best to be careful of the longer priced half. This one isn't the M/L choice, but finished ahead of today's M/L favorite in her last race (Jul 28th at Delaware). FOREVER LILY - When a sprinter is back in a race less than 10 days after her last outing, it generally means she's fit. I usually like playing sprinters who are 3-4 races into a come back. Taking a trip down the ladder based on class; has the capability to make her presence felt. A repeat of that latest race on August 10th where she earned a speed rating of 70 looks high enough to win in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 SOPHIA'S NIGHT (ML=4/1), #10 SMARTY MADDY (ML=5/1), #12 CATCHING UP (ML=5/1),

SOPHIA'S NIGHT - Didn't end up on the board on July 28th after the long layoff. Be doubtful of this animal this time out. Today's race is 5 furlongs. Hasn't hit the board in a sprint contest in the last 60 days. Not the best of signals. SMARTY MADDY - This racer just hasn't looked fit recently. This filly hasn't had any recent good results in short distance races. Tough to wager on her in this race. Somewhat easily forgotten speed rating last time around the track at Monmouth at 5 furlongs. Don't feel this vulnerable equine will improve too much in today's event. CATCHING UP - Just cannot wager on this pony. Didn't show me anything in the last race or on Jul 19th. Can't bet on this mount in today's sprint of 5 furlongs. Hasn't even finished in the money in a short distance event lately.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - MISS MODELA - My statistics say it usually takes a thoroughbred a couple of races after a layoff to get back into proper shape. That's just what we have here, so I have a good feeling for this horse.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 MISS MODELA is going to be the play if we are getting 3/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [7,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #9 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 5:18 PM EASTERN POST


The Saratoga Dew Stakes

9.0 FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#1 CARAMEAWAY
#4 SMITTEN BY GOLD
#10 HOT STONES
#6 TAHOE TIGRESS

#1 CARAMEAWAY qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in three of her last five outings, winning twice in this recent streak of racing consistency. Jockey Irad Ortiz was in her irons for those 3 board hit efforts, with the 2 wins producing a +533% return on investment in the process, and Ortiz is back today for another ride, gunning for a "Hat Trick Win!" #4 SMITTEN BY GOLD, an 8-1 shot has won 4 of 5 starts in her career to date racing at, or about, today's distance of 9.0 furlongs on the dirt.

Mohawk: Monday 8/17 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

6,7,9/3,6,7,10/3,8,9/3 = $36


LATE PICK 4: 3/2,4,5,6,8/2,4,5,6,8/7 = $25

MEET STATS: 225 - 747 / $1302.90 BEST BETS: 32 - 67 / $107.50

SPOT PLAYS: 8 - 66 / $66.90

Best Bet: WHERE ARE WE (7th)

Spot Play: BUTTERMILK HANOVER (4th)


Race 1

(5) DONT RUSH had a perfect tightener for this $70K Gold dash last week after missing almost a month's action. You only need to glance at his June 30th line to see what he's capable of with the bigger money on the line; top call. (3) MUSCLE UP THE GOAL showed nothing in a NW3L last week, but check out his two previous lines in OSS Gold company; beware. (4) MADMAN HALL has been a consistent check earner all year. He should be on the ticket here.

Race 2

(5) LUCK O THE IRISH has lowered his life's mark two weeks in a row and simply looks like the fastest horse in here. He is likely to be odds on, however. (1) BOLI has had gait issues recently but is fast enough to contend if he can stay flat. (2) GRONK finally broke his maiden last month and is on the improve. He could threaten here.

Race 3

(8) BAGS FOR ALL was claimed for a record-tying $75K from her last start by the leading trainer. The new barn will be looking for an immediate return; top call. (6) CATCH THE DREAM has faced a steady diet of Preferred foes lately and should find this group more to his liking. (5) WHEELIN N DEALIN had a good season's debut and isn't without a shot here.

Race 4

(6) BUTTERMILK HANOVER was wrangled to the back early last time and got so far back that she had no shot at the top prize. She can take these if put into the race earlier. (9) SOUTHWIND SHANIA made two moves and almost knocked off a big chalk last time out. She's the one to beat here. (7) ICTHELIGHT HANOVER failed first over as the big favorite at Georgian and now missed some time. She likely gets only a minor share here.

