MLB Betting News and Trends For Friday, March 30, 2018

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Pittsburgh Pirates begin a new era without their MVP center fielder and No. 1 starting pitcher when they visit the Detroit Tigers on Friday to start a three-game interleague series, which was delayed 24 hours by rain. Perennial All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen was dealt to San Francisco while fire-balling right-hander Gerrit Cole was sent to Houston in the offseason as Pittsburgh hopes to retool quickly after two seasons without a playoff game.

"We've got young guys that are scratching, knocking on the door of their primes," Pirates 25-year-old first baseman Josh Bell, who belted 26 homers last season, told the Pittsburgh Gazette. "We've got to come up and capitalize on these opportunities, not let them pass by, because then we'll end up in the same as last year - trudging forward a bit and fizzling out." Ivan Nova gets the start in the opener for the Pirates and Detroit counters with fellow right-hander Jordan Zimmermann as both hurlers look to rebound from disappointing seasons. Ron Gardenhire takes over as manager for the Tigers, who have been picked to finish last in the American League Central Division by many experts but still have former MVP first baseman Miguel Cabrera and are expecting another big season from right fielder Nicholas Castellanos (career-high 26 homers and 101 RBIs in 2017). Rookie third baseman Jeimer Candelario is also a key for Detroit after a strong spring training as he registered seven doubles and a pair of homers.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (2017: 11-14, 4.14 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (2017: 8-13, 6.08)

Nova came to camp 10 pounds lighter and determined to improve on an up and down season that ended with a combined record of 1-6 over 10 starts in August and September. The 31-year-old Dominican Republic native gave up a career-most 29 homers over a career-high 187 innings in 2017 and had a tough time on the road (3-12, 5.02 ERA) while going 8-2 with a 2.80 ERA at home. Cabrera is 5-for-15 with a homer against Nova, who is 0-3 with a 7.04 ERA in six games (five starts) lifetime versus the Tigers.

Zimmermann won his fewest games since 2011 last season and posted the worst ERA of his career while allowing 29 homers in 29 starts, but he told reporters he is feeling strong. "He's our go-to guy," Gardenhire told reporters. "I don't worry about (Zimmermann) because we know who he is. He's an established major league pitcher when healthy, and that's our goal, to keep him healthy." Newcomer Corey Dickerson is 6-for-10 with a homer versus Zimmermann, who is 1-3 with a 3.96 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit DH Victor Martinez, who was limited to 107 games by cardiac issues last season, belted five homers in Grapefruit League action.

2. Pittsburgh CF Starling Marte moves to McCutchen's spot after playing just 77 games last season due to a PED suspension.

3. The Pirates won three of the four meetings in 2017 after the Tigers took the series 3-1 in 2016.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Tigers 3

Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Washington Nationals parted ways with manager Dusty Baker in the offseason for his lack of postseason success despite the fact he guided the club to back-to-back National League East titles and two of the four most successful seasons in club history. Following Thursday's Opening Day postponement, Dave Martinez will take his first step toward achieving what his predecessor was unable to do Friday when the Nationals open with the first of three games against the host Cincinnati Reds.

Baker led his club to a 192-132 regular-season record during his two-year stint with Washington, but the Nationals fell in five games during the NL Division Series to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 and to the Chicago Cubs in 2017. Rather than opt for another experienced hand to take the club to the next level, Washington turned to Martinez, who will run a team for the first time after serving as a bench coach the last 10 seasons - all under Joe Maddon, including the last three with the Cubs. The Reds have posted consecutive 68-win campaigns and are coming off their third straight last-place finish in the NL Central, thanks largely to a pitching staff that has ranked 26th or worse in ERA each time over that span. Those woes were really magnified last season against Washington, which outscored Cincinnati 61-26 while winning six of the seven meetings.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Washington), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (2017: 16-6, 2.51 ERA) vs. Reds RH Homer Bailey (6-9, 6.43)

Scherzer posted a sub-3.00 ERA, sub-1.00 WHIP and at least 250 strikeouts for the third time in as many seasons since signing with Washington in 2015. The back-to-back NL Cy Young Award winner is coming off an uneven spring, allowing 12 runs - including six homers - in 26 innings despite holding hitters to a .183 average and finishing with a 0.77 WHIP. Scherzer fanned 10 over six scoreless innings to get the win in his only start versus the Reds last season, improving to 2-1 with a 2.55 ERA in four starts against them.

