Tuesday 9/22/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
Good luck on all your plays.

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French Ligue 1 TODAY 18:00
AngersvReims
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KEY STAT: Angers are unbeaten in their opening three home Ligue 1 fixtures

EXPERT VERDICT: Ligue 1 new boys Angers are quickly building a reputation as a team that’s tough to beat with just one defeat in five games. They are content to let their opponent have the ball and soak up pressure and those tactics could halt a Reims team in good form.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
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German Bundesliga TODAY 19:00
B MunichvWolfsburg
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KEY STAT: Wolfsburg have won only two of their last eight away games in the Bundesliga

EXPERT VERDICT: Last season’s top two meet in the Bundesliga and the visit of Wolfsburg should bring out the best in Bayern Munich. The visitors lost star man Kevin de Bruyne to Manchester City but Bayern, who have scored ten goals in three home games, have no shortage of firepower and can extend their perfect start.

RECOMMENDATION: Bayern-Bayern
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German Bundesliga TODAY 19:00
IngolstadtvHamburg
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KEY STAT: Ingolstadt have kept four clean sheets in five matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Promoted Ingolstadt have made a fine start to life in the Bundesliga with three wins – and four clean sheets – in their first five matches. They may have more to celebrate after the visit of Hamburg, who survived a relegation playoff last term, and are an inconsistent side who have lost two of their first three away matches.

RECOMMENDATION: Ingolstadt 1-0
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Scottish League Cup TODAY 19:15
RangersvSt Johnstone
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KEY STAT: Rangers have scored eight goals in their last two home games

EXPERT VERDICT: Rangers have carried all before them this season in pursuit of a return to the top tier of Scottish football. They have conceded just once at home and will be looking to prove they are Premiership class in this League Cup tie against a Saints side who have lost all of their three aways.

RECOMMENDATION: Rangers
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REFEREE: Kevin Clancy STADIUM:

 

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Capital One Cup TODAY 19:45
Aston VillavBirmingham
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KEY STAT: Aston Villa have not lost at home to Birmingham since 2004

EXPERT VERDICT: Villa boss Tim Sherwood’s honeymoon period is well and truly over with his team struggling. But Sherwood will be looking to this Capital One Cup tie as a springboard to improved league form especially as their bitter rivals have faltered in the last couple of games.

RECOMMENDATION: Aston Villa
2


REFEREE: Robert Madley STADIUM:

 

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Spanish La Liga TODAY 19:00
Atl MadridvGetafe
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KEY STAT: Atletico have won four of their five matches to nil

EXPERT VERDICT: Getafe picked up their first win of the season on Friday but they have still scored only three goals in four games and face a testing trip to Madrid. Only Barcelona have managed to ruffle Atletico’s defenders this season and a regulation home win is likely.

RECOMMENDATION: Atl. Madrid 2-0
 
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Jim Feist's Bonus Play for Tuesday, Sept. 22

(959) PITTSBURGH PIRATES VS (960) COLORADO ROCKIES

Take: over the total.

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Tuesday, September 22, 2015 is in the MLB contest between the Pirates and the Rockies in Colorado at Coors Field. Pittsburgh is on a 14-6 run over the total, including 6-0 over against a team with a losing record. J.A. Happ has been good at home but has a 4.55 ERA on the road. he faces a strong Colorado offense, second in baseball in runs scored, on a 4-0 run over the total at home. The Over is also 5-2 in the Rockies last 7 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Starter Chris Rusin (5-8, 5.11 ERA0 has marginal stuff with the over 4-1 his last 5 starts. Plat Pittsburgh/Colorado Over the total.
 
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Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Hoosier Park

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


Race 7 - Post: 7:15 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 51 - Purse:$5000 - 2 YEAR OLDS NON WINNERS OF 1 EXT PM RACE OR $4,000 LIFETIME TO BE CLAIMED FOR $10,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 SACK FULL OF FAITH 6/1


# 6 ROSE RUN ROLLIE 8/1


# 4 SINGING HALLELUJAH 4/1


SACK FULL OF FAITH sure does look ready to win. Hard to put finger on it, but back her this time. ROSE RUN ROLLIE - Many bettors will recognize the terrific speed fig in the last race. Stacks up against any horse in this pack. SINGING HALLELUJAH - Has a very strong shot in this event, if she can repeat her back class. Racing sharply, earned a very strong speed rating in her last race (54).
 