Race 5

(3) PENNIES FROM ABOVE motored home in :28 flat on a track rated two seconds slow last week to break her maiden, as expected. At this point she looks like she could be any kind and merits top call here. (7) SAFEKEEPING was an impressive debut winner last week, although aided by some easy fractions while leading throughout. She will need to find more late speed here to keep the choice at bay. (10) THISLADYISDYNAMITE is speedy, consistent and sure-gaited. She could offer some value from post 10 here. Don't dismiss lightly.

Race 6

(8) FORK has come back to life with the driver switch to Baillargeon and was an unlucky loser last week after uncorking a furious late rally; top call. (3) OLE JACK MAGIC, a former deep closer, has won two straight leading most of the way. He seems more dangerous with this new aggressive style; using. (9) DEWEYKEEPMNWHY takes a class drop and gets Jamieson back. He could pop at a big price here.

Race 7

(3) WHERE ARE WE had a solid debut at Clinton after starting from the worst post then passing horses in the much quicker back half. She looks solid here vs. a group that hasn't shown much to date. (4) GOOD WILL HANOVER debuts off a pair of decent qualifiers and this Big Jim filly should be heard from here. (6) GREEN LIGHT showed some improvement last time and can take a share here.

Race 8

(6) HLDONTGHTTOYURDRMS raced better last time although failing as favorite. If he can latch onto some cover here he can take this group. (2) ROCKYS FIRST is 0-for 2015 but has been competitive in classes similar to this one and should get a good trip near the front here. (4) BURNIN MONEY was an unlucky loser last time when shaded by one that got a great trip and slipped up the inside late. He's a factor here despite the rise in class.

Race 9

(2) SETANTA was asked for nothing last week and delivered the same. He is capable of a big rally on his best day and will be a good price here; upset special. (6) HEMI SEELSTER will get lots of play off his Goodtimes and Dream of Glory wins. He got great trips in both of those races, however, and isn't worth a win ticket if odds-on. (8) PLATOON SEELSTER flew home despite missing almost a month last time and is a sharp and dangerous foe.

Race 10

(7) SHOE SHINE faced some elders last time and wasn't disgraced. Back in with all sophomores here he should be prominent throughout; top call. (8) ABSOLUTLY OFFICIAL lacked room late last week whichlikely cost him placings. He's a threat, but has a habit of finding a way to come up short. (10) NEW MIRACLE roared up very late to get up last time at a big price. This will be tougher starting from farthest out, but he could hit the ticket at another big price. (9) RUSTYS OVERLOAD continues to race well and is likely for a check here but will probably be too far back to threaten for the top spot. (5) R J B broke while on the move last time. He had very good form heading into that race and could better this placing.

Yonkers: Monday 8/17 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

MEET STATS: 232 - 733 / $1306.90 BEST BETS: 31 - 58 / $107.10

Best Bet: LIGHTNING RADIER N (3rd)

Spot Play: KELLI RACHELLE (11th)


Race 1

(3) ONE AND ONLY was my best bet last out but was forced to tuck early and never fired; against better judgment I'm going to give him one more chance. (1) SHADIOS takes a big drop in class to a more reasonable level. (4) A STITCH IN TIME returns for Brandon Todd trying to get back on track.

Race 2

(6) UNCLE DAN was a solid winner here last month and he recently added hobbles with may help his breaking problems; worth a try here at a price. (2) RADICAL WAY has done nothing wrong in his brief career; he picks up Bartlett with Jeff Gregory opting elsewhere. (5) SWEET ROYALTY tries the half mile for the first time and he appears pretty well-mannered.

Race 3

(1) LIGHTNING RAIDER N was very aggressively handled last out by Vallee and paid the price dearly; tonight Sears hops aboard and he's in line for a much smoother trip. (3) BIG JER was hung to dry by the top choice after being looped; they can line up tonight and finish 1-2. (4) LISTOWEL should fit well at this level and looks best of the rest.

