MLB Betting News and Trends For Friday 7/27/18

National League
Mets (43-57) @ Pirates (53-51)
Vargas is 0-3, 8.76 in his last three starts; over is 3-2-1 in his road starts. Team in his starts: 2-7, 1-5 away.
5-inning record: 2-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-9

Nova is 2-0, 3.18 in his last three starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 11-8, 4-4 home
5-inning record: 5-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-10

Mets are 6-3 in their last nine games; over is 5-1 in their last six games. Pirates won 11 of their last 13 games; they’re 11-16 vs lefty starters. Under is 6-4-1 in their last 11 home games.

Phillies (58-44) @ Reds (45-58)
Pivetta is 1-2, 6.75 in his last six starts; over is 6-0-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 11-9, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 8-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-20

DeSclafani is 1-2, 6.41 in his last five starts (over 7-1-1). Team in his starts: 4-5, 2-4 home
5-inning record: 6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Phillies are 5-5 in last ten road games,; over is 7-1 in their last eight games. Cincinnati lost six of its last eight games; over is 12-4 in their last 16 home games.

Nationals (51-51) @ Marlins (44-60)
Scherzer is 3-0, 4.05 in his last three starts; Nationals scored 29 runs in those games (over 3-0). Team in his starts: 15-6, 7-3 road
5-inning record: 12-8-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Lopez is 2-1, 5.09 in his four starts (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 2-2, 1-1 home.
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Nationals are 6-14 in their last 20 road games; over is 4-2-1 in their last seven games. Miami won five of its last eight games; over is 6-1 in their last seven games.

Dodgers (57-46) @ Braves (54-45)
Kershaw is 2-1, 3.28 in his last four starts; over is 7-4 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 6-8, 3-3 away
5-inning record: 8-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-14

Foltynewicz is 1-2, 6.87 in his last three starts; his last six starts went over. Team in his starts: 9-10, 5-4 home.
5-inning record: 7-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-19

Dodgers are 5-4 in their last nine games; over is 8-1 in their last nine games. Atlanta lost six of its last eight home games; Braves’ last five games went over the total. Atlanta is 16-14 vs lefty starters.

Cubs (60-42) @ Cardinals (51-51)
Montgomery is 0-1, 4.50 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 5-5, 2-3 away
5-inning record: 4-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-10

Weaver is 1-3, 5.56 in his last four starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 9-11, 2-6 home.
5-inning record: 9-10-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Cubs won four of last five road games, are 11-5 in road series openers. Over is 10-2 in their last 12 games. Cardinals lost three of last four games; they’re 7-9 in home series openers. St Louis is 13-14 vs lefty starters.

Diamondbacks (56-48) @ Padres (42-63)
Greinke is 6-0, 1.37 in his last seven starts; his last five stayed under. Team in his starts: 13-8, 6-4 away
5-inning record: 14-4-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21

Perdomo is 0-3, 7.13 in his last three starts (over 4-4). Team in his starts: 1-7, 0-4 home.
5-inning record: 1-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-8

Diamondbacks are 3-5 in last eight games, 13-4 in road series openers. Under is 12-2-1 in their last 15 road games. San Diego lost seven of last eight home games, 22 of last 25 series openers. Over is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Brewers (59-46) @ Giants (52-52)
Anderson is 1-1, 2.30 in his last six starts (under 5-1). Team in his starts: 11-9, 4-5 road
5-inning record: 11-6-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-20

Bumgarner is 2-1, 4.64 in his last four starts (under 6-3). Team in his starts: 4-5, 4-1 home.
5-inning record: 4-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-9

Milwaukee lost nine of last 11 road games; over is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Brewers are 12-11 vs lefty starters. San Francisco lost six of its last eight games; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games.

American League
Royals (31-71) @ New York (65-36)
Keller is 1-1, 7.54 in his last three starts (under 5-4). Team in his starts: 3-6, 0-4 away
5-inning record: 3-3-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Sabathia is 1-1, 6.32 in his last three starts; under is 7-0-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-8, 7-3 home.
5-inning record: 10-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-18

Royals lost eight of last ten road games; five of their last six games stayed under. KC is 13-20 vs lefty starters. New York is 7-7 in its last 14 games; over is 5-3 in their last eight home games.

Rays (53-50) @ Orioles (29-74)
Archer is 0-1, 3.52 in his last six starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 9-7, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 5-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-16

Cashner is 0-1, 3.44 in his last six starts; under is 10-1-1 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 5-14, 2-8 home
5-inning record: 5-10-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-19

Rays won three of last four games; over is 4-2 in their last six road games. Baltimore is 6-22 in its last 28 games; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight home games.