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Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

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


Race 11 - Post: 9:30 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 69 - Purse:$12000 - 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS COLTS, STALLIONS & GELDINGS NW 1 EXT. PM RACE LIFETIME PA PREFERENCE MOHEGAN SUN POCONO


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 9 OUT OF HABIT 10/1


# 1 BY CANCE HANOVER 9/2


# 5 CYPRESS POINT 6/1


OUT OF HABIT will have you running to the cashier's window in this race and could score at a price in here. He has been racing solidly and the TrackMaster speed figs are among the finest in the group. BY CANCE HANOVER - The consortium can't help but like this standardbred because the internal pace stats fit well here at Pocono Downs. Many selectors will recognize the fantastic TrackMaster Speed Rating in the last gathering. Stacks up against any horse in this field of starters. CYPRESS POINT - With Marohn in the cart, watch out for this harness racer to get the ultimate prize. He looks great in this outing and should find a way to take advantage of favorable pace rankings.
 
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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

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


Race 4 - Allowance - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $20400 Class Rating: 89

FOR FOALED IN NEW YORK STATE AND APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE-BRED REGISTRY FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE STATE BRED RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OPTIONAL, OR STARTER. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES SINCE AUGUST 22 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE ALLOWED 4 LBS. (MAIDEN, CLAIMING AND STARTER


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 HARD TO STAY NOTGO 7/5


# 3 DARK DESIRE 9/5


# 2 LEMME ROCK 4/1


My pick in this competition is HARD TO STAY NOTGO. Well above average win rate at this distance/surface. Should compete admirably in the early pace battle which bodes well with this group. Has to be considered a definite contender on earnings per start at the distance/surface alone. DARK DESIRE - Has performed solidly as of late in sprint races, posting a nifty 84 avg speed rating. With a decent 89 Equibase speed fig last time out, will unquestionably be a factor in this race. LEMME ROCK - Solid average Equibase Speed Figures in dirt sprint races make this animal a solid contender. This filly has a good win percent in dirt sprint races.
 
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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing

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


Race 2 - Maiden Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $25000 Class Rating: 55

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 12 DEVIL'S SILENT 3/1


# 7 DANCING MY WAY 4/1


# 4 TIZ ZOO GIRL 6/1


DEVIL'S SILENT looks formidable to best this field. Trainer has very strong win rate (19 percent) at this distance and surface. DANCING MY WAY - She must be given a chance given the quite good speed figs. Must be carefully examined given the class of races run as of late. TIZ ZOO GIRL - With a +11 return on investment, this jockey and conditioner combo has produced quite good profits lately for wagerers. Will likely be one of the front-runners of the group going into the halfway point of the race.
 
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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #5 - Post: 2:43pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $35,000 Class Rating: 61

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 HAZY DAISY (ML=5/1)
#1A GEM SEEKER (ML=7/2)


HAZY DAISY - This filly has higher odds on the morning line than the other entrant from the stable of Farro. Better beware this angle. I think this filly is very sharp right now. I like the fact that Farro brings her back to a race so quickly. I think this filly is ready to run a good one. She's had enough races around the track since the layoff and should be fit. GEM SEEKER - Jock jumped on this filly's back for the first attempt on September 6th. Should be in touch with the animal even better this time. It looks like the speed horses may duel each other into the ground. When the real running starts this filly should be finishing best of all. This filly should improve after adding Lasix in the last race and getting it again today. This filly is in nice physical condition, having run a strong race on Sep 6th, finishing second.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 SOUR LEMON DROP (ML=5/2), #1 MISS GREEN POND (ML=7/2), #4 TABELLA (ML=9/2),

SOUR LEMON DROP - Didn't let me see enough early speed in the route event for me to back her in today's sprint affair. MISS GREEN POND - This less than sharp equine didn't go to the head of the pack and didn't make up ground down the stretch last time she ran. Somewhat easily forgotten speed rating last out at Parx Racing at 6 furlongs. Don't think this steed will improve too much in today's race. TABELLA - Hasn't finished in the money in any sprint contests lately. Not probable to see her doing it in today's event either.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 HAZY DAISY to win at post-time odds of 8/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **
 
