MLB Betting News and Trends For Friday 7/6/18

Friday’s games
National League
Reds (38-49) @ Cubs (49-35)
Mahle is 2-0, 3.13 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 10-7
5-inning record: 4-11-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-17 (4 of last 5)

Montgomery is 1-1, 4.30 in his last four starts (under 4-3). Team in his starts: 5-2.
5-inning record: 4-1-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-7

Cincinnati is 13-4 in its last 17 games, 5-8 in road series openers, 12-11 vs lefty starters. Over is 10-2 in their last 12 games. Cubs won their last six games; they’re 8-7 in home series openers. Over is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Marlins (36-53) @ Nationals (43-43)
Straily is 1-2, 6.14 in his last three starts (over 7-5). Team in his starts: 6-6
5-inning record: 4-7-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-12

Gonzalez is 0-3, 9.00 in his last four starts (under 11-6). Team in his starts: 9-8.
5-inning record: 8-4-5. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-17

Marlins won four of their last seven games; they’re 10-15 vs lefty starters- over is 7-1 in their last eight road games. Washington lost eight of its last ten games; under is 6-3 in their last nine games.

Phillies (47-37) @ Pirates (40-46)
Pivetta is 0-5, 7.09 in his last seven starts; his last four starts went over. Team in his starts: 9-8
5-inning record: 6-8-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-17

Williams is 1-3, 6.53 in his last four starts, last three of which stayed under. Team in his starts: 8-9.
5-inning record: 5-8-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Phillies won six of their last seven games, are 5-8 in road series openers. Under is 8-1 in their last nine games. Pittsburgh lost four of its last five games; they’re 9-5 in home series openers. Over is 6-1 in their last seven games.

Braves (49-37) @ Brewers (52-35)
Foltynewicz is 3-1, 1.00 in his last six starts, last three of which went over. Team in his starts: 8-8.
5-inning record: 6-4-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-16

Peralta is 3-1, 2.28 in five starts (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 4-1.
5-inning record: 3-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Braves won four of their last seven games; over is 10-4-1 in their last 15 road games. Milwaukee won six of its last eight games; over is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Padres (38-51) @ Diamondbacks (48-40)
Lucchesi is 1-1, 3.37 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 5-7
5-inning record: 5-3-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-12

Godley is 4-1, 5.27 in his last five starts; over is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 10-7
5-inning record: 9-8. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-17

Padres are 4-12 in their last 16 games; under is 7-2-2 in their last 11 road games. Arizona lost six of its last seven games; they’re 18-11 vs lefty starters- under is 8-3-2 in their last 13 games.

Cardinals (45-41) @ Giants (45-44)
Gant is 1-2, 3.57 in his last three starts (over 2-2-1). Team in his starts: 1-4
5-inning record: 1-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Rodriguez is 2-0, 1.96 in his last three starts (over 3-3). Team in his starts: 5-1
5-inning record: 3-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Cardinals lost five of their last eight games; five of their last six games went over. Giants lost their last four games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 games.

American League
New York (56-28) @ Toronto (40-46)
Gray is 1-2, 7.58 in his last four starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 7-9
5-inning record: 6-7-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-16

Gaviglio is 0-1, 4.79 in his last five starts (over 5-2-1). Team in his starts: 4-4.
5-inning record: 3-2-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-8

New York won three of its last four games; they’re 9-5 in road series openers. Under is 13-1 in their last 14 road games. Blue Jays lost three of their last four games; they’re 9-6 in home series openers. Over is 7-4-1 in their last 12 home games.

A’s (48-39) @ Indians (48-37)
Blackburn is 1-1, 4.32 in his last three starts (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 1-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Carrasco is 2-1, 2.94 in his last three starts (under 8-7). He was just on DL for three weeks. Team in his starts: 8-7.
5-inning record: 9-4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15

A’s won eight of their last nine games, are 9-5 in road series openers. Under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Cleveland won its last four games; they’re 7-7 in home series openers. Over is 3-1 in their last four games.

Rangers (39-49) @ Tigers (38-51)
Colon is 2-1, 4.00 in his last three starts; under is 7-3-1 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 8-7
5-inning record: 6-6-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-15

Zimmerman is 2-0, 1.55 in his last five starts (over 6-4). Team in his starts: 7-3.
5-inning record: 6-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Rangers lost three of their last four games; under is 9-4 in their last 13 road games. Detroit lost 14 of its last 16 games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 games.