Bailey will make his first Opening Day start at home and appears to be healthy after battling forearm and elbow injuries over the last three seasons, limiting him to 26 starts over that span. The 31-year-old didn't inspire a great deal of confidence during the exhibition season, however, going 0-2 with a 7.50 ERA in five turns while allowing seven homers in 18 frames. Bailey coughed up 16 runs in 5 2/3 innings while losing both his starts to the Nationals last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington OF Bryce Harper went 12-for-29 with three home runs against Cincinnati last season.

2. Reds 1B Joey Votto, the 2017 NL MVP runner-up, managed only three singles in 22 at-bats against the Nationals in 2017.

3. Washington three-time All-Star 2B Daniel Murphy is expected to be out until at least mid-April as he continues his recovery from October microfracture knee surgery.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Reds 2

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
Giancarlo Stanton lived up to the hype and then some in his New York Yankees debut, needing only two pitches to show he won't have much trouble making the transition to the American League. Stanton will have a tough act to follow as the Yankees attempt to build on their first Opening Day win since 2011 when they continue a four-game series Friday at the Toronto Blue Jays.

Stanton, who led the majors with 59 home runs with the Miami Marlins in 2017, went deep on the second pitch he saw and also homered in the ninth to cap a 3-for-5 day with four RBIs and punctuate New York's 6-1 victory. "Wow," said Yankees slugger and reigning AL home run champ Aaron Judge in marveling at the display by Stanton that pushed his career numbers at Rogers Centre to a staggering 9-for-16 with five blasts in four career games. Toronto already has plenty to worry about aside from the offensive futility that produced two hits -- third baseman Josh Donaldson bounced a number of throws to first base, which manager John Gibbons attributed to a dead arm. "I've been feeling it a little bit all spring," Donaldson said. "I don't have any pain or anything like that, which is always good. It's just about getting the strength back."

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (2017: 13-12, 4.74 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (2017: 1-3, 4.25)

Although he won at least 12 games for the fourth straight season, Tanaka spent too much of 2017 looking over his shoulder as he surrendered 35 home runs. However, he closed the year on a high note, allowing two runs and zero homers over his last four turns, including the postseason. One of those was a 15-strikeout, three-hit masterpiece against the Blue Jays on Sept. 29 after he allowed eight runs in Toronto one week earlier.

Sanchez had a sensational 2016 season, compiling a 15-2 mark and 3.00 ERA, but he won only once last year as recurring blister issues limited him to only eight starts. The 25-year-old Californian did not have any such issues with blisters in spring training and closed out the preseason by permitting one run and two hits over 6 1/3 innings versus Atlanta. Sanchez made three starts against New York in 2016, going 1-0 with a 1.83 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Stanton joined Roger Maris (1960) as the only players with multiple homers in their first game with the Yankees.

2. The Blue Jays placed SS Troy Tulowitzki (heel bone spurs) on the 60-day disabled list.

3. New York's bullpen allowed one run on one hit while recording five strikeouts and zero walks in 3 1/3 innings.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 2

Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
Denard Span grew up in Tampa Bay and his first game with his hometown team turned out to be among the more memorable moments of his career. Span overcame an early wobble of his own in the season opener to deliver the big hit in a 6-4 victory for the Tampa Bay Rays, who look to make it two in a row over the Boston Red Sox on Friday night.

