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CL Best Bets - Tuesday
By Toby Maxtone-Smith

UEFA Champions League - Matchday 2

Barcelona’s 7-0 success against Celtic and Bayern Munich’s 5-0 win over Rostov cemented their places as bookmakers’ two favourites for the Champions League this year. Barcelona moved into 3/1 with Bayern 7/2.

Real Madrid were less convincing in a 2-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon, with both goals coming late on through Cristiano Ronaldo.

Tuesday night’s oustanding game comes from the Ruhr where Borussia Dortmund host Real Madrid.

The other big hitters playing tonight are Juventus who go to Dinamo Zagreb as firm favourites. They started their campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla.

The Banker: Sevilla to win at home to Lyon at 3/4

With Paris Saint Germain hinting that they might not stroll Ligue 1 as easily as usual this year there was real hope for Lyon fans that this season might seen them return to the glory days of the early 2000s. It has not panned out that way so far and they lie in mid-table with three wins, one draw and three defeats so far, most recently losing 1-0 away to Lorient.

They face a daunting trip to European football specialists Sevilla. The Spanish side have made an inconsistent start under former Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli, but their display away to Juventus shows that they are still a very tough team to play against.

The men from Andalusia tend to be very solid at home: They have won 24 of their 38 home games since the beginning of last season, and at 3/4 they are value to continue that impressive run.

The Solid Bet: Real Madrid to win at Borussia Dortmund at 9/5

Looking at the prices for this blockbuster clash at the Westfalenstadion, it seems like bookmakers have placed too much emphasis on Borussia Dortmund’s 6-0 win at Legia Warsaw in the opening round of games - a match marred by crowd trouble in the Polish capital. Thomas Tüchel’s team were very impressive going 3-0 up in just 17 minutes, but they face a wholly different test at home to the competition’s holders, Real Madrid.

Dortmund can give Real a very good game, but at 29/20 they do not justify slight favouritism. From the 11 that started in Warsaw, only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would have a good chance of making the Real Madrid starting eleven. And while Dortmund tend to be more than the sum of their parts, and Real often seem like more like a collection of individuals than a team, this should not dissuade you from having a good bet on Real Madrid. They are simply a lot better than Dortmund.

The Outsider: Dinamo Zagreb double chance at home to Juventus at 11/4

Juventus go into their match at the Maksimir Stadium in the Croatian capital as heavy 2/7 favourites. While they are hugely better than their opponents, this looks like too short a price on a team who can struggle to score goals away from home. Juve have only managed three in three Serie A away games this season.

Dinamo Zagreb are highly unlikely to make it out of this group, and a 3-0 opening day defeat at Lyon does not bode well, but they are hard to break down at home. They held Bayern Munich for over an hour last season before losing 2-0, as well as beating Arsenal 2-1. At 11/1 they are an eye-openingly big price to win the game, but a better tactic may be to back them on the double chance at 11/4.

The First Goalscorer: Islam Slimani for Leicester City vs FC Porto at 11/2

Leicester have been wildly inconsistent so far this season: their defence has been unrecognisable from the rock solid unit we saw last season. But they still look a powerful force going forward - a force which has been considerably added to by the signing of Islam Slimani from Porto’s rivals Sporting Lisbon.

Slimani, a quick, powerful, mobile striker with an excellent shot, is just the sort of player Leicester need for a good run in their inaugural season in this competition. He helped himself to two in their last home game - a 3-0 win against Burnley - and he knows how to play against Porto, having scored against them in his last ever game for Sporting.

At 11/2 he is a good bet to score the game’s first goal.

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Harrington Raceway

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

Race 6 - Post: 6:25 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 90 - Purse:$16500 - FILLIES & MARES OPEN HANDICAP POST POSITIONS 1 THRU 4 DRAWN POST POSITION NO. 5 ASSIGNED HARRINGTON RACE CONDITIONS DRIVER CHOICES: VICTOR KIRBY 5 OVER 4 NO. 5 PURRFECT BAGS - 1ST TIME LASIX
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 PURRFECT BAGS 9/5
# 2 SPRINGFORTH 7/2
# 4 MATINEE DRAGON 8/1

Hard not to love PURRFECT BAGS as the top choice for this one. Hard to put finger on it, but strongly consider her in this contest. Her 92 avg has this mare among the strongest speed ratings in this event. Med change (with first time Lasix) may be the key to a turnaround in today's race. SPRINGFORTH - Worth considering here if only for the really strong TrackMaster Speed Rating achieved in the most recent competition. Should be in the hunt again in this race, looking to improve that already high lifetime winning percentage. MATINEE DRAGON - Pace makes the race is a favorite saying of this knowledge group. Pace markings here point to a strong play.