White Sox (30-57) @ Astros (58-31)
Lopez is 2-1, 5.82 in his last three starts (over 3-0). Team in his starts: 6-11
5-inning record: 8-8-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-17

McCullers is 2-0, 3.77 in his last five starts; his last three stayed under. Team in his starts: 13-4
5-inning record: 7-5-5. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

White Sox lost six of their last eight games; over is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Houston won five of its last six home games; last seven Astro games stayed under.

Orioles (24-62) @ Twins (36-48)
Bundy is 3-0, 1.98 in his last four starts; over is 7-4 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 7-9
5-inning record: 6-6-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16

Lynn is 1-3, 6.87 in his last four starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 6-10.
5-inning record: 6-7-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Orioles lost ten of their last 11 games; six of their last seven games stayed under. Minnesota is 3-11 in its last 14 games; four of their last seven games went over.

Red Sox (59-29) @ Royals (25-61)
Sale is 3-0, 1.00 in his last four starts; over is 3-1 in his last four road starts. Team in his starts: 10-8
5-inning record: 10-4-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Hammel is 0-5, 8.07 in his last five starts; under is 6-2-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 4-13.
5-inning record: 5-10-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Boston won four of its last five games; they’re 7-8 in road series openers. Over is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Royals lost their last six games, are 4-11 in home series openers, 13-16 vs lefty starters. Under is 6-2 in their last eight home games.

Interleague
Rays (43-43) @ Mets (34-49)
Stanek has allowed two runs in 11.2 IP (8 games) as the “opener”. Team in his starts: 3-5 (under 5-2-1)
5-inning record: 4-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-8

deGrom is 1-4, 3.09 in his last five starts; under is 10-3 in his last 13 starts. Team in his starts: 6-11.
5-inning record: 10-3-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-17

Tampa Bay is 9-3 in its last 12 games, 7-8 in road series openers. Under is 17-4 in their last 21 road games. Mets are 3-11 in their last 14 games, 1-10 in last 11 series openers. Four of their last five home games went over.

Dodgers (47-39) @ Angels (44-44)
Maeda is 1-1, 1.93 in his last two starts; his last seven starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 7-7
5-inning record: 5-6-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Pena is 1-0, 2.51 in three starts (over 1-1-1). Team in his starts: 2-1.
5-inning record: 2-0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Dodgers won their last four games; they’re 7-5 in road series openers. LA’s last four games went over the total. Angels are 3-8 in their last 11 games, 7-6 in home series openers. Five of their last seven games stayed under.

Rockies (44-43) @ Mariners (56-32)
Marquez is 2-2, 6.56 in his last four starts; over is 5-1 in his last six starts. Team in his starts: 7-9
5-inning record: 7-8-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 11-16

Hernandez is 2-0, 4.50 in his last three starts; over is 8-4 in his last 12 starts. Team in his starts: 10-8.
5-inning record: 9-8-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-18

Rockies won six of its last seven games; they’re 11-4 in road series openers. Under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Seattle won nine of its last ten games; they’re 11-3 in home series openers. Under is 8-3 in their last 11 games.

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Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

The Cincinnati Reds left the Chicago Cubs feeling low after sweeping a four-game series from June 21-24, but the Cubs have been riding high ever since. The Cubs have won a season-high six straight games to move a season-best 14 games above .500, and they'll try to continue their surge when they host the Reds for a three-game set starting Friday.

The Reds have a 6-3 edge in the season series, but all nine games have been played in Cincinnati. Meanwhile, the Cubs have won seven straight and 11 of 13 at home, where they're 26-14 and have won six straight series. Chicago's offense has been clicking of late, as the Cubs have scored five or more runs in eight straight games -- their longest streak since 2010. Cincinnati remains in last place in the National League Central despite having won 13 of its last 17 games.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Tyler Mahle (6-6, 3.83 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (3-2, 3.55)

Mahle has won his last three decisions, and the Reds have won six of his last seven starts. The 23-year-old racked up a career-high 12 strikeouts while allowing three runs (one earned) over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision last time out against Milwaukee. Mahle has faced the Cubs twice this season and is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA.

Montgomery continues to fill in for the injured Yu Darvish and will make his eighth start. The 29-year-old allowed a total of four runs in his first five starts, but he has given up nine over his last two outings. Montgomery is 1-1 with 3.38 ERA in 14 games (four starts) against Cincinnati.
WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 2B Javier Baez is 4-for-5 with a homer and a triple versus Mahle.

2. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez is 11-for-32 during an eight-game hitting streak.

3. The Cubs lead the majors with 26 comeback wins, including each of their last seven victories.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Reds 4
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

The Philadelphia Phillies have exceeded expectations midway into the season, but manager Gabe Kapler isn't going to let his upstart team rest on its laurels. Residing 10 games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 2011 season, the Phillies (47-37) bid to win their fifth straight contest on Friday when they open a three-game series versus the Pittsburgh Pirates (40-46).

"I think it's a nice milestone and one that we can celebrate. We'll use it as fuel and motivation," Kapler said of Philadelphia's lofty standing after finishing the 2017 campaign with a 66-96 mark. The Phillies will be put to the test on Friday as they head west across the Keystone State to begin an 11-game, four-city trek in Pittsburgh, against which it swept a four-game series on April 19-22. The Pirates are licking their wounds to open their 11-game homestand after being pummeled in their final three contests of a six-game West Coast trip, surrendering 10 homers and 41 hits while getting outscored 31-8 by the Los Angeles Dodgers. "The game shows you where you need to improve," Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said. "It gives you immediate feedback. We got a lot of immediate feedback."

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Philadelphia, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (5-7, 4.66 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (6-6, 4.22)

Pivetta snapped a seven-game winless skid in unexpected fashion Sunday, as he overcame one walk to pitch a scoreless 13th inning in a 4-3 victory over Washington. The 25-year-old exacted a measure of revenge after getting shellacked for seven runs on as many hits -- including three homers -- in a 17-7 romp by the Nationals last Friday. Pivetta aims to turn in his second strong outing against Pittsburgh, as he permitted two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings of a no-decision on April 22.

Williams suffered his second straight loss and fell to 1-4 in his last eight outings on Saturday after yielding four runs in 4 2/3 innings of a 4-3 setback to his hometown Padres. The 26-year-old San Diego native received the same fate as Pivetta when the two opposed each other on April 22, despite Williams allowing two runs on one hit -- albeit with five walks. Williams owns an 0-1 mark with a 3.86 ERA in two career starts versus the Phillies, although the current roster is batting 3-for-27 with seven strikeouts against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh C Elias Diaz has recorded seven extra-base hits (five doubles, two homers) while batting safely in eight of his last nine games.

2. Phillies RF Nick Williams belted a two-run homer in Wednesday's 4-1 triumph over Baltimore to improve to 3-for-9 with four runs scored in his last three games.

3. Pirates 2B Josh Harrison is 1-for-16 in his last five games.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Phillies 2
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Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

The Washington Nationals hope that a furious rally and a crucial win can give them some much-needed momentum as they continue a four-game series with the visiting Miami Marlins on Friday. The Nationals had dropped five straight and 15 of 19, and they fell behind the lowly Marlins 9-0 on Thursday before erupting for 14 runs across four innings in a 14-12 triumph.

"When we were down 7-0, I feel like we still for sure had a shot - 9-0, it hurts a little bit more, but we did it," shortstop Trea Turner told reporters. "I think once we got the first run on the board, it kind of just got the momentum back on our side and we continued to push. I think that's what we're capable of." Turner had a grand slam to highlight an eight-RBI performance as Washington extended its winning streak against the Marlins to 12 - its longest run against a single opponent since the franchise moved to the nation's capital in 2005. Southpaw Gio Gonzalez is suffering through a rocky stretch but has dominated the Marlins in his career, going 10-3 with a 1.85 ERA in 16 starts. He will be opposed on Friday by Dan Straily for Miami, which received homers from Martin Prado, Justin Bour and Brian Anderson in the slugfest.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Dan Straily (3-4, 4.70 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-5, 3.77)

Straily has posted back-to-back quality starts, allowing six runs and nine hits across 13 1/3 innings combined. The 29-year-old served up seven home runs in 23 1/3 frames over his last five outings and 13 total, setting a pace similar to the one he has established over his last two seasons during which he surrendered 31 each time. He is 0-1 with a 4.03 ERA in five career starts against the Nationals.

Gonzalez has not produced a quality start in each of his last five turns after giving up three runs in five frames of a no-decision at Philadelphia on Sunday. He owns a 3.02 ERA in eight home starts but has not won at Nationals Park since May 21. J.T. Realmuto (6-for-21) and Starlin Castro (5-for-17) have enjoyed modest success against Gonzalez while Bour and Prado are a combined 4-for-24.
WALK-OFFS

1. Turner is 16-for-37 over an eight-game stretch.

2. The Marlins activated Prado from the 10-day disabled list, recalled RHP Ben Meyer from Triple-A New Orleans and placed RHP Tayron Guerrero (left lumbar strain) on the DL.

