MLB Betting News and Trends For Monday 9/10/18

National League
Dodgers (78-65) @ Reds (61-83)
Wood is 1-0, 2.14 in his last four starts; under is 5-0-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 13-13, 8-4 away
5-inning record: 10-10-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-26

Reed is 0-0, 7.04 in his two starts (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 0-2, 0-1 home
5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Dodgers won six of their last eight road games; they’re 14-1 n last 15 road series openers, 31-22 vs lefty starters- under is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Cincinnati lost five of its last seven games; they’re 11-12 in home series openers, 17-19 vs lefty starters- over is 5-2-1 in their last eight home games.

Nationals (71-72) @ Phllies (74-68)
Fedde is 1-3, 5.79 in his six starts (under 3-2-1). Team in his starts: 2-4, 2-0 road
5-inning record: 1-2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Arrieta is 0-3, 6.30 in his last four starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 13-13, 8-5 home
5-inning record: 13-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-26

Washington won three of its last four road games; they’re 4-9 in last 13 road series openers- over is 9-2 in their last 11 games. Phillies lost six of their last eight games; they’re 13-9 in home series openers. Over is 3-1-1 in their last five games.

Marlins (56-86) @ Mets (65-77)
Brigham allowed three runs in three IP (82 PT) in his first ’18 start (under 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1

deGrom is 3-1, 1.73 in his last six starts; his last four stayed under. Team in his starts: 12-16, 5-9 home
5-inning record: 13-6-9 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-28

Marlins are 2-16 in their last 18 road games; they’re 1-8 in last nine road series openers- over is 9-4 in their last 13 road games. Mets won six of their last eight games; they’re 4-10 in last 14 home series openers. Over is 4-0-1 in their last five games.

Brewers (82-62) @ Cubs (83-59)
Miley is 0-0, 2.19 in his last two starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 7-4, 2-2 away
5-inning record: 5-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning:1-10

Lester is 3-0, 1.46 in his last five starts; over is 11-2 in his last 13 starts. Team in his starts: 21-7, 10-4 home
5-inning record: 16-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-28

Milwaukee won six of its last seven games; they’re 13-10 in road series openers, 18-16 vs lefty starters- over is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Cubs lost four of their last six games; they’re 12-11 in home series openers, 19-10 vs lefty starters- their last five games went over the total.

Pirates (71-71) @ Cardinals (79-64)
Williams is 3-1, 0.55 in his last five starts; under is 11-1-1 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 14-13, 6-5 road
5-inning record: 10-11-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-27

Wainwright is making his first start since May 13; he is 1-3, 4.50 in his four starts (under 4-0). Team in his starts: 1-3, 0-2 home
5-inning record: 1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Pirates won their last five games, are 10-12 in road series openers- under is 5-0-1 in their last six road games. St Louis is 3-5 in its last eight games; they won their last six home series openers. Under is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

Diamondbacks (76-67) @ Rockies (78-64)
Godley is 1-2, 6.17 in his last four starts; over is 3-1 in his last four road starts. Team in his starts: 16-12, 9-5 away
5-inning record: 14-13-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-28

Marquez is 2-0, 1.55 in his last four starts; his last seven stayed under. Team in his starts: 14-12, 6-7 home
5-inning record: 11-12-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 16-26

Arizona lost seven of its last nine games; they’re 16-7 in road series openers. Snakes’ last four games went over; their last eight road games stayed under. Colorado won six of its last eight games; they’re 9-14 in home series openers- under is 11-4 in their last 15 home games.

Braves (79-64) @ Giants (68-76)
Newcomb is 1-2, 8.38 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 14-12, 9-5 away
5-inning record: 13-11-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-26

Rodriguez is 2-1, 2.03 in his last seven starts; under is 8-2 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 9-5, 5-4 home
5-inning record: 8-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Braves won four of their last five road games; they’re 9-2 in last 11 road series openers— their last five games went over. Giants lost their last eight games; they’re 13-9 in home series openers, 26-28 vs lefty starters- their last eight home games stayed under.

