Tuesday 05/29/18 ... Comps / Bonus Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Requests Etc.

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

28th May 2018 by Gracenote
the cleveland indians hope to continue their offensive surge as they go for a fourth straight victory tuesday night when the american league central-rival chicago white sox pay a visit for the second of a three-game series. the indians have scored 27 times over the last three days after rallying from an early four-run deficit monday to knock off the white sox 9-6 with the help of four rbis from edwin encarnacion.

cleveland's michael brantley takes a 17-game hitting streak into tuesday's contest, while encarnacion is starting to warm up with two blasts and six rbis over the last three contests and eight hits in his past four outings. mike clevinger looks to rebound from a rough outing when he takes the mound for the indians in the middle game of the set while chicago counters with lucas giolito, who has struggled mightily with control in his first full season in the majors. the white sox, who own the worst record in baseball at 16-35, have dropped four of their last five overall and 10 of the past 12 against cleveland after committing three errors in the series opener that led to four unearned runs. shortstop tim anderson made one of the errors monday, but he also homered for the fourth time in four games for chicago and has registered seven rbis during that stretch.
tv: 6:10 p.m. et, nbcs chicago, sportstime ohio (cleveland)
pitching matchup: white sox rh lucas giolito (3-5, 7.53 era) vs. indians rh mike clevinger (3-2, 3.32)

giolito allowed seven runs on six hits (two homers) and three walks over 1 1/3 innings thursday versus baltimore after posting two straight wins. the 23-year-old californian yielded three or fewer runs in four of five outings before the most recent appearance. giolito, who has recorded 27 strikeouts and 37 walks, faces the indians for the first time in his career and owns a 4.20 era on the road as opposed to 12.79 at home in 2018.
clevinger ended a stretch of four straight quality starts thursday, yielding five runs on seven hits and three walks across 5 1/3 innings in a loss to houston. the 27-year-old floridian had completed at least six innings in seven of nine starts before the loss last thursday. jose abreu is 3-for-8 with a homer against clevinger, who is 0-2 with a 5.65 era in four career appearances (two starts) versus the white sox.
walk-offs

1. chicago inf matt skole had a solo homer, a single, a walk and scored twice in his major-league debut monday.

2. cleveland 1b yonder alonso is 9-for-19 with two homers and eight rbis over his last five starts.
3. white sox 1b/3b matt davidson (back spasms) was placed on the 10-day disabled list before the series opener.

prediction: indians 6, white sox 3

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Houston Astros vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

28th May 2018 by Gracenote
houston astros right-hander charlie morton has been masterful in his last two meetings with the new york yankees, having tossed five shutout innings in game 7 of the 2017 american league championship series before striking out 10 in another win last month. morton hopes to flummox the yankees (33-17) yet again on tuesday in the bronx as the astros (35-20) bid for their 15th victory in 20 outings.

rookie j.d. davis belted a three-run homer for houston and jose altuve added a solo shot in monday afternoon's 5-1 triumph, with the latter going 11-for-19 with two homers, seven rbis and seven runs scored during his four-game hitting streak. marwin gonzalez had a pair of hits for the astros to match his total of his previous six games, during which he struck out eight times. greg bird was elevated to the cleanup position and belted a solo homer on monday for new york's lone run, although he is expected to drop once again in the lineup with giancarlo stanton slated to return after a day off. stanton sat out the opener on the heels of striking out in all four at-bats in sunday's 3-1 win over the los angeles angels.
tv: 7:05 p.m. et, mlb network, at&t sportsnet southwest (houston), wpix (new york)
pitching matchup: astros rh charlie morton (7-0, 2.04 era) vs. yankees lh cc sabathia (2-1, 3.55)

morton allowed just one run on two hits over 7 2/3 innings of a 2-1 victory over the yankees on april 30. the outing began a stretch in which the 34-year-old has posted a 4-0 mark in five starts after permitting eight runs on 18 hits with 40 strikeouts in 32 2/3 innings. gleyber torres had a double off morton last month, but the new jersey native walked away with the win to improve to 2-1 with a 0.93 whip in three career outings against the yankees.
sabathia was fortunate to escape with a no-decision on wednesday after being tattooed for seven runs on six hits with three walks across 4 1/3 innings against texas. the 37-year-old was taken deep by nomar mazara and ronald guzman as part of a five-run fourth inning, marking the fourth time he's allowed a homer in three games after keeping the ball in the park in each of his four previous outings and five of six to start the season. altuve (2-for-6) has fared well in a small sample size versus sabathia, however the former cy young winner has flustered brian mccann (2-for-10, five strikeouts).
walk-offs

1. new york has dropped four of six after winning 22 of its previous 26.

2. astros 1b yuli gurriel has seven hits in five games against the yankees this season.
3. new york rf aaron judge is 2-for-17 with four strikeouts versus houston in 2018.

prediction: astros 5, yankees 3

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
Tensions always tend to run high when division rivals get together, and it might be ratcheted up a notch when the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Chicago Cubs for the second of a three-game series Tuesday. Both teams might be a bit on edge after Cubs star Anthony Rizzo's controversial slide home during the series opener.