3. Washington placed RHP Erick Fedde (shoulder) on the DL and recalled RHP Jefry Rodriguez from Triple-A Syracuse.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Marlins 4
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New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

The New York Yankees are jockeying with bitter rival Boston for both first place in the American League East and the best record in the majors, but they will not play again at home until after the All-Star break. The Yankees kick off an 11-game road trip with the first of three at the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night.

New York has won three straight series since they were swept at Tampa Bay, getting a three-run homer from the resurgent Giancarlo Stanton in Wednesday's 6-2 victory over Atlanta. Stanton, who is riding a five-game hitting streak, made his Yankee debut with a two-homer, four-RBI game at Toronto on Opening Day. The Yankees have won seven of 10 this season from the Blue Jays, who have dropped three of their last four after splitting a two-game interleague series with the New York Mets. Rookie shortstop Lourdes Gurriel Jr. drove in five runs against the Mets, giving him 13 RBIs in 24 major-league games.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, YES (New York), SNET, TVAS (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Sonny Gray (5-6, 5.44 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Sam Gaviglio (2-2, 3.97)

The Yankees did not score in Gray's last two starts, although it wouldn't have mattered last time out -- he was pounded by Boston for six runs over a season-low 2 1/3 innings. He also lost his previous turn at Tampa Bay after permitting four runs in 6 2/3 innings. Gray, who owns a 1.88 ERA in seven starts at Rogers Centre, blanked the Blue Jays on two hits over eight scoreless innings on June 6.

Gaviglio matched his season high by pitching seven innings in a no-decision against Detroit on June 30, allowing three runs and four hits, including a pair of home runs. He had failed to get through five innings in each of his previous three turns and is seeking his first victory since May 25 at Philadelphia. Gaviglio stymied the Yankees with seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball last month.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees RF Aaron Judge had 10 homers in 18 games versus Toronto in 2017 but is 8-for-35 with three blasts in this year's series.

2. Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales snapped a 1-for-19 rut with three hits Wednesday, including a homer and double.

3. The Yankees placed 2B Gleyber Torres on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday with a right hip strain.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Blue Jays 3
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

The frustration continues to bubble over for the New York Mets and no one is feeling it more than ace pitcher Jacob deGrom, who will take the mound in the opener of a three-game series against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. Despite leading the major leagues in ERA, deGrom has won only once in his past eight starts for New York.

"I'm definitely frustrated," said deGrom after his last start. "I'm tired of losing to be honest. Everybody else in here I'm sure is. That's not what we want to do. We came here to win baseball games and we're not doing that. We have to find a way to do that." The Mets, who are kicking off a 10-game homestand that will take them into the All-Star break, have dropped 15 of their last 17 games at Citi Field. Tampa Bay used an impressive 8-1 homestand to climb above .500 before opening its six-game road trip by dropping two of three in Miami, with its lone win taxing its pitching staff after lasting 16 innings. "We've got some guys who are going to really appreciate the off-day," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "After that, going into New York, we should be in a much better spot."

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Ryne Stanek (1-2, 1.98 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (5-4, 1.84)

Stanek has been superb while serving primarily as the designated "opener" for the Rays, but his streak of 12 consecutive scoreless appearances ended in a relief loss at Miami on Monday. He bounced back with two spotless innings of relief the next day against the Marlins, striking out three. Although they are abbreviated outings, Stanek is the only pitcher in history with seven straight scoreless starts.

DeGrom lost his second straight outing despite registering his ninth consecutive quality start last time out, giving up three runs on six hits over six innings at Miami. He has made eight starts at home, posting a 2-2 mark despite a 1.90 ERA and .199 batting average against. Carlos Gomez is 4-for-10 against deGrom, who pitched 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball in his only start versus the Rays.

WALK-OFFS

1. Gomez went 0-for-9 in Miami and took out his frustrations by smashing a water cooler in the dugout.

2. Mets SS Asdr�bal Cabrera has three homers and seven RBIs while hitting safely in eight of his last nine games.

3. Rays RH Chris Archer could rejoin the team Monday after making one rehab start.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Rays 3
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Oakland Athletics vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

The Oakland Athletics are one of the hottest teams in the majors, having won eight of nine to move a season-high nine games over .500. The surging Athletics (48-39) aim to continue their torrid stretch on Friday when they begin a stretch of 10 straight road contests with the opener of a three-game series against the Cleveland Indians (48-37).