Race 4

(1) CASHUZ held gamely after being used hard in his Excelsior test last out at Batavia and the gelding looks to be getting better with each start; just hold your breath going around the first turn. (6) NONO LINDY was a good second to the top choice last out and he was second best locally last month. (7) DO WHAT YOU DREAM was racing well prior to his recent miscue; Carlson drives tonight.

Race 5

(3) WESTERN COLE has done nothing recently but he does drop in class, is capable of better and we saw barn mate Grand Master awaken in a similar scenerio last week. (4) SHOW ME UP charged home to beat these in last and he stays at the same level but there will be no value here. (6) RAGE N RYAN goes for a new barn and has been sharp for some time now.

Race 6

(3) CREDEVIE was a nice off-the-pace winner here last month and Smedshammer's NY breds have been going well this season. (4) CHARGIN CADET has good speed and is well-mannered for Ray Schnittker; good combo. (6) ALLERAGE ECHO returns to Sears in the sulky tonight and he looks for three straight, obviously much-improved from his dull performance here last month.

Race 7

(1) DAYSON is perfect in four starts in his brief career, including two back where he overcame a break to win easily. Clearly the one to beat from this spot. (2) REVE ROYALE was a going-away winner at Yonkers last month and he can give the top one a tussle at some point in the mile. (3) CUPID draws third best, looks third best on paper and can be third best on the track to complete a short trifecta.

Race 8

(3) CAVIART CHRISTA returns from Ontario where she was way overmatched in stakes action; two local efforts prior were good. (2) YOU CANBEANANGEL makes her second local start, gets post relief and can show more. (6) LITTLE JOKE jogged at 1/9 when last at this level versus a weak field.

Race 9

(2) STEUBEN PATRIOT finally gets needed post relief and I expect Stalbaum to get aggressive from this spot. (7) FASHION DELIGHT hasn't done much recently and is stuck outside, but he does get class relief and the leading driver in the bike. (4) VANCE BAYAMA passed tired ones last out for a small share but at least he went forward and he can build off that effort.

Race 10

(5) BATTLE CALL has raced well in his two starts since returning locally and he could be a decent price from this spot. (4) LONG LIVE ROCK is the best horse in here but he didn't really fire last out after taking plenty of money. (1) DON'T TELL WAYNE drops in class, draws best and should be included.

Race 11

(1) KELLI RACHELLE qualified nicely behind two solid aged rivals last week and the filly can be ready to roll from this spot. (4) BOSSERS JOY just missed versus this type two back and she should be forwardly placed tonight. (8) ALESSANA HANOVER has been very good in her last two starts and would rate higher if not for the tough post.

Race 12

(3) STRUT MY STUFF was a game third two back after an uncovered trip and she followed that up with a good effort in stakes action up at Tioga; gets the upset call over (1) IDEAL NUGGETS. The latter was overbet when last here locally but did prevail on the front end; she looks for three straight and five of six. (6) YES YOU CAN probably thinks “no I can't” but she can loom for a minor share.

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Delaware Park (2nd) Sophia's Night, 4-1
(3rd) Avery's Parade, 6-1


Finger Lakes (6th) Trumpet Man, 4-1
(7th) Green Diamond Cat, 4-1


Mountaineer (4th) Grosso, 5-1
(9th) Uncle Ang, 8-1

Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Rock in Bage, 3-1
(6th) Hank'ster, 3-1


Saratoga (7th) Fair Advantage, 5-1
(8th) Forever for Always, 10-1


Thistledown (4th) Lotto Cat, 7-2
(7th) Maybe Lily, 4-1

MLB Preview: Diamondbacks (57-59) at Pirates (69-46)

Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: August 17, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Win No. 15 has been hard to come by for Gerrit Cole, in part because of the defense behind him but also due to a dip in command.

The Pittsburgh ace takes his fourth shot at the MLB-leading victory Monday night against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks as the Pirates try for a fifth straight win overall and at home.

