MLB Betting News and Trends For Saturday 8/4/18

National League
Padres (43-69) @ Cubs (63-46)
Lucchesi is 1-3, 5.68 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 6-10, 2-3 away
5-inning record: 6-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Hendricks is 2-1, 4.15 in his last four starts; under is 10-4-1 in his last 15. Team in his starts: 9-13, 5-6 home
5-inning record: 7-9-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 12-22

Padres lost eight of their last nine games; over is 6-2-1 in their last nine games. Cubs won three of their last four home games; they’re 18-8 vs lefty starters- over is 9-4 in their last 13 home games.

Cardinals (56-54) @ Pirates (57-53)
Gomber allowed two runs in 6.1 IP (90 PT in his first MLB start (under 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-1 away.
5-inning record: 1-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Nova is 2-0, 4.09 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 12-8, 5-4 home.
5-inning record: 11-4-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Cardinals won five of their last eight games; over is 9-3 in their last 12 road games. Pittsburgh is 4-2 in its last six games, they’re 13-17 vs lefty starters- over is 5-2-1 in their last eight home games.

Marlins (46-65) @ Phillies (61-48)
Urena is 1-1, 4.38 in his last five starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 6-15, 2-5 away.
5-inning record: 8-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Eflin is 0-1, 6.75 in his last three starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 8-6, 4-2 home.
5-inning record: 10-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-14

Marlins lost their last four games; under is 5-1 in their last six games. Phillies won their last three games; last six Philly games stayed under the total.

Reds (48-61) @ Nationals (55-53)
DeSclafani is 0-2, 8.76 in his last three starts (over 8-1-1). Team in his starts: 5-5, 2-1 away
5-inning record: 7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-10

Harvey is 1-1, 6.52 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 8-6, 4-2 away
5-inning record: 8-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-14

Gonzalez is 0-2, 4.08 in his last five starts (under 5-0). Team in his starts: 10-11, 6-3 home.
5-inning record: 8-7-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-21

Hellickson is 1-1, 5.17 in his last three starts; under is 7-1-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 9-6, 3-1 home.
5-inning record: 7-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15

Reds lost their last four road games; they’re 13-15 vs lefty starters. Over is 10-1 in their last 11 road games. Washington won seven of last nine home games; over is 7-2 in Nationals’ last eight home games.

Braves (59-47) @ Mets (44-63)
Gausman was 2-2, 5.16 in his last five starts for Baltimore. Orioles in his starts: 6-15, 1-7 road
5-inning record: 8-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21

Wheeler is 3-0, 2.61 in his last three starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-12, 3-8 home.
5-inning record: 8-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Atlanta won its last five games; under is 6-1 in their last seven games. Mets lost six of their last seven games; under is 5-1 in their last six games.

Rockies (58-51) @ Brewers (64-49)
Anderson is 0-0, 3.20 in his last four starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 10-12, 7-4 away.
5-inning record: 11-5-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 11-22

Peralta is 1-1, 5.49 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 6-3, 2-1 home
5-inning record: 5-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-9

Rockies lost five of its last six road games; over is 6-3 in their last eight road games. Colorado blew 9th inning leads the last two days. Milwaukee is 8-3 in its last 11 home games, they’re 13-14 vs lefty starters. Over is 6-4-1 in their last 11 home games.

Giants (56-55) @ Diamondbacks (61-50)
Suarez is 1-1, 4.76 in his last four starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-10, 4-5 road
5-inning record: 5-6-7. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-18

Buchholz is 3-0, 2.08 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 5-4, 2-1 home.
5-inning record: 8-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-9

Giants won four of their last five games; under is 13-4-1 in their last 18 road games. Arizona won five of its last seven games; they’re 22-18 vs lefty starters- seven of their last eight games went over.

American League
New York (68-40) @ Red Sox (77-34)
Adams is making his MLB debut; he is 3-5, 4.50 in 21 AAA starts. Team in his starts: 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Eovaldi is 1-0, 0.69 in his last two starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Boston in his starts: 1-0, 1-0 home.
5-inning record: 5-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-11

New York is 7-9 in its last 16 games; five of their last seven road games stayed under. Boston won six of its last seven games; under is 8-2 in their last ten home games.

