Tuesday 8/18/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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Jim Feist's Bonus Play for Tuesday, August 18

(903) MIAMI MARLINS VS (904) MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Take: over the total.

Reason: Your Bonus Play Tuesday, August 18, 2015 is in the MLB contest between the Marlins and the Brewers in Milwaukee. Milwaukee is a small park, great for hitting home runs, and the Marlins are in town on a 4-1 run over the total, as well as 12-3 over on grass. Miami starter Adam Conley (5.00 ERA) is not used to starting, off a game allowing 8 hits and 4 runs in 4+ innings, a 14-6 win over Boston. The over is 11-1 in the Marlins last 12 games vs. a right-handed starter and they face righty Tyler Cravy (0-4, 5.92 ERA), who is struggling. He has walked 10 in 24 innings while allowing 27 hits (.293). Play the Marlins/Brewers over the total.

MARC LAWRENCE

Play - New York Mets w/DeGrom.

Edges - Mets: Jacob DeGrom 1.49 ERA last eight overall starts, and 50 strikeouts and 8 walks last six overall starts. Orioles: Kevin Gausman 2-5 with 4.57 ERA last seven overall team starts, and 2-4 team starts at night this season. With New York 14-5 the last nineteen games in this series, we recommend a 1* play on the Mets. Thank you and good luck as always,

WNBA Betting Recap - 8/10-8/16
By Joe Williams

League Betting Notes (from Monday, Aug. 10 through Sunday, Aug. 16)

-- Favorites went 10-5 straight up
-- Favorites went 8-7 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 8-7 SU record
-- Home teams posted a 8-7 ATS record
-- The 'over' went 8-7

Team Betting Notes

-- San Antonio (7-18) lost for the second straight game, and sixth time in seven outings. However, they are still a very respectable 8-3 ATS over their past 11 outings.

-- Seattle (7-19) picked up a victory and cover against San Antonio. It is their first win in three tries against the Stars, and they covered for the second time in three outings.

-- Washington (14-9) picked up a straight-up win (ML +155) despite being short dogs at home. The Mystics are 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS when they're an underdog.

-- Atlanta (9-15) took care of business at home as a favorite, topping Connecticut (12-12). The Dream have now covered three in a row, tying a season high. They have yet to cover four straight, and look to change that in a trip to New York (16-7) Friday in Manhattan.

-- Phoenix (15-9) was surprised at home Sunday by Indiana (14-9), who finished the week unbeaten at 2-0 SU/ATS. The Mercury have dropped two of their past three games, and are just 3-9 ATS over their past 12 games.

-- The Fever continue to turn up the intensity, covering for the sixth time in the past seven games after starting the season 5-10-1 ATS in their past 16 games. After a four-game 'over' streak, the 'under' has hit in the past two for Indiana.

-- Los Angeles (8-16) put the brakes on a two-game losing streak and non-cover streak with a win over Chicago (15-11). The Sparks have had the 'under' connect in four of the past five outings.

-- Tulsa (11-14) picked up a surprise win in New York to snap a 10-game losing streak. The Shock is also just 2-8-1 ATS over the past 11 contests. One thing you can count on from the Shock is the 'over', which has hit in five of the past six games.

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

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


Race 13 - Post: 10:06 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$12000 - 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS COLTS, STALLIONS & GELDINGS NW 1 EXT. PM RACE LIFETIME PA PREFERENCE MOHEGAN SUN POCONO DRIVER`S CHOICES: GEORGE NAPOLITANO #7 OVER #3 ANDY MCCARTHY #8 OVER #6 NO.1 REALLY LIVING - 1ST TIME LASIX


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 7 MR FANTASY 3/1


# 3 OLD MAN CLEARY 7/2


# 8 SHAGUAR 4/1


If you want a really good play in this contest, feast your eyes on MR FANTASY. This horse looks dangerous. Take a good look at the 81 avg TrackMaster Speed Rating. The consortium gives this race horse a really good chance to come home a winner, class statistics are tops in the group of horses. Could clearly better this group of horses given the 71 speed rating achieved in his most recent race. OLD MAN CLEARY - This gelding has room to improve, especially with second time Lasix. Could be considered in this contest if only for the respectable TrackMaster Speed Rating recorded in the last race. SHAGUAR - Cannot put a finger on it, but strongly consider this gelding for a wager.