Twins (48-53) @ Red Sox (71-33)
Lynn is 2-1, 4.50 in his last three starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 8-11, 3-7 away
5-inning record: 8-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Sale is 5-0, 0.27 in his last five starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 13-8, 5-3 home.
5-inning record: 13-4-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Twins lost nine of their last 13 road games; they’re 12-16 vs lefty starters- under is 6-3 in their last nine road games. Boston is 15-4 in its last 19 games; under is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Indians (55-46) @ Tigers (44-60)
Carrasco is 3-0, 3.00 in his last three starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 11-7, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 12-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Fiers is 2-2, 1.60 in his last five starts; under is 8-1-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 12-7, 8-2 home.
5-inning record: 8-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Indians lost three of last four games; they’re 8-8 in road series openers. Over is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Detroit is 3-8 in its last 11 home games, 0-6 in last six home series openers. Under is 4-1-1 in their last six home games.

Rangers (42-62) @ Astros (67-37)
Gallardo is 4-1, 5.82 in six starts this year (over 5-1). Team in his starts: 5-1, 2-1 away
5-inning record: 4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Keuchel is 4-0, 1.30 in his last four starts (under 4-0). Team in his starts: 12-9, 5-5 home
5-inning record: 9-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-21

Texas lost eight of its last nine games; they’re 6-10 in road series openers, 12-18 vs lefty starters. Over is 7-1 in their last eight games. Astros are 5-3 in last eight games, 9-8 in home series openers. Under is 7-3 in their last ten home games.

Blue Jays (46-55) @ White Sox (36-66)
Stroman is 2-1, 2.84 in his last three starts; under is 7-0-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 6-7, 3-4 away
5-inning record: 3-4-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-10

Lopez is 0-3, 6.75 in his last three starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 6-14, 3-5 home
5-inning record: 8-11-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Toronto lost its last three games; they’re 9-7 in road series openers. Over is 6-4 in their last ten road games. White Sox are 6-3 in last nine home games, 7-8 in home series openers. Over is 8-4 in their last 12 home games.

Mariners (61-41) @ Angels (52-52)
LeBlanc is 3-1, 3.65 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 11-4, 2-4 away
5-inning record: 6-15 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-3-2

Healey 2-0, 3.20 in his last three starts; under is 10-3-1 in his last 14. Team in his starts: 8-10, 6-3 home
5-inning record: 4-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-18

Seattle lost six of its last nine games; they’re 9-8 in road series openers, 17-16 vs lefty starters. Under is 6-1 in their last seven games. Angels are 7-7 in last 14 home games, 9-8 in home series openers- they’re 9-20 vs lefty starters. Under is 10-6 in their last 16 home games.

Interleague
A’s (61-43) @ Rockies (54-47)
Manaea is 3-0, 2.95 in his last six starts; over is 2-0-1 in his last three. Team in his starts: 13-8, 6-4 away
5-inning record: 9-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21

Freeland is 3-0, 2.55 in his last six starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 12-8, 6-2 home
5-inning record: 8-7-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20

A’s are 21-5 in their last 26 games, 11-7 in road series openers, 20-17 vs lefty starters; over is 7-2-1 in their last ten road games. Colorado won eight of last 10 games, is 6-10 in home series openers, 21-19 vs lefty starters; their last four home games stayed under. Oakland bullpen has worked a lot the last three nights.

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Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The New York Yankees believe they have picked up two important stretch-run pieces this week, but they have to hope the two roster spots the new arrivals claim won't be those of the players they lost to injury on Thursday. While the Yankees figure out what to do with Aaron Judge and Sonny Gray, they'll try to string together consecutive wins for the first time in over two weeks when they host the Kansas City Royals on Friday for the second contest of their four-game series.

Judge was hit on the right wrist by a pitch in the first inning of Thursday's 7-2 victory over Kansas City, and while he remained in the game for three more frames, he eventually was sent to the hospital, where it was learned he suffered a chip fracture and won't be able to swing a bat in game situations for three weeks. Gray was hurt shortly thereafter, leaving after five innings when he took a comebacker off his right hand, putting another damper on the Yankees' deals that landed J.A. Happ from Toronto earlier in the day and Zach Britton from Baltimore on Tuesday. New York's uneven play of late is another concern, as the club finds itself 4 1/2 games out of first place in the American League East in part because it hasn't won two in a row since July 11 and 12. After beginning the second half of the season with a three-game sweep of Minnesota, Kansas City (31-71) has dropped three of four and hopes to avoid being overtaken by the Orioles (29-74), who own the worst record in the major leagues.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Brad Keller (3-4, 3.20 ERA) vs. Yankees LH CC Sabathia (6-4, 3.51)

Keller notched his first victory in nearly a month Sunday against Minnesota, permitting three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out a season-high eight in seven-plus innings. The 22-year-old has been particularly good at keeping the ball in the park during his rookie campaign, giving up only one homer in nine turns and two in 30 overall appearances. Keller, who has gone 0-3 in four road starts, threw a perfect inning in relief on May 18 in his only career appearance against the Yankees.