Cole (14-6, 2.48 ERA) hasn't gone more than six innings in three August starts while posting a 0-2 record and 4.41 ERA after going at least seven in his previous four. He has six walks and a hit batter in 16 1-3 innings this month after issuing three walks and three hit batters in his previous 36 2-3. In Wednesday's 4-2 loss in St. Louis, the right-hander gave up at least four runs for the second time this season - three of which were earned - and seven hits in 5 1-3 innings.

"Fastball location was sub-par," said Cole, but his manager provided some cover.

"He's had four outings in a row where we haven't defended the ball very well behind him," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Runs have been tainted throughout his outings. He pitched well. He deserved better."

Cole has been rewarded against Arizona, winning both of his career starts with a 1.98 ERA, though former NL Central foe Welington Castillo is 4 for 11 against him.

He's gone four starts without a victory one other time in his career - April 15-May 2, 2014.

Contrary to Cole, Jeremy Hellickson is coming off some of his best command of the season. Hellickson (8-8, 4.73) gave up an unearned run and seven hits in eight innings of Tuesday's 13-1 home win over Philadelphia, lasting at least eight innings for the first time in 56 starts since May 22, 2013. The right-hander, though, is 0-4 with an 8.67 ERA in his last six road starts.

Home venue didn't help him on April 26 against the Pirates as he surrendered four runs and seven hits in 4 2-3 innings of an 8-0 loss.

The Pirates (69-46) swept that three-game set in Arizona to improve to 7-3 in the series since the start of last season. Cole and the staff limited the Diamondbacks to two runs and a .189 average in the series.

Their latest three-game sweep was completed with Sunday's 8-1 win at the New York Mets to cap a 4-2 road trip, and they return to an MLB-best 15-3 home mark dating to July 4.

Aramis Ramirez was 4 for 5 with three RBIs in the finale against the Mets and is batting .375 his last 10 games.

The bullpen has also done its part with 11 1-3 scoreless innings over the last two games. Since surrendering seven runs on July 30, Pittsburgh relievers have allowed more than a run once with a 1.46 ERA over the 14-game span. The group was last charged with a loss on June 25, going 16-0 since for the major's longest run of positive bullpen decisions on record since 1914.

"They stay ready, always looking for opportunities to help, to pick the last guy up," Hurdle said.

The Diamondbacks (57-59) fell 2-1 in 10 innings Sunday in Atlanta while managing just three hits after Shelby Miller carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning. David Peralta had one and is batting .459 with 20 RBIs in his last 18 games. He's hitting .335 in the cleanup spot and .262 everywhere else to provide fine protection for third hitter Paul Goldschmidt.

"He's the guy, but he can't do everything," Peralta told MLB's official website. "That's why we're a team. The team's not about one person; it's about everybody. We're trying to help each other."

Preview: Twins (59-58) at Yankees (64-52)

Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: August 17, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Kyle Gibson hasn't been the same since winning four straight starts heading into the All-Star break, and the New York Yankees probably aren't the team to reestablish himself against.

The right-hander's career ERA against the AL East leaders is worse than any other team, so his skid could continue Monday night as the Minnesota Twins begin their longest road trip of the year.

After seeing his season ERA dip to an impressive 2.85 during his winning streak, Gibson (8-9, 3.75 ERA) has gone 0-3 with a 7.39 mark in his last five outings, though he limited Texas to two runs with seven strikeouts in six innings of Tuesday's 3-2 win.

"It was nice to actually do my job today and give the team a chance to win," Gibson told MLB's official website. "It's been too many starts in the second half where I haven't given the team a chance."

His second start after the break came in a 7-2 home loss to the Yankees on July 26 after giving up six runs in 5 1-3 innings.

That's been the norm as Gibson has yielded at least six runs in three of his four starts against New York for a 1-3 record and 10.70 ERA. Brett Gardner is 3 for 4 with a triple and a double in the matchup and Chase Headley is 2 for 3 with a home run.

The Twins could keep up with that kind of pace considering how they've hit CC Sabathia in his last two matchups. Sabathia (4-9, 5.23) gave up five runs in 5 2-3 innings of an 8-5 win July 25 and has allowed 13 runs - eight earned - and 14 hits in 9 2-3 over the 0-1 span.