Khris Davis went 5-for-10 with three doubles in last weekend's series versus Cleveland and is batting 10-for-27 during his seven-game hit streak. The 30-year-old, however, is a woeful 0-for-9 with seven strikeouts against Friday starter Carlos Carrasco, who will make his first start since being ushered to the disabled list after Joe Mauer's line drive drilled his throwing elbow in a game against Minnesota on June 16. Carrasco will be backed by an offense that has erupted for 33 runs during the Indians' four-game winning streak. Michael Brantley had an RBI double in Wednesday's 3-2 victory at Kansas City, giving him four RBIs and as many runs scored during his five-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS California (Oakland), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Paul Blackburn (2-2, 6.46 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (8-5, 4.24)

Blackburn would love a repeat performance of his last outing against Cleveland, as he overcame a 47-pitch start in his first two innings to scatter three hits and strike out five in 6 1/3 scoreless frames in a 3-1 victory last Friday. The 24-year-old retired 14 of the final 15 batters he faced to finish his sterling outing that came on the heels of posting a 12.70 ERA in his previous three starts. Blackburn owns a 1-0 mark with a 2.19 ERA in two career starts against the Indians.

Carrasco tuned up for the series opener by tossing four scoreless innings in a rehab start for Double-A Akron on Saturday. "Carrasco came through everything really well on Saturday," manager Terry Francona told reporters. "He threw 65 pitches and went to the bullpen and threw a few more. He touched 97 mph, picked off a couple of guys. He texted me and said he's ready to go." The 31-year-old Venezuelan, who owns a 3-1 mark with a 2.61 ERA against Oakland, has flustered Marcus Semien (0-for-9) and Jed Lowrie (1-for-10).

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland SS Francisco Lindor went 6-for-12 with two homers, four RBIs and five runs scored in last weekend's series against Oakland.

2. Lowrie answered a five-game hitting streak by going 2-for-9 with six strikeouts over his last four contests.

3. Indians DH Edwin Encarnacion is mired in a 2-for-21 stretch, although one of the two hits left the park in a 15-3 romp at Oakland on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Athletics 3
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Texas Rangers vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

The Texas Rangers opened their longest road trip of the season in winning fashion and will try to make it two in a row when they continue a four-game set at the Detroit Tigers on Friday. Joey Gallo and Ronald Guzman slugged two-run homers as the Rangers scored the game's first seven runs en route to a 7-5 win in Thursday's series opener and the first of 10 games on the road.

Texas has won 17 of the last 22 meetings between the teams and can clinch the season series for the fourth straight year with one victory in the final three matchups this weekend. The Tigers outhit the Rangers 12-8 on Thursday but still fell for the third straight time, sinking into third place in the American League Central at 12 games behind first-place Cleveland. Bartolo Colon seeks another milestone as he makes the start for the Rangers on Friday night opposite fellow right-hander Jordan Zimmermann. Colon picked up career win No. 245 his last time out, tying him with Dennis Martinez for the most victories by a Latin American-born player.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (5-5, 4.76 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (3-0, 3.91)

Colon matched Martinez's mark by allowing three runs over five innings in a victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. He has given up one home run over his last three turns after serving up 10 over his previous five outings. The 45-year-old has a 5.50 ERA in 13 career starts at Comerica Park.

Zimmermann gave up one run over 12 combined innings in his last two starts, striking out nine and walking just one. He is unscored upon in three of his last five starts, including two in a row at home. The two-time All-Star has just one prior matchup with the Rangers in 2016, when he took the loss despite giving up three runs in eight innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire, who left Wednesday's game at Wrigley Field due to heat exhaustion, stayed in the clubhouse while bench coach Steve Liddle managed the series opener.

2. Rangers RHP Chris Martin (groin) was placed on the 10-day disabled list and RHP Ricardo Rodriguez was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock.

3. Texas is 13-5 in Detroit since the start of 2013.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Rangers 3
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Atlanta Braves vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

Being opportunistic is a key reason why the Milwaukee Brewers are in first place in the National League Central, and why they look for a second consecutive home victory Friday over the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves in the second game of a four-game series of division frontrunners. Milwaukee trailed 2-0 three hitters into Thursday's series opener but made the most of their seven hits in a 7-2 victory, giving the Brewers an NL-leading 52 victories on the season.