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

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

Race 3 - Post: 7:06 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 70 - Purse:$13000 - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS NW 2 EXT. PM RACES OR $20,000 LIFETIME PA PREFERRED MOHEGAN SUN POCONO MARCUS MILLER #3 OVER #6 TOM JACKSON #5 OVER #8 MATT KAKALEY #7 OVER #2
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 4 CARMEN'S FLUKE 4/1
# 5 DREADPIRATEROBERTS 5/1
# 2 AUTEUR HANOVER 7/2

Hard not to love CARMEN'S FLUKE as the top selection here. This nice horse is sent out by the trainer for today's gathering now going off Lasix. A change in the horse's equipment for this contest. Taking hopples off likely to result in nice improvement. With a nice 75 TrackMaster Speed Rating last time out, will positively be a factor in this race. DREADPIRATEROBERTS - Might be there at a fair price tag. Surely one to keep in your exotics. AUTEUR HANOVER - The 69 average class ranking may give this colt a distinct advantage in the group. Recent numbers for the driver - 20 percent win - make this colt a stand out in the field.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

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


Race 7 - Maiden Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 57

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 3 CHUBITO 3/2

# 5 BO' HOPES 7/2

# 6 B Q EXPRESS 5/1

I've got to go with CHUBITO. Is a solid choice - given the 57 Equibase speed fig from his most recent race. Strong jock with conditioner numbers make this horse a sharp choice. BO' HOPES - This gelding could improve with second time Lasix. Ought to compete well in the pace battle which bodes well with this group of horses. B Q EXPRESS - He has solid class ratings, averaging 67, and has to be considered for this event.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Presque Isle Downs

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


Race 3 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $13000 Class Rating: 72

FOR REGISTERED PA-BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 27 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500, IF FOR $10,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 9 MARMALADE 3/1

# 5 SAN GENNARO 4/1

# 1A THEY CALL ME GUS 9/2

MARMALADE should be supported as the bet in here. Looks solid for the conditions of this race today, showing solid figures in dirt sprint races lately. Morales has been on fire the last month, winning at a nifty 21 percent clip. Has been running in the most competitive company of the field recently. SAN GENNARO - Must be given a chance - I like the figures from the last contest. Kocijan has this gelding racing well and is a competitive selection based on the competitive speed figures earned in sprint races recently. THEY CALL ME GUS - Trainers don't bring mounts back this quickly without a good reason. Must be given a chance in this race if only for the very good Equibase Speed Figure posted in the last contest.

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Mountaineer Park - Race #4 - Post: 8:06pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,600 Class Rating: 80

Rating:

#4 OUTRIDERS POSSE (ML=8/1)
#3 HATHRAAN (ML=7/2)


OUTRIDERS POSSE - Shows a classic conditioning move. Routing today after two sprint races. 52-63-68 are last 3 speed ratings. Improving each time out is something he should do again today. HATHRAAN - This jockey and handler have a favorable return on investment when they team up. Have to make this gelding a win candidate; he comes off a strong race on September 17th.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 DANCING LION (ML=7/5), #1 RUHL PAUL (ML=3/1), #2 VOTER (ML=6/1),

DANCING LION - Hard to keep chasing this sort of 'hanger' horse. Don't think this questionable contender will make a winning move in today's event. That last speed rating was run-of-the-mill when compared with today's class rating. RUHL PAUL - I cannot play this perpetual non-winner. Gets the job finished now and then. This gelding recorded a speed rating in his last event which likely isn't good enough in today's event. I checked out his pps and he hasn't done well out of the one hole. VOTER - A bit of a lackluster outing when this gelding finished seventh. You always figure that this animal has a shot to be the victor, but he fails regularly. Finished seventh in his most recent race with a most unsatisfactory speed fig. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to prove victorious after that in this bunch.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Put your money on #4 OUTRIDERS POSSE on the nose if you can get odds of 5/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [3,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Parx Racing - Race #3 - Post: 1:49pm - Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $30,000 Class Rating: 94