Aaron Hicks is 3 for 7 with two home runs off the left-hander, but Joe Mauer is 7 for 41 with 16 strikeouts.

Like Gibson, Sabathia is winless in five starts since the break, though the 0-1 record comes with a 4.40 ERA that's been an improvement on the rest of his season. Sabathia has limited opponents to three runs in 12 innings over his last two starts.

Much of the early season mess happened at home, where Sabathia is 2-3 with a 6.13 ERA. However, he's gone 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 17 1-3 innings of his last three outings in the Bronx, with the Yankees winning all of them.

After completing a 3-3 road trip, the Yankees (64-52) confront a three-game home skid. Sunday's 3-1 loss to Toronto denied them a three-game sweep of the team that trails them by a half game in the AL East.

"We're happy," said right fielder Carlos Beltran, who lost a flyball in the sun with two outs and no one on in the third inning, leading to all of the Blue Jays' runs. "We won the series, it's important."

Jacoby Ellsbury homered and has gone 7 for 18 in his last four games, but the center fielder is 2 for 20 in his past five at Yankee Stadium. Alex Rodriguez is hitting .091 in his last eight overall.

The Twins (59-58) haven't lost any of their three series at Yankee Stadium since the start of 2012 and have taken four of the past five meetings there.

Sunday's 4-1 win over Cleveland concluded a 4-2 homestand before they embarked on a 10-game road swing.

"We got a tough trip coming up," manager Paul Molitor said. "We just gotta keep fighting."

Brian Dozier will try to break from a .136 slump over his last six games, but he's a .172 hitter in six at Yankee Stadium.

Preview: Athletics (51-68) at Orioles (60-56)

Game: 4
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: August 17, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Baltimore Orioles have thus far dodged Sonny Gray, and the results have been as one might expect for a playoff contender against a last-place team with an ailing ace.

The playing field will likely even some Monday night at Camden Yards with Gray expected to start as the Oakland Athletics attempt to avoid a four-game sweep following an embarrassing loss.

Gray (12-4, 2.06 ERA) missed his scheduled start Thursday in Toronto because of back spasms but threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Saturday without issue, so a Tuesday matchup against Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is now off the table.

"We want to get Sonny out there as soon as we can," A's manager Bob Melvin told MLB's official website. "He would love to pitch against Kershaw, and that was quite the potential marquee matchup, but he wants to be out there for his team as soon as he can."

The right-hander's last three starts make it easy to understand why Melvin won't delay with Gray winning twice with two complete games and a 0.72 ERA. He's also 6-0 with a 1.05 ERA in his last seven road starts.

Gray, however, is 1-2 with a 7.04 ERA in three starts against the Orioles - none this year - with both losses coming at Camden. Adam Jones is 3 for 8 with a home run against the Cy Young contender, while J.J. Hardy and Manny Machado are both 2 for 6.

He won't have a limited pitch count, and the A's (51-68) certainly want him to go deep after Sunday's 18-2 loss in which starter Kendall Graveman lasted just 3 1-3 innings. Baltimore had 26 hits to tie the franchise record and improved to 5-1 in the season series, averaging 7.7 runs while batting .333.

After dipping three games under .500 on July 24, the Orioles (60-56) are 14-7 and scoring 5.3 runs per game.

Gerardo Parra recorded his third career five-hit game Sunday and is 9 for 15 in this series with homers in the last two. Jones homered twice and is batting .400 with five home runs in his last six. Eight of his 22 home runs for the season have come in his last 13 games at Camden.

Chris Tillman (8-7, 4.66) has often benefited from such run support and hasn't lost since May 31, going 6-0 with a 3.57 ERA in 11 starts. He was lucky for that streak to remain alive after his last start.

The right-hander served up five runs and eight hits in 2 1-3 innings of a 6-5 loss in Seattle on Tuesday after holding his previous three opponents to one run in 23 2-3 innings. It was his first start since July 29 because of a sprained ankle, but he didn't use it or being hit on the right triceps by a liner as an excuse.

"Physically, I felt good," Tillman said. "I just was not making good pitches."