American League
Astros (89-54) @ Tigers (59-84)
Former Tiger Verlander is 2-2, 4.76 in his last four starts; over is 6-4 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 16-13, 11-2 away
5-inning record: 18-6-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-29

Liriano is 0-4, 9.28 in his last five starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 8-14, 4-4 home
5-inning record: 6-22 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-10-5

Astros won seven of their last eight games; they’re 18-5 in road series openers, 31-21 vs lefty starters- over is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Detroit won four of its last five games; they’re 5-1 in last six home series openers. Under is 4-1-1 in their last six home games.

Indians (81-62) @ Rays (78-64)
Kluber is 4-1, 2.78 in his last five starts; his last three stayed under. Team in his starts: 19-10, 9-4 away
5-inning record: 18-7-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-29

Castillo is 0-0, 3.68 in five “opens” (over 4-1). Team in his starts: 5-0, 2-0 home
5-inning record: 5-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Indians won four of their last six games; they’re 12-11 in road series openers. Over is 9-6 in their last 15 road games. Tampa Bay won seven of its last eight games; they’re 11-2 in last 13 home series openers- over is 6-1-1 in their last eight home tilts.

New York (89-54) @ Minnesota (65-77)
Happ is 5-0, 3.10 in his seven starts for NY (over 4-2-1). Team in his starts: 6-1, 3-0 away
5-inning record: 6-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-7

Gibson 0-3, 8.47 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 12-16, 6-6 home
5-inning record: 10-16-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-28

New York is 7-3 in its last ten road games, 14-10 in road series openers- four of their last five games stayed under. Minnesota lost six of its last eight games; they’re 9-1 in last ten home series openers- five of their last six home games stayed under.

White Sox (56-87) @ Royals (47-95)
Giolito is 3-1, 4.39 in his last five starts; over is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 14-14, 10-4 away
5-inning record: 9-16-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-28

Junis is 2-0, 1.13 in his last two starts; under is 3-1 in his last four home starts. Team in his starts: 11-15, 5-9 home
5-inning record: 13-8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-26

White Sox lost their last five games; they’re 7-16 in road series openers. Under is 4-1 in their last five road games. Kansas City lost four of its last five games; they’re 4-0 in last four home series openers. Over is 4-2 in their last six home games.

Rangers (61-82) @ Angels (71-72)
Minor is 5-1, 2.27 in his last six starts (under 5-1). Team in his starts: 13-12, 6-5 away
5-inning record: 10-11-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-25

Barria is 2-0, 0.00 (11 IP) in his last two starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 11-11, 4-7 home
5-inning record: 11-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Texas lost nine of its last 11 road games; they’re 7-4 in last 11 road series openers- their last four games went over. Angels won five of their last six games; they’re 13-9 in home series openers, 16-25 vs lefty starters. Under is 8-3 in their last 11 games.

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Houston Astros vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th September 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/10/2018

Justin Verlander returns to Comerica Park for the first time as the enemy as the Houston Astros attempt to become the second 90-win team in the major leagues when they visit the Detroit Tigers on Monday for the opener of their three-game series. Verlander went 97-50 with a 3.20 ERA in 187 starts at the ballpark while with Detroit before being dealt to Houston at last year's trade deadline.

A seven-time All-Star who won the American League MVP and Cy Young Award with the Tigers in 2011 and helped the Astros to their first World Series championship last season, Verlander looks to get the AL West leaders back on track after its seven-game winning streak ended with Sunday's 6-5 setback in Boston. Marwin Gonzalez and Jose Altuve homered in the setback for Houston, which saw its division lead over Oakland shrink to 2 1/2 games. Detroit was unable to complete a three-game sweep over St. Louis as it dropped a 5-2 decision on Sunday, halting its four-game winning streak. Ronny Rodriguez drove in one of the Tigers' runs, giving the Dominican rookie 15 RBIs in his last 15 contests.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (14-9, 2.73 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (4-9, 4.90)

Verlander is seeking his second straight victory and fourth in five starts after limiting Minnesota to one run and three hits over seven innings on Tuesday. The 35-year-old Virginian has won each of his last four turns on the road, where he has posted an 11-2 record while going 3-7 at home. Verlander has not been defeated in an opposing ballpark since June 30, when he was tagged for five runs and nine hits over five frames at Tampa Bay.