Span hesitated on a fly ball that led to a two-run inside-the-park homer by Boston's Eduardo Nunez, but his bases-loaded triple was the big blow in a six-run eighth inning that put the Rays ahead to stay. "Just a true blessing to be able to play in front of my family and friends and to help this ball club win, can't ask for anything better," said Span, who was acquired from San Francisco for Evan Longoria in the offseason. "In all my 9 1/2, 10 years, that was probably the best postgame celebration of any team I've been on." It was a stunning loss by the Red Sox, who wasted six scoreless innings of one-hit ball by ace Chris Sale before relievers Joe Kelly and Carson Smith combined to allow six runs in the eighth to spoil the managerial debut of Alex Cora. "At the end of the day, that's pretty pathetic what I did," Kelly said after walking three batters. "Can't do that. I don't think I've ever done it and it's probably going to be the last time."

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH David Price (2017: 6-3, 3.38 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (2017: 5-7, 4.04)

Price made only 16 appearances (11 starts) during an injury-riddled season that included multiple trips to the disabled list due to an ailing left elbow. Price has plenty of familiarity with Tampa Bay, winning 82 games in his first six-plus seasons with the franchise and posting a 36-30 record and 2.88 ERA at Tropicana Field. The Rays are a collective 12-for-94 with one homer versus Price, who is 3-3 against his former team.

Although the record suggests a mediocre year, Snell bounced back from a disastrous start to 2017 by earning all five of his victories in his last nine starts while permitting two runs or fewer in six of them. He went 0-6 over his first 15 starts last season, including a pair of losses at Boston in which he surrendered 10 runs on 13 hits over 10 2/3 innings. Xander Bogaerts had three hits Thursday but is 0-for-9 lifetime against Snell.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox DH J.D. Martinez struck out twice, walked once and scored in his Boston debut.

2. Rays RHP Alex Colome, who had 47 saves last season, earned his first with a scoreless ninth.

3. Nunez's inside-the-park homer on Opening Day was Boston's first since Carl Yastrzemski in 1968.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Rays 3

Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
After belting three home runs on Opening Day, the Chicago Cubs hope to feast on a rookie pitcher when they play the host Miami Marlins in the second of a four-game series Friday. The slugging Cubs figure to make things tough on left-hander Caleb Smith, who is making his Marlins debut and just his third big-league start.

Ian Happ homered on the first pitch of the game and Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber also went deep in the Cubs' 8-4 win Thursday. Both bullpens were taxed in the opener, as Miami's Jose Urena lasted only four innings and Chicago's Jon Lester was knocked out with one out in the fourth. The Cubs' bullpen was up to the task with five relievers combining to allow just one hit and three walks over 5 2/3 scoreless innings. The youthful Marlins started four rookies, who combined to go 3-for-14 on Opening Day.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (2017: 7-5, 3.03 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Caleb Smith (2017: 0-1, 7.71)

After leading the league with a 2.13 ERA in 2016, Hendricks regressed slightly last year but he had a 2.19 ERA in 13 starts after the All-Star break. The 28-year-old posted quality starts in 14 of his 24 outings last season, including eight of his last nine in the regular season. Hendricks has dominated the Marlins in four meetings, going 2-1 with a 1.32 ERA.

Smith was acquired from the Yankees in November and slides into the rotation in place of injured Dan Straily. The 26-year-old had an excellent campaign in the minors a year ago in which he went 9-1 with a 2.41 ERA and struck out 102 batters in 100 2/3 innings, mostly at Triple-A. Smith was 0-2 with a 5.21 ERA in two starts and four relief outings this spring.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Marlins have 12 players who appeared on an Opening Day roster for the first time in their career, including Smith.

2. After going 9-for-31 with 10 walks and seven RBIs as a pinch hitter last season, Chicago's INF Tommy La Stella came off the bench to deliver a two-run double in the seventh Thursday.