Sabathia received an injection in his arthritic right knee over the All-Star break and had his previously scheduled start on Sunday rained out, so he will be taking the mound for the first time in 13 days. The former Cy Young Award winner settled for a no-decision in that July 14 outing at Cleveland, allowing four runs over 5 2/3 innings. Whit Merrifield (4-for-8) is one of the few Royals to have success against Sabathia, who is 21-12 with a 3.15 ERA in 40 career starts versus Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees 3B Miguel Andujar is batting .500 in six games since the All-Star break.

2. After hitting .158 with two homers and four RBIs in June, Kansas City All-Star C Salvador Perez is batting .273 with five blasts and 17 RBIs this month.

3. New York acquired Happ for INF Brandon Drury and OF Billy McKinney on Thursday afternoon.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Royals 2
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays' front office appears to be in selling mode at the non-waiver trade deadline, but the team on the field is more than making due lately with the players that aren't being sent away. The Rays set their sights on a fifth win in six tries Friday, when they visit the Baltimore Orioles for the second contest of their four-game series.

Tampa Bay got a jump on the July 31 trade deadline on Wednesday by dealing starter Nathan Eovaldi to Boston and reliever Matt Andriese to Arizona. The Rays are doing what they can to stay in the American League wild-card race, however, taking two of three from the New York Yankees earlier in the week before edging the Orioles 4-3 in Thursday's series opener. Baltimore's fate this season has long been decided, even though the club only started selling in the last week as it sent four-time All-Star Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the All-Star break and closer Zach Britton to the Yankees on Tuesday. The Orioles have started the second half in much the same way they played during the first, solidifying the worst record in the majors (29-74) by dropping five of six since the Midsummer Classic.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), MASN 2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (3-4, 4.30 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (2-9, 4.40)

Archer was a bit of a mixed bag in Sunday's no-decision against Miami, fanning a career-high 13 batters for his 28th career double-digit strikeout effort while also yielding four runs - three earned - in six innings. The outing was the first quality start in four tries for the former fifth-round draft pick, who hasn't earned a victory since May 17. Jonathan Schoop (12-for-31, five homers) is one of three Orioles with multiple home runs against Archer, who is 1-1 with a 7.30 ERA in two starts versus Baltimore this season.

Cashner's winless streak reached nine starts despite a solid effort at Toronto on Sunday, when he gave up just one run over 5 2/3 innings in his return from a strained neck that landed him on the disabled list. The 31-year-old has recorded five quality starts during his drought, but he has dropped all four decisions in part because his offense has scored three runs or fewer seven times over that stretch. The first loss of the bunch came at Tampa Bay on May 26, when Cashner was tagged for five runs in as many frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays are 20-23 in one-run games, but they improved to 10-4 in their last 14 such contests on Thursday.

2. Schoop, who has homered in four straight contests and five of his last six, is batting .359 during his nine-game hitting streak.

3. Tampa Bay C Michael Perez - one of two players acquired for Andriese - went 1-for-2 with a double in his major-league debut Thursday after spending eight seasons in the minors.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Orioles 3
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New York Mets vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The New York Mets matched their second-highest scoring output of the season in the series opener and look for more production from their bats when they visit the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday in the second contest of a four-game set. New York churned out 14 hits in the 12-6 victory while winning its third straight game and falling two runs shy of equaling their top offensive effort of the campaign.

Asdrubal Cabrera homered and drove in four runs while Wilmer Flores also went deep and had three RBIs to highlight the Mets' assault. Cabrera was just 1-for-16 with six strikeouts over the previous four games while Flores homered for the first time since July 9. Pittsburgh committed three errors in the opener while losing its second straight contest on the heels of its a splendid 11-game winning streak. Pirates center fielder Starling Marte (left hand) is in jeopardy of missing his third straight game, while left fielder Corey Dickerson (hamstring) hopes to return after a two-game absence.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), AT&T SportsNet - Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jason Vargas (2-6, 8.60 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Ivan Nova (6-6, 4.28)

Vargas (calf) is slated to be activated off the 10-day disabled list to make his first start in the majors since June 19. The 35-year-old, who struck out 19 batters in 12 innings while making two rehab starts at Single-A Brooklyn, will be looking to break a three-start losing streak. Vargas is 1-0 with a 9.00 ERA in four career appearances (one start) against Pittsburgh and has struggled with David Freese (6-for-11, one homer).