Liriano halted his string of eight straight losses on Tuesday, when he allowed three runs - two earned - over five innings against the White Sox in Chicago. The 34-year-old Dominican hadn't been victorious since ending his first month of the season with his third win in four decisions, a triumph at Baltimore on April 28. Liriano, who was a teammate of Verlander on Houston's championship team last year, is 2-1 with a 4.37 ERA in four career starts against the Astros.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers RF Nicholas Castellanos recorded two of his team's five hits on Sunday, making him 7-for-13 during his four-game hitting streak.

2. Houston 1B Tyler White is coming off a three-game series against Boston during which he went 4-for-10 with four RBIs and three runs scored.

3. Detroit recalled RHP Zac Reininger from Triple-A Toledo while purchasing the contracts of C Jarrod Saltalamacchia and OF Christin Stewart from the Mud Hens, with the latter making his major-league debut on Sunday as a pinch-hitter.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Tigers 2
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/09/2018

Justin Turner was the National League Player of the Month for August and hasn't cooled off much in September while helping the Los Angeles Dodgers pull within one-half game of first place in the NL West. Turner looks to follow his four-hit effort last time out with another strong performance when the Dodgers visit the last-place Cincinnati Reds on Monday for the opener of their three-game series.

Turner batted .402 with six homers and 20 RBIs last month and improved to 10-for-30 since the calendar changed after recording a homer and two doubles in Sunday's 9-6 victory over NL West-leading Colorado. Alex Wood will try to continue his strong run when he takes the mound Monday for Los Angeles, which sits one game behind St. Louis for the second wild-card spot, and Cincinnati counters with Cody Reed. The Reds have dropped five of their last seven contests after suffering a rain-delayed 7-6 setback against San Diego on Sunday but swept a four-game road set versus the Dodgers in May. Scooter Gennett went 0-for-9 in the series against Padres to fall a point behind Milwaukee's Christian Yelich (.316) in the NL batting race, but he went 10-for-14 with a pair of homers and six RBIs in the set at Los Angeles.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Alex Wood (8-6, 3.37 ERA) vs. Reds LH Cody Reed (0-2, 4.81)

Wood is unbeaten in four starts and has allowed fewer than three runs in six of his last seven outings. The 27-year-old native of North Carolina defeated Texas with seven scoreless innings to end August and opened this month by allowing one run over five frames in a no-decision against the New York Mets. Gennett is 3-for-4 with a double versus Wood, who is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA in five career games (four starts) against the Reds.

Reed makes his third straight start after giving up one run over 4 2/3 innings versus Milwaukee on Aug. 30 and getting lit up for six in five frames at Pittsburgh on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Tennessean strung together four straight scoreless relief efforts before joining the rotation and owns a 3.27 ERA at home as opposed to a 6.08 mark on the road. Reed will face the Dodgers for the first time as he seeks his second career win after losing 10 of his first 11 decisions.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles RHP Kenley Jansen (irregular heartbeat) is expected to join the team in Cincinnati after missing the Colorado series on doctor's orders.

2. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto has homered in each of his last two games after going without a blast for 36 contests.

3. The Dodgers own a 32-20 record at Great American Ball Park.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Reds 3
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Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/09/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies have seen the bottom fall out in a hurry with seven straight series losses and defeats in 15 of their last 23 games overall. The Phillies (74-68) look to pick up the pieces in a hurry on Monday when they open a nine-game homestand with the first of three contests versus the Washington Nationals (71-72).

"We need to turn the page quickly. ... I believe in the talent in that room, and that doesn't change when we don't perform well on a road trip. And we didn't perform our best on this road trip, and that can't be diminished," Philadelphia manager Gabe Kapler told reporters following Sunday's 6-4 setback to the New York Mets. Carlos Santana increased his hitting streak to 11 games by homering for the third time in five contests for the Phillies, who reside 4 1/2 games behind National League East-leading Atlanta. The Nationals were held at bay by Mother Nature on Sunday, with their series finale against the Chicago Cubs slated to be made up on Thursday. Washington right-hander Erick Fedde, who was scheduled to pitch that game, will get the ball for the series opener on Monday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Washington), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Erick Fedde (1-3, 6.00 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (10-9, 3.61)

Fedde matched a career high with seven strikeouts in his last outing while allowing four runs on as many hits over five innings during his first start since missing two months due to a shoulder injury. The 25-year-old walked away with a no-decision in Washington's wild 11-8 setback to St. Louis. Fedde split a pair of decisions versus Philadelphia this season, as he took the loss despite permitting three runs across six innings on June 23 before picking up the win despite yielding five in as many frames of a 17-7 victory.