3. The Cubs had seven extra-base hits Thursday, a total they surpassed only eight times all of last season.

PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Marlins 3

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
Philadelphia Phillies manager Gabe Kapler plans to lighten the load of the starting rotation by leaning heavily on his relievers this season. After seeing his bullpen implode on Opening Day, Kapler will hand the ball to right-hander Nick Pivetta on Friday in a bid to even the three-game series against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park.

Freddie Freeman opened the floodgates with a two-run homer, Ozhaino Albies added a solo shot and Nick Markakis provided the final salvo with a walk-off, three-run blast in the ninth inning of Atlanta's 8-5 triumph on Thursday. Freeman belted 28 homers during an injury-ravaged campaign in 2017 for the Braves, who were battered to the tune of a 6-13 mark versus the Phillies last season. Philadelphia appeared poised to continue its mastery of its National League East rival as Cesar Hernandez homered in his second straight Opening Day appearance, but Kapler raised eyebrows by lifting starter Aaron Nola in the bottom of the sixth inning after just 68 pitches with a commanding 5-0 lead. The new manager also caused a stir by leaving Odubel Herrera out of the starting lineup for what he deemed as a matchup-based decision, but the latter is expected to draw in on Friday and face Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia-Plus, FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (2017: 8-10, 6.02 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (2017: 10-13, 4.79)

Pivetta took his lumps last season with 25 homers and 144 hits allowed in 133.0 innings while seeing his WHIP climb to a gaudy 1.51. A postive for the 25-year-old British Columbian came in the form of his 140 strikeouts, with 13 coming as he limited the Braves to a .226 batting average en route to winning all three of his starts versus the club last season. Two of the starts were played in Atlanta, including a six-inning scoreless stint in his penultimate outing of the campaign.

Foltynewicz is hoping his strong spring washes the taste out of his mouth after he posted a 6.34 ERA following the All-Star break in 2017. The 26-year-old spent the offseason focusing his attention on his mechanics and pitched exclusively out of the stretch in the spring. Foltynewicz split a pair of outings against the Phillies last season and owns a 3-2 mark in seven career encounters, with Maikel Franco (.333) and Herrera (.313) faring well against him while going deep on one occasion.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia optioned 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner RHP Jake Arrieta to Advanced Class-A Clearwater on Thursday as he continues to round into shape for his expected first appearance on April 8.

2. Braves CF Ender Inciarte, who is 4-for-7 in his career versus Pivetta, batted .354 against the Phillies last season.

3. Atlanta's Kurt Suzuki is expected to get the start on Friday after relieving fellow C Tyler Flowers, who exited the season opener with left oblique discomfort.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Phillies 3

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Texas Rangers have typically had their way with their Silver Boot Series rival - especially at home - over the course of time, but the Houston Astros have left little doubt recently which team holds the edge at the moment. The Astros eye a sixth straight victory in Globe Life Park on Friday when they continue a four-game set against the host Rangers.

Justin Verlander worked six scoreless innings while George Springer and Jake Marisnick clubbed solo homers en route to a 4-1 win on Opening Day against Texas. Houston has been even more dominant at Globe Life Park since the start of last season, outscoring the Rangers 70-31 while taking eight of the last 10 meetings at the venue after dropping 32 of the previous 41 in Arlington. Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre each had two hits in a losing cause for Texas, which went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and managed its only run on a wild pitch. The Rangers have suffered five straight defeats overall to their in-state rival and haven't won any of their previous three season-opening series under fourth-year manager Jeff Banister.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (2017: 14-5, 2.90 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Doug Fister (2017: 5-9, 4.88)

Keuchel recaptured the form last season that allowed him to claim the American League Cy Young Award in 2015, keeping his ERA below 3.00 and WHIP under 1.20 for the third time in four seasons after struggling in 2016. The 30-year-old, who drew the Opening Day nod for the team over each of the previous three years, is 40-24 with a 3.29 ERA in 89 career games (82 starts) prior to the All-Star break. Keuchel mostly had his way with the Rangers last season, going 3-1 with a 2.92 ERA in four turns.