Rating:

#5 NO CONTINGENCY (ML=5/1)
#4 BULL DOZER (ML=6/1)


NO CONTINGENCY - Look for this one to go wire to wire at some pretty decent odds in this event. Ran fourth in last race, but not more than 5 from the lead at the end. BULL DOZER - I like to play this angle, a thoroughbred coming back off a sharp outing within the last thirty days. When Gonzales and Navarro join forces on animals the win percent has been tremendous at 39. This thoroughbred is a hot commodity. Claimed in his last two races.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 WELLINGTON WIZARD (ML=5/2), #6 BROWNEYED BACHELOR (ML=3/1), #1 KAY'S FINESSE (ML=4/1),

WELLINGTON WIZARD - Generally I need a sprinter to have some recent success in short distance affairs in order to back him. This less than sharp equine hasn't been on the track since September 4th. Not even any workouts. BROWNEYED BACHELOR - I can't play this continual non-winner. Gets the job completed now and then. KAY'S FINESSE - Not easy to invest in this mount this time. Make him show you something in a sprint race before you bet on him in a race of 7 furlongs. Finished ninth in his most recent effort with a common speed rating. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this field.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - BULL DOZER - Put a prime wager on this gelding. Uppermost in earnings per start and has a lot more to offer as well.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#5 NO CONTINGENCY to win at post-time odds of 3/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [4,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

Mohawk: Tuesday 9/27 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 5/4,7/3,4,7/3,5,6,8/2,3,9 = $14.40

EARLY PICK 4: 3,5,6,8/2,3,9/1,7,8/3,5 = $72

LATE PICK 4: 3,5/3,4,8,9/5,6,7/1,5 = $48

MEET STATS: 366 - 1102 / $1899.20 BEST BETS: 60 - 101 / $188.20

SPOT PLAYS: 22 - 101 / $140.00

Best Bet: DANCER HALL (1st)

Spot Play: JIMMY BE GOOD (8th)


Race 1

(5) DANCER HALL had a sharp debut featuring a quick closing burst. He looks best here and may get sent right down the road by A Mac. (3) GAELIC LASS made up a lot of ground in the third 1/4 last time then kept coming in a good effort. She too could get put into play earlier here in a race with few real contenders. (7) BRED FOR GREATNESS finished behind the choice in his debut but it's reasonable to expect improvement here. (8) CHARMBO CHROME is likely to take a smaller share if he stays flat this time.

Race 2

(7) HONOR ABOVE ALL has improved sharply in his past three starts and he has shown that he can endure long trips and win. He may be an overlay here with (4) DEWDLE ALL DAY entered off a close second-place finish in the Elegant Image. The latter was the recipient of some good racing luck last time when the 1/9 favorite got buried throughout. I will side with Honor Above All as a solid top pick here. (3) UNICUM BI can share racing from close range if he stays flat. (5) COUNTRY PROPHET threw in a clunker last time but he figures for a smaller share here.

Race 3

(7) SHEER TALENT flew home last time to just miss, she has a recency edge on her main foes and she should be a square price here; top call. (4) SOMEMONEYSOMEWHERE should be a solid threat from close range dropping out of Grand Circuit company. (3) OBVIOUS BLUE CHIP also takes a big plunge but has now missed more than three weeks which could be a factor. (1) STONEBRIDGE SUNDAE was third in a Grand Circuit race two back and she has an upset chance here if she stays pacing.

Race 4

(3) THE ILLUMINATOR lit up the tote board in his second start with Zeron driving with a new life's mark win punctuated by a powerful first up brush in the final 1/4; call to repeat. (8) VEGAS DREAM made two moves as part of a hot pace and he didn't fade badly; using. (5) LIMA C ROCK should be closer here if he gets involved earlier. (6) MIGRATE BLUE CHIP should go forward after getting some rust off with a first-over trip in his first start of the year. He is another to consider for Pick 4 and Pick 5 bets.