Arrieta recorded his first win since July 31 on Tuesday after striking out a season-high 11 batters in a 9-4 win at Miami. The 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner has surrendered four runs - and two homers - in three straight outings, including in a three-inning performance of a no-decision versus Washington on Aug. 29. Arrieta has yet to collect a decision in three encounters against the Nationals this year, despite limiting the club to a .208 batting average.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington OF Bryce Harper has eight hits and as many runs scored to go along with seven RBIs in his last eight games.

2. Phillies INF Asdrubal Cabrera is 19-for-63 with three homers, seven RBIs and 14 runs scored versus the Nationals this season.

3. Washington OF Juan Soto has homered three times against Philadelphia, matching his most against any team in the majors in 2018.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Phillies 2
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Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/09/2018

September hasn't always provided fond memories for the New York Mets, however the club with nothing to lose has won six of eight since flipping the calendar this time around. The Mets (65-77) look to continue their good fortune on Monday as Jacob deGrom aims to strengthen his National League Cy Young candidacy in the opener a four-game series against the visiting Miami Marlins (56-86).

New York rookie Jeff McNeil collected his second consecutive three-hit performance and fifth overall in Sunday's 6-4 win over free-falling Philadelphia. The 26-year-old has hit safely in 21 of his last 22 starts, but wasn't as fortunate when he labored to a 1-for-11 effort against Miami on Aug. 10-12. Mother Nature put a temporary halt to the Marlins' woes, as the team had dropped eight of 11 before being rained out in Pittsburgh on Sunday. Starlin Castro has hit safely in seven of his last nine contests overall and is batting a robust 7-for-18 in his career versus deGrom.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jeff Brigham (0-1, 9.00 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (8-8, 1.68)

Mother Nature forced Brigham to wait another day before making his second career start with Miami. The 26-year-old allowed three runs, four hits and four walks while striking out two in three innings of a 6-1 loss to Toronto on Sept. 2. Brigham posted a 10-3 mark with a 2.36 ERA in 17 starts over three minor-league levels this season, including 5-2 with a 3.44 in nine turns with Triple-A New Orleans.

DeGrom, who has held foes to three runs or fewer in 25 consecutive starts, will have an extra day of rest after being scratched due to expected bad weather in the series finale against the Phillies. The 30-year-old owns an 0.93 ERA in his last four starts, a stretch that began with a complete-game win at Philadelphia on Aug. 18 in which he allowed one unearned run. DeGrom received another hard-luck no-decision at the Los Angeles Dodgers last Monday, giving up a run and two hits over six innings of a game the Mets would win 4-2.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York OF Michael Conforto has eight hits - including four homers - and 10 RBIs in his last seven outings.

2. Miami C J.T. Realmuto has scored eight times while hitting safely in nine of his last 10 games.

3. Mets CF Brandon Nimmo, who has scored five times in his last six games overall, is just 3-for-33 with 10 strikeouts versus the Marlins this season.

PREDICTION: Mets 2, Marlins 1
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Cleveland Indians vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/09/2018

The Cleveland Indians don't have anyone pushing them in the American League Central but finding a higher gear over the next few weeks in advance of the playoffs is a priority. The Indians will try to avoid back-to-back losses and find their groove when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

Cleveland began the road trip by splitting a four-game set at Toronto and dropped 10 of its last 18 games overall. The Indians will play 13 of their final 19 games against the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals but first must contend with a Rays squad that is quietly working its way toward the edges of wild card contention in the AL with wins in 16 of the last 19 games, including series victories over Boston and Cleveland. Tampa Bay pounded out 32 runs in a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles over the weekend and stretched its home winning streak to 11, matching the franchise record. Some of the Rays' success can be attributed to its unique pitching rotation, and reliever Diego Castillo will get the nod as the "opener" on Monday against Indians ace Corey Kluber.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (18-7, 2.75 ERA) vs. Rays RH Diego Castillo (3-2, 3.40)