Nova defeated Cincinnati on Sunday when he gave up two runs and five hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old has issued just four walks over 36 innings in his last six outings and has displayed stellar control (19 walks in 19 starts) all season. Nova allowed three runs and five hits over six innings in a no-decision against the Mets on June 27 and stands 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA in five career appearances (four starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 1B Josh Bell is batting .333 in July despite being 0-for-7 over the past two contests.

2. New York OF Jose Bautista went 2-for-6 with three strikeouts in the opener and has fanned nine times over the past four games.

3. Pittsburgh activated C Francisco Cervelli (concussion) from the 10-day disabled list and optioned C Jacob Stallings to Triple-A Indianapolis.

PREDICTION: Pirates 8, Mets 6
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Cleveland Indians vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th July 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/26/2018

The Cleveland Indians reside comfortably atop the American League Central due in large part to their 28-13 mark against their division representatives. The Indians (55-46) aim to continue their good fortune when they begin a six-game road trip versus a pair of AL Central foes, starting with Friday's opener of a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers (44-60).

Cleveland has won 10 of 13 encounters with Detroit this season, including outscoring the Tigers 18-5 during a four-game sweep from April 9-12 and 26-3 in a three-game sweep from June 22-24. Edwin Encarnacion, who belted a two-run homer off Friday starter Mike Fiers in a 10-0 romp on June 22, had a two-run single in Wednesday's 4-0 victory over red-hot Pittsburgh to improve to 9-for-20 with two homers and eight RBIs during his five-game hitting streak. The Tigers have answered a six-game skid with wins in four of their last seven, including an 8-4 triumph over Kansas City on Wednesday. Victor Martinez worked his way out of a 1-for-23 slump by going 6-for-12 with five RBIs in the series, but is just 7-for-40 versus Cleveland this season.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (12-5, 4.03 RA) vs. Tigers RH Mike Fiers (7-6, 3.49)

Carrasco won his fourth straight trip to the mound on Saturday after allowing two runs on five hits while striking out eight in 6 2/3 innings of a 16-3 romp at Texas. The 31-year-old has pitched well on the road, posting a 5-3 mark with a 3.26 ERA in nine such outings this season. Carrasco has split a pair of decisions against Detroit in 2018, as he scattered three hits during a complete game in a 5-1 victory on April 11 before permitting three runs in 6 2/3 innings of a 6-3 setback on May 14.

Fiers carries a 2-2 mark with a 1.62 ERA in his last five starts heading into what could his final outing for the Tigers prior to Tuesday's trade deadline. The 33-year-old preceded that stretch after yielding four runs -- including two homers -- in five innings of a 10-0 laugher at Cleveland on June 22. Francisco Lindor, who joined Encarnacion in going deep in that tilt, is just 4-for-20 with five strikeouts against Fiers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit RF Nicholas Castellanos, who is batting .298 this season, is hitting just .196 against Cleveland.

2. Four of Lindor's 15 hits against the Tigers in 2018 have left the park.

3. Tigers 3B Jeimer Candelario has hit safely in six of his last seven games, collecting six RBIs and five runs scored in that stretch.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Tigers 3
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Minnesota Twins vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th July 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/26/2018

The Boston Red Sox have lost consecutive contests for the first time in over a month, a trend they hope to reverse when they continue their four-game series against the visiting Minnesota Twins on Friday. After a loss and then a rainout to end their set in Baltimore, the Red Sox managed only five hits and left the bases loaded in the ninth inning in a 2-1 loss to the Twins in the opener on Thursday.

Boston's first losing streak since it dropped two straight at Minnesota from June 19-20, coupled with a win by the New York Yankees, left the club with a 4 1/2-game lead in the American League East. The Twins are trying to stay in the mix in the AL Central, winning four in a row to get within seven games of first-place Cleveland. Mitch Garver's RBI double in the eighth inning was the difference in Thursday's win as he improved to 8-for-13 with six RBIs over the last three games for Minnesota, which has won 13 of its last 18. All-Star Chris Sale will try to continue a dominant stretch when he gets the start for the Red Sox on Friday opposite Lance Lynn.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Lance Lynn (7-8, 5.23 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (11-4, 2.13)

Lynn gave up three earned runs over five innings in each of his last two starts and tied a season high with six walks in Saturday's loss at Kansas City. That outing left the 31-year-old with a 2-6 record and a 7.58 ERA in 10 turns on the road this year. He stymied the Red Sox over five innings in a 4-1 victory at home last month and has posted a 1.50 ERA in four career matchups.