Race 5

(9) PENNIES FROM HEAVEN has missed more than three weeks but she is also clearly the fastest in here; slightest of nods considering the stale date of her last race. (3) STORMONT VICEROY can build off his big win in which he spent most of the mile uncovered last week. The post relief should help. (2) VERY CLASSY should be a threat off her sharp effort last week, but her weak win record is concerning. (4) GRAMSTER lost to a sharp repeat winner last week in her first start over Mohawk. Consider her for exotic wagers.

Race 6

(8) GO FIND OUT faces much easier here dropping back to race against maidens. (7) TALLULAH HANOVER made two moves last time which likely resulted in her tiring late. She could take this with an easier trip. (1) LAURA HILL looks best of the rest and could trip out from the inside post here. (2) PRETTY ANGEL EYES paced her best mile yet last time and she should take a share here.

Race 7

(5) SPORTS COWBOY comes off two decent efforts out of town now goes for the potent Blais/Filion combo; top call. (3) SOUTHWIND DIESEL was close in a couple of quick miles for this class and he merits a look here. (8) WOODACUDASHUDA is worth a look debuting for Menary and getting McNair back to drive. (2) EAST END will likely take a smaller share as has been his custom most of the year so far.

Race 8

(3) JIMMY BE GOOD could easily get a similar pace setup as last week when he roared home to take a new life's mark; call to repeat. (9) TERROR SUSPECT is sent out by the leading trainer here and he too may get a great stalking trip behind a few rapid leavers; consider. (4) SKY GUY is holding his form well and can grind it out and keep coming; using. (8) TWIN B SHADOW is likely to be a big speed threat, but there are likely a couple of others with the same idea here.

Race 9

(7) GOLDEN SON missed the Grassroots final when he blew up early in the semi-final so he goes here instead. He should be a top contender if he stays flat. (6) AMOUREUSE HANOVER has improved sharply in her last two starts and she will be passing most of these down the lane; using. (9) A ROD HALL fits well here and can overcome his post as long as his gait issues don't resurface. (5) ZAGSTER exits OSS Gold races and he isn't out of the question but he will likely be over bet relative to his chances.

Race 10

(1) NEVER BEEN TOLD has been solid at this level for a few weeks and the inside post should help his chances here. (5) CALGARY SEELSTER plunges to the bottom claiming level off a poor effort. He would be no surprise but he could also get way over bet. (7) NICHOLAS RYAN can take a piece here if he can find a spot near the front early. (8) PYLATER is a good one to use underneath here. (9) LITTLE TURK is worth a look on the barn change angle. He can close for a share here.

Yonkers: Tuesday 9/27 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF

MEET STATS: 238 - 991 / $1,550.30

BEST BETS: 30 - 94 / $144.40

Best Bet: IHOLDON (10th)

Spot Play: SIM BROWN (3rd)


Race 1

(1) CHUCARO ACERO BC moves to the fence and he was a sharp winner at Freehold two starts back; threat at his best. (5) MAJOR TRICK got the job done upstate last time out and could have a say in this event. (2) A PLACE IN HISTORY took the pocket route on his way to victory recently.

Race 2

(1) ANDRIY FORTUNA moves back inside where he got up for win honors via a dead heat three trips ago; trotter is very capable of getting the job done. (2) LUKAS HALL also receives post relief and that might help his cause. (5) LO RAIL CROSSING Gelding could find the half-mile oval to his liking and Brennan has the assignment.

Race 3

(2) SIM BROWN did pick up some checks up in Canada and this trotter has tactical speed; can rate and score over these. (1) HOUSE ON FIRE has done well in his last three outings and figures to be the main danger. (4) FATHERS AMIGA Freehold invader lead most of the way but ran out of steam in deep stretch last time around.

Race 4

(1) POSITIVELY SHARP rallied strongly to nail down the show spot in her latest. Mare seems to be heading in the right direction and has every right to put her best foot forward. (7) LORENZO DREAM needs to return to her August 23rd trip to contend in here; maybe. (3) PARIS PRINCESS N put in a sharp qualifier at Pocono last time out and she could be in the mix.