Kluber is gunning for his third AL Cy Young Award and breezed through 6 2/3 innings against Kansas City on Wednesday, striking out 10 while allowing one run and two hits. The Stetson product needs 10 more strikeouts to reach 200 for the fifth straight season, and his 0.95 WHIP ranks third in the AL behind Boston's Chris Sale (0.85) and Houston's Justin Verlander (0.94). Kluber had no trouble with the Tampa Bay offense at home on Aug. 31, when he struck out eight and scattered two hits over seven scoreless frames.

Castillo did not allow a run in any of his last three appearances - two starts - and struck out one in a scoreless frame at the beginning of Saturday's win over Baltimore. The Dominican rookie started in five of his 36 appearances this season and owns a 3.68 ERA in that role, totaling 7 1/3 innings. Castillo started at Cleveland on Sept. 2 and surrendered one hit in a scoreless frame.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians are expected to activate LHP Andrew Miller (shoulder) from the 10-day disabled list on Monday.

2. Tampa Bay OF Tommy Pham hit safely in each of his last 13 games.

3. Cleveland 3B Jose Ramirez stole his 30th base on Sunday, becoming the first Cleveland player to reach the 30-30 mark since Grady Sizemore in 2008.

PREDICTION: Rays 2, Indians 1
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Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/09/2018

The calendar is still on the Chicago Cubs' side in the National League Central race, but the Milwaukee Brewers have a chance to change that this week. After a big week, the Brewers are within two games of the Cubs heading into a pivotal three-game series starting Monday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

The Brewers took two of three from the visiting Cubs early last week, then swept three games from San Francisco to give them a shot at regaining the division lead with another sweep. Given the stakes, combined with the heated rivalry, the Brewers expect a spirited crowd at Wrigley. "I think everybody's used to playing in that atmosphere," Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun told reporters. "It's fun, it's enjoyable as a competitor. You try to do the same things you've done all year, prepare the same way. Don't try harder, don't do anything different. We've been playing good baseball for a while." The Cubs went 2-4 last week and had the finale of their four-game series at Washington rained out and moved to Thursday in the midst of what was originally scheduled as a six-game homestand.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers LH Wade Miley (3-2, 2.12 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (15-5, 3.53)

Miley has been outstanding when healthy, allowing more than two earned runs only once in 12 starts. The 31-year-old has allowed two runs and eight hits with 11 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings over his last two outings. Miley is 5-2 with a 4.13 ERA in eight career starts against the Cubs, including a win Tuesday in which he allowed one run and three hits across six innings.

Since a disastrous start against Washington on Aug. 11, Lester has been excellent in his last four outings. The 34-year-old has allowed four runs over 23 2/3 innings during that stretch with 21 strikeouts and four walks, and he threw six scoreless frames to win at Philadelphia last time out. Lester is 4-2 with a 2.40 ERA in seven career starts against the Brewers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers OF Christian Yelich has reached base in 25 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NL and the second-longest of his career.

2. Cubs 2B/OF Ben Zobrist is batting .378 with six multi-hit games in his last 13 contests (10 starts).

3. Milwaukee RHP Corey Knebel retired all 15 batters he has faced in five appearances since being recalled Sept. 2.

PREDICTION: Cubs 3, Brewers 2
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New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/09/2018

The Minnesota Twins are not competing for a postseason spot but watching the young players and recent callups improve is keeping the team engaged. The Twins will try to make things tough on a team that is competing for a playoff spot when they host the New York Yankees in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

Minnesota rookie catcher Willians Astudillo is making the most of his opportunity with the team out of the race and blasted a two-run, walk-off homer to give the Twins a 3-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday, clinching a series victory. "I don't want to swing at bad pitches," Astudillo told reporters through an interpreter. "I was looking for a specific pitch. The first one wasn't even close, so I waited for the second one. This is the big leagues. It's a walk-off and a win for the team. I'm very emotional. Very happy." The Yankees are making the third stop on a three-city road trip after taking two of three at Seattle and are 2 1/2 games clear of the Oakland Athletics for the No. 1 American League wild card spot while keeping the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox just close enough to make things interesting. New York will turn to left-hander J.A. Happ in the opener while Minnesota counters with righty Kyle Gibson.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH J.A. Happ (15-6, 3.90 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (7-12, 3.74)