Sale leads the AL in ERA, tops the majors with 197 strikeouts and has allowed only one run in 33 innings over his last five starts - all victories. The former first-round draft pick has registered 57 strikeouts against four walks while yielding just 18 hits in that span. Sale settled for a no-decision at Minnesota on June 19 after giving up two runs in seven frames, which left him with a 4.12 ERA in 27 career appearances (19 starts) versus the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox RHP Brandon Workman was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room on the roster for newly acquired RHP Nathan Eovaldi, who will start on Sunday.

2. Minnesota leads the all-time series 311-310.

3. Boston CF Mookie Betts continues to lead the majors in batting (.347) but is 6-for-31 with nine strikeouts over his last seven games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Twins 2
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

Philadelphia slugger Rhys Hoskins looks to continue his impressive power display when the Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds on Friday in the second contest of a four-game set. Hoskins went deep twice in Thursday's 9-4 victory over the Reds and has launched six shots over the past six games.

The splurge has increased Hoskins' output to 20 homers and 67 RBIs as he thrives in his first full major-league campaign. Third baseman Maikel Franco and right fielder Nick Williams also smacked two homers apiece in the opener, and the Phillies tied a franchise record with seven overall blasts while winning its third straight and for the fifth time in their past seven outings. Cincinnati has its own lava-hot player in third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who has homered in four consecutive games and will be attempting to match the franchise mark held by Jay Bruce (2016). The Reds have dropped six of their last eight contests and allowed 46 runs in the six setbacks.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (6-8, 4.69 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (4-3, 5.40)

Pivetta lost to San Diego on Sunday despite striking out nine in 5 1/3 innings as he gave up six runs (four earned) and eight hits. The 25-year-old has dropped six of his last eight decisions after going 4-2 with a 3.23 ERA through his first 10 starts. Pivetta allowed two runs on five hits and struck out seven in seven innings in a no-decision on April 11 in his first career outing versus the Reds.

DeSclafani has dropped his last two starts while giving up nine runs and 11 hits over 7 2/3 innings during the span. The 28-year-old served up two homers in each of the setbacks and has allowed 14 in just 48 1/3 innings over nine starts. DeSclafani is 3-1 with a 5.21 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the Phillies but hasn't faced them since a victory on June 9, 2015.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds RF Jesse Winker (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day disabled list and will require season-ending surgery, OF Mason Williams was recalled from Triple-A Louisville and INF Alex Blandino (knee) was transferred to the 60-day DL.

2. Williams went 4-for-5 in the opener and is 10-for-23 over the past five games.

3. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto went 2-for-4 on Thursday after being 1-for-14 over the previous six contests.

PREDICTION: Phillies 7, Reds 6
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Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

Washington right-hander Max Scherzer attempts to become the National League's first 14-game winner when the Nationals visit the Miami Marlins on Friday in the second contest of a four-game set. Scherzer will be seeking to match Luis Severino of the New York Yankees for most victories in the majors.

Scherzer also leads the NL with 189 strikeouts as he closes in on 200 for the seventh consecutive season. The Nationals have dominated the Marlins this season and improved to 7-1 against Miami with Thursday's 10-3 victory as shortstop Trea Turner and left fielder Juan Soto both homered to fuel a 13-hit attack. The Marlins have dropped three of their last four games after putting together a modest four-game winning streak. Catcher J.T. Realmuto, who remains the subject of trade rumors, went 3-for-4 in the opener to raise his average to .310.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (13-5, 2.43 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Pablo Lopez (2-1, 5.09)

Scherzer has won three straight starts after suffering through an uncustomary stretch in which he went 0-4 over a five-start span. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, who turns 34 on Friday, has struck out 10 or more on 10 occasions this season but hasn't reached double digits in any of his last six outings. Scherzer is 2-0 with a 5.54 ERA versus the Marlins this season and 9-3 with a 3.51 ERA in 16 career starts.

Lopez will be making his fifth big-league start and has pitched six innings in three of the first four. The 22-year-old defeated Tampa Bay on Saturday when he gave up one run and two hits over six innings. Lopez received a no-decision against the Nationals on July 5 when he allowed five runs and five hits over five innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Nationals scratched RHP Stephen Strasburg (neck) from his scheduled Thursday start and placed him on the disabled list. LHP Tommy Milone was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse and pitched five innings in his place.