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Scioto Downs

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


Race 3 - Post: 2:40 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 75 - Purse:$8000 - FILLIES & MARES NON WINNERS OF 4 PMRLT TO BE CLAIMED FOR $17,500


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 CAVIART CATERINA 5/2


# 2 PAIGE MOON DANCER 8/1


# 8 GIA DIAMOND 4/1


CAVIART CATERINA is the clear stand out bet in the eyes of the wagering panel. Can't overlook based on speed ratings which have been fantastic (74 avg) of late. Could beat this field of horses, just look at the TrackMaster Speed Rating - 75 - from her most recent outing. With superior win figures, Sutton should have this filly in excellent position to win the outing. PAIGE MOON DANCER - Take a look at this solid standardbred's average speed statistic of 74 and compare to today's class rating. Looks like a really strong bet. This mare has been competing against some of the most competitive company in this bunch lately. GIA DIAMOND - The 76 avg class rating may give this filly a distinct edge in the bunch. Talk about a dynamic duo, Page and Hinchcliff have some of the best driver-handler figures at the track.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

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


Race 3 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 70

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES SINCE JULY 18 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 KATMANSTU 5/2


# 6 MY HOMETOWN BOY 6/1


# 5 ELECTRIC CURRENCY 8/5


KATMANSTU is the most competitive wager in this race. Has to be given consideration here on the basis of the numbers in the speed department alone. Might see a different animal here with the blinkers change. Rodriguez should be able to get this gelding to break out early in this event. MY HOMETOWN BOY - Could beat this field given the 60 speed rating recorded in his last outing. ELECTRIC CURRENCY - With a sound 64 average speed fig at the distance, seems well suited for today's race. Looks competitive versus this group of horses and should be one of the early speedsters.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fairmont Park

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


Race 4 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $5000 Class Rating: 75

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JULY 18, 2014 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,200.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 TIZAWISH 10/1


# 4 RIVRAV 5/2


# 3 BELLODINI 8/5


TIZAWISH supports the bet in here particularly if the morning line of 10/1 holds. Should come out very solid - I have liked the way this gelding has moved swiftly to the front end recently. Randazzo is serious with this one, wheeling him right back. Recently Randazzo has provided investors with a very good winning percentage with horses running in dirt sprint races. RIVRAV - In this field, this horse is prominent in earnings per start in dirt sprint contests. Trainers don't bring horses back this quickly without any reason. BELLODINI - He has been running very well as of late while recording strong Equibase Speed Figs. This gelding gets a boost with Santiago in the irons.

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Delaware - Race #1 - Post: 1:15pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,000 Class Rating: 74

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 SPARE THE KID (ML=8/1)


SPARE THE KID - Taking this jockey/trainer combination is a good decision. This gelding has been trying different distances, but from the looks of things, he ran a nice speed rating last try at this distance. This gelding usually does his best running late. Look for him far back early in the race and finishing strongly on the tiring speed horses.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 AMERICAN GOODS (ML=9/5), #3 OUR BERNIE (ML=5/2), #5 CATULAR (ML=7/2),

AMERICAN GOODS - Improbable that the speed fig he earned on August 3rd will hold up in this race. OUR BERNIE - The eighth place finish position in the last race was not the greatest. This gelding recorded a speed figure in his last event which probably isn't good enough in today's event. CATULAR - I find it hard to play any mount in a sprint affair if he hasn't finished in the money in a sprint in the last couple of months.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #2 SPARE THE KID to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Presque Isle Downs - Race #8 - Post: 8:20pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,000 Class Rating: 84