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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Zia Park - Race #7 - Post: 3:03pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 67

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 WAY BEST (ML=6/1)
#6 BEGAN AGAIN (ML=7/2)


WAY BEST - Tohill and Smith partnered up are a handicapper's friend. This gelding's last speed fig is lofty enough to score here, I'll bet on him back again today. BEGAN AGAIN - Have to give this gelding a fair chance. Ran a nice outing last time out within the last month. The jockey and conditioner combination have a favorable ROI when they unite. Ranks number one in the field in earnings per start. A strong try in this field will add to the lifetime bankroll.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 GERRYS SUNDAYBOOTS (ML=5/2), #3 TRICKY QUICK (ML=9/2), #2 IHATEUBUTILOVEU (ML=5/1),

GERRYS SUNDAYBOOTS - Hasn't hit the board in any sprint events lately. Doubtful to see him doing it this time either. TRICKY QUICK - This equine hasn't been close in either of his last two races. Not probable that the speed figure he garnered on Sep 5th will be good enough in this event. IHATEUBUTILOVEU - Would have to improve off that fifth place finish last time to make an impact here. Hard to keep chasing this kind of 'bridesmaid' horse. The speed figure last time out doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class figure of today's race. Mark this horse as a likely underpriced contender.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #8 WAY BEST to win. Have to have odds of at least 7/5 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [6,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip
 
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Mohawk: Tuesday 9/22 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

4/1,3,6/3/6,7,8,9 = $12


LATE PICK 4: 6,7,8,9/3,5/2,4,6,9/9 = $32

MEET STATS: 328 - 1042 / $1783.30 BEST BETS: 45 - 93 / $146.30

SPOT PLAYS: 12 - 89 / $92.30

Best Bet: COMPANY MAN (6th)

Spot Play: PUT YOUR BAD ON (4th)


Race 1

(7) CRAZY BLUE was closing fast last week vs. a better NW2L field and looks best here in his 2nd try at this class. (5) NOBLE POWER was also coming on late in the same race and should be able to get closer in this field than his typical mid-pack finish. (8) WHOSGOINGTOCATCHUS broke her maiden impressively in his 28th try but that was against a very weak group and she is more likely to grab a minor award with the step up in class.

Race 2

(7) IDOLE DUHARAS has reeled off three straight easy wins now goes first off the claim for leading trainer Moreau. There's other speed in here but he doesn't need to be on top early to succeed. (4) VAL AMERICA always paces his race but needs a pace collapse to get there - which is possible here. (2) TWANG TWANG has had two adventurous trips after setting a new life's mark off the claim on August 13. He should get a better trip and result here.

Race 3

(5) NOCTURNAL BLUE CHIP looked like he was going to take down a big chalk until very late in the mile last week. That one isn't in here; this colt looks best of this group. (6) NEW TALENT closed quickly to get up for 2nd at long odds in a Grand Circuit event last time and seems to be improving rapidly. (7) ARSENIC has reeled off three straight conditioned wins and isn't without a chance but will have to be faster here.

Race 4

(4) PUT YOUR BAD ON changes barns and drivers for this start vs. a field where she looks like a contender anyway; 23rd time's the charm? (1) ENDLESS LEGACY lost to a filly last time who came back to win a Grassroots Semi-Final. She is a top contender here. (9) SPECIALCELEBRATION has good speed when she behaves. If she stays flat she should be prominent throughout.

Race 5

(1) CABERTOSS takes a class drop after racing decently one level higher. He looks as good as any in this wide-open leg of the early pick 4. (3) MY KID SISTER broke last time but raced against some good ones in quick miles two and three back. She should be right there vs. these if she stays flat and will likely offer a square price. (6) AGGRESSIVE set some insane splits two back and predictably tired then broke early last week. If he behaves, Christoforou will likely ration out his speed better making him a contender.

Race 6

(3) COMPANY MAN looked live but was on dead cover in an accelerating back 1/2 last week. J Mac will likely roll him early here. (7) DERBY DYLAN was hung the mile and still only fell 3 1/2 lengths short last time. A better trip puts him right there. (8) TENDTOWIN was motoring at the end of his mile last week but may find it difficult to get the trip he needs starting from out there.