White Sox (39-70) @ Rays (56-54)
Rodon is 1.88 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 3-6, 1-4 away
5-inning record: 3-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Snell is 4-1, 1.42 in his last five starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 12-8, 6-2 home.
5-inning record: 12-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-20

White Sox lost six of their last nine games; they’re 7-18 vs lefty starters- over is 7-2 in their last nine games. Tampa Bay won four of its last five home games; they’re 19-12 vs lefty starters- five of Rays’ last seven games went over.

Angels (55-56) @ Indians (59-49)
Pena is 0-2, 6.89 in his last four starts (under 4-2-1). Team in his starts: 3-4, 1-1 away
5-inning record: 3-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-7

Kluber is 2-2, 4.83 in his last five starts; over is 15-1-2 in his last 18 starts. Team in his starts: 13-9, 7-5 home.
5-inning record: 15-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-22

Angels lost four of their last five games; over is 7-2 in their last nine games. Cleveland won five of its last eight games; four of their last six games stayed under.

Orioles (33-77) @ Rangers (48-63)
Bundy is 1-1, 9.17 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-12, 3-6 away
5-inning record: 7-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-20

Minor is 1-1, 6.59 in his last three starts; under is 7-2-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 9-11, 5-6 home.
5-inning record: 6-10-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-20

Orioles are 1-13 in their last 14 road games; over is 7-1-1 in their last nine games overall. O’s are 14-22 vs lefty starters. Texas won six of its last seven games; over is 8-1 in their last nine home games.

Royals (34-75) @ Twins (50-58)
Smith is 1-2, 7.47 in his four starts (over 2-1-1). Team in his starts: 1-3, 0-3 away
5-inning record: 1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Berrios is 2-1, 3.65 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 12-10, 3-7 home
5-inning record: 7-10-5. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-22

Royals are 3-5 in their last eight games; five of their last six games went over. Minnesota lost five of its last seven games; under is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Tigers (47-63) @ A’s (65-46)
Zimmerman is 0-3, 7.98 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 8-6, 5-3 away
5-inning record: 8-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-13

Jackson is 1-1, 4.41 in his last three starts (under 4-3). Team in his starts: 5-2, 2-1 home
5-inning record: 1-5-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-7

Tigers are 6-5 in their last 11 games; under is 11-5 in their last 16 road games. Oakland won its last six home games; over is 3-2 in their last five home games.

Blue Jays (50-59) @ Mariners (63-47)
Estrada is 0-2, 6.61 in his last four starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 8-10, 4-5 away
5-inning record: 6-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Paxton is 2-2, 2.78 in his last four starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 13-8, 6-4 home
5-inning record: 8-7-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Toronto lost seven of its last 11 games, but won last two; they’re 13-26 vs lefty starters— over is 10-3 in their last 13 road games. Seattle is 5-12 in its last 17 games; under is 11-6 in its last 17 home games.

Interleague
Astros (70-41) @ Dodgers (60-50)
McCullers is 0-3, 9.88 in his last three starts; Team in his starts: 13-7, 7-4 away
5-inning record: 8-7-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Maeda is 2-1, 2.51 in his last five starts; under is 9-1 in his last 10 starts. Team in his starts: 8-9, 4-5 home
5-inning record: 8-6-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Houston won its last three games; under is 13-2 in their last 15 road games. Dodgers lost four of their last six games; under is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Umpires
SD-Chi: Over is 4-2 in last six Bucknor games.
StL-Pitt: Nine of last 11 TBarrett games went over.
Mia-Phil: Over is 10-3 in last 13 Barber games.
Col-Mil: Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Additon game.
Atl-NY: Six of last eight Cederstrom games went over.
SF-Az: Five of last six Welke games stayed under.

NY-Bos: Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Cuzzi games.
Chi-TB: Underdogs won last four Tumpane games.
LA-Clev: Home side won five of last six West games.
KC-Minn: Five of last six Tichenor games went over.
Balt-Tex: Under is 10-2-1 in last 13 Estabrook games.
Det-A’s: Home side won seven of last eight Davis games.
Tor-Sea: Over is 7-4 in last eleven Winters games.