Mike Montgomery and four relievers combined on a two-hitter in the Cubs' 7-0 win Monday, but Rizzo's slide stole the spotlight. The All-Star first baseman slid into Pirates catcher Elias Diaz during the eighth inning, breaking up a double play, and Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle was ejected after the legality of the slide was upheld on replay. Veteran left-hander Jon Lester will try to keep the Pirates' offense off-balance, but he will have the backing of a dominant bullpen if needed - Cubs relievers have pitched 10 scoreless innings over the past two games. Pittsburgh has dropped three straight and eight of its last 10.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), ATT SportsNet - Pittsburgh
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (4-2, 2.37 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Nick Kingham (2-1, 3.44)

Lester has allowed two or fewer runs in five straight outings, including two consecutive quality starts. The 34-year-old took a tough-luck loss Wednesday, allowing one run and six hits over seven innings in a 1-0 loss to Cleveland. Lester is 5-5 with a 3.50 ERA in 13 starts against the Pirates.

Kingham has bounced between the majors and minors and will make his fourth big-league start Tuesday. The 26-year-old rookie has recorded quality starts in two of his three outings with Pittsburgh, including a loss May 19 in which he allowed three runs and five hits over six innings against San Diego. Kingham has piled up 21 strikeouts and only two walks in 18 1/3 innings in the majors.
WALK-OFFS

1. Rizzo is 13-for-39 with 13 RBIs during a 10-game hitting streak.

2. Pirates LF Corey Dickerson is 24-for-61 with seven doubles, one triple and 11 RBIs in 18 career games against the Cubs.

3. The Cubs are 23-1 when leading after six innings.

PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Pirates 2

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Washington Nationals vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

28th May 2018 by Gracenote
the washington nationals can afford to let bryce harper take as long as he needs to figure out his swing as long as the pitching staff keeps thriving and anthony rendon stays hot. the nationals will try to ride rendon and the arms to a series win when they visit the baltimore orioles on tuesday for the second of a three-game interleague series between the beltway rivals.

washington took the series opener 6-0 on monday behind a three-run homer from rendon and 7 2/3 scoreless innings from gio gonzalez, marking the sixth time in the last seven games that the nationals staff held an opponent to three or fewer runs. harper went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in the win and owns 12 strikeouts in the last five games, but rendon homered in back-to-back contests and cleanup hitter matt adams is up to nine home runs in may. the orioles don't have that kind of thump in the lineup at the moment and scored three or fewer runs in 11 of their last 13 games while dropping into the american league east basement at 17-37. baltimore will take its cuts against nationals right-hander jeremy hellickson on tuesday while the orioles counter with righty dylan bundy.

tv: 7:05 p.m. et, mlb network, masn 2 (washington), masn (baltimore)
pitching matchup: nationals rh jeremy hellickson (1-0, 2.13 era) vs. orioles rh dylan bundy (3-6, 4.45)
hellickson, who made 10 starts for baltimore in the last half of 2017 before signing with washington in the offseason, surrendered one or no runs in each of his last four turns. the veteran only completed six innings in one of those turns, which marked his lone win in the span. hellickson began his career with the tampa bay rays in the al east and is 4-4 with a 5.80 era in 14 career games at camden yards.
bundy is coming off a dominant outing at chicago on thursday, when he struck out 14 while allowing three runs and two hits in a complete-game win. the 25-year-old suffered through a rough stretch bridging april and may but earned the win in two of his last three outings. bundy won his lone previous career start against washington, scattering two runs over six innings on aug. 22, 2016, though he did surrender a home run to rendon.
walk-offs

1. nationals 2b daniel murphy (knee) homered and drove in six runs in a rehab game with double-a harrisburg on sunday.

2. baltimore dh mark trumbo (knee) returned from a five-game absence on monday and went 0-for-2 with a walk.

3. washington ss trea turner hit safely in each of his last nine games.

prediction: nationals 2, orioles 1

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Los Angeles Angels vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

28th May 2018 by Gracenote
mike trout has been on quite the power surge with four homers in his last five contests heading into tuesday's second tilt of a four-game series against the host detroit tigers (24-29). trout went deep for a majors-best 18th time on monday afternoon, but the los angeles angels (29-25) failed to present mike scioscia with his 1,600th career managerial victory after a 9-3 setback.

trout has six homers among his 12 hits to go along with 12 runs scored in his last 10 contests for the angels, who dropped to 3-4 on their season-high 10-game road trip. the 26-year-old slugger's good fortune is nowhere to be found when facing tuesday starter michael fulmer, against whom he is 0-for-8 with four strikeouts. james mccann and leonys martin also flexed their muscles on monday, with the former launching a grand slam in the third inning while the latter added a solo shot in the seventh to send detroit to its fourth win in five outings. jeimer candelario enters tuesday's tilt having reached base in 22 straight games for the tigers, accounting for the longest active streak in the majors.
tv: 7:10 p.m. et, fs west (los angeles), fs detroit
pitching matchup: angels rh nick tropeano (2-3, 3.86 era) vs. tigers rh michael fulmer (2-3, 4.08)

tropeano answered his shortest outing of the season with the longest one of his career on thursday, venturing 7 1/3 innings while allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six in an 8-1 victory at toronto. "nick was terrific," scioscia told reporters of the 27-year-old. "i think as the game went on into probably the mid-innings, his fastball got some more life to it, so he got stronger as the game went on. i thought he had a good combination, using all his off-speed pitches." tropeano will be making his first career start against detroit, although he has kept martin (0-for-5) in their meetings at the plate.
fulmer recorded his first win since april 7 on wednesday after yielding one run on four hits over 5 2/3 innings of a 4-1 triumph at minnesota. the 2016 al rookie of the year tossed a season-high 112 pitches and permitted his third walk of the encounter to his last batter before receiving the hook, one out shy of a quality start. kole calhoun (2-for-11) and andrelton simmons (1-for-9) have struggled mightily against fulmer, who owns a 2-2 mark with a 3.38 era in four career starts versus the angels.
walk-offs