He's also squeezed through the cracks in the season series, but he's 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA in four career starts against Oakland. Coco Crisp (1 for 8) and Billy Butler (2 for 14) have struggled with Tillman, and Josh Reddick, Eric Sogard and Stephen Vogt are all 0 for 5.

Oakland has lost seven straight on the road, including the first six of its seven-game trip. It last dropped seven in a row overall and eight straight on the road on the same eight-game losing streak in 2008.

Baltimore's Matt Wieters has missed four straight games with a strained hamstring. If he doesn't show improvement Monday, he could land on the disabled list.

Preview: Indians (54-62) at Red Sox (52-65)

Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: August 17, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Danny Salazar hadn't put together more than two straight quality starts prior to the All-Star break before his current hot stretch helped bring his ERA to its lowest point since April.

He might be running into the Boston Red Sox at the wrong time, though.

The Cleveland Indians right-hander looks to cool Boston's surging offense in the opener of a three-game series Monday night at Fenway Park.

Salazar (10-6, 3.26 ERA) ranks among the major league leaders in strikeouts per nine innings at 10.24, but he'd had some trouble with consistency until recently.

His ERA is his best since it was 2.08 following his second start after improving to 2-0 with a 0.84 ERA over his last three with eight strikeouts over 7 1-3 innings of Wednesday's 2-1 win against the New York Yankees.

Salazar has a 1.48 ERA while holding opponents to a .144 batting average during a stretch of six straight quality starts.

"The Yankees and Boston were the teams that everybody followed in the Dominican Republic, so I was nervous to go against (the Yankees for the first time)," Salazar said. "They're a really good team and have a lot of really good hitters. I respect them."

The 25-year-old now gets his first chance to face the Red Sox (52-65), who registered 60 hits against Seattle over the weekend. They rallied from a 7-0 deficit Sunday to tie it in the ninth before falling 10-8 in 12 innings.

Torey Lovullo, managing his third game since John Farrell was diagnosed with lymphoma, decided not to pinch-run for David Ortiz with him on second base in the ninth. Ortiz was thrown out at the plate trying to score the winning run.

Brock Holt and Travis Shaw had three hits apiece and Xander Bogaerts homered while driving in three runs.

Boston's 45 runs in the series were the most in a three-game set since the Mariners scored 47 against Toronto from April 14-16, 2000. The Red Sox's 51 runs in their last four games are the most in such a stretch since they had 54 from Sept. 4-7, 2013.

Staying hot could be difficult against the Indians, whose starters have a 2.70 ERA while allowing two runs or fewer in six of their last seven.

Matt Barnes (3-2, 5.64) has been recalled from the minors to make his first major league start for Boston in place of Steven Wright, who is on the seven-day concussion list after being struck with a ball during batting practice last week.

The right-hander has made 21 relief appearances this season for the Red Sox.

"We've asked a lot of him," Lovullo told MLB's official website. "His last start (for Triple-A Pawtucket), the word we got from player development that it was aggressive. He was throwing a lot of his pitches in the zone and doing a good job."

The Indians (54-62) have dropped three of four after Sunday's 4-1 loss to Minnesota. Abraham Almonte drove in the lone run with a sacrifice fly in the second inning.

Jason Kipnis hasn't played since Aug. 1 because of right shoulder inflammation, but manager Terry Francona said he could be activated from the disabled list for this contest. Michael Brantley, who missed the Twins series with a left shoulder issue, could be available to serve as DH.

The status of infielder Chris Johnson remains unclear after he sat out the last two games because of an infection he suspects was caused by an insect bite on his hand. He went to a Minnesota hospital and was given antibiotics.

Preview: Giants (64-53) at Cardinals (75-42)

Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: August 17, 2015 8:15 PM EDT

The San Francisco Giants defeated St. Louis in last year's NLCS en route to another World Series title, and they could use more wins over the Cardinals to boost their chances of making this postseason.

Within striking distance in the NL West and wild card, the Giants are in the midst of a challenging slate that includes six matchups against the team with the best record in the majors. They'll also have to face a likely motivated Michael Wacha in the first of those Monday night.