Hst-LA: Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Reyburn games.

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Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/04/2018

Mother Nature put a halt to the Washington Nationals' hot stretch, but they hope to pick up right where they left off when they host the Cincinnati Reds in a split doubleheader Saturday. The Nationals took the opener of the four-game series by a 10-4 margin before rain forced Friday night's affair to be called off.

Washington is enjoying its second three-game winning streak in a little over a week as it tries to keep pace with Philadelphia and Atlanta in the National League East. It will try to stay on course behind Gio Gonzalez in the opener and Jeremy Hellickson in the nightcap, as they take on a Cincinnati club that has dropped three in a row. Anthony DeSclafani goes in the matinee for the Reds, followed by Matt Harvey, who will be facing the Nationals for the first time since being traded from the rival Mets earlier in the year. Washington slugger Bryce Harper is 7-for-13 with a home run, three doubles and five RBIs over a four-game stretch and is a career .310 hitter against the Reds.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (4-3, 5.47 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-7, 3.78)

DeSclafani allowed three runs over 4 1/3 innings in each of his last two starts and has an ERA of 9.00 over his last three outings. He has allowed 14 home runs over a span of 42 2/3 frames during an eight-start stretch. The 28-year-old gave up four runs across 14 innings through his first four appearances (two starts) at Nationals Park.

Gonzalez had his best start in two months with seven innings of one-run ball at Miami his last time out, although he remained winless over a span of 10 starts. He opened the season with six strong innings and a win at Cincinnati. Joey Votto is 9-for-24 with three home runs against the former first-round pick.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Reds optioned RHP Tyler Mahle to Triple-A Louisville and recalled RHP Jesus Reyes.

2. The Reds have lost eight straight to the Nationals, including all four meetings in 2018.

3. Washington is 19-22 in day games and 36-31 at night.

PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Reds 4
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San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th August 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/04/2018

Javier Baez looks to continue another offensive surge when his National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs host the struggling San Diego Padres on Saturday afternoon for the third of a four-game set. Baez belted his fourth homer in seven games Friday to match a career high with 23 overall as the Cubs edged San Diego 5-4, and is 11-for-27 with 10 RBIs in that same stretch.

Chicago hung on despite giving up two runs in the top of the ninth inning Friday, but is just a .500 team since the All-Star break (8-8) as it goes after a third consecutive NL Central title. Kyle Hendricks, who is 4-1 with a 2.62 ERA over seven career starts against Padres, will take the mound for the Cubs on Saturday and San Diego counters with rookie Walker Lockett after splitting the first two games of the series. The NL-worst Padres have dropped eight of nine overall and four of five against Chicago this season after getting the tying run thrown out at the plate in Friday's setback. Rookie Christian Villanueva launched his 20th home run in the loss and is 4-for-9 in the series for San Diego while teammate Travis Jankowski is 5-for-10 over his last three contests.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS San Diego, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Walker Lockett (0-1, 9.53 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (7-9, 3.97)

Lockett gets his second major league start after scheduled starter Joey Lucchesi was scratched due to a stomach illness on Friday. The 24-year-old Florida native gave up four runs on four hits and five walks over 3 2/3 innings in his first major league start June 1 against Cincinnati to take the loss. Lockett, a fourth-round pick in 2012, gave up two runs on four hits across two innings of relief July 9 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hendricks limited St. Louis to two runs and four hits with a season high-matching eight strikeouts over seven innings for his second victory since June 21. The 28-year-old Dartmouth product, who had a 3.34 ERA in July, has given up three homers in his last six starts after serving up 16 long balls in his first 16 outings. Freddy Galvis is 4-for-11 with three doubles versus Hendricks, who beat the Padres on July 14 with five innings of two-run ball.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Diego INF/OF Cory Spangenberg went 2-for-2 on Friday after going hitless in nine at-bats over his previous six games.