1. detroit rf nicholas castellanos is 13-for-34 with six runs scored and four rbis in his last eight contests.

2. former tiger 2b ian kinsler had a single in the series opener after going 1-for-27 in his previous seven games.
3. detroit 1b-c john hicks has hit safely in five straight contests to improve to 29-for-94 this month.

prediction: tigers 4, angels 3

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

28th May 2018 by Gracenote
the boston red sox's glut of productive outfielders allows them to survive a brief absence from mookie betts, who is day-to-day with tightness in his left side. the red sox will try to ride andrew benintendi, j.d. martinez and company to a series win when they host the toronto blue jays in the second of a three-game series on tuesday.

betts missed his second straight game on monday, but martinez smashed his 17th homer and benintendi moved into betts' spot atop the order and went 3-for-5 with a triple, a home run and four rbis in the 8-3 victory. "he's staying on pitches," boston manager alex cora told reporters of benintendi. "you can see with his takes. when he's taking pitches, it tells you a lot. we've been talking about him staying in the zone, not chasing pitches. he was able to get that pitch, hit in the air the other way. he's feeling good about himself, putting good at-bats, not expanding. those are all good signs." the blue jays are losers of 11 of their last 15 games and are trying to avoid a third series loss to the red sox already this season. toronto will send right-hander marco estrada to the mound on tuesday opposite former cy young award winner rick porcello.
tv: 7:10 p.m. et, sportsnet (toronto), nesn (boston)
pitching matchup: blue jays rh marco estrada (2-5, 5.40 era) vs. red sox rh rick porcello (6-2, 3.74)

estrada suffered the loss in each of his last three starts and is coming off an outing against the angels on thursday in which he was reached for four runs on seven hits and two walks in 4 1/3 frames. the long beach state product notched just one strikeout against los angeles and surrendered a home run in each of those last three turns. estrada lost to boston twice already this season, allowing a total of nine runs and 15 hits in 11 innings.
porcello started the season hot but is just 1-2 with a 7.29 era over his last four turns. the new jersey native was ripped for six runs - four earned - on eight hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings at tampa bay on thursday. porcello was stronger at toronto on april 24, when he struck out nine and scattered three runs on three hits and three walks over seven innings.
walk-offs

1. blue jays 3b josh donaldson (calf) left sunday's game and is day-to-day.

2. boston rhp steven wright did not allow a run in a combined six innings over his last three appearances.

3. toronto 2b devon travis recorded an extra-base hit in each of the last two games to raise his batting average to .182.

prediction: red sox 7, blue jays 5

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
the new york mets come into tuesday's game at the atlanta braves following a very long monday at the ballpark, a day-night doubleheader that featured more than three hours of rain delays and yet another bullpen meltdown. but the wait was worth it for the skidding mets, who rallied for an 8-5 victory in the nightcap to snap a four-game losing streak as kevin plawecki returned to the lineup with three hits and a walk, and the much-maligned bullpen covered seven innings.

the mets endured more relief struggles in the opener, atlanta winning 4-3 on charlie culberson's pinch-hit, two-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning to drop new york to 14-24 following its 11-1 start to the season. new york relievers allowed 20 runs on 24 hits in 12 innings during the team's skid, but hansel robles returned from the disabled list with three scoreless innings in the nightcap as mets relievers finished the second game with only one run allowed on five hits. braves first baseman freddie freeman had a pair of multi-hit games to extend his hitting streak to 10 games, while catcher kurt suzuki finished the second game with a homer and two hits, raising his average against new york this season to .458 with three homers and eight rbis. but the first-place braves struggled throughout the doubleheader to bring home baserunners, a recurring theme of late, leaving 17 runners on base in the two games.
tv: 7:35 p.m. et, sny (new york), fs southeast (atlanta)
pitching matchup: mets lh steven matz (2-3, 3.80 era) vs. braves rh anibal sanchez (1-0, 1.29)
matz has received three runs or fewer of support in five of his first nine starts but has given up more than one run only once in his past four outings. the 26-year-old fired six strong innings in a 5-0 victory thursday at milwaukee, allowing four hits with three walks and three strikeouts. matz, who makes his 51st major-league start, is 4-0 with a 2.97 era in six career starts against the braves.

sanchez returns from a minor-league rehab assignment to make his third start of the season, becoming the eighth starter used by atlanta in its past 12 games. the 34-year-old struck out 14 in 14 innings while allowing two runs on 11 hits across three appearances (two starts) before suffering a right hamstring injury april 18. sanchez gave up eight runs in his first rehab appearance may 21 but pitched three scoreless innings on friday.
walk-offs

1. atlanta placed lf ronald acuna on the 10-day disabled list with a mild acl sprain in his left knee and a lower back contusion, but the braves believe their standout rookie avoided serious injury.
2. new york ss amed rosario finished with a season-high three rbis in the nightcap.