San Francisco took five games to dispatch St. Louis before claiming its third championship in five seasons but has some work to do to make this year's playoffs. The Giants (64-53) trail the Los Angeles Dodgers by 2 1/2 games in their division and have a 3 1/2-game deficit in the wild card to the Chicago Cubs.

San Francisco started a 26-game stretch against playoff contenders by losing their slim wild-card lead in a four-game sweep at the Chicago Cubs from Aug. 6-9. The Giants rebounded by going 5-1 at home against AL West-leading Houston and Washington, completing a four-game sweep of the latter with a 5-0 victory Sunday.

"I really thought this homestand was critical for us, coming off a road trip where you get swept in a four-game series," manager Bruce Bochy said. "We really clicked everywhere in this series."

San Francisco will next embark on a seven-game road trip against teams with the NL's best two records, St. Louis (75-42) and Pittsburgh (69-46). The Giants will then return home to face the Cubs and Cardinals, winners in eight of 11.

In its first matchup with St. Louis since the NLCS, San Francisco has the added challenge of taking on a team that's produced one of its best home records in franchise history (44-18). St. Louis will also send out one of the MLB's co-leaders in victories in Wacha (14-4, 2.93 ERA).

The right-hander has allowed two runs in 20 innings while winning his last three starts and outdueled another 14-game winner, Pittsburgh's Gerrit Cole, in a 4-2 victory Wednesday.

He could become the majors' first 15-game winner Monday depending on how Cole performs against Arizona.

Wacha will face the Giants for the first time since giving up Travis Ishikawa's pennant-clinching homer in the ninth inning in Game 5. Wacha pitched six innings in a 2-0 win at Busch Stadium in his only start against San Francisco on May 31, 2014.

Chris Heston (11-7, 3.38) will seek his first victory this month in his first appearance against St. Louis. The right-hander is 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in his three starts in August, yielding one run over 6 1-3 innings in a 2-0 loss to Houston on Wednesday.

Heston has allowed a combined eight runs in 8 2-3 innings in two road starts this month.

Randal Grichuk's status for St. Louis is unknown because of right elbow tightness, and the outfielder is scheduled to have an MRI on Monday.

"We're not going to get too far ahead of this," manager Mike Matheny said. "We'll let the tests dictate how far we need to look into the future."

Grichuk is batting .324 with eight homers, 20 RBIs and a 1.025 OPS in his last 28 games.

Preview: Mariners (55-63) at Rangers (59-57)

Game: 1
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: August 17, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

Cole Hamels' tenure with the Texas Rangers has gotten off to a rocky start, something he's not very proud of considering the bold move the club made to acquire him at the trade deadline.

That hasn't stopped the Rangers from gaining ground in the playoff race.

Texas looks to win eight in a row at home for the first time in more than four years as Hamels takes the mound against the Seattle Mariners on Monday night.

The Rangers (59-57) acquired Hamels in an eight-player trade with Philadelphia on July 31, but they've lost both of his starts as the left-hander has allowed nine runs and 16 hits in 13 2-3 innings.

Hamels, 6-8 with a 3.86 ERA in 22 starts this season, was scheduled to pitch Thursday against Minnesota but was scratched because of a groin issue he suffered against Seattle on Aug. 7.

He threw a regular bullpen session Friday.

"It was nice to get on the mound again," Hamels told MLB's official website. "To have something like this with a new team, it's not what you want. You want to come in with guns blazing and throwing shutouts like a couple of guys are doing on their new team. I'd like to be doing that, but it is better to be smart."

Hamels has allowed five home runs since the trade after surrendering that amount over his final 17 outings with the Phillies. Three came off the bats of former Ranger Nelson Cruz, Robinson Cano and Mark Trumbo 10 days ago.

Despite Hamels' struggles, Texas has gone 12-5 in its last 17 and trails Baltimore and Los Angeles in a tight race for the second wild card. Adrian Beltre and Ryan Strausborger homered in a 5-3 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday, putting the Rangers on the brink of winning five straight for the first time since a season-best seven-game run May 20-26.

Texas is seeking its first eight-game home win streak since taking nine straight July 4-23, 2011, but Seattle (55-63) has won seven of nine meetings this season, including a three-game sweep in Arlington from April 27-29.