2. Chicago LHP Brian Duensing (shoulder) got placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday and LHP Randy Rosario was recalled.

3. Padres INF/OF Wil Myers was held out of Friday's game after suffering a bruised left foot in the series opener.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Padres 3
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New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

A highly anticipated showdown between the two best teams in the majors has been dominated by the Boston Red Sox, who will try to make it three straight wins over the New York Yankees on Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park. Boston has outscored the Yankees 19-8 in the first two games to open a 7 1/2-game lead in the American League East - its biggest cushion of the year.

Steve Pearce, acquired from Toronto at the end of June to provide a reliable bat against left-handers, has demolished the New York in the first two games, following up his three-homer eruption in the series opener with a two-run blast in Friday's 4-1 win. Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, another addition before the trade deadline, attempts to build on his stellar Boston debut and follow Rick Porcello's gem against New York, which has dropped three in a row to match its longest skid of the season. After getting bludgeoned 15-7 in the series opener, all the Yankees could manage was a solo homer by Miguel Andujar - only the second time in 100 years they were limited to one hit or less at Fenway Park. New York must pin its hopes on right-hander Chance Adams, who will be promoted from the minors Saturday to make his major-league debut after recent acquisition J.A. Happ was placed on the disabled list with hand, foot and mouth disease.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1, YES (New York), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Chance Adams (NR) vs. Red Sox RH Nathan Eovaldi (4-4, 3.80)

Adams was among New York's top prospects but struggled early in the year after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow during the offseason. He is 3-5 with a 4.50 ERA in 21 starts at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre but has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six of his last seven turns - although he failed to pitch more than four innings four times in that span. Adams is coming off a great start Monday, taking a no-hitter into the eighth.

Eovaldi improved to 3-0 with a 4.01 ERA in five career starts at Fenway Park after a sensational debut with the Red Sox, blanking Minnesota on four hits over seven innings on Sunday. He pitched fairly well at Yankee Stadium for Tampa Bay on June 15 before giving up three eighth-inning runs and was charged with five runs in 7 1/3 frames. Didi Gregorius has been a nemesis for Eovaldi, going 5-for-9 with a home run.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pearce has more homers (14) against the Yankees than any other club, including 10 since the start of 2016.

2. Gregorius hit two homers in the series opener but is 6-for-41 versus Boston this season.

3. Red Sox 2B Ian Kinsler (left hamstring tightness) left Friday's game and is expected to be placed on the DL.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Red Sox 5
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Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

Tampa Bay Rays ace left-hander Blake Snell will return to the mound for the first time since the All-Star Game when he comes off the 10-day disabled list to face the Chicago White Sox on Saturday in the second of a three-game series. Snell, whose 12 wins are one more than his first two seasons combined, will look to help the Rays rebound from a rare home loss.

The White Sox own the second-worst road record in the majors but they squeezed out a 3-2 victory in the series opener as Yoan Moncada delivered a tiebreaking RBI double in the 10th inning. Jose Abreu has gone deep in back-to-back days and has five homers and 10 RBIs over the last 11 games for Chicago. Second baseman Joey Wendle had an RBI single and scored the tying run to extend his hitting streak to seven games for the Rays, who lost for only the fifth time in the last 25 games at Tropicana Field. Snell has been magnificent in eight home starts, compiling a 6-1 record and 0.87 ERA - and the only defeat was a 1-0 setback on May 8.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (3-3, 3.24 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (12-5, 2.27)

Rodon had to settle for a no-decision despite another strong effort Sunday versus Toronto, giving up two runs and five hits over 7 2/3 innings. It marked the third straight time he pitched into the eighth inning and his fourth quality start in a row - a span in which he has permitted six runs. Rodon has a 5.19 ERA in two no-decisions versus the Rays and has been worn out by C.J. Cron (5-for-7, home run).

Snell had a four-start winning streak snapped in his last outing prior to the All-Star Game when he was reached for three runs and five hits over a season-low three innings at Minnesota on July 12. He had been spectacular during the previous four starts, allowing a combined two runs while striking out 35 in 28 2/3 innings. Snell earned his first win of the season at Chicago on April 10, striking out 10 in six innings of one-run ball.