Race 7

(6) MYSTERY BET vaulted up late last week to get up right on the wire. A similar pace scenario is expected here; call to repeat. (9) GRANA PADANNO went a tough first up trip and was just nailed by the choice. He is better racing on the lead or from the pocket. (8) SECOND SISTER left for position, got shuffled then came on again late in the same dash as the two above. There is very little separating the top three here.

Race 8

(3) SEMI AUTOMATIC is one we've had our eye on since his first baby race. He comes off a freshening for a trainer that has them ready to roll in these situations; call to upset. (5) BETTING LINE is the obvious choice and will be a low price but he looked a bit wobbly winning the Champlain and could be ripe for the picking here. (6) NVESTMENT BLUECHIP parlayed a perfect pocket trip into a new life's mark in the Champlain but is unlikely to get the same dreamy trip here.

Race 9

(2) CREAMPUFF MACDADDY won in this class two back at huge odds then tried to chase down a big chalk first up with no success last time. He fits this class well will be tough here. (4) LITTLE RED CHEV was a runaway early last time and broke trying to take the last turn. A drop in class gives her a chance to take these all the way. (9) CHINA PEARLS takes a big class plunge for her 3rd start of the year and is in with a shot if she gets an alert start.

Race 10

(9) THINK AGAIN closed well into a quickening pace last time to nab second at long odds. He faces a very weak group here and may try to go right down the road. (4) SOULD SACRIFICE showed some late life last time and the winner of that race came back to repeat vs. better. He should improve in this 2nd start back from a break. (5) BADDATEEN has been getting minor shares out of town and should be able to grab a piece of this. (1) SPORTS COLOGNE has a poor record but can follow along and close late for a share here. (3) SILVERADO had fast last 1/4's in both starts and that makes him a possible contender in a field where there are few positives in the chart lines.
 
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Yonkers: Tuesday 9/22 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 189 - 891 / $1,337.50 BEST BETS: 21 - 75 / $99.30

Best Bet: ROCK N ROLL WORLD (8th)

Spot Play: MUSCLES N SPICE (6th)


Race 1

(2) PRINCE ALAND showed signs of life last out; capable of getting the job done over these. (1) RANSOM DEMAND closed well to miss by only a neck; threat from the rail. (4) BELL I NO is back at Yonkers where he was a game winner on August 6th; watch out.

Race 2

(1) TSWALU Canadian invader has good early trot; should be ready to fire his best from the pole position. (4) JERICHO went down the road for all the glory at Batavia last out; was a solid winner here on August 10; main danger. (2) BETTER TO BE LUCKY is much better than his latest; can't count this one out

Race 3

(4) OLD MAN CLEARY was nailed for win honors last time around; pacer appears to be in solid form; with that said, he can top these at his best. (5) ANGS DELIGHT was first over throughout his last trip at Pocono; is better than his previous start so he must be considered. (6) SPIRIT OF TRUTH has good speed and is clearly not out of this.

Race 4

(5) NICE DREAM catches a weak group of trotters; with a return to his August 21 start at Saratoga, it could be game over for the rest of these; we shall see. (1) PRINCE LAUXMONT moves down in class; the rail slot should help his cause; maybe. (6) BAILEYS WISH has flashed speed; could land a share of the purse.

Race 5

(2) SUPERIORCOURT Upstate shipper is knocking at the door based on his last three tries; good to see Brennan with the assignment; threat at his best. (3) MARATHON MAN led every step of the way but tired in the stretch drive at Freehold last time out; could contend with these. (4) CAPTURETHEMEMORY led from start to finish in his latest outing; dangerous despite the rise in class.

Race 6

(2) MUSCLES AND SPICE did not fire in his last start; gelding gets a cozy post and might make today a winning one. (1) BATTLE MAGE closed late to grab the show spot last time around; player. (4) SAVIANO AS was nailed for the victory against lesser company in his recent try; could land a share against these.

Race 7

(2) MCCITO was second best last out for this 3-year-old gelding; all systems to for him to put it all together. (1) YANKEE HEAVEN Sharp in his last two tries at Philly makes this guy a major factor in here. (3) MISTER SKITTER gets post relief and that should help his cause; watch out.