Happ bounced back from his first poor start since joining New York by dominating Oakland on Tuesday, scattering one run and two hits over six innings without factoring in the decision. The Northwestern product surrendered two or fewer runs in five of his seven outings with the Yankees. Happ is seeing Minnesota for the first time since Sep. 15, 2017, when he allowed three runs over 6 1/3 innings to earn a win as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Gibson is trying to snap a string of three straight losses, allowing a total of 16 runs - 11 earned - and 19 hits across 17 innings against Houston, Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox. The Missouri product runs into trouble when he gets the ball up in the zone and yielded five homers in those last three outings. One of Gibson's best outings this season came at New York on April 26, when he struck out a season-high 10 and surrendered one hit over six scoreless innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins 3B Miguel Sano (lower leg) sat out the last four games and is day-to-day.

2. Yankees SS Didi Gregorius is 0-for-5 in three games since returning from the disabled list.

3. New York OF Andrew McCutchen is 3-for-25 in eight games since joining the team.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Twins 4
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/09/2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates might have waited a little too long to begin their hot streak but still have time to play spoiler and play for pride. The Pirates will try to earn their sixth straight win and throw a wrench into the National League wild card race when they visit the NL Central-rival St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.

Pittsburgh is allowing an average of two runs during its five-game winning streak and had a chance at a sixth consecutive triumph washed out when Sunday's planned finale against the Miami Marlins was postponed. "It never doesn't matter, to finish strong and to play and to represent," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle told reporters. "Getting these young men up here and getting them engaged matters. Playing the game right, respecting the game, playing the game hard matters. It all goes hand-in-hand." The Cardinals are sitting in the No. 2 wild card spot in the NL but needed to pull out a 5-2 victory on Sunday at Detroit to avoid a three-game sweep against the Tigers. St. Louis will have to contend with budding Pirates ace Trevor Williams while introducing veteran Adam Wainwright back into the rotation.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Trevor Williams (12-9, 3.15 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (1-3, 4.00)

Williams has been one of the best pitchers in the majors over the last two months and allowed a total of four runs over his last nine starts. The Arizona State product scattered five hits over 6 2/3 scoreless frames against Cincinnati last Monday - the sixth time in the last nine outings that he did not yield a run. One of Williams' two losses in that span came at home against St. Louis on Aug. 5, when he was reached for two runs over five frames, but he tossed six scoreless innings at the Cardinals on Aug. 29.

Wainwright is making his first start since May 13 after spending the last three months on the disabled list with elbow inflammation. The 37-year-old made just four starts this season and issued a total of 14 walks in 18 innings. Wainwright made three appearances - two starts - against Pittsburgh in 2017 and was reached for a total of eight runs - seven earned - over 12 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates OF Gregory Polanco (left knee) will miss the remainder of the season.

2. Cardinals RHP Carlos Martinez earned his second save on Sunday and was named the team's closer.

3. Pittsburgh 2B-OF Adam Frazier is 8-for-17 with six runs scored during the winning streak.

PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Cardinals 1
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Chicago White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/09/2018

The Kansas City Royals look to continue their strong play at Kauffman Stadium when they open a seven-game homestand with the first of three contests against the visiting Chicago White Sox on Monday. The Royals, who reside in the American League Central cellar and own the AL's worst offense, have scored 61 runs while winning eight of their last nine games at home.