3. rains from subtropical storm alberto caused a 31-minute rain delay in the opener, the nightcap started 2 hours, 57 minutes late due to rain, and more rain is in the forecast tuesday and wednesday.

prediction: mets 5, braves 3

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
Even with his team playing great ball and in possession of the best record in the National League, Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell is still making adjustments - and they all seem to be working. Counsell will try to push the right buttons again Tuesday when the first-place Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals for the second of a key three-game series between NL Central rivals.

Counsell moved veteran slugger Ryan Braun down to the fifth spot in the batting order at the slugger's request Monday, and he responded by going 3-for-3 and scoring three times in Milwaukee's 8-3 victory. The Brewers (35-20) have won four straight and are 7-1 on their current homestand, and they've scored eight or more runs in three consecutive games - one shy of tying the club record. "When you're playing like this, it's really important to rack up as many wins as possible because you know you're not going to be able to fire on all cylinders at all times," Braun told reporters. "I think we've done a really good job of taking advantage to this point of the fact that we've done everything well over the last couple of weeks." The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for the Cardinals, but they've lost nine of their last 15 and slipped five games back of the Brewers and a half-game behind the second-place Chicago Cubs.
TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (5-1, 2.88 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Zach Davies (2-4, 4.74)

Wacha hasn't lost since his season debut on March 31, and he has only allowed more than two runs in one of his nine starts since then. The 26-year-old recorded his third straight quality start Wednesday, allowing two runs (one earned) over 6 2/3 innings in a no-decision against Kansas City. Wacha is 4-0 with a 4.60 ERA in 10 games (nine starts) against Milwaukee.
Davies is making his second start since spending nearly a month on the disabled list with a rotator cuff injury. The 25-year-old wasn't at his sharpest in his return to the rotation Thursday against the New York Mets, allowing four runs and six hits and failing to record an out despite facing three batters in the fifth inning. Davies is 2-1 with a 4.22 ERA in seven starts against the Cardinals.
WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers RF Christian Yelich is 12-for-25 during a six-game hitting streak and has recorded multiple hits in four straight.

2. Cardinals SS Yairo Munoz hit his first major-league home run Monday and is 9-for-17 in five starts in place of injured Paul DeJong.
3. St. Louis catchers have not thrown out a baserunner trying to steal over the first 51 games - the longest streak to begin a season in major-league history.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Brewers 4

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
the minnesota twins found their offense in the series opener and hope to build off their clutch-hitting effort when they visit the kansas city royals on tuesday night in second of three games between american league central rivals. the twins managed just six runs during a four-game losing streak before going 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position and recording five extra-base hits en route to an 8-5 victory over the royals on monday night.

miguel sano continued his assault on kansas city pitching with a two-run homer in the series opener to push his total to 26 rbis versus the royals in the last 15 times he has suited up against them. kyle gibson gets the nod on the mound in the middle contest of the series for minnesota and looks to give manager paul molitor his 250th career win, while kansas city goes with left-hander danny duffy, who is coming off one of his best outings of the season. the royals had won four of six before losing monday and must improve their play at home where they are just 7-19 - worst in the major leagues - and have dropped six of the last seven. outfielder jon jay recorded three doubles and a single in five at-bats during the series opener for kansas city to extend his hitting streak to 10 games and has hit safely in 24 of 26 contests in may.
tv: 8:15 p.m. et, fs north (minnesota), fs kansas city
pitching matchup: twins rh kyle gibson (1-3, 4.02 era) vs. royals lh danny duffy (2-6, 6.14)

gibson is winless in his last nine outings despite posting quality starts in four of his last six trips to the mound. the 30-year-old indiana native gave up three runs on six hits across six innings in a 4-1 loss versus detroit on wednesday. mike moustakas is 10-for-30 and drew butera 6-for-9 - including a homer for each - versus gibson, who is 6-4 with a 3.46 era in 15 career starts against the royals.
duffy permitted one run on four hits and two walks over a season-high 7 2/3 innings at texas on thursday to earn his second victory of the season. the 29-year-old californian has notched both of his wins this month but owns a 7.00 era in may while yielding at least five runs in three of five starts. robbie grossman is 6-for-13 with a homer against duffy, who is 5-1 with a 2.49 era versus the twins.
walk-offs

1. kansas city c salvador perez had two hits in the series opener and is batting .313 with 63 rbis in 105 career games against the twins.