Fister signed with Texas in late November after logging 18 games (15 starts) with the Boston Red Sox last season, going 5-2 with a 2.79 ERA for a seven-game stretch before finishing 0-2, 9.18 over his final four appearances. The Fresno State product will be joining his fifth team in six seasons, including a one-year stint with the Astros in 2016 during which he finished 12-13 with a 4.64 ERA. Fister dropped his only start against Houston last season, giving up three runs across 5 1/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Springer became the first player in major-league history with leadoff homers in consecutive season openers with his leadoff blast Thursday - the 100th home run of his career.

2. Andrus made his 10th consecutive Opening Day start Thursday, one shy of matching the club record held by Ivan Rodriguez and Michael Young.

3. Houston placed 1B Yuli Gurriel on the restricted list prior to the opener to start the clock on his five-game suspension, allowing for the possibility he could return as early as Tuesday if he doesn't need to go on the disabled list following February hand surgery.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Rangers 2

Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Arizona Diamondbacks were in fine form at the plate in their season opener and hope to continue swinging hot bats when they resume their three-game series against the visiting Colorado Rockies on Friday. Arizona pounded out 12 hits and put together a pair of three-run innings Thursday en route to an 8-2 victory.

Jake Lamb, who recorded a career-high 105 RBIs last season, got off to a good start as he drove in four runs and David Peralta went 3-for-5 with an RBI, but Paul Goldschmidt remains in search of his first hit of the year after going 0-for-2 with three walks. Colorado scored both of its runs on homers as DJ LeMahieu and Nolan Arenado both went deep. The 26-year-old Arenado is seeking his fourth consecutive season with at least 37 home runs and 130 RBIs. Chris Iannetta, who is in his second stint with the Rockies after spending last year in Arizona, made an impressive return to the team with which he began his career as he collected one-third of the club's nine hits in the opener.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Arizona Plus

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (2017: 6-6, 4.81 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2017: 15-5, 2.89)

Anderson's 2017 season was interrupted by left knee surgery, but he finished strong upon his return, going 3-1 with a 1.19 ERA in four appearances (three starts). The 28-year-old native of Las Vegas was especially impressive in the victories as he struck out 12 batters and walked only two while scattering seven hits over 17 scoreless innings. Anderson has yet to lose to Arizona, going 2-0 with a 4.85 ERA and 34 strikeouts over 26 frames in six career games (four starts).

Ray registered more victories last year than in his first three major-league seasons combined (14) and led the National League with a rate of 12.11 strikeouts per nine innings while limiting opponents to a .199 batting average. The 26-year-old Tennessean suffered his last loss of the campaign on July 23, going 6-0 with a 2.20 ERA over his final nine starts. Ray owns a 2-3 record and 5.21 ERA in nine career turns against the Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks OF Jarrod Dyson had an impressive debut for his new team on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored and an RBI.

2. Colorado OF Charlie Blackmon is a .519 career hitter with three homers and eight RBIs against Ray.

3. Arizona RHP Zack Greinke (groin) will start the series finale on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Rockies 1

Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
After working overtime on Opening Day, the visiting Los Angeles Angels and the Oakland Athletics hook up for the encore Friday. The Athletics claimed a walk-off win in the 11th inning Thursday and send Sean Manaea to the mound opposite fellow left-hander Tyler Skaggs to try to make it two in a row against their American League West rivals.