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 MISS TWINKLE TOES (ML=6/1)
#6 SHE'S A CORKER (ML=3/1)


MISS TWINKLE TOES - She has the top EPS (earnings per start). Check out this horse. SHE'S A CORKER - She keeps getting closer at the finish with each and every start. Have to give this filly a shot. Ran a nice effort in the last race within the last month. Just view her last speed fig, 75. That one fits well in this bunch.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 BLACK JACK GIRL (ML=4/1), #4 TOUR FOR LOVE (ML=9/2), #1 MISS CONCEPTION (ML=5/1),

BLACK JACK GIRL - Hasn't been getting close at all recently. TOUR FOR LOVE - Not probable that this equine will finish better than she did last time when placing fourth. MISS CONCEPTION - Hard to play a mount that cannot even score one time in her last ten races. Hard to put your dough on the win end of any horse that finishes second and third as frequently as this participant does. Hard to recommend this one out of the one slot. Hasn't run well out of there.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - MISS TWINKLE TOES - Back in my statistics class, I did a study of how key only speed is and the pct of winners that demonstrated this profile. The percent was very high and this thoroughbred shows the potential for lone pace.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#2 MISS TWINKLE TOES is going to be the play if we are getting 2/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

Mohawk: Tuesday 8/18 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

1,3,9/1,5,8/2,3,7,8/1 = $36


LATE PICK 4: 1,2,3/1,3,4,6,8/2,3/6 = $30

MEET STATS: 227 - 759 / $1311.30 BEST BETS: 32 - 68 / $107.50

SPOT PLAYS: 8 - 66 / $66.90

Best Bet: WAZZUP WAZZUP (3rd)

Spot Play: VAL AMERICA (6th)


Race 1

(4) AMITYVILLE LINDY was competitive in the spring in the Tie Silk series then laid up. Trainer Bax didn't ask him for too much in his qualifier but it should be enough to have him ready vs. a questionable group of maidens; top call off the shelf. (8) STILLWATER has shown the speed to win this and ships in looking sharp. He's the one to beat. (1) P L ICABOD chased a fast pace in his season's debut then broke last time out before the start. He has an upset chance if he stays flat as many young Kadabras improve dramatically with little notice.

Race 2

(2) KAMIKAZE LINDY was qualified twice by leading driver Filion who chose this one over another. I'm not a huge believer in 'driver choice' as a handicapping factor, but, Filion has been so hot at this meet it's hard to ignore here. (5) TRUMPETS has gone two solid overland trips to finish 2nd in her first two starts and gets a good spot on the gate from which to dictate her own fate early. She's the one to fend off. (8) MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY was gifted some very soft fractions last time but couldn't hold off the pocket-sitter. She is starting to get the look of a professional maiden.

Race 3

(3) WAZZUP WAZZUP, The King of the Drop and Pop, takes a massive class plunge here. Enough said; top call. (7) ROCK ME AMASTREOS should be able to clear early here but will likely come under early assault from the choice. He could hang around for a good share regardless. (4) URBANITE HANOVER seemed to have trouble catching his cover last week and only got up very late for 2nd after the race winner blew by him down the lane. Minor share predicted.

Race 4

(9) I SCOOT SAM paced his own back 1/2 in :53 3/5 last week and looks solid here vs. a mixed bag of company. He will likely be heavily-bet and needs to pass most of the field to get the job done. We'll use him in the pick 4 but his racing style makes him hard to single. (3) DERBY DYLAN was claimed out of a winning effort at Grand River last Wednesday by conditioner Johnson who does well with these types; using. (1) INTRIGUED INTENDED picks up white-hot Filion and has tactical speed which is often a lethal combo; using.

Race 5

(5) MASS RAIL powered home last time and was an unlucky loser to the pocket-sitter who parlayed a perfect trip and surged very late. This filly will be tough to beat here if she stays trotting. (1) MYLITTLESTARSHINE sat a perfect trip behind slow fractions and powered by late. She could get a similar dreamy trip here; beware. (8) ROSES IN THE RAIN blew up the tote board last week in a Grassroots event and her good late speed should be respected.