Race 5

(2) LANDONFITZ came very wide and got the job done in his Tioga finale. Gelding is in sharp form so two straight is not out of the question. (6) LAUDERDALE took charge at the 1/2 mile post but was nailed for win honors last out; big threat. (1) GAELIC AND GARLIC should do much better from the fence; we shall see.

Race 6

(2) RAINBOW ROMANCE N moves down in class, knows how to get to the winner's circle and good to see Brennan at the controls; poised to mow these down at his best. (3) DAILHOUSIE DAVE was very sharp in his qualifier at Monticello last out and figures to be right in the hunt. (1) FRANCOHARRINGTON N should do much better from the rail.

Race 7

(1) Y S SUZANNE flashed good speed in her first attempt at Yonkers last out. Filly moves now to the fence and she could take these all the way to glory. (4) FLOYD HANOVER is knocking at the door based on his last two outings. (2) DICE MAN Sharp qualifier at Pocono makes him a prime contender.

Race 8

(1) ELUSIVE ACTION retains the rail and seems to be coming around. Trotter can take this with a well judged drive. (5) TO THE DEAL was sharp in victory last out and he appears to be a big threat again. (2) ONE TOO MANY is better than her last flop so don't count her out of this.

Race 9

(4) NOBLE POWER closed outside and held on for the score in his last start. Trotter appears to be in fine form so with another sharp effort today the rest will have to settle for minor awards. (3) ZETTE STARLET took the pocket route on her way to victory in her Vernon finale; main danger. (7) DOUBLE L LINDY has wheeled off two straight victories and his last one at the Meadowlands was awesome; not out of this.

Race 10

(1) IHOLDON Sophomore gelding makes his first start at Yonkers and has been in the exacta picture in all of his 9 starts this year; the one to deny with Brennan at the helm. (4) I WILL TAKE CREDIT She raced evenly last out for fourth money; could have a say in the outcome. (2) PETROSSIAN AS can make some noise from the 2-hole; maybe.

Race 11

(6) JAYPORT ALL MUSCLE makes his return to a flat mile where this trotter was an easy winner two trips back and with a perfect trip he can top these at his best. (2) MADHATTER BLUECHIP did show good early trot last time out and was second best at this level two starts ago; big player. (3) MADMAN HALL Gelding was uncovered most of the way and still held on for place money last out; must be considered in all the exotic slots.

Race 12

(4) SOUTHWIND INDY Speedy pacer tired in the stretch drive at the Meadowlands last time around. Now he moves back to Yonkers and the gelding has every right to take these down the road for all the glory. (8) FAN OF TERROR rallied strongly to miss the victory by a length; post hurts but he is very capable. (1) BULLVILLE KYLE was extremely wide and lost glory by 1/2 length in his Meadowlands finale; not out of this by far.

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Finger Lakes (2nd) Sky High Skyler, 9-2
(6th) Your Touch, 7-2


Fort Erie (1st) Grandys Got Gold, 8-1
(8th) The Giant Within, 8-1


Indiana Grand (2nd) Whispering Justice, 5-1
(9th) Princess Tumi, 9-2


Mountaineer (1st) Franky and Jane, 6-1
(6th) Izy Power, 6-1


Parx Racing (2nd) Grand Full Moon, 6-1
(6th) British Bulldog, 7-2


Presque Isle Downs (1st) Caribbean Candy, 10-1
(5th) Outer Orbit, 6-1

September Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

Much like our waistlines after a tasty Labor Day barbeque, MLB rosters have expanded to accommodate September, the final month of the season. And as College Football and the NFL crash onto the scene, MLB pitchers take the final spotlight in hopes of leading their teams on to the playoff trail.

The question is which ones can we count on and which ones figure to be candidates for offseason Weight Watchers meetings?

Check it out.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team starts the last three seasons during the month of September. On the flip side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in September team starts, winning 33% percent or less of their efforts.

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each September over the last three years.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s September’s list.

Enjoy the games.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 12-2 (8-1 H)

For nearly two full seasons, Arrieta has been as good as it gets in baseball as a starting pitcher. While strikeouts have been down a bit and walks are up of late, at this time it hard to find fault with a hurler who has opposing batters hitting below .200 against him and has a 2.84 ERA to start the month.