Kansas City went 7-1 against Cleveland, Detroit and Baltimore on its last homestand before losing four of six on a road trip that ended with Sunday's 3-1 walk-off setback at Minnesota in which it managed three hits. Jakob Junis has allowed a total of five runs in his last four home starts and gets the call in the series opener for Kansas City, while slumping Chicago turns to Lucas Giolito, who is 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA in three turns against the Royals this year. The White Sox, who are fourth in the AL Central - 8 ½ games ahead of Kansas City, were rolling along with an 8-3 record over an 11-game stretch before scoring just 10 times while dropping five straight contests - including Sunday's a 1-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Slugger Jose Abreu (22 homers, 78 RBIs), who has been out since Aug. 20 with an abdominal injury, could return to Chicago's lineup as early as Monday.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (10-10, 5.85 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jakob Junis (8-12, 4.32)

Giolito saw his streak of four straight quality starts come to an end Tuesday in a loss to Detroit as he permitted five runs - four earned - and four hits over 1 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old Californian reached the 10-win plateau for the first time by winning three of his last four starts, allowing eight runs in 25 1/3 frames during that span. Salvador Perez has homered versus Giolito, who is 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA against the Royals.

Junis has lost just once in his last seven starts, giving up fewer than three runs five times while compiling a 2.47 ERA during that stretch. The 25-year-old native of Illinois ended August with his first career complete game in which he held Detroit to two runs and followed with seven scoreless innings en route to victory versus Cleveland last Monday. Yoan Moncada is 4-for-7 with two homers against Junis, who is 1-1 with a 6.48 ERA versus the White Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 3B Yolmer Sanchez registered a pinch-hit single on Sunday and has reached base in 25 of his last 26 games.

2. Kansas City INF Adalberto Mondesi homered Sunday and is 14-for-39 with three blasts in his last 10 contests.

3. The White Sox, who already have clinched the season series (10-6), have won five of the previous seven meetings at Kansas City.

PREDICTION: Royals 5, White Sox 3
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Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/09/2018

The tight race in the National League West continues Monday as the first-place Colorado Rockies begin a crucial four-game series against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks, who are looking to bounce back after dropping three of four to Atlanta over the weekend. Colorado, which never has won a division title, holds a one-half game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers and sits 2 1/2 ahead of the Diamondbacks.

Colorado missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead by losing two of three over the weekend to the Dodgers, who collected 14 hits in Sunday's 9-6 victory. Nolan Arenado snapped an 0-for-15 slump with a two-run homer while Charlie Blackmon went 3-for-4 with two blasts after belting a two-run shot in Saturday's contest. Arizona has lost seven of its last nine games and struggled again in the late innings on Sunday, when closer Brad Boxberger and Yoan Lopez allowed a total of six runs while recording just one out in the 9-5 setback. Nick Ahmed drove in two runs and is 15-for-40 with three homers and 16 RBIs in 11 games against Colorado this season.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (14-8, 4.51 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (11-9, 4.05)

Godley spent the week on the paternity list after suffering a loss last Monday, when he allowed four runs and two hits - both homers - over five innings against San Diego. The 28-year-old native of South Carolina has set career highs this season with 14 wins, 29 games (28 starts), 159 2/3 innings and 170 strikeouts. Godley is 4-0 with a 3.15 ERA in seven career games (five starts) versus Colorado - including a 3-0 record and 3.80 ERA in five appearances (three starts) at Coors Field.

Marquez continued to impress on Tuesday, allowing two runs with 11 strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings in a no-decision against San Francisco. The 23-year-old Venezuelan has gone 3-2 with a 3.80 ERA over his last seven outings. Paul Goldschmidt is 9-for-20 with four home runs against Marquez, who is 1-4 with a 4.72 ERA in 11 career games (10 starts) versus Arizona and 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in four turns this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona has gone 12-5 in its last 17 contests at Coors Field thanks to a nine-game winning streak that ended on July 10.

2. Colorado 2B DJ LeMahieu is 11-for-33 with two home runs in eight games this month.

3. Arizona OF David Peralta was held out of the starting lineup Sunday due to a sore left ankle but appeared as a pinch-hitter and delivered an RBI single.

PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Diamondbacks 4
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Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 9th September 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Angels Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/09/2018

The Los Angeles Angels fell out of playoff contention weeks ago, but Mike Trout is playing like his team is in the middle of a thrilling pennant race. The two-time American League MVP looks to continue his hot streak Monday as the Angels begin a three-game series against the visiting Texas Rangers, who have lost four in a row and 10 of their last 13.