Race 6

(3) VAL AMERICA and several others were paced off their feet last week by a dominating winner that paced a huge mile for the class. This veteran still passed 1/2 the field late and should get a much better set-up here. (8) GENESSEE switched barns from a trainer with a 0% strike rate this year and was a winner immediately. He's sharp and will be tough here. (7) WHO DEY rode the inside and closed late to beat the choice who was on bad cover on the last turn. Throw this one on your early pick 4 tickets.

Race 7

To date, (1) RENEGADE MAGIC either wins or breaks stride. She looks tough here from the rail but consider the record so far: 8 starts, 4 wins, 4 breaks. (2) HURRICANE HAZEL has been sharp in her past 3 starts and displayed good closing speed in all of them. She's the one to fend off. (3) HAPE was on a good roll coming up to last week's start then self-destructed. She is another to consider for both early and late pick 4 tickets.

Race 8

(8) STORMONT KATE picked up Henry last week and fired off a career-best front end victory. If she can make front early again and get any breathers she will be tough to chase down. (1) MYSTERY BET didn't have his typical devastating late kick last time but could be better here coming back in a week. (3) MEADOW SEELSTER tired over a track that was killing speed all night last time. She could rebound here.

Race 9

(3) DR J HANOVER has qualified as fast as or faster than his rivals here have gone for purses; automatic play. (2) NOCTURNAL BLUECHIP showed good late interest in his debut and should be much closer here. (5) ADRIAN HANOVER has been picking up minor shares regularly and that trend likely continues here.

Race 10

(6) GOODTIME MATT paced a mile over the 5/8ths oval at Scioto in his last start that would be good enough to win this. It is fair to assume that he can go faster over a bigger track. He will be tough to beat here. (1) NATES BUCKY lands in a field for his debut where he should be able to compete right away and take a good share. (9) SABINE PASS will be passing horses late for a share here. (10) CAJON LIGHTNING has been showing solid improvement and could better this placing if he can overcome this post. (8) JIMMY BE GOOD was a solid 2nd two back and could get a decent share here with a more alert start.

Yonkers: Tuesday 8/18 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 144 - 699 / $1,015.70 BEST BETS: 17 - 59 / $85.50

Best Bet: THIS TIME (7th)

Spot Play: SS POSEIDON (11th)


Race 1

(3) FRANKANDJOANNE did not have the best of trips last out; could rebound to his July 21th start for all the glory. (1) GRAND GALOP SEMALU was a sharp second in his last try; threat. (4) HEAVEN ROCKS Last two qualifiers at Pocono could put this one in the mix.

Race 2

(2) FALCOR BLUESTONE makes his return to Yonkers where he closed strongly to get the job done on July 28th; ready to top these at his best. (3) AMALFI COAST Tough break in his latest; could make amends. (1) BLACK WIND should do much better from the fence; watch out.

Race 3

(1) LIMITLESS Trotting gelding moves back to the rail slot, a flat mile and on the dropdown; plenty to like about this guy. (4) MEADOWVIEW ARNY flashed speed in his last trip; main danger. (7) BINGO QUEEN She did close well for the place spot last out; beware.

Race 4

(7) PASSIONATE KISSER just missed the score by only half a length; can mow these down with a favorable trip. (4) RANSOM DEMAND gets post relief and that could help his cause; maybe. (2) JIGGLE IT can be a factor with this group; watch out.

Race 5

(1) BAD CANTAB makes his initial trip to Yonkers; did race well at Saratoga last time out; can take these to task from the fence. (3) RILEYS DREAM faced better at the Big M last out; should be contend at this level. (4) LE TISSIER was a sharp second at Philly in his previous start; not out of this.

Race 6

(1) SHE GLIDES Sophomore filly should find these trotters to her liking; has tactical speed; should rate and score. (2) CELEBRITY BLUECHIP was a rallying second at Tioga in his last trip; contender. (4) STIRLING CADET gets class relief; don't overlook.