Third baseman Hernan Perez finished with three hits in the series opener - including a two-run homer in the eighth inning that extended the Brewers' streak of games with at least one longball to 11 - helping Milwaukee win for the fourth consecutive game and sixth time in its past eight games. The Braves have stumbled after winning the first four games of a 10-game road trip, losing their third consecutive game Thursday and mustering just one hit after the third inning. Atlanta continues to get great production from second baseman Ozzie Albies, who leads the NL in extra-base hits with 49 in his first full big-league season after finishing with a triple and a double Thursday. Albies is hitting .420 in his past 15 games and continues to spark the Braves' offense. Shortstop Dansby Swanson is one Atlanta hitter who is struggling, however, going 0-for-3 Thursday to drop his average to .212 over his last 36 games since May 27.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (6-4, 2.02 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Freddy Peralta (3-1, 2.28)

Foltynewicz continues a breakthrough season that could result in an All-Star selection, entering Thursday second in the NL in ERA, hits per nine innings (5.966) and WAR for pitchers (2.8). The 26-year-old battled the heat for five innings but was "wildly effective" in the opinion of St. Louis hitter Kolten Wong, holding the Cardinals to one hit while striking out nine. Foltynewicz has limited opponents to two earned runs or fewer in 15 of his 16 starts, and owns a 0.87 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 52 innings in his past nine starts.

Peralta has been called up twice from the minors so far this season, and if he keeps pitching this well, he likely will not return to Triple-A Colorado Springs. The 22-year old already has two double-digit strikeout performances in his first five major-league starts and three outings of zero earned runs allowed (covering 18 2/3 innings in those outings). Peralta suffered his first big-league loss Sunday at Cincinnati, giving up three runs on five hits across five innings but has posted an 0.87 WHIP while averaging 13 strikeouts per nine innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta 3B Johan Camargo went 0-for-3 Thursday, ending his 10-game hitting streak.

2. The Brewers activated 2B Tyler Saladino (left ankle sprain) from the disabled list before the game and designated INF Eric Sogard for assignment.

3. Atlanta's bullpen pitched four scoreless innings Thursday before RHP Dan Winkler gave up three runs in the eighth.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Brewers 2
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

Coming off a miserable 1-8 road trip, the Minnesota Twins figure to have a solid grasp on whether they want to be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline later this month once they finish their 11-game homestand leading into the All-Star break. The Twins kicked off their extended stay in Minnesota the right way and attempt to win consecutive games on Friday, when they host the Baltimore Orioles for the second contest of their four-game series.

The Twins were within four games of the first place in the American League Central as recently as June 16, but a 4-12 stretch - combined with Cleveland's 12-4 record over the same span - had them staring at a 12-game deficit entering Thursday. Hosting league-worst Baltimore proved to be just what Minnesota needed to get back on track, as it snapped its six-game losing streak behind six strong innings from Aaron Slegers and a three-hit effort from fellow rookie Jake Cave. Jonathan Schoop batted .144 in June but may be on the verge of breaking out of his season-long funk, providing all of the offense in the Orioles' series-opening 5-2 loss to improve to 5-for-12 in his first three starts this month. Baltimore has dropped three of its four meetings with Minnesota this season, scoring a total of seven runs in those contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (6-7, 3.75 ERA) vs. Twins RH Lance Lynn (5-7, 5.49)

Bundy, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury since June 23, is expected to come off the disabled list in time to make the start and attempt to extend his three-game winning streak. The native of Oklahoma was sharp in his four outings last month, going 3-0 with a 1.98 ERA while posting a 0.92 WHIP and holding opposing hitters to a .186 average. Bundy produced one of his finest performances of the season on Opening Day against Minnesota, yielding five hits and striking out seven over seven scoreless frames.

Lynn will be happy to pitch somewhere besides Chicago after getting rocked in back-to-back losses, giving up five runs - four earned - over five innings against the White Sox on June 26 before surrendering seven runs in 1 2/3 frames Sunday versus the Cubs. The 31-year-old was much better in his six previous turns, going 4-1 with a 1.73 ERA. Mark Trumbo is 5-for-10 with three homers and six RBIs against Lynn, who is 1-1 with a 7.30 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) versus Baltimore.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins 1B Joe Mauer went 0-for-4 in the series opener but only needs one double to move past Kirby Puckett (414) for the most in club history.