Cole, Gerrit - 14-3 (6-0 H)

The Pittsburgh ace has frankly had a mediocre injury-plagued season and on August 27th had an MRI on his elbow, which revealed no damage. If Pirates the are going to snare a third consecutive Wild Card bid, they will need the Cole of the past two years. Note: Cole’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of September.

*Grenike, Zack - 13-3 (7-1 H)

Greinke's ERA is higher than past year's but pitching in thinner air of Arizona has contributed to this. While the Diamondbacks have little too play for, expect Grienke to be tough as nails like usual.

Hamels, Cole - 12-5 (6-2 H)

Need a big game pitched in September? It’s hard to go wrong with Hamels, whose ERA of 2.91 is well below career mark of 3.26. Still owns lively fastball and changeup is knee-buckling. A true professional.

*Jimenez, Ubaldo - 12-1 (6-0 H)

Still toeing the rubber every five days or for Baltimore in spite of mid-sixes ERA. Baltimore has few options and Jimenez is not trustworthy in the bullpen either. Orioles need big month from their big man to reach the playoffs and this is his best month.

*Kershaw, Clayton - 12-3 (6-1 A)

Kershaw threw in simulated game on August 30 and later said "feeling really good" and if all goes well, the Dodgers hope Kershaw can pitch in September and beyond in some role, which only makes the Dodgers a bigger threat. Best pitcher in baseball.

Kluber, Corey - 10-3 (5-1 A)

Has been back to Cy Young form since the All-Star break with an ERA under 2.00 and Cleveland has won his last six outings. When he commands both sides of dish with fastball, for whatever reason, his curveball has more break. A true established ace for the Tribe trying to win the division.

Koehler, Tom - 10-5 (5-1 A)

Been very effective in a quiet way nationally, but has been extremely dependable for two months leading to this month for Miami, supplying six to seven solid innings per start. If he's throwing strikes inside to batters, he’s tough to hit. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of September.

Peavy, Jake - 11-3 (5-1 H)

Went on DL in late August with lower back strain. Had been working out of bullpen most of August and future status with San Francisco is as cloudy as the weather in the Bay.

*Price, David - 12-5 (7-2 H)

After a largely below season in Boston, Price has been much sharper in latter stages of August, which is what the Red Sox need. What has changed is Price became more effective in keeping the ball lower and is getting more fly ball outs as a power pitcher, which are genuinely more routine.

*Scherzer, Max - 11-4 (6-3 H)

After a somewhat slow start, Scherzer has been getting better and better and base hits allowed are well below innings pitched (128 vs. 190), yet walking few batters (45), especially compared to strikeouts (238). Back to pacing around mound like the king of the jungle.

*Shields, James - 13-4 (8-0 A)

It has been a wild ride for Shields this season, with numerous hideous outings blended in with several sharp ones. At this stage, hard to think the 34-year righty can duplicate the past seasons.

Strasburg, Stephen- 9-4 (5-1 A)

Starts the month on the DL after some very ugly starts last month. If Washington is to do anything in the postseason, Strasburg needs to regain early season form, which features moving fastball and big breaking curve.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 11-4 (6-2 A)

If rehab assignments go well, September 10th is target date for return. Zimmermann has not been very effective for quite some time and easy to forget he had ERA of 2.45 in mid-May, compared to current 4.44.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Hellickson, Jeremy - 2-10 (1-5 H)

All things considered, Hellickson has not had a bad year in Philadelphia. However, upon closer inspection, most of his numbers are now near career norms and if that ends being the same this month, real bet against potential.

Leake, Mike - 5-10 (1-7 A)

The Cardinals right-hander has been a lot like his teams, when Leake has been good, he and St. Louis have generally won, when not they have too often lost badly. Cards are hoping not to see a repeat performance from the veteran.

Ross, Tyson - 3-11 (1-6 A)

Started on Opening Day and has not been seen since for San Diego with bum shoulder. Still trying to work way bad through rehab. Probably best to forget 2016.

*Sale, Chris - 2-12 (0-8 A)

It is almost unimaginable Sale could have a record like this in September, yet he does. Part of it is the White Sox offense is too unreliable and Sale's miscues end up being quite costly. Let's see what the final month brings for the big lefty.