Race 7

(5) THIS TIME showed good early pace in his last start; good to see Brennan with the return call; threat at his best. (6) BRICKMAN has scored in his last two trips to the post; dangerous. (3) OFFICIAL PRINCE put in a mild rally for the fourth spot last time out; can be right in the thick of it.

Race 8

(8) VANGURA Sharp pacer has wheeled off two straight victories; can top these from the 8-hole. (6) ROLAND N ROCK was nailed for win honors in his latest; fits with these. (1) WISHING YOU WELL will be on the engine from the rail slot; can't count him out of this.

Race 9

(3) BATTLE MAGE She raced quite well at The Meadowlands last time out; last seen here was on June 30th when she just missed the victory; big threat. (5) KATNISS moves down in class and that should help her chances in here. (1) QUIKWIT Gelding fits well from the rail and should be right in the thick of it; maybe.

Race 10

(4) JESSES STORY Trotting miss is in sharp form; has hit the board in her last six tries; big player. (5) CAMBRIDGE ships in from Pocono with tactical speed and Brennan signs on to drive; contender. (7) CASHAHALLIC just got up for the score in his last one; watch out again.

Race 11

(8) SS POSEIDON did not fire his best last out; he can put it all together with a favorable trip and a fine-timed drive from Smith. (5) SCIROCCO JAKOB flashed good speed last time around; dangerous with Brennan on the return call. (1) EXPLOSIVEDAY Easy victory at Philly last time out; keeps the rail slot so beware.

Race 12

(4) RESPECTABLE DREAM is clearly knocking at the door; seems to be ready to rate and score over this group. (1) SOUTHWIND MASIMO gets serious post relief and that should help his chances; factor. (2) FAN OF TERROR Consistent pacer has scored in his last two starts; big player again despite the rise in class.

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Delaware Park (1st) Roar of Rohan, 8-1
(7th) Talent N Passion, 7-2


Finger Lakes (2nd) A Sensational Gal, 4-1
(4th) Paris Sunshine, 7-2


Fort Erie (5th) Sweet Harper, 4-1
(8th) Speedy Frederick, 8-1


Indiana Grand (7th) Mike's Chance, 6-1
(8th) Forever Sure, 3-1


Mountaineer (2nd) La Coqueta, 10-1
(9th) Challenger, 3-1


Presque Isle Downs (3rd) My Knight Special, 7-2
(8th) Tour for Love, 9-2

MLB Preview: Diamondbacks (58-59) at Pirates (69-47)

Game: 2
Venue: PNC Park
Date: August 18, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Francisco Liriano hasn't had many bouts of wildness this season, and until recently only the front-runner for the NL Cy Young Award had allowed fewer hits per nine innings.

Lately, he's been all over the place.

It hasn't much mattered to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who will try to win a ninth straight Liriano start Tuesday night behind what they hope is a much better performance from their lineup than in the opener against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks.

Liriano (8-6, 3.19 ERA) has allowed his fewest walks per nine innings since 2010 at 3.19, and prior to his July 29 start at Minnesota he had given up fewer hits per nine (6.12) than anyone but Zack Greinke.

The basepaths have been crowded in his last three outings, though, as the left-hander has surrendered 23 hits in 14 2-3 innings, and he issued four walks Thursday at St. Louis. But Liriano settled down after a two-run first inning and held the Cardinals to one over the next five in a 10-5 win.

"I tried too hard (early), wasn't executing pitches, walking guys," Liriano told MLB's official website. "After, I calmed myself down and started to make pitches. I still overthrew at times; hopefully, things will get better soon."

They turned out well April 26 in Phoenix, though Liriano certainly tried to make things more complicated. He limited the Diamondbacks (58-59) to two hits over 6 1-3 innings but walked six in an 8-0 win, giving him a 1.46 ERA in two starts against Arizona since joining the Pirates.