Marcus Semien went 3-for-5 and drove in the winning run in the 11th while Khris Davis and Matt Olson hit back-to-back homers in the Athletics' 6-5 win Thursday. Zack Cozart and Kole Calhoun each homered among three hits and Albert Pujols also went deep for the Angels in the opener, but stars Mike Trout and Justin Upton were a combined 0-for-11. Japanese star Shohei Ohtani singled on the first pitch he saw in his major-league debut but finished 1-for-5 with a strikeout. Four Oakland relievers combined for six scoreless innings, and Los Angeles used six relievers, so both teams could use deep outings from their starters.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS Bay Area (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Tyler Skaggs (2017: 2-6, 4.55 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (2017: 12-10, 4.37)

Skaggs has yet to make it through a full season in the majors without injury concerns, but his 16 starts last year were his most since making 18 in 2014. The 26-year-old had only one win in 11 starts after returning from the disabled list last August. Skaggs has never beaten the Athletics - he's 0-4 with a 6.26 ERA in five career meetings.

Manaea had a good spring, going 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in 10 2/3 innings as he looks to build off a solid showing in his first full season in the majors. The 26-year-old is tough on lefties, who have hit just .207 against him in his career, and has been good at home, where he is 11-6 with a 3.55 ERA in 27 games (26 starts). The Angels have roughed him up, though, as he's 1-2 with a 5.10 ERA in six career meetings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Davis is 4-for-6 with two doubles and a homer against Skaggs.

2. Trout is 5-for-11 with a triple and two homers and Calhoun is 4-for-13 with two doubles versus Manaea.

3. Angels 2B Ian Kinsler sat out the opener with a groin injury but is expected to make his Los Angeles debut Friday.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Angels 4

Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The San Diego Padres' youth movement takes another step forward Friday, with 24-year-old left-hander Joey Lucchesi set to make his major-league debut against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers. The teams needed extra innings to decide Thursday's season opener, as Orlando Arcia's RBI single in the 12th proved to be the difference in the Brewers' 2-1 victory.

Lucchesi is taking the spot of expected starter Dinelson Lamet, who will miss at least a month with a flexor strain in his right elbow. The Padres haven't reached the postseason since winning the National League West in 2006 but boast one of the top farm systems in the baseball with Lucchesi part of a group that includes top prospects such as shortstop Fernando Tatis, Jr., outfielder Franchy Cordero and infielder Luis Urias along with pitchers Cal Quantrill and MacKenzie Gore. While San Diego is pointing toward the future, Milwaukee has added outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich in an effort to capture the NL Central crown after finishing second last season. Cain went 3-for-5 with a stolen base while hitting leadoff in the opener while Yelich batted second and was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (2017: 13-10, 3.89 ERA) vs. Padres LH Joey Lucchesi (MLB Debut)

Chacin signed a two-year contract with Milwaukee after working 180 1/3 innings over 32 starts for San Diego last season. The 30-year-old Venezuelan should feel right at home at Petco Park, where he posted a 1.79 ERA in 16 starts last year compared to a 6.53 mark in 16 turns everywhere else. Chacin recorded a 1.84 ERA over five appearances this spring and has gone 6-2 with a 3.07 ERA in 14 career games (10 starts) against the Padres.

Lucchesi recorded a 2.20 ERA in 139 innings between Single-A Lake Elsinore and Double-A San Antonio last season and earned Friday's turn after posting a 1.54 ERA in four spring starts. "His stuff plays. There's a real deception to it. It's tough to pick up," Padres manager Andy Green told reporters. "It's a real three-pitch mix that's going to play well at the big-league level." A fourth-round selection in the 2016 draft, Lucchesi possesses an impressive curve and change-up along with a mid-90s fastball.

WALK-OFFS

1. Green said Padres RHP Luis Perdomo will start Saturday's series finale while LHP Bryan Mitchell will get the nod Monday against Colorado.

2. After struggling in spring training, Brewers RHP Jacob Barnes earned the save Thursday by striking out the side in the 12th inning.

3. The Brewers purchased the contract of 1B Ji-Man Choi from Triple-A Colorado Springs prior to Thursday's game.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Padres 3

San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
Few teams needed an Opening Day win more than the San Francisco Giants, who already have placed their closer and two starting pitchers on the disabled list. The Giants continue their four-game series against the host Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday with some much-needed momentum after topping Clayton Kershaw in Thursday's 1-0 victory.