2. Miami 2B Starlin Castro had two hits in the opener for his 10th multi-hit outing of the month.

3. Washington had nine extra-base hits - five doubles, two triples and two homers - in the opener.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Marlins 1
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th July 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/26/2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers have relied on home runs to help them reach the top of the National League West, and they received one from their newest acquisition in the series opener to give them a boost entering Friday's contest against the host Atlanta Braves. Manny Machado, who was obtained from Baltimore during the All-Star break, belted his first homer in a Dodgers uniform during Thursday's 8-2 victory, a solo shot that increased Los Angeles' league-leading total of 140 blasts.

Los Angeles needed and received a good start from Rich Hill in the series opener after its set at Philadelphia taxed the bullpen and now turn to ace Clayton Kershaw on Friday. The Dodgers extended their lead over Arizona in the NL West to 1 ½ games, while the Braves lost for the 11th time in 18 contests this month to fall 2 ½ games behind the Phillies in the NL East. Freddie Freeman extended his hitting streak to nine games with a bloop single in the fourth inning on Thursday and is batting .385 in that stretch. But Atlanta's defense has cost it dearly in back-to-back losses, committing a total of six errors in the setbacks.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (3-5, 2.64 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (7-6, 2.85)

The biggest challenge this season for Kershaw is staying on the field, as left biceps tendinitis and a lower back strain cost him seven weeks. The 30-year-old has excelled since returning from the disabled list on June 23, going 2-1 with a 2.48 ERA and 30 strikeouts in six starts, with the loss coming when he allowed four runs - one earned - over six innings Saturday against Milwaukee. Kershaw, who owns a 1.09 WHIP and a 4.88 strikeouts-to-walks ratio, is 3-0 with a 1.47 ERA in nine career turns against Atlanta.

Foltynewicz has pitched well for the Braves this season but looks to snap out of a mini-skid, as he has posted a 6.87 ERA over 18 1/3 innings in losing two of his last three starts. The 26-year-old earned his first career All-Star selection but scuffled in his first start after the break, giving up four runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 frames of a loss at Washington on Sunday. Foltynewicz, who is limiting opponents to a .204 batting average, was victorious last season in his only career appearance against Los Angeles.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 3B Johan Camargo is hitting .409 during his six-game hitting streak.

2. Dodgers CF Alex Verdugo recorded his second consecutive multi-hit performance Thursday and and fifth in 13 contests this season.

3. Los Angeles is 31-16 since June 1, the best record in the NL during that span.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Braves 2
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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The Toronto Blue Jays officially raised the white flag on the season Thursday, trading away their top starting pitcher and one of their best relievers. Fresh off absorbing a three-game sweep by the Minnesota Twins, the Blue Jays will try to pick up the pieces when they open a 10-game road trip with the first of three at the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.

Sitting nine games under .500, Toronto traded 10-game winner J.A. Happ to the New York Yankees and shipped right-hander reliever Seunghwan Oh to Colorado in separate deals that netted infielder Brandon Drury and three position prospects. One bright part of the Blue Jays' future is second baseman Lourdes Gurriel Jr., the first rookie in history with eight straight multiple-hit games. The White Sox had to settle for a four-game split against the Los Angeles Angels despite pounding out a season high-tying six home runs in the 12-8 loss in the series finale. Jose Abreu, who has hit safely in five straight games, went deep twice Thursday and finished 7-for-16 with three homers and six RBIs against Los Angeles.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago-Plus, Sportsnet, TVAS (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (3-7, 5.42 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Reynaldo López (4-8, 4.13)

Stroman has made six starts since returning from a 6 1/2-week stint on the disabled list but still hasn't been able to win back-to-back outings. The 27-year-old continued a trend of pitching superbly in every other start by limiting Baltimore to one run and five hits over seven innings on Saturday. Abreu is 5-for-16 with a homer off Stroman, who owns a 1-3 record and 6.00 ERA in six career starts against the White Sox.

Lopez struggled with his control again in losing his third consecutive start last time out, giving up five runs on five hits and four walks over five innings at Seattle. He has pitched markedly better at home, posting a 3.17 ERA and .209 batting average against as opposed to 4.95 and .275 on the road. Lopez has made one career start against the Blue Jays, allowing one run over six innings in his 2018 season debut.