Pittsburgh (69-47) has given Liriano 21 runs of support in his last three outings and came into Monday's opener averaging an NL-high five since the All-Star break, yet Pedro Alvarez's homer was the only offense it could produce in a 4-1 loss.

Arizona is putting up 5.06 runs per game in August, just behind the Cubs for the NL's highest average.

'That's a good offensive club,' Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. 'We made some mistakes over the plate. They were able to put the barrel on some balls early.'

Jeremy Hellickson turned in a surprisingly effective outing Monday, and now the Diamondbacks turn to Chase Anderson (5-5, 4.31) for his first road start since the break.

The right-hander spent half of the past month on the disabled list with a triceps injury and came back with seven scoreless innings against Cincinnati on Aug. 7. But he allowed five runs in five innings of Wednesday's 7-6 loss to Philadelphia, giving him a 7.41 ERA in his last seven starts.

"He just didn't have very good stuff," manager Chip Hale said. "One of the things we really like about our starting pitching is when we score runs, they go back out and shut the door, and that just didn't happen today. That's something he's going to have to work on."

Anderson faced the Pirates twice last season at home, allowing four runs in 9 2-3 innings.

One of the two homers he gave up came off the bat of Gregory Polanco, who went 0 for 5 on Monday after posting a 1.067 OPS in a torrid first half of August.

That's still slightly behind another outfielder in this series who's been the NL's hottest hitter this month. Arizona's David Peralta had two more hits Monday and is batting .453 with a 1.196 OPS in 18 games dating to July 28, driving in 21 runs in that span.

Peralta is 8 for 16 with five RBIs in four career games at PNC Park.

Preview: Twins (59-59) at Yankees (65-52)

Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: August 18, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The New York Yankees insist that CC Sabathia's shouting match outside a Toronto night club this past weekend had nothing to do with pushing his scheduled start back a day.

Regardless of the circumstances behind the change, it's been a frustrating season for the club's former ace, who pitched well in his previous two outings but is still seeking his first win since July 8 against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.

The Yankees (65-52) were in Toronto for a crucial three-game series over the weekend, and just hours after winning Friday's opener, Sabathia was captured on video - released Monday by TMZ - hollering among a crowd of people.

Sabathia (4-9, 5.23 ERA) said some hecklers got "a little bit" personal about his rugged season but that the taunting wasn't racial.

"I just flipped out, you know. I could have handled it better," the left-hander told reporters before Monday night's 8-7, 10-inning win against the Twins gave New York a one-game lead over idle Toronto atop the AL East.

"Made a bad decision. Sometimes these things happen," added Sabathia, whose replacement Monday, rookie Bryan Mitchell, was hit in the head by a line drive in the second inning and suffered a fractured nose.

It's not difficult to see why Sabathia could be a bit touchy about the season he's having. Besides going 3-4 in eight starts last season, which was cut short by knee surgery, this year marks the first time he's posted a losing record while healthy.

A four-start losing streak at the outset now seems to have been the harbinger for a career-worst season in which he's allowed a .299 opponent batting average and 24 homers in 129 innings - four shy of his career high set in 2013 over 82 more innings.

Sabathia, however, has logged three quality starts over his last five, including the previous two, but received one run of support each time. He has a 2.25 ERA in his last two starts and tied a season best with 110 pitches in Wednesday's 2-1 loss at Cleveland.

Sabathia has dominated the Twins (59-59), going 17-9 with a 3.14 ERA in 35 career starts, but his lone outing against them this year was far from stellar. He gave up five runs in 5 2-3 innings before the Yankees rallied for an 8-5 win July 25.

Joe Mauer has batted just .171 with 16 strikeouts in 41 career at-bats against Sabathia, while Kurt Suzuki is 7 for 33 - though four of those hits have left the yard.

Mike Pelfrey (6-7, 3.70 ERA) will oppose Sabathia looking to win back-to-back starts for only the second time this season.