MLB roundup: Emotional night for Marlins
By The Sports Xchange

MIAMI -- The Miami Marlins, playing inspired baseball in their first game since the tragic death of pitcher Jose Fernandez, routed the New York Mets 7-3 on Monday night at Marlins Park.
Fernandez, who was already a two-time All-Star at age 24, died early Sunday morning in a boating accident in which speed was a factor, according to authorities.
There were numerous tributes to Fernandez throughout Monday's game, and every Marlins player wore No. 16 in honor of their fallen teammate.
Before the game, Mets and Marlins players and coaches exchanged hugs. The Marlins players also kneeled around the mound Fernandez virtually owned with a 29-2 record and a 1.49 ERA at Marlins Park.
Once the game began, the Marlins (78-78) gave numerous indications that this would be a truly special night for their organization and fans.

Indians 7, Tigers 4
DETROIT -- Coco Crisp hit a two-run home run and Roberto Perez added a solo shot plus an RBI single and Cleveland's bullpen pieced together five workable relief innings to help the Indians defeat Detroit and clinch their eighth American League Central Division title.
Crisp and Rajai Davis singled with two out in the eighth before Perez lined a single to center to give Cleveland a 6-4 lead. Carlos Santana hit a pop fly near the right field line that J.D. Martinez dropped for a run-scoring error to make it 7-4.
Miguel Cabrera's second RBI single of the game and 97th of the season cut a two-run Indians lead down to 5-4 in the seventh. Ian Kinsler doubled to left off Brian Shaw and went to third on a groundout.

Cubs 12, Pirates 2
PITTSBURGH -- Javier Baez hit a grand slam, and Kris Bryant added a two-run homer as Chicago pounded Pittsburgh at PNC Park for its 100th win of the year.
The Cubs reached 100 victories for the first time since 1935.
Chicago has clinched everything it can before the playoffs, including the best record in the major leagues, but keeps on chugging. The win was the Cubs' fifth in six games.
The Cubs are 13-3 this season against the Pirates, who have lost four of five to see their "tragic number" for elimination from wild-card contention reduced to two.

Yankees 7, Blue Jays 5
TORONTO -- Mark Teixeira and Aaron Hicks homered in a five-run ninth inning and New York came back to defeat Toronto to avoid a sweep in the four-game series.
The Blue Jays scored twice in the bottom of the ninth in a rally that fell short.
The solo homer by Teixeira and the two-run shot by Hicks came against Toronto reliever Jason Grilli (7-6) and ended the Yankees' four-game losing streak in a game that had two bench-clearing incidents.

Diamondbacks 14, Nationals 4
WASHINGTON -- Jean Segura had three hits, including two homers, and drove in three runs and Yasmany Tomas had two hits, including a homer, and drove in five runs as last-place Arizona hit five homers to beat Washington.
The winning pitcher was Zach Godley (5-4), who came out of the bullpen to pitch three scoreless innings while allowing just one hit. Segura hit a two-run homer off rookie reliever Lucas Giolito to make it 12-4 in the eighth and Jake Lamb followed with a solo shot.
Chris Owings had an RBI groundout in the ninth for Arizona to make it 14-4.
Washington catcher Wilson Ramos was taken out of the game in the top of the sixth inning when he appeared to injure his right leg.

Brewers 8, Rangers 3
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Jonathan Villar homered twice, Matt Garza went six solid innings against his former team and Milwaukee beat Texas at Globe Life Park.
Texas no longer owns the best record in the American League, falling behind idle Boston by a 1/2 game.
The AL West champs were constantly playing catch up in the opener of a three-game series and a six-game homestand to end the regular season. The Brewers roughed up Rangers starter Martin Perez early, with Villar inflicting most of the damage.

Reds 15, Cardinals 2
ST. LOUIS -- With a chance to tie the San Francisco Giants for the National League's second wild-card spot, St. Louis instead endured its worst loss of the year. Enjoying its first 22-hit game since 2003, Cincinnati piled up a season high for runs in a blowout at Busch Stadium.
Rookie Steve Selsky led the assault, going 5-for-5 with two runs and four RBIs. Adam Duvall went 4-for-6 with four runs and five RBIs, giving him 100 RBIs for the year, and Brandon Phillips went 4-for-5, the 14th four-hit game of his career.
Not to be outdone, rookie pitcher Tim Adleman (3-4) went seven strong innings, allowing four hits and two runs with no walks and four strikeouts.