Cruz is batting .459 with five home runs, a triple and two doubles against Texas this year. He hit his major league-high 36th homer and Cano added a two-run shot among his five hits in Sunday's 10-8, 12-inning win over Boston.

Franklin Gutierrez homered twice for the Mariners, who salvaged the series' final game after the Red Sox outscored them 37-11 in the first two. They'll send Taijuan Walker (8-7, 4.60 ERA) to the mound in this contest as he looks to continue his solid run.

Walker is 1-0 with a 2.42 ERA over his last three starts after going six innings in Tuesday's 6-5, 10-inning win over Baltimore. The 23-year-old has been much better since a conversation with then-Detroit starter David Price after a rough outing against the Tigers on July 21.

Price told Walker to throw more breaking pitches rather than just relying on his fastball and changeup.

"Once I started doing that, I am getting a lot more swings and misses on my changeup," Walker said. "I was getting a lot more takes on my fastball. After I showed that I could throw my curveball for strikes, that was another pitch they had to look for."

The right-hander had the Rangers guessing April 27, allowing an unearned run in seven innings of a 3-1 victory in his only career start against them.

Preview: Marlins (47-70) at Brewers (51-68)

Game: 1
Venue: Miller Park
Date: August 17, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Matt Garza is having his worst season since his rookie year for the last-place Milwaukee Brewers, who have undergone changes on the bench and in the front office in response to the club's overall disappointing play.

There have been some positives recently, though, and Garza takes the hill looking to help guide Milwaukee to a season high-tying fifth straight home win when he faces the Miami Marlins on Monday night.

Garza (6-12, 4.82 ERA) hasn't finished with an ERA worse than his current mark since finishing at 5.76 after 10 late-season appearances with Minnesota in 2006. The only other time he's lost 12 games was in 2009 with Tampa Bay.

The right-hander has been solid lately, however, going 2-2 with a 2.56 ERA over his last five starts to drop his ERA to its lowest mark since it was 4.80 after beating Washington on June 11. He's allowed three runs and five hits while pitching seven innings in back-to-back outings.

Garza went that distance just twice over his first 19 starts. He'll look to help the Brewers (51-68) stay hot after they completed a three-game sweep of Philadelphia with Sunday's 6-1 win.

Milwaukee set its season high of five straight home wins from July 8-21, ending that stretch with its last four-game winning streak.

The Brewers, 44-50 since manager Craig Counsell replaced Ron Roenicke on May 3, bounced back after losing their first two following general manager Doug Melvin stepping down Tuesday.

Ryan Braun passed Robin Yount as the franchise's home run leader at 251 with a grand slam in the fifth.

"Robin is obviously the greatest player in franchise history. Played here for 20 years, accomplished some amazing things," said Braun, who went hitless in his 10 other at-bats in the series. "Any time you are mentioned alongside his name, it's definitely a special accomplishment."

The Marlins (47-70), whose 19 road wins are tied with the Phillies for the fewest in the majors, have gone through their own difficulties. General manager Dan Jennings assumed managerial duties after Mike Redmond was fired in mid-May, and Giancarlo Stanton hasn't played since June 27 because of a left wrist fracture.

Miami lost 15 of its previous 20 before salvaging the finale of a three-game series against St. Louis with Sunday's 6-4 win. Dee Gordon went 3 for 5 and is hitting .407 over his last six, and Derek Dietrich hit a bases-loaded triple in the fifth while finishing with two hits.

"I was just trying to have quality at-bats with guys on base, said Dietrich, who hit .105 over his previous six. "Hopefully, I can just keep that going."

Justin Nicolino looks to help the Marlins win for just the third time in their last 11 road games. Nicolino (1-1, 4.86) was sent to the minors at the end of June after making his first two major league starts, then was recalled after Jose Fernandez went back on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right biceps last week.

The left-hander gave up four runs in 5 2-3 innings of a 5-4, 10-inning win over Boston in his first start back Tuesday.

"For me, every day is a learning process," Nicolino said. "Whatever I can do to get better and take it out there every five days, that's what I want to do."