WALK-OFFS

1. Abreu is 7-for-15 with five extra-base hits and six runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.

2. Rays OF Tommy Pham is expected to miss two to four weeks with a fractured right foot.

3. White Sox OF Avisail Garcia is 3-for-19 over the last five games.

PREDICTION: Rays 3, White Sox 2
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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals seem to be headed in opposite directions, and the surging Pirates would like to continue that trend when they continue their three-game series against the visiting Cardinals on Saturday. Pittsburgh took Friday's opener 7-6 to move a game ahead of the Cardinals for third place in the National League Central.

The Pirates, who have won 10 of their last 13 home games, remain 6 1/2 games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs. Pittsburgh is 28-17 against division opponents and has won 10 of its last 11 against NL Central teams. The Cardinals were coming off a solid 5-2 homestand against the Cubs and Colorado Rockies, but they left 16 men on base in Friday's defeat. The remainder of the nine-game road trip, which includes two more against Pittsburgh followed by three-game sets against last-place teams Miami and Kansas City, could make or break the Cardinals' chances of staying in the NL playoff picture.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Austin Gomber (1-0, 3.22 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Ivan Nova (6-6, 4.33)

Gomber will make his second big-league start, sliding over from the bullpen to fill in for the injured Carlos Martinez. The 24-year-old threw 6 1/3 innings of no-hit ball in his first start July 24 at Cincinnati before allowing a single and a homer to the next two batters. Gomber made his major-league debut against the Pirates on June 2, allowing one walk in three hitless innings of relief.

The Pirates have won the last four games Nova has started, though he has only one quality start over that stretch. The 31-year-old made it through six innings only once in five starts in July, and he allowed four runs (three earned) over five-plus frames in a no-decision against the New York Mets last time out. Nova is 1-2 with a 4.18 ERA in four starts against St. Louis.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis 2B Kolten Wong (knee) will be activated from the disabled list before Saturday's game

2. Pirates 3B/1B David Freese is 9-for-21 with two homers and 10 RBIs in the first seven games of the current homestand.

3. Cardinals INF Matt Carpenter hit his 23rd career leadoff home run Friday, adding to his franchise record, and leads the majors with eight leadoff blasts this season.

PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Cardinals 4
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Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies can clinch their fifth consecutive series win at home when the play the third of a four-game series with the visiting Miami Marlins on Saturday. The Phillies improved to 12-3 in their last 15 games at Citizens Bank Park with Friday's 5-1 victory, giving them wins in the first two games of the set.

Jorge Alfaro had two hits and an RBI to help support a combined six-hitter as Philadelphia maintained a half-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the National League East. Maikel Franco extended his hitting streak to six games with a base hit and a run scored, and the Phillies' third baseman is batting .323 since the start of July. He has five hits - three doubles - in 16 career at-bats against Jose Urena, who gets the start for the Marlins on Saturday opposite Zach Eflin. Miami has lost four in a row overall and five straight on the road.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), NBC 10 (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Urena (3-10, 4.40 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Zach Eflin (7-3, 3.64)

Urena snapped a five-start winless streak with six scoreless innings against Washington on Sunday. That came two turns after he was rocked for five runs over four frames in a no-decision against the Phillies. The 26-year-old stifled Philadelphia through seven frames earlier in the year and is 1-3 with a 5.22 ERA lifetime against the divisional foe.

Eflin won six straight starts in an impressive streak through June and into July, but he is 0-1 with a 6.92 ERA over his last three outings. He served up six home runs in four starts last month after getting through all five of his appearances in June without allowing a single long ball. The former first-round pick, who is 4-1 with a 3.18 ERA at home, stymied the Marlins through six innings in his season debut.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia LF Rhys Hoskins has six multi-hit efforts over his last 10 games.

2. Marlins All-Star C J.T. Realmuto was 0-for-4 on Friday, snapping an eight-game hitting streak.

3. The Phillies reinstated LHP Adam Morgan from paternity leave.

PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Marlins 3
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Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/04/2018

Mother Nature put a halt to the Washington Nationals' hot stretch, but they hope to pick up right where they left off when they host the Cincinnati Reds in a split doubleheader Saturday. The Nationals took the opener of the four-game series by a 10-4 margin before rain forced Friday night's affair to be called off.