Mariners 4, Astros 3 (11 innings)
HOUSTON -- Robinson Cano homered twice, including with two outs in the top of the 11th inning, to carry Seattle to a win over Houston at Minute Maid Park.
Cano cranked his 35th home run off Astros right-hander Luke Gregerson (4-3) with Gregerson one strike away from striking out the side. Mariners right-hander Nick Vincent earned the save, his third, while Drew Storen (4-3) won in relief for Seattle.
The Mariners moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Astros in the chase for an American League wild-card slot. Both Toronto, which occupies the top spot, and Detroit lost on Monday while the Orioles were idle.

White Sox 7, Rays 1
CHICAGO -- Justin Morneau drove in three runs and James Shields allowed one run in six innings and won for the first time since July 26 as Chicago beat Tampa Bay at U.S. Cellular Field.
Shields (6-18) snapped a six-game losing streak, scattered seven hits, struck out six and handed the Rays their seventh loss in their last eight games.
Drew Smyly (7-12) took the loss for the Rays after allowing three runs and seven hits in five innings.

Angels 2, Athletics 1
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Albert Pujols' weak ground ball scored Yunel Escobar in the bottom of the eighth inning and gave Los Angeles a win over Oakland at Angel Stadium.
Mike Trout hit his 29th home run for the Angels, who have won five of their last six and seven of 10.
Stephen Vogt's 13th homer failed to prevent the A's from sustaining their sixth loss in seven games.

Preview: Cubs (100-56) at Pirates (77-79)

Game: 2
Venue: PNC Park
Date: September 27, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PITTSBURGH -- Pirates manager Clint Hurdle substituted freely and often as Pittsburgh's game against the Chicago Cubs wore on Monday night.

That had everything to do with the score -- Chicago built a 12-run lead en route to a 12-2 blowout win -- but the Pirates could soon find themselves wanting to rotate in a lot of players for a different reason.

Pittsburgh's "tragic number" for being eliminated from the National League wild-card race was reduced to two, meaning the Pirates could be out of a shot for the playoffs as early as Tuesday night when the teams play the second of a four-game series at PNC Park.

At that point, like a lot of other teams, Pittsburgh could be reduced to looking at several players who might help them in the future -- a future that will come next year, not in October. Once eliminated, the Pirates' only real carrot could be finishing with a winning record.

"This year is what it is," Hurdle said.

While the Pirates (77-79) have lost four of five, the Cubs (100-56) have not hit a lull despite clinching the top record in the major leagues. Chicago won for the sixth time in seven games.

"There's a lot of self-motivators out there, a lot of accountable people," Chicago manager Joe Maddon said. "There's a lot of stuff going on right now. Beyond the team goals, we all like to see our guys get a chance to win some personal awards. So it's easy."

In addition, the Cubs are staying fresh by using a lot of players.

"We're rotating the stock," Maddon said. "Guys are coming in that are fresh. Guys that don't get a chance to play that often, they want to play and show what they've got."

Chicago is so loose in these final days of the regular season that Maddon had no qualms about approaching starter Kyle Hendricks during the fourth inning Monday -- while he was still the active pitcher -- simply to ask Hendricks about the nickname for Dartmouth, where Hendricks attended.

Hendricks told him it was the Big Green, settling a question that had been floating around the dugout during the game.

"I had no idea why he was asking me," Hendricks said with a laugh after he pitched six scoreless innings in the series-opening win.

For the second game of this series, Chicago is expected to go with right-hander John Lackey (10-8, 3.39 ERA), who will be making his 29th start. Lackey is 3-1 with a 2.39 ERA in his past eight outings.

He is 1-2 with a 3.69 ERA in six career starts against Pittsburgh.

The Pirates will counter with right-hander Ryan Vogelsong (3-6, 4.85 ERA). After coming back from facial surgery that was necessitated when he was hit by a pitch, he went 2-2 with a 2.48 ERA in his first five starts. However, since then, Vogelsong is 0-3 with a 9.14 ERA in four starts.

Against the Cubs, he is 5-8 with a 5.82 ERA in 21 career appearances, including 13 starts.