With injured starters Madison Bumgarner and Jeff Samardzija sidelined for several more weeks, the Giants opened the season by having four relievers allow a total of three hits over four frames following five strong innings from Ty Blach. Hunter Strickland recorded the save in place of closer Mark Melancon, who landed on the DL on Thursday with a right elbow flexor strain but hopes to return in a few weeks. "No question, it is disheartening to lose your No. 1 and No. 3 (starters) and your closer," manager Bruce Bochy told reporters. "Last year, we didn't do such a good job dealing with adversity. I think this team is equipped to respond in a better way." The injury bug also has hit the Dodgers, who had Kiké Hernandez batting cleanup in their first game without Justin Turner (fractured left wrist), who is expected to return in 5-7 weeks.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), KTLA, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Johnny Cueto (2017: 8-8, 4.52 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Alex Wood (2017: 16-3, 2.72)

Cueto is looking to bounce back after battling blister and forearm issues last season while posting his worst ERA since his rookie year in 2008. The two-time All-Star worked 19 innings this spring, allowing seven runs with 19 strikeouts in five starts. Matt Kemp is 12-for-37 with three homers against Cueto, who owns a 6-8 record and 3.44 ERA in 17 career turns against Los Angeles - including a 4-5 mark and 2.67 ERA in nine outings at Dodger Stadium.

After recording 10 wins and a 1.67 ERA in the first half last season, Wood struggled with injuries and posted a 3.89 ERA in the second half. The 27-year-old was 2-1 in five spring starts, registering a 3.63 ERA with 22 strikeouts against six walks. Buster Posey is 7-for-15 against Wood, who is 2-2 with a 5.35 ERA in five career starts against the Giants - including seven solid innings during a victory in his last outing on July 28.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants play 17 of their first 19 games against National League West rivals.

2. Kemp has hit .279 with 24 home runs in 177 career games versus the Giants.

3. Bochy said Strickland will serve as the team's regular closer until Melancon returns.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Giants 2

MLB

Friday, March 30

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Trend Report
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PITTSBURGH @ DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Pittsburgh is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Detroit's last 11 games when playing Pittsburgh

WASHINGTON @ CINCINNATI
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 10 games at home

NY YANKEES @ TORONTO
NY Yankees is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games

CHI CUBS @ MIAMI
Chi Cubs is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Miami
Chi Cubs is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games at home

BOSTON @ TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

PHILADELPHIA @ ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

HOUSTON @ TEXAS
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas
Houston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games

COLORADO @ ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Colorado's last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games
Arizona is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Colorado

LA ANGELS @ OAKLAND
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing Oakland
LA Angels is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
Oakland is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home

SAN FRANCISCO @ LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco

MILWAUKEE @ SAN DIEGO
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games at home
San Diego is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, March 30

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CHICAGO CUBS (96 - 76) at MIAMI (77 - 85) - 7:10 PM
KYLE HENDRICKS (R) vs. CALEB SMITH (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1696-1762 (-266.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 45-47 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against MIAMI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

KYLE HENDRICKS vs. MIAMI since 1997
HENDRICKS is 2-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.32 and a WHIP of 1.098.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

CALEB SMITH vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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PHILADELPHIA (66 - 96) at ATLANTA (72 - 90) - 7:35 PM
NICK PIVETTA (R) vs. MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-20 (-12.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 42-76 (-26.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

NICK PIVETTA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
PIVETTA is 3-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.12 and a WHIP of 1.118.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
FOLTYNEWICZ is 3-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.353.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.7 units)

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COLORADO (87 - 76) at ARIZONA (94 - 72) - 9:40 PM
TYLER ANDERSON (L) vs. ROBBIE RAY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 247-442 (-84.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 since 1997.
COLORADO is 447-710 (-140.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 95-72 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 57-37 (+15.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 867-772 (-93.3 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 239-235 (-55.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
RAY is 2-9 (-11.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