WALK-OFFS

1. Gurriel is 17-for-35 during the torrid eight-game stretch.

2. The White Sox traded closer Joakim Soria to Milwaukee for two pitching prospects.

3. Toronto claimed RH Oliver Drake off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels.

PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Blue Jays 4
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Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The Houston Astros aim to maintain their dominance of the Texas Rangers on Friday, when the Lone Star State rivals meet at Minute Maid Park for the opener of their three-game series. The Astros, who already have claimed the Silver Boot from the Rangers, have won eight in a row and 16 of their last 20 encounters with Texas.

Jose Altuve exited Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Colorado with right knee discomfort, although the reigning American League Most Valuable Player and six-time All-Star said that "it's not a big deal." The diminutive Altuve has come up big against Texas, going 21-for-64 with 12 runs scored this season and 11-for-38 lifetime versus Friday starter Yovani Gallardo. While the AL West-leading Astros have split their last 12 contests, the cellar-dwelling Rangers have dropped six of seven since the All-Star break and 11 of 13 overall. Texas' tumble in the standings likely led to former World Series MVP Cole Hamels reportedly being traded to the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, pending an exchange of medical information.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Southwest (Texas), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (4-1, 7.18 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (8-8, 3.53)

Gallardo authored his best performance with the Rangers on Sunday, scattering a season-low three hits and overcoming four walks over six innings in a 5-0 win versus Cleveland. "I just worked quickly, kept a tight strike zone and get guys to swing the bat," the 32-year-old told reporters. Gallardo has been taken to task by Josh Reddick (8-for-16), although Marwin Gonzalez (4-for-22) and Alex Bregman (0-for-9, four strikeouts) have struggled mightily versus the Mexican.

Keuchel has evened his record after winning four straight starts while posting a 5-0 mark with a 2.00 ERA in his last seven outings. The 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner hasn't permitted an earned run in his last two trips to the mound, including a victory in which he permitted just one unearned run and two hits over 7 2/3 innings on the road against the Los Angeles Angels last Friday. Keuchel owns a 2-1 record in four starts versus Texas this season, as he overcame a setback in March to sandwich two stellar outings around a disastrous one on June 10, when he yielded six runs and 13 hits over 4 1/3 frames in a no-decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas DH Adrian Beltre drove in a run with a single in Thursday's 7-6 setback to Oakland, giving him six RBIs in his last six games.

2. Houston acquired Gold Glove C Martín Maldonado from the Angels for LHP Patrick Sandoval and international bonus pool money.

3. Rangers 2B Rougned Odor has scored seven runs in his last eight games, although he is just 7-for-42 versus the Astros this season.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Rangers 2
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Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The St. Louis Cardinals continue to play their hand close to the vest, but if they can't make up some ground this weekend, they could become sellers ahead of next week's non-waiver trade deadline. Meanwhile, the visiting Chicago Cubs hope to use the three-game series to strengthen their hold on the National League Central lead.

The Cardinals sit at the .500 mark after a 3-5 road trip coming out of the All-Star break, culminating with a 7-3 loss at Cincinnati on Wednesday. They're nine games behind the Cubs but only 4 1/2 back of the Atlanta Braves for the second wild card, so the next few days could help determine their course. Chicago owns the best record in the National League and a three-game lead over Milwaukee but is just 6-7 against the Cardinals this season. The Cubs became the first NL team to reach 60 wins with Thursday's comeback victory, as they rallied from a 6-1 deficit to beat Arizona 7-6 on back-to-back homers from David Bote and Anthony Rizzo in the bottom of the ninth.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago, FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (3-3, 3.73 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Luke Weaver (5-9, 4.79)

Montgomery has been one of the Cubs' most consistent starters since sliding into Yu Darvish's spot in the rotation in late May. The 29-year-old is 3-2 with a 3.02 ERA in 10 starts, and he held St. Louis to one run over six innings in a no-decision last time out. Montgomery is 1-1 with a 1.25 ERA in 10 games (one start) against the Cardinals.

Weaver will be recalled from Triple-A Memphis to face the Cubs for a second straight outing after giving up three runs in four-plus innings in a loss Saturday. The 24-year-old will try to regain the form he showed in his final two starts before the All-Star break, when he allowed three runs over 14 innings with 14 strikeouts. Weaver is 0-3 with a 10.89 ERA in five career starts against the Cubs.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs reportedly have agreed to a deal to acquire LHP Cole Hamels from Texas.

2. Rizzo is 19-for-43 with eight RBIs in his last 12 games.

3. Cardinals INF Matt Carpenter is 15-for-45 with eight homers and 18 RBIs against the Cubs this season.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Cardinals 4
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Oakland Athletics vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The Oakland Athletics are riding a six-game winning streak and hope to continue pouring on the offense when they begin a three-game series against the host Colorado Rockies on Friday. Oakland, which completed a four-game sweep in Texas with a 7-6 triumph on Thursday, has scored 51 runs during its string of victories - including 41 in the set against the Rangers.