Race 8

(1) ROCK N ROLL WORLD moves way down the ladder; gets the rail slot and should clearly be the one to deny. (2) ULTIMATE G gets a nice post to work with; second best. (7) ARROW showed some early zip last out; completes the trifecta.

Race 9

This seems to be a perfect spot for (3) MACKS GOLD BAND to get back into the winner's circle; based on his last two, he's the pick over these. (5) BRICKYARD CLASSIC closed well to nail down the place spot on September 8th; contender. (2) SEDUCE A STRANGER She moves down in class and does have good early trot; beware.

Race 10

(2) IM FABULOUS 10-year-old trotting mare has showed speed in her last two starts; if she returns to her back class, the rest will have to settle for second money; we shall see. (1) JESSES STORY gets serious post relief and that should put this gal right in the mix. (6) JAILHOUSE JESSICA put in a nice run for the victory at Tioga last time out; she's capable.

Race 11

(1) FOREVER AS is on a roll scoring her fifth straight victory; retains the rail slot; Brennan stays in the bike; surely this gal is the one to fear. (7) THE LEHIGH LEGEND was sent by Sears down the road last out for all the glory; post hurts but she is very capable; must be considered. (2) WYGANT PRINCESS should fare well from the 2-hole where she was a game second on August 11th; watch out.

Race 12

(6) ROLLIN RING AFIRE gets serious class relief; pacing colt seems to fit well with this group and a score is not out of the question. (4) ABERDEEN HANOVER needs a return to his August 25th trip to contend with this group; quite possible. (1) DOUBLE YOUR BET Sharp in victory against lesser last time out; don't count him out despite the rise in class.
 
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SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Finger Lakes (6th) Fried, 3-1
(9th) Crafty Peace, 5-1


Fort Erie (1st) Mr. Gee Cee, 4-1
(4th) Mountebank, 3-1


Indiana Grand (2nd) Lawyer Charles, 9-2
(7th) Aristomaches, 4-1


Mountaineer (3rd) Gung Ho, 10-1
(9th) Judge Beth, 3-1


Parx Racing (2nd) Tiz Zoo Girl, 6-1
(10th) Next Right, 5-1


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Blessed Life, 10-1
(6th) Noor Un Nisa, 5-1
 
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Preview: Yankees (82-67) at Blue Jays (86-64)

Game: 2
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: September 22, 2015 7:07 PM EDT

Luis Severino has seen the best the AL East has to offer this month, and the rookie's trip through the division wringer is not over yet.

After failing a test against Toronto ace David Price and passing another opposite Tampa Bay All-Star Chris Archer, Severino looks to prevent the New York Yankees' division hopes from taking another blow against the Blue Jays and Marco Estrada on Tuesday night.

"It's very exciting. These are big games here," the 21-year-old Severino told MLB's official website.

Wild card-leading New York (82-67) lost to Price, the AL ERA leader, for the third time since he joined Toronto with Monday's 4-2 series-opening defeat. The Blue Jays (86-64), who have won five of six against the Yankees and are 12-5 in the season series, pushed their division lead to 3 1/2 with 12 to play.

New York has 13 games left, the most important two to close this series.

"I think they're as important as any games we've played all year when you talk about trying to win the division," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "You've got to keep it close."

Severino (4-3, 3.12 ERA) hopes to solve the lineup that has given him the most trouble. Toronto is the only team to score more than two runs against New York's prized pitching prospect since his debut in early August and did it twice, beating him in his third start and two weeks ago.

He has a 9.72 ERA in those two outings, compared to 1.54 in his other six. Toronto hitters hold a .324 batting average and 1.101 OPS against Severino with three two-run homers. Josh Donaldson and Justin Smoak each hit one off him Sept. 11 as Severino was ripped for a career-high six runs in 2 1-3 innings of an 11-5 loss to Price.

The right-hander bounced back to outduel Archer and beat the Rays on Wednesday, giving up one run in 5 2-3 innings in a 3-1 win - his fifth start allowing one earned run or less.

Fellow rookie Greg Bird homered Monday for the fourth time during a career-best six-game hitting streak. Bird has nine home runs and 25 RBIs in 33 games filling in at first base for Mark Teixeira, who will miss the rest of the season with a fractured right leg.