2. All 10 of Schoop's home runs this season have been solo shots.

3. Minnesota RHP Fernando Rodney nailed down his 318th career save on Thursday, tying former Twin Rick Aguilera for 20th place on the all-time list.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Twins 2
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Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

The Houston Astros staged a dramatic comeback victory in the series opener and look to improve to 5-0 in the season set when they host the Chicago White Sox on Friday for the second of four contests. Yuli Gurriel's run-scoring single in the bottom of the ninth inning capped a two-run uprising as the Astros posted a 4-3 victory on Thursday.

Boston Red Sox vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018 in MLB

George Springer delivered the game-tying single in the ninth and Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer in the fifth as the Astros won their third straight contest. Springer's key hit leaves him 6-for-70 over his last 19 games while the RBI was just his second during the lengthy slump. Chicago's Avisail Garcia was hitless in four at-bats in the opener to halt his 14-game hitting streak that was the longest current one in the majors. The White Sox have dropped six of their last eight contests and 15 of their last 21.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (4-5, 3.68 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lance McCullers Jr. (9-3, 3.55)

Lopez has won back-to-back starts and three of his last four decisions. The 24-year-old was victorious at Texas in his last outing - giving up two runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings - and is 2-1 with a 2.63 ERA in his last four turns on the road. Lopez allowed one run and four hits in five innings on April 22 in his lone career start against the Astros.

McCullers, who has won three straight decisions, blanked Tampa Bay on three hits over seven innings of a 1-0 win in his last turn. The 24-year-old has struck out 25 batters in 19 frames over his last three starts and 106 in 101 1/3 overall innings. McCullers beat Chicago on April 22, when he yielded one run and eight hits over six frames, and is 1-1 with a 2.60 ERA in three career meetings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros 3B Alex Bregman is 17-for-41 with five homers during his 10-game hitting streak.

2. Chicago SS Tim Anderson (forearm) will be re-evaluated on Friday after being hit by a pitch in the series opener.

3. Houston SS Carlos Correa (back) won't come off the disabled list during this series but should be activated sometime next week.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, White Sox 2
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Boston Red Sox vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

The Boston Red Sox own the best record in the majors at 30 games over .500 and just finished off a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals to improve to 4-2 on their nine-game road trip. The Kansas City Royals, who host the Red Sox in the opener of a three-game series on Friday, are at the opposite end of the spectrum as they fight to avoid the worst record in baseball.

Boston improved to 31-17 on the road by sweeping the Nationals and are looking to go into the All-Star break on a high note with their last 10 games prior to the mid-summer classic against teams with losing records. "I'm proud of them," Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters of his players. "They show up every day, they prepare, they go about their business the right way, they enjoy winning and they don't get caught up in whatever's going on around us. They're focused on the task at hand. We know where we're at, but we still have a long way to go." The Royals are losers of six in a row and 18 of their last 21 and will spend the next few weeks as one of the more attractive selling candidates in front of the trade deadline. Veteran right-hander Jason Hammel will try to increase his trade value when he takes the mound on Friday opposite Boston ace Chris Sale.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Chris Sale (8-4, 2.41 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jason Hammel (2-10, 5.56)

Sale dominated the New York Yankees in his last outing on Saturday, yielding one hit and one walk while striking out 11 in seven scoreless frames. That marked the second straight scoreless outing for the Florida native, who is 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA and 44 strikeouts in his last four turns. Sale struck out six and surrendered one earned run in seven innings against Kansas City on May 1 but was held out of the decision.

Hammel is winless in his last six outings and was knocked around for six runs and 13 hits in six innings to suffer a loss at Seattle on Saturday. The 35-year-old allowed a total of 15 runs - 13 earned - and 19 hits across 10 innings in his last two starts. Hammel did not have much luck at Boston on April 30, when he was ripped for eight runs on eight hits and three walks in 4 2/3 frames to suffer a loss.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox RHP Tyler Thornburg (shoulder) was activated from the DL on Wednesday and could make his team debut this weekend.

2. Kansas City 3B Mike Moustakas (back spasms) missed the last two games but could return Friday.

3. Boston 1B Mitch Moreland (back spasms) sat out Wednesday and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Royals 1
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San Diego Padres vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

A dreadful homestand is hindering the Arizona Diamondbacks as they attempt to reverse course when they host the San Diego Padres on Friday for the second contest of their four-game set. San Diego recorded a 6-3 victory in the series opener to drop the Diamondbacks to 1-6 on their string of 10 straight home games.