TYLER ANDERSON vs. ARIZONA since 1997
ANDERSON is 1-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.810.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

ROBBIE RAY vs. COLORADO since 1997
RAY is 2-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 5.21 and a WHIP of 1.614.
His team's record is 3-6 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.6 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (64 - 98) at LA DODGERS (114 - 63) - 10:10 PM
JOHNNY CUETO (R) vs. ALEX WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 65-98 (-34.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 12-36 (-19.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 27-55 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 10-29 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 98-119 (-34.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-42 (-25.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CUETO is 10-3 (+8.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CUETO is 27-11 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 44-36 (-18.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 (+2.5 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CUETO is 6-8 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.44 and a WHIP of 1.185.
His team's record is 7-10 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-9. (-1.2 units)

ALEX WOOD vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WOOD is 2-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.82 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.1 units)

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MILWAUKEE (86 - 76) at SAN DIEGO (71 - 91) - 10:10 PM
JHOULYS CHACIN (R) vs. JOEY LUCCHESI (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
CHACIN is 5-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.66 and a WHIP of 1.115.
His team's record is 6-4 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.9 units)

JOEY LUCCHESI vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY YANKEES (98 - 77) at TORONTO (76 - 86) - 7:05 PM
MASAHIRO TANAKA (R) vs. AARON SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 3-13 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 17-30 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 8-18 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 100-106 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. TORONTO since 1997
TANAKA is 9-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.95 and a WHIP of 1.069.
His team's record is 11-4 (+5.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-10. (-6.6 units)

AARON SANCHEZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
SANCHEZ is 1-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 1.83 and a WHIP of 1.118.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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BOSTON (94 - 72) at TAMPA BAY (80 - 82) - 7:10 PM
DAVID PRICE (L) vs. BLAKE SNELL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PRICE is 87-40 (+30.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 (+1.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.2 Units)

DAVID PRICE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
PRICE is 3-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.06 and a WHIP of 1.039.
His team's record is 3-5 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+2.2 units)

BLAKE SNELL vs. BOSTON since 1997
SNELL is 1-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.95 and a WHIP of 1.983.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.8 units)

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HOUSTON (112 - 68) at TEXAS (78 - 84) - 8:05 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 173-155 (+23.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 78-57 (+27.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 129-106 (+27.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 113-68 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 57-34 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 27-11 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 86-40 (+28.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against TEXAS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. TEXAS since 1997
KEUCHEL is 8-8 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.02 and a WHIP of 1.174.
His team's record is 11-11 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-11. (-3.9 units)

DOUG FISTER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
FISTER is 1-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.58 and a WHIP of 1.322.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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LA ANGELS (80 - 82) at OAKLAND (75 - 87) - 10:05 PM
TYLER SKAGGS (L) vs. SEAN MANAEA (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

TYLER SKAGGS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
SKAGGS is 0-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 6.26 and a WHIP of 1.573.
His team's record is 1-4 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.6 units)

SEAN MANAEA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MANAEA is 1-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 5.10 and a WHIP of 1.367.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.7 units)

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WASHINGTON (99 - 68) at CINCINNATI (68 - 94) - 4:10 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 27-30 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 51-32 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

MAX SCHERZER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
SCHERZER is 2-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.55 and a WHIP of 0.973.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
BAILEY is 1-5 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-5 (-4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)

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PITTSBURGH (75 - 87) at DETROIT (64 - 98) - 1:10 PM
IVAN NOVA (R) vs. JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 15-29 (-13.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
NOVA is 2-11 (-9.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 64-98 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 25-44 (-18.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 43-76 (-30.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

IVAN NOVA vs. DETROIT since 1997
NOVA is 0-4 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 7.63 and a WHIP of 1.859.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-4. (-2.5 units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 1-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.96 and a WHIP of 1.320.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.2 units)
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