Matt Chapman went 3-for-3 with a homer and three runs scored in Thursday's win for the Athletics, who lead the major leagues with 96 blasts on the road and figure to add to that total when they visit hitter-friendly Coors Field. Colorado avoided a third consecutive loss on Wednesday as it edged Houston 3-2 on a walk-off solo homer by Charlie Blackmon for its sixth win in seven home games and eighth in 10 overall contests. Blackmon, who has reached 20 blasts for the third straight season, brings an eight-game hitting streak during which he has gone 12-for-32 into the series opener. Carlos Gonzalez also went deep in Wednesday's win for the Rockies, who are two games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West and one back in the wild-card race.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Sean Manaea (9-6, 3.38 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (8-6, 3.28)

Manaea is in the midst of a nine-start unbeaten streak during which he is 4-0 with a 3.09 ERA after settling for a no-decision against San Francisco on Sunday. The 26-year-old native of Indiana allowed just two runs - marking the seventh time during the stretch he has given up fewer than three - and four hits while registering five strikeouts without issuing a walk in 6 2/3 innings. Manaea, who never has faced Colorado, is 1-2 with a 4.45 ERA in five interleague starts this year.

Freeland also is enjoying an unbeaten streak that reached seven starts on Saturday, when he escaped with a no-decision at Arizona after yielding four runs on five hits and three walks over five innings. The 25-year-old native of Denver has recorded only two victories during his run but allowed fewer than three runs six times while posting a 2.55 ERA. Freeland, who will be facing Oakland for the first time in his career, has given up three runs and 13 hits over 12 innings in two interleague no-decisions this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rockies bolstered their bullpen on Thursday, acquiring 36-year-old South Korean RHP Seunghwan Oh from Toronto for 1B Chad Spanberger, 2B Forrest Wall and a player to be named.

2. Athletics DH Khris Davis, who belted six homers during a four-game streak before being kept in the park on Thursday, will be in left field for the series in Colorado.

3. Colorado agreed to terms with RHP Santiago Casilla, who was released by Oakland on July 19 after recording one save and a 3.16 ERA in 26 relief appearances, on a minor-league contract.

PREDICTION: Athletics 11, Rockies 5
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Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 07-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Mariners vs. Angels Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The Seattle Mariners are 20 games over .500 but find themselves in a fight to hold off the hard-charging Oakland Ahtletics for the second wild card in the American League. The Mariners will be seeking to post back-to-back wins for the first time since the first two games of the month when they open a three-game series at the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.

After closing the first half by dropping seven of nine games, Seattle completed a 3-2 homestand with a 3-2 win over San Francisco on Wednesday, which marked the 11th time in 14 games it has failed to score more than three runs. "You go through these stretches during the course of the season. It's tough," Mariners manager Scott Servais told reporters. "It's not like these guys aren't trying or trying to make adjustments or whatnot. It's just the ballgames we're playing in right now. We've got to get it going offensively." The Angels had it going offensively in their last two games, scoring 23 runs to salvage a four-game split against the Chicago White Sox. Career minor-leaguer Francisco Arcia was promoted from the minors after catcher Martin Maldonado was traded to Houston and responded by becoming the first player in team history to collect four RBIs in his major-league debut in Thursday's 12-8 victory.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Wade LeBlanc (6-1, 3.44 ERA) vs. Angels LH Andrew Heaney (6-6, 3.66 ERA)

LeBlanc rebounded from his lone defeat with a magnificent outing versus the Chicago White Sox on July 20, striking out a season-high 10 and permitting one run on four hits over 7 1/3 innings. The 33-year-old veteran has won both his starts -- each at home -- versus the Angels this season, allowing a combined three runs and seven hits over 12 innings. Andrelton Simmons is 4-for-8 with a home run against LeBlanc.

Heaney registered his fourth consecutive quality start last time out, limiting defending World Series champion Houston to one run and four hits over six innings. He was a hard-luck loser against LeBlanc in Seattle on July 3, allowing two earned runs and matching his season high with 10 strikeouts. Kyle Seager is 6-for-12 against Heaney, who was tagged for five runs in a season-low three innings at Seattle on June 11.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels 1B Albert Pujols collected his 3,060th career hit Thursday to tie Craig Biggio for 24th on the all-time list.

2. Mariners SS Jean Segura is riding a nine-game hitting streak.

3. Angels INF David Fletcher is 12-for-24 during a six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, Mariners 3
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