The right-hander picked up his first victory since June 7 with seven strong innings in Wednesday's 11-1 rout of Texas. He gave up the lone run and four hits with four strikeouts and has now received 18 runs of support over his last two outings.

"Two months ago (the Rangers) kind of kicked my butt pretty good and that was kind of extra motivation coming into today," Pelfrey told MLB's official website.

Pelfrey could certainly find some motivation in how hard several Yankees have hit him in his career. Brian McCann, who had five RBIs Monday, has batted .475 in 40 at-bats with two homers and eight doubles, while Brett Gardner and Alex Rodriguez are both 5 for 13.

Pelfrey is 2-3 with a 5.28 ERA in five career starts against New York, none since May 2011. His ERA in three starts at Yankee Stadium is 7.00.

Preview: Blue Jays (65-54) at Phillies (46-72)

Game: 1
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: August 18, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Although there's no debating the impact David Price has made during his short tenure in Toronto, the Blue Jays are getting plenty of contributions from their rotation holdovers as well.

R.A. Dickey tries to continue Toronto's impressive pitching run and a strong one of his own as the Blue Jays visit Citizens Bank Park Tuesday to begin a two-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Blue Jays starters have yielded three earned runs or fewer in a club-record 20 consecutive games, a reason why Toronto (65-54) has won 15 of 18 to currently own a playoff spot in the American League. Drew Hutchison extended the sequence by allowing a run and three hits through 6 2-3 innings in Sunday's 3-1 decision over the Yankees, which avenged a pair of losses to New York that halted Toronto's 11-game win streak.

"You've seen what our offense is capable of all year, and when we pitch well it gives us a great chance to win," Hutchison, who was sent to Triple-A Buffalo on Monday with the Blue Jays able to use a four-man rotation until Aug. 29, told MLB's official site. "We just need to continue to do that and give our offense a chance to go out there and do their thing."

Dickey (7-10, 3.96 ERA) has done his part to help vault Toronto into contention in the AL East. The knuckleballer is 4-0 with a 1.49 ERA in six post All-Star break starts, including an 8-2 home win over the Phillies on July 29 in which he permitted two unearned runs over eight innings.

The 40-year-old wasn't quite as sharp in surrendering three runs through six innings in Wednesday's 10-3 victory over Oakland.

Dickey is 1-7 in 11 road starts but has allowed two or fewer runs while pitching at least seven innings in three straight. Though the veteran has given up four homers in 16 innings while going 1-2 in three outings at Citizens Bank Park, he's won two straight at home over Philadelphia (46-72), which ranks 29th in the majors in scoring (3.67 rpg) and generated just four runs in three straight weekend losses in Milwaukee.

After sweeping a three-game set from San Diego to begin their road trip, the Phillies dropped five of six to the Brewers and Arizona. They stranded 28 runners versus the Brewers, including nine in Sunday's 6-1 loss.

"You go through peaks and valleys obviously during the season,' Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. 'This is one of those valleys right now. "It'll be good to go home even though it's two days, try and get us back on track."

Philadelphia was without Maikel Franco for a fourth straight game due to a bruised left wrist, while Mackanin rested Chase Utley Sunday. Utley, hitting .500 with a homer and five doubles in seven games since returning from an ankle injury, remains the subject of extensive trade rumors as he enters potentially his final home series as a Phillie.

Utley is 4 for 13 against Dickey and Freddie Galvis 3 for 10 with a home run, though Ryan Howard is 4 for 22 with no homers in the matchup.

The Phillies have swung the bats well for Aaron Nola (3-1, 4.25), producing 34 runs while winning the rookie's past four starts. Such was the case Wednesday in Arizona, where Nola was reached for four runs in five innings of Philadelphia's 7-6 triumph.

Nola's lone previous interleague start came July 21 at home to Tampa Bay. The 22-year-old worked six innings in his MLB debut but came out on the short end of a 1-0 decision.

Toronto, which opens an eight-game road trip, has won 9 of 10 against the Phillies and six straight at Citizens Bank Park.