Washington is enjoying its second three-game winning streak in a little over a week as it tries to keep pace with Philadelphia and Atlanta in the National League East. It will try to stay on course behind Gio Gonzalez in the opener and Jeremy Hellickson in the nightcap, as they take on a Cincinnati club that has dropped four in a row. Anthony DeSclafani goes in the matinee for the Reds, followed by Matt Harvey, who will be facing the Nationals for the first time since being traded from the rival Mets earlier in the year. Washington slugger Bryce Harper is 7-for-13 with a home run, three doubles and five RBIs over a four-game stretch and is a career .310 hitter against the Reds.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Matt Harvey (5-6, 5.13 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jeremy Hellickson (4-2, 3.59)

Harvey bounced back from a dismal outing two turns ago to limit the Philadelphia Phillies to two runs and two hits over five innings last Saturday. He failed to get as far as six innings in each of his five starts in July, although he held opponents to two earned runs or fewer four times. The 29-year-old has done well with Harper (5-for-32, seven strikeouts) and he owns a 3.38 ERA in 16 career matchups (15 starts) with Washington.

Hellickson is 2-2 with a 5.52 ERA in six starts since returning from a hamstring injury, completing six frames just once in that span. He took his first loss since June 30 last time out after giving up five runs (three earned) over 4 2/3 innings at Miami. Hellickson boasts a 1.50 ERA in four career starts against the Reds and has dominated Cincinnati's All-Star first baseman Joey Votto (0-for-12, five strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Reds optioned RHP Tyler Mahle to Triple-A Louisville and recalled RHP Jesus Reyes.

2. Cincinnati has lost eight straight to the Nationals, including all four meetings in 2018.

3. Washington is 19-22 in day games and 36-31 at night.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Reds 4
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Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

He does not turn 21 years old until December, but Ronald Acuna continues to show why he is one of the top prospects in recent memory as he leads the Atlanta Braves into the third matchup of a four-game road series Saturday at the New York Mets. Acuna recorded his third-consecutive multi-hit contest in Friday's 2-1 victory, and during his four-game hitting streak the speedy outfielder is 8-for-16 with four extra-base hits (including two homers) and five runs scored.

The Braves are in a pennant race for the first time in five years thanks in part to an influx of young talent, including 24-year-old third baseman Johan Camargo who - in his second big-league season - has belted nine homers in a 48-game span since June 2 after launching a solo shot to open the scoring Friday. While Atlanta has matched a season high with its fifth consecutive victory, the Mets are reeling again after losing four in a row and falling to 19-42 in its past 61 games. The Mets, who began the day hitting a major-league worst .228 as a team, recorded just two hits Friday and have scored only six runs on 14 hits in three games so far this month. Shortstop Amed Rosario doubled and scored a run in Friday's loss and has one hit in each of his past two games following a 0-for-19 skid.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Kevin Gausman (5-8, 4.43 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (5-6, 4.11)

Gausman makes his Braves debut after being acquired from Baltimore at Tuesday's trade deadline, ending a six-year stay with the Orioles during which he posted a 4.22 ERA in 150 career appearances. The 27-year-old, the fourth-overall pick in the 2012 draft, made 21 starts with Baltimore this season and pitched at least 179 2/3 innings in his previous two years. Gausman won his final start with the Orioles on Saturday, giving up two runs on nine hits over seven innings against Tampa Bay.

Wheeler's ERA sat at 5.92 after his first seven starts of the season but he has provided the Mets with steady work since, holding opponents to a .234 batting average while going 3-3 with a 3.28 ERA in 13 outings. The 28-year-old, who was rumored to be on the move at the trade deadline, shut out Pittsburgh across six innings Sunday with seven strikeouts. Wheeler lost his only start against Atlanta this season on June 12, surrendering six runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York LHP Steven Matz, scheduled to start Sunday, landed on the disabled list with a left forearm strain.