Bird is hitless in five at-bats against Estrada (13-8, 3.14), the AL leader in opponent batting average at .206.

New York, though, has battered him for five home runs in the last two matchups, and he's 1-2 with a 4.09 ERA in four career starts against the Yankees - all this season. Alex Rodriguez, Brett Gardner and Chase Headley all took him deep Sept. 12, when Estrada gave up four runs in five innings of Toronto's 9-5, 11-inning victory.

Estrada regrouped Thursday with eight stellar innings in a 5-0 win over Atlanta, surrendering three hits, and doesn't feel any added pressure going into this matchup.

"When it's my day to pitch, I'm pretty calm," Estrada said. "I come in and don't think of it as any type of a bigger game."

Among his bigger concerns will be Carlos Beltran, who has homered three times in 22 at-bats against him, and Brian McCann, who is 7 for 17 (.412) versus Estrada. Jacoby Ellsbury is 4 for 12 against him this year and enters on a 9-for-20 tear.

Jose Bautista, who homered off Severino last month, continues to torment the Yankees as he went 2 for 4 with an RBI on Monday. He's hit safely in the teams' last 11 meetings, batting .386 with five homers and 11 RBIs.
 
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Preview: White Sox (72-78) at Tigers (69-81)

Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 22, 2015 7:08 PM EDT

Since the start of 2013, 27 pitchers have made at least 90 starts. Sixteen of them have done so and maintained an ERA under 3.50. Jose Quintana is one, and he and Cole Hamels are the only to match both criteria with fewer than 30 wins.

A few small consolations could come Tuesday night in Detroit as the left-hander tries to win 10 games for the first time in his career, which would clinch a series win for the Chicago White Sox.

Quintana (9-10, 3.45 ERA) is 27-28 with a 3.43 ERA in 95 starts since the start of 2013. Hamels has 27 wins in 92 starts in that time, while the Texas ace's 3.59 run-support average is the only one lower than Quintana's 3.90 mark among the 16.

Unsurprisingly, the list includes some impressive names: Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, Zack Greinke, Madison Bumgarner and Felix Hernandez are part of that group.

Granted, Quintana's ERA is the highest of the bunch, but Chicago is well aware he hasn't gotten the results he deserves.

That's begun to change modestly dating to his shutout in Cleveland on July 24 with Quintana going 5-1 with a 2.82 ERA in 11 starts, though he was again shorted in Thursday's 4-2 home loss to Oakland after giving up a run and four hits in seven innings.

"We're not doing it on purpose. He knows that," manager Robin Ventura told MLB's official website. "As much as you test somebody's patience, he's good. He's solid. He's as consistent as anybody. He's done that since Day 1, even his first time up here as just a spot start. He hasn't changed. He's just more mature now."

That hasn't shown this year against Detroit with Quintana deserving his results, going 0-2 with a 6.95 ERA in four starts. Victor Martinez is 13 for 27 against him, though J.D. Martinez is 3 for 17 with seven strikeouts.

The Tigers counter with Daniel Norris, who made his first start in nearly a month in Wednesday's 7-4 win in Minnesota. Norris (2-2, 4.28) had been on the disabled list with an oblique strain and gave up only a solo home run in 3 2-3 innings. The club didn't want him to pass 50 pitches, but that limit will be bumped to the 60-65 range Tuesday.

Neither pitcher has to worry too much about facing a hot offense.

Chicago (72-78) swept Monday's doubleheader with 2-0 and 3-2 victories to even the season series at 7-all while winning for the seventh time in its last nine road games.

Its offense has been bleak on a 3-3 overall span with 2.5 runs per game and a .212 average. Avisail Garcia is batting .111 in his last 11 games, while Micah Johnson is in a 1-for-19 slump.

The Tigers (69-81) have dropped three straight with five runs scored and a .151 average, getting them within a defeat of their first losing season since 2008.

"We just couldn't muster up enough offense," said manager Brad Ausmus after his club managed seven hits in two games.

J.D. Martinez is 0 for 11 on the losing streak, and Miguel Cabrera's average has dropped from .360 to .337 while batting .189 over his last 15 games.

The two-time AL MVP still holds a 14-point lead over Boston's Xander Bogaerts for the batting title.
 

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