Andrew Heaney registered a career-high 12 strikeouts over seven innings and Kole Calhoun delivered an RBI single in Sunday's 1-0 win as the Angels completed a three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox. Trout went 2-for-4 and finished the series 8-for-11 with two homers and five RBIs for the Angels, who went 7-3 on their 10-game road trip. The Rangers are looking for their first win on their nine-game West Coast trip after losing three straight to Oakland over the weekend - including Sunday's 7-3 defeat. Texas rookie Willie Calhoun has been limited by a chest cold but started in left field Sunday and went 0-for-3, while Delino DeShields reached base three times and recorded two stolen bases from the leadoff spot.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Mike Minor (11-7, 4.31 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jaime Barria (10-8, 3.30)

Minor is making his second straight start against the Angels after allowing two runs over five frames in a 4-2 victory on Tuesday. The 30-year-old native of Tennessee has been one of the top starters in the major leagues since the All-Star break, going 5-2 with a 2.88 ERA in seven turns. Zack Cozart is 4-for-12 with two homers against Minor, who is 1-0 with a 4.76 ERA in four career games (two starts) versus the Angels.

Barria is making his 23rd start of the season and third against Texas in the last three weeks. The 22-year-old rookie won his second straight turn on Wednesday, when he allowed two hits and three walks with five strikeouts in five scoreless innings against the Rangers. Jurickson Profar is 1-for-10 with three strikeouts against Barria, who has gone 4-1 with a stellar 1.82 ERA over his last six starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels OF-RHP Shohei Ohtani suffered a bruised right thigh on Saturday but served as the team's designated hitter a day later and went 1-for-3 with a walk.

2. Texas rookie Adrian Sampson will start Tuesday in place of fellow RHP Bartolo Colon, who is being moved to the bullpen for the rest of the season.

3. Los Angeles INF David Fletcher has gone 12-for-29 with six RBIs in seven games against Texas this year.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Angels 2
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Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 09-10-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th September 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/10/2018

The Atlanta Braves begin a three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants on Monday full of momentum after two straight stirring victories that could propel them to the National League East crown. The Braves belted three homers during a six-run ninth inning to stun Arizona 9-5 on Sunday as they won three of the four contests in the set to extend their division lead over slumping Philadelphia to 4 ½ games.

Ronald Acuna Jr. did not go deep in the decisive ninth, recording a triple in the frame, but launched his 25th of the year - a two-run shot - three innings earlier to tie Eddie Mathews and Orlando Cepeda for the fifth-most homers in a single season prior to turning 21 years old. Ender Inciarte's blast jump-started the rally as the Braves won for the 19th time this season in their final at-bat, tying the Giants for the NL lead. San Francisco enters the series with a season-worst eight-game losing streak after Sunday's 6-3 defeat at Milwaukee. Brandon Crawford is hitting .181 since July 1 while battling a sore left knee, but he did record two hits and score a run on Sunday.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Southeast (Atlanta), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Sean Newcomb (11-8, 3.92 ERA) vs. Giants RH Dereck Rodriguez (6-2, 2.41)

Newcomb clearly has hit a wall in his first full major-league season, giving up 35 hits over 23 2/3 innings while posting a 7.99 ERA and .333 opponents batting average in his last five starts. The 25-year-old matched a season high with five walks in 4 1/3 frames against Boston on Tuesday and gave up three runs en route to his third loss in four outings. Newcomb has pitched better this season on the road, going 7-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 14 starts.

Rodriguez has entrenched himself in the Giants' rotation thanks to an outstanding rookie season, one in which he has surrendered more than three earned runs just once in 15 starts. The 26-year-old has posted a 1.97 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in eight turns since the All-Star break, giving up one run on six hits and one walk with six strikeouts in a no-decision Tuesday at Colorado. Rodriguez finished August with a 2.16 ERA in four outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Francisco's bullpen has posted a 5.32 ERA this month while issuing 15 walks in 22 innings.

2. Braves 3B Johan Camargo, who also went deep in the ninth inning on Sunday, is hitting .333 with three homers during his five-game hitting streak.

3. Atlanta's bullpen also is struggling down the stretch, issuing 26 walks and allowing 24 runs in 32 2/3 innings this month.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Braves 2
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