2. Acuna is hitting .286 with six homers and 17 runs scored in 26 games since returning from a knee injury June 29.

3. Mets INF-OF Jose Bautista, who started at first base Friday, finished 0-for-3 and is hitless in his past 18 at-bats.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Mets 2
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Los Angeles Angels vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th August 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/04/2018

Shohei Ohtani looks to follow up his best offensive night in the majors with another big effort when the Los Angeles Angels visit the Cleveland Indians for the middle contest of a three-game set Saturday night. Ohtani, a 24-year-old rookie from Japan, registered season highs of four hits and two homers in Friday's 7-4 victory as the Angels snapped a four-game slide overall and won for the first time in 11 contests at Cleveland.

Ohtani, who batted just .203 in July, pushed his season totals to 11 homers along with 28 RBIs and Los Angeles All-Star center fielder Mike Trout could rejoin him in the lineup Saturday after missing the last two games with a bruised right wrist. Ohtani also homered against Saturday's scheduled starter Corey Kluber earlier in the season and Felix Pena is slated to get the call for the Angels after suffering through his worst start of the season last week. The American League Central-leading Indians lost for the third time in eight games Friday and the first time in August after taking an early 3-2 lead. Newly acquired center fielder Leonys Martin recorded a solo homer and an RBI single for Cleveland in the setback and is 7-for-18 during a five-game hitting streak - the first three coming with Detroit before Tuesday's trade.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Felix Pena (1-2, 5.23 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (13-6, 2.79)

Pena could not get out of the first inning Sunday against Seattle, allowing seven runs and six hits while retiring just one batter before being pulled. The 28-year-old Dominican native had permitted two or fewer runs in five of his previous six starts this year but completed more than 5 1/3 innings just once in that span. Pena, who has yielded just one run over 9 1/3 innings on the road in 2018, faces the Indians for the first time in his career.

Kluber snapped out of a funk with 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball Sunday at Detroit for his first victory since July 2, improving to 2-3 in his past five decisions. The 32-year-old, who permitted two runs over seven innings against the Angels in a no-decision April 4, owned an 8-2 record and 2.02 ERA through May before going 5-4 with a 3.88 mark in the past two months. Justin Upton owns three homers versus Kluber, who is 2-2 with a 3.99 ERA in six career starts against the Angels.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians activated LHP Andrew Miller (knee) from the disabled list Friday. He had one strikeout in a scoreless inning.

2. Los Angeles 1B/DH Albert Pujols sits two doubles from tying Honus Wagner (640) for ninth on baseball's all-time list.

3. Cleveland 3B Jose Ramirez, the AL Player of the Month in July, is 8-for-16 with two homers and five RBIs in his last four games.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Angels 2
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Colorado Rockies vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/04/2018

Eric Thames provided a much-needed jolt for the Milwaukee Brewers in the series opener, and the club looks to build on the momentum when it hosts the Colorado Rockies on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Thames' walk-off, three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning turned a possible third straight defeat into a memorable 5-3 victory.

The Brewers were thrashed 21-5 by the Dodgers in Los Angeles late Thursday night before arriving in Milwaukee at 5:30 a.m. CT and recorded just three hits before Thames deposited a shot into the second deck in right-center field. "A lot of us didn't get to sleep until 6:30," Thames exclaimed in a postseason television interview following his second career walk-off blast. "We're tired today, but the boys came out swinging and we got the 'W', and that's all that matters." Colorado's setback represented the second straight ninth-inning meltdown by closer Wade Davis as he gave up a walk-off, two-run single to Jose Martinez in a 3-2 loss at St. Louis on Thursday before issuing two walks in the series opener to set up Thames' heroics. Carlos Gonzalez went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer for the Rockies and is 15-for-39 with three blasts over his last 10 games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (6-3, 3.69 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Freddy Peralta (4-2, 3.61)

Anderson has registered four straight no-decisions while going 2-0 with a 1.74 ERA over his last six turns. The 28-year-old gave up four runs and three hits over six innings against St. Louis in his last turn and has allowed just 20 hits in 41 1/3 frames over the six-start stretch. Anderson is 1-1 with a 5.91 ERA in two career outings against the Brewers, with both taking place at Miller Park.