Arizona has allowed six or more runs in five of the losses and has fallen into a virtual first-place tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. Diamondbacks slugger Paul Goldschmidt struck out three times in five hitless at-bats in the opener and is 0-for-8 in his last two games after opening the month by going 7-for-11 with two homers and six RBIs. Wil Myers contributed two hits and two RBIs on Thursday for San Diego, which won for just the fourth time in 17 games. Austin Hedges went 2-for-4 with a homer and is 6-for-19 over his last six contests.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Joey Lucchesi (4-3, 3.26 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (9-6, 5.07)

Lucchesi defeated Pittsburgh in his last turn as he gave up just one hit over five scoreless innings. The 25-year-old rookie lost to the Diamondbacks on April 22, when he yielded four runs on five hits and four walks in five frames. Lucchesi, who is starting on the road for just the fourth time, has posted a 1-1 record and 2.40 ERA in outings away from home.

Godley had his four-start winning streak halted in his last turn as he was torched by San Francisco. The 28-year-old surrendered seven runs on nine hits and five walks in four innings, marking the fourth time this season he has allowed at least five earned runs while pitching four or fewer frames. Godley defeated the Padres on April 21, when he gave up two runs and six hits over 5 1/3 innings to improve to 2-3 with a 5.23 ERA in 10 career appearances (seven starts) against the Padres.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks CF Jon Jay recorded two hits on Thursday and is 5-for-9 over his last two games after enduring a 1-for-34 funk over the previous 10 contests.

2. San Diego 2B Carlos Asuaje reached base four times on two hits and two walks in the opener and is 5-for-7 with four walks in four games since being recalled from Triple-A El Paso.

3. Arizona placed Jarrod Dyson (groin) on the 10-day disabled list and activated fellow OF Steven Souza Jr. (pectoral), who went 0-for-3 on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 8, Padres 7
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 07-06-2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers attempt to remain undefeated this month when they begin a seven-game road trip on Friday with the opener of a three-game interleague series against the Los Angeles Angels. After ending June with three straight losses, the Dodgers have begun July with four consecutive wins - including a 6-4 triumph over Pittsburgh on Wednesday that concluded a 6-4 homestand.

Yasmani Grandal and Chris Taylor each went 2-for-3 with three RBIs for the Dodgers, who outscored the Pirates 31-8 during the three-game sweep. Both players enter the series against the Angels on fire, as Grandal went 6-for-9 with a homer, five RBIs, five walks and five runs scored against Pittsburgh while Taylor went 8-for-12 with one blast, seven RBIs and three runs scored. The Angels' sputtering offense cost them another game Thursday as they dropped to .500 (44-44) with a 4-1 loss at Seattle. Martin Maldonado recorded two of the team's six hits and Kole Calhoun drove in the lone run with a sacrifice fly for the Angels, who concluded a 3-7 road trip during which they scored fewer than three runs in six of the seven defeats.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Dodgers), FS West (Angels)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (5-5, 3.36 ERA) vs. Angels RH Felix Pena (1-0, 3.71)

Maeda worked seven innings and registered nine strikeouts for the second straight start on Saturday but suffered a loss against Colorado despite giving up three runs - two earned - and five hits. The 30-year-old native of Japan served up a home run in the setback, the first he has allowed in four turns and second in seven outings. Maeda split his first two career starts versus the Angels, yielding four runs and nine hits with two walks and 11 strikeouts over 11 innings.

Pena is coming off the longest of his three career starts and recorded his first victory as a member of the rotation after scattering five hits over 5 1/3 scoreless innings at Baltimore. The 28-year-old Dominican has posted a 2.51 ERA as a starter, allowing only four runs in 14 1/3 frames while registering 17 strikeouts and issuing five walks. Pena made two relief appearances against the Dodgers during his time with the Chicago Cubs and gave up one hit with three walks and five strikeouts in three scoreless innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers are 42-12 when scoring first and 5-27 when allowing the initial run.

2. The Angels activated 1B Jefry Marte (wrist), who went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, from the 10-day disabled list on Thursday and optioned OF Jabari Blash to Triple-A Salt Lake.

3. The Dodgers acquired Dylan Floro and Zach Neal from Cincinnati on Wednesday and assigned the latter to Triple-A Oklahoma City while designating fellow RHP Daniel Corcino for assignment.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Angels 3
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