2. minnesota rhp fernando rodney notched his 311th career save monday, tying tom henke for 22nd in major-league history.
3. royals lf alex gordon registered three hits monday and is 10-for-20 with a homer during a five-game hitting streak.

prediction: royals 5, twins 4

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
the colorado rockies have managed to climb atop the national league west standings despite not playing particularly well at coors field, but may be on the verge of changing that given their success almost halfway through their nine-game homestand. the rockies set their sights on their fourth win in five tries tuesday when they continue a three-game set with the san francisco giants.

colorado entered last weekend with a 7-11 record in denver this season before taking two of three from cincinnati to secure only its second series win at home in 2018. the rockies got off to a good start in nailing down a third such victory monday when chris iannetta singled home the winning run in the 10th inning in a 6-5 triumph for his eighth career walk-off rbi and first since may 11, 2016. the giants had a winning record as recently as may 15, but have dropped eight of 11 since to fall back into fourth place in the west for the first time since april 25. san francisco got some good news in monday's series opener, however, as buster posey singled in his return to the lineup after a two-game absence and scored a run.
tv: 8:40 p.m. et, nbcs bay area (san francisco), at&t sportsnet rocky mountain (colorado)
pitching matchup: giants rh jeff samardzija (1-3, 6.23 era) vs. rockies lh kyle freeland (4-5, 3.28)

samardzija fell to 0-3 over his last six turns wednesday at houston, surrendering four runs (three earned) on four hits and a season-high five walks across 4 2/3 innings. the notre dame product has produced only one quality start in seven trips to the mound this season, only working more than five frames twice. nolan arenado is 13-for-32 and ian desmond is 10-for-26 with two homers against samardzija, who is 4-5 with a 3.84 era in 16 appearances (12 starts) versus the rockies.
freeland recorded his sixth consecutive quality start wednesday in los angeles, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks over 6 1/3 frames in a loss to the dodgers. the 25-year-old denver native has yielded three runs or fewer in eight of his last nine outings and is 2-1 with a 1.40 era in three turns at coors field this season. gorkys hernandez is 6-for-12 with a homer against freeland, who beat san francisco on may 18 with 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball.
walk-offs

1. the rockies posted 11 hits monday and have at least that many in three straight contests.

2. the giants fell to 23-5 in games in which they score four or more runs.

3. after entering monday 15-for-15 in stolen base attempts this month, colorado went 2-for-3 in the opener after charlie blackmon was thrown out in the seventh inning.

prediction: rockies 7, giants 3

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
the arizona diamondbacks had their best scoring output of the season in the opener and look to follow it up with another victory when they host the cincinnati reds on tuesday in the middle contest of a three-game set. arizona exploded for a 12-5 win monday and the splurge led to only the club's third triumph in the past 18 games.

the rousing offensive showing, which included three homers, was a welcome event in the opener of a six-game homestand that followed the diamondbacks' 1-8 road trip. nick ahmed (four rbis) and chris owings belted three-run homers and john ryan murphy launched a solo shot in a contest in which arizona scored multiple runs in four different innings. adam duvall had a season-best four rbis and eugenio suarez matched his season best of four hits as cincinnati racked up 16 hits. the reds have allowed 20 runs while losing their last two games and are 10-17 on the road this season.
tv: 9:40 p.m. et, fs ohio (cincinnati), fs arizona

pitching matchup: reds rh luis castillo (4-4, 5.34 era) vs. diamondbacks rh zack godley (4-4, 4.53)
castillo is unbeaten in his last four starts and is 3-0 with a 2.78 era during the stretch. the 25-year-old defeated the pittsburgh pirates in his last turn when he gave up two runs and four hits over six innings. castillo went 1-1 with a 2.84 era in two starts against the diamondbacks last season.

godley is 0-3 over his last five starts after opening the season by winning four of his first five turns. the 28-year-old has been strong at home by going 2-1 with a 2.92 era in four starts with 22 strikeouts against six walks. godley is 2-1 with a 11.91 era in three career appearances (two starts) against cincinnati and has struggled with joey votto (4-for-6, one homer), billy hamilton (3-for-6) and scott schebler (two homers in as many at-bats).
walk-offs

1. diamondbacks 1b paul goldschmidt has two hits in two of the past four games after previously not having a multi-hit game since april 26.

2. cincinnati rhps raisel iglesias (left biceps) and austin brice (back) could come off the disabled list wednesday.

3. arizona lhp robbie ray (oblique) will undergo an mri exam tuesday to analyze the healing process - he has been sidelined since april 29.

prediction: reds 5, diamondbacks 3

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
the tampa bay rays attempt to move over the .500 mark for the first time since winning opening day when they visit the oakland athletics on tuesday night for the second contest of a four-game series. the rays grinded out a 1-0 triumph in 13 innings monday afternoon to take the series opener and have won three in a row while allowing four runs total in the process.

"sometimes you have to win 1-0, sometimes you have to win 2-1," tampa bay manager kevin cash told reporters. "maybe we haven't won those close ones as much as we'd like but today we did. we had to play flawless and we came out on top." red-hot left-hander blake snell will try to extend the rays' winning streak after pitching six scoreless innings last time out to win his second straight and oakland will counter with righty daniel gossett on tuesday. the athletics have had a tough time offensively since khris davis - who could return as early as thursday - went down with a groin injury, managing 12 runs in seven games while going 3-4 on their 10-game homestand. "the defense and pitching did a good job," oakland outfielder stephen piscotty told reporters after monday's loss. "it's tough when you can't scratch across a run. ... we just have to keep going, keep grinding. we have good offense. we just have to believe in ourselves."
tv: 10:05 p.m. et, fs sun (tampa bay), nbcs california (oakland)
pitching matchup: rays lh blake snell (6-3, 2.78 era) vs. athletics rh daniel gossett (0-2, 6.28)

snell has allowed two or fewer runs in eight of his last nine starts, including thursday when he limited boston to three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in six shutout innings. the 25-year-old washington native boasts 69 strikeouts and only 21 walks in 64 2/3 innings in 2018 after totaling 217 punchouts and 110 bases on balls over his first two major league seasons. jed lowrie is 0-for-5 with two strikeouts versus snell, who is 0-0 with five runs given up in 10 2/3 innings against oakland.
gossett permitted one run on four hits and one walk with five strikeouts over seven innings last time out, but suffered a 1-0 loss to seattle after starting the season with two rough outings. the 25-year-old clemson product gave up nine runs and 11 hits across 7 1/3 innings in his first two starts of the season - both against the los angeles angels. gossett, who is 1-6 in eight career starts at home, yielded three runs over seven innings in a loss in his only outing against tampa bay in 2017.
walk-offs

1. piscotty had a pair of hits monday, including a double, after going 1-for-20 during the previous seven games.

2. tampa bay cf mallex smith knocked in the winning run monday and is 6-for-19 with four walks during a five-game hitting streak.
3. athletics of mark canha was hitless in two at-bats monday, but is 8-for-20 with eight rbis in his career against the rays.

prediction: rays 6, athletics 2

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
gabe kapler left his role as the los angeles dodgers' director of player development in the offseason to take the philadelphia phillies' managerial job, but very little could have prepared him for what unfolded in his first crack against his former employer. following a late comeback aided by a fair share of good fortune in the opener, the dodgers seek their 10th win in 12 contests tuesday as they play the second of four at home versus the phillies.

los angeles was held hitless through five innings monday before cutting a four-run deficit in half in the sixth and taking the lead for good with a three-run eighth that included an infield single, a misplayed pop fly, a single off reliever adam morgan's glove and a wild pitch. "there were some weird things that unfolded that i didn't predict would happen. you can score early, but you have to keep scoring and keep executing," kapler told reporters. the phillies still boast the majors' best record in games outside of their division (19-7), but five of those defeats have come over the last 10 contests overall. philadelphia seemingly avoided insult to injury monday when cleanup hitter rhys hoskins was forced from the game in the ninth after fouling a ball off his face as kapler told reporters later he wasn't "overly concerned" about the injury.
tv: 10:10 p.m. et, nbcs philadelphia, sportsnet la (los angeles)
pitching matchup: phillies rh jake arrieta (4-2, 2.45 era) vs. dodgers rh kenta maeda (4-3, 3.38)

arrieta recorded a scoreless outing for the second time in three starts wednesday against atlanta, earning the victory after yielding seven hits over 6 2/3 innings while striking out seven. the 2015 cy young award winner is 1-1 with a 1.17 era in four turns this month and has permitted more than two earned runs only once in nine trips to the mound. yasiel puig (2-for-5), yasmani grandal (1-for-7) and chase utley (1-for-15) are the only dodgers with hits versus arrieta, who is 1-3 with a 3.77 era in five starts against them.
maeda has been dominant in a pair of victories over his last two turns, allowing a total of four hits and four walks across 14 2/3 innings while striking out 20. the 30-year-old followed eight scoreless innings in miami on may 17 by giving up two hits and four walks while fanning a season-high 12 in 6 2/3 frames against colorado on wednesday. cesar hernandez (3-for-8) is the only phillie who has enjoyed any real success against maeda, who is 3-0 with a 3.86 era in four starts versus philadelphia.
walk-offs
1. monday's victory was only the third for the dodgers when trailing after seven innings in 26 tries this season.

2. philadelphia 1b carlos santana is batting .286 with 13 runs, seven homers and 21 rbis in may. he hit .153 with two home runs and 11 rbis in march and april combined.

3. after posting a 4.54 era through the first 42 contests, los angeles' bullpen has recorded a 1.64 era during the team's 11-game surge.

prediction: dodgers 2, phillies 1

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
the seattle mariners look for their 10th victory in the past 11 games when they host the texas rangers on tuesday in the second contest of a four-game series. seattle posted a 2-1 victory in monday's opener for its fourth straight win to move a season-best 13 games over .500.

the mariners have allowed 20 runs over the 10-game run, holding the opposition to two or fewer in seven of the contests. seattle will look for right-hander felix hernandez to continue the team's string of solid efforts but he stands 19-24 with a 4.00 era in 55 career starts against texas. the rangers managed only five hits in monday's loss with their run scoring on a passed ball by mariners catcher mike zunino. texas designated hitter shin-soo choo reached base twice in the opener and is 7-for-18 with two homers and nine walks during a six-game hitting streak.

tv: 10:10 p.m. et, fs southwest (texas), root sports northwest (seattle)
pitching matchup: rangers rh austin bibens-dirkx (0-1, 5.68 era) vs. mariners rh felix hernandez (5-4, 5.58)
bibens-dirkx learned sunday that he would receive a second start but he could be sent to triple-a round rock after the outing with the rangers set to activate left-hander matt moore to start wednesday. the 33-year-old lost to the kansas city royals on thursday when he gave up six runs - four earned - and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings after being recalled earlier that day. bibens-dirkx allowed three runs over four innings in two relief appearances against seattle last season.
hernandez is 1-2 with a 6.75 era over his past four starts and has been unable to find the dominating form he often exhibited earlier in his career. the 32-year-old has served up 10 homers and has a mediocre 1.39 whip while striking out 51 in 61 1/3 innings. hernandez allowed two runs and four hits over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the rangers on april 20 and has enjoyed good success against rougned odor (5-for-31 with one homer and 10 strikeouts).

walk-offs

1. mariners ss jean segura was a late scratch monday when he didn't pass the concussion protocol but hopes to be cleared tuesday after a two-game absence.
2. texas ss elvis andrus (elbow) and 3b adrian beltre (hamstring) each fielded grounders before monday's game with andrus' workout being his first since being injured april 11.

3. seattle inf taylor motter was claimed off waivers by the minnesota twins one day after being designated for assignment.

prediction: mariners 6, rangers 4

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Miami Marlins vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 05-29-2018

29th May 2018 by Gracenote
cameron maybin's first season with the miami marlins hasn't been one to remember, but a couple successful pinch-hitting spots in the team's last series may have been just what he needed to stick it to one of his former teams. coming off his most productive day at the plate of the season, the 31-year-old veteran will try to build upon his recent success tuesday when the marlins visit the san diego padres for the second of four games.

maybin, who played for san diego from 2011-14, singled in each of his only two at-bats over the final two games against washington as miami was getting swept over the weekend. maybin, making his first start since may 19 on monday, turned out to be a catalyst for the marlins' 7-2 victory over the padres in the series opener, lifting his average to .252 after a 3-for-4 effort while driving in two runs and scoring another as san diego raced out to an early 5-1 advantage. san diego has dropped five of seven following a three-game winning streak and can blame a sputtering offense for most of its woes. over their last seven contests, the padres have scored two runs or fewer five times and exceeded three runs once.
tv: 10:10 p.m. et, fs florida (miami), fs san diego
pitching matchup: marlins rh dan straily (2-0, 3.12 era) vs. padres rh tyson ross (4-3, 3.13)

straily has settled into a bit of a groove over his last two turns and miami improved to 5-0 in his outings wednesday in new york, permitting only a solo homer among the four hits he allowed to the mets over six innings. the marshall product enjoyed his finest start of the season five days earlier at atlanta, yielding only three hits in seven scoreless frames. straily did not factor into the decision in either of two previous starts against the padres despite posting a 2.77 era.
ross won for the second time in as many outings and struck out nine in wednesday's win at washington, surrendering only a solo home run among the five hits he allowed in 6 2/3 frames. the 31-year-old has logged at least six innings in nine of his 10 turns and leads the padres with seven quality starts and 64 strikeouts. ross last faced miami in 2015 and is 1-2 with a 5.54 era in three appearances (two starts) versus the marlins.
walk-offs

1. the marlins are 7-3 against national league west competition and 13-30 against everyone else.

2. each of padres of franmil reyes' two extra-base hits since his may 14 promotion have been home runs.

3. miami has won the last six meetings, giving up three or fewer runs to san diego five times.

prediction: marlins 3, padres 2

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fort Erie
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 3 - SA - 7.0f on the Turf. Purse: $15480 Class Rating: 86

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $8,000 OR LESS. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE APRIL 29 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE MARCH 29 ALLOWED 4 LBS. LIMITED TO 10 STARTERS) IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 BUTTERFLY STRIKE 5/2

# 4 WORLD OF PROSPECTS 3/1

# 8 SPANISH RIVER 5/1

My selection in this race is BUTTERFLY STRIKE. Has very good early lick and will probably fare solidly versus this group of horses in this race. Should keep the impressive string of finishing positions intact this time out. Should be given a chance here if only for the strong speed figure recorded in the last contest. WORLD OF PROSPECTS - Is hard not to look at based on Equibase Speed Figures which have been competitive - 82 avg - of late. With a competitive 86 speed rating last time out, will definitely be a factor in this contest. SPANISH RIVER - Has a strong shot in this race if you like back class. Has to be given a chance - I like the numbers from the last race.

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Indiana Downs
Indiana Downs - Race 7

Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / 50 Cent Trifecta / Superfecta 10 Cent Superfecta / 50 Cent Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9)

Maiden Special • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3-5 • CR: 79 • Purse: $31,000 • Post: 4:53P
(PLUS UP TO 40% INDIANA STATE BRED SUPPLEMENT) FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE, FOUR, AND FIVE YEARS OLD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Lone Trailer. ETTALUSIVE is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * ETTALUSIVE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. A CHANGE OF HEART: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. ETHEL G: Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Ra ting at the distance/surface.
7
ETTALUSIVE
2/1

7/2
3
A CHANGE OF HEART
5/2

9/2
2
ETHEL G
12/1

8/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
ETHEL G
2

12/1
Front-runner
78

75

69.2

75.8

66.8
9
MIMI'S RUBY BOBBY
9

8/1
Alternator/Front-runner
0

0

76.7

63.6

57.6
3
A CHANGE OF HEART
3

5/2
Stalker
82

79

63.0

71.0

68.0
4
SUNSET PAULA JO
4

20/1
Stalker
59

53

51.9

45.6

34.6
7
ETTALUSIVE
7

2/1
Trailer
81

72

66.0

75.8

72.8
1
YANKEE ROSE
1

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

49.3

25.6

14.6
6
DIAMONDS FOR JIM
6

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
60

26

0.9

24.6

13.1

Unknown Running Style: JETS A GINNIN (10/1) [Jockey: Prescott Rodney A - Trainer: Becker Scott], RUE DE L'ANGE (4/1) [Jockey: De La Cruz Fernando - Trainer: Cox Brad H], GIANT COYOTE (15/1) [Jockey: Morales Edgar - Trainer: Oviedo Jose M].

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Mountaineer Park
Mountaineer Park - Race 7

$1 Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) $.50 Trifecta $1 Exacta Box ($.20) Superfecta

Maiden Special • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 35 • Purse: $14,100 • Post: 9:12P
FOR ACCREDITED WEST VIRGINIA-BRED MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. (PREFERENCE TO HORSES THAT HAVE NOT STARTED FOR LESS THAN $15,000).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Lone Front-runner. BOBBOB'SBABYSISTER is the Lone Front-runner of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * LITTLE LIES: Horse ranks in the top three in Track Master Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. GLITZY GALA: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. SWEET LIL B ETTY: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff.
2
LITTLE LIES
9/2

7/2
3
GLITZY GALA
6/5

5/1
7
SWEET LIL BETTY
15/1

8/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
6
BOBBOB'SBABYSISTER
6

10/1
Front-runner
0

0

37.0

9.6

0.0
3
GLITZY GALA
3

6/5
Stalker
46

39

18.0

37.0

33.0
4
NEVER CROSS A DIVA
4

15/1
Alternator/Stalker
40

25

48.4

21.4

9.9
2
LITTLE LIES
2

9/2
Alternator/Stalker
55

52

37.0

37.6

32.1
1
PRICEY PRADA
1

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
42

33

18.6

21.6

14.6
7
SWEET LIL BETTY
7

15/1
Alternator/Trailer
48

42

32.4

29.6

20.1
5
BEAUTIFUL B
5

5/2
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

1.9

22.8

16.3

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Presque Isle Downs - Race #4 - Post: 6:40pm - Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 85

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 GOLD WING (ML=4/1)
#9 QEYAAS (ML=10/1)

GOLD WING - This horse coming off a good performance in the last month or so is a win candidate in my book. Ran last time around the track against tougher competition at Presque Isle Downs. The move to a lower class rank should suit him well. This gelding's last speed fig is high enough to win here, I'll play him right back this time around. QEYAAS - Here is a true horse for the course. Loves the track here at Presque Isle Downs. Have to give this gelding a shot. Ran a solid race last out within the last month or so. Look at this pattern of improvement. 61/70/85 are the last three speed ratings.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 TREE FIRE (ML=5/2), #8 POPSRACER (ML=6/1), #3 EXPLORE (ML=6/1),

TREE FIRE - This runner hasn't been on the track since September 27th. Not even any drills. This pony ran a most unsatisfactory speed rating last time out. He shouldn't show signs of improvement and will probably get beat today running that figure. POPSRACER - Finished first in his most recent effort with a most unsatisfactory speed rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to win after that in this group. EXPLORE - Last performed on May 15th at Presque Isle Downs, finishing seventh. Not likely to advance off of that performance in today's event. Didn't land in the money on May 15th after the long breather. Be doubtful of this one this time around. Won't be easy for this thoroughbred to beat this group off of that last speed figure. Unlikely to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's class rating, so put him on the likely underlays list.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #7 GOLD WING on the win end if we get at least 9/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [7,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

bmd1803 · May 29, 2018

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #1 - Post: 12:55pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,000 Class Rating: 50

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 WISE TRADE (ML=5/2)
#6 FAIR LADY SADIE (ML=10/1)

WISE TRADE - The way this event sets up this filly will be in the 'garden' spot when they hit the top of the stretch. Mariano was aboard this filly last out and was impressed enough to take the equine right back. I like to play this handicapping angle, a horse coming back off a sharp race within the last 30 days. FAIR LADY SADIE - Filly's last workout was second fastest of the day for the distance. Sprinters that come back to the races quickly are generally good plays.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 MISS STAR LO (ML=9/5), #3 BETTY'S FAVORITE (ML=3/1), #5 COLESLITTLEMONSTER (ML=5/1),

MISS STAR LO - This morning-line choice hasn't been to the track in awhile. No workouts since last race. BETTY'S FAVORITE - Today's race is 6 furlongs. Hasn't finished in the money in a short distance affair in the last couple of months. Not the best of signs. When examining today's class rating, she will have to earn a better speed figure than last out to be competitive in this dirt sprint. COLESLITTLEMONSTER - Doesn't appear to be in a convenient circumstance this time around.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - FAIR LADY SADIE - This racer has recorded gains in her speed figures over her last two affairs. Don't overlook this filly in your gambling.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #4 WISE TRADE to win. Have to have odds of at least 8/5 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None