Peralta made quite a splash against Colorado in his major-league debut on May 13 as he registered 13 strikeouts and gave up just one hit in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. The 22-year-old went 3-0 with a 1.59 ERA over his first four starts but is just 1-2 with a 5.47 ERA over his last five outings. Peralta has fanned 63 batters in 47 1/3 frames while holding opponents to a .155 batting average.

WALK-OFFS

1. Davis has blown six of his 37 save opportunities this season after failing to convert just five of 81 chances over the previous three campaigns.

2. Milwaukee CF Christian Yelich, who leads the National League with a .321 batting average, has homered in back-to-back games and six of the last 14 contests.

3. Colorado SS Trevor Story halted a 12-game homerless drought in the opener with his first blast since the All-Star break.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Rockies 4
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Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th August 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/04/2018

Miguel Sano's season will likely go down as a disappointing one for the Minnesota Twins' young slugger, but perhaps his 1 1/2-month exile to the minor leagues earlier this summer was just what he needed to rediscover his stroke. The Twins hope to ride the former All-Star's mini-surge a bit longer and look to stay hot at home Saturday when they host the second of three games this weekend against the Kansas City Royals.

Sano was optioned to Single-A Fort Myers on June 14 following a horrendous start in which he batted .203 and struck out 66 times in his first 148 at-bats. The 25-year-old third baseman hit .309 during his two stops in the minors and those results appear to be carrying over since Minnesota returned from a 10-game road trip, as he is 6-for-13 during the team's six-game homestand - including an early two-run double to help the Twins weather a pair of long rain delays in Friday's 6-4 victory. Despite suffering their second straight defeat in the series opener, the Royals (34-75) are 7-7 since taking the majors' second-worst record into the Midsummer Classic two weeks ago. All-Star catcher Salvador Perez has played an key role in Kansas City's recent improved play, batting .304 with six homers and 14 RBIs in 14 games since the break.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Burch Smith (1-2, 6.00 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jose Berrios (10-8, 3.56)

Smith followed up his best start of the season with his worst Sunday in New York, surrendering five runs on five hits and three walks across four innings to the Yankees. The 28-year-old San Antonio native notched his first victory of 2018 five days earlier against Detroit, allowing two runs on one hit and two walks in 6 1/3 frames. Smith has been pummeled for 11 runs over 6 1/3 innings over three 2018 appearances versus the Twins, including four runs in 3 1/3 frames in a start at Minnesota on July 11.

Berrios struggled for the second time in three turns, yielding three runs on nine hits and three walks while throwing 106 pitches across 4 2/3 innings in a loss at Boston on Sunday. The first time All-Star has done his best work at home, however, going 7-2 with a 2.99 ERA in 12 trips to the mound while holding opponents to a .186 average. Berrios earned his first victory in six career starts against Kansas City on July 9, allowing one run and striking out eight over seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Twins are 12-4 in their last 16 home games.

2. Kansas City 2B Whit Merrifield has eight steals since the All-Star break - tied with Washington's Trea Turner for the most in the majors over that span.

3. Minnesota SS Jorge Polanco is hitting .342 over his last 10 games.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Royals 2
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/04/2018

The Texas Rangers have scored 28 runs while winning the first two contests of their four-game series against the visiting Baltimore Orioles and look to continue the assault on Saturday. The Rangers slugged three homers in each of the victories, including Friday's 11-3 rout that followed a season-best 17-run performance.

Rougned Odor has homered in both games of the series and belted his third career grand slam on Friday as the Rangers won for the sixth time in seven contests. Joey Gallo and Robinson Chirinos also went deep and Elvis Andrus extended the longest active hitting streak in the majors to 14 games. Baltimore is a major league-worst 13-42 on the road, and Friday's loss was its 13th in its last 14 away from home. Mark Trumbo is riding a modest six-game hitting streak for the Orioles and is two hits away from reaching 1,000 for his career.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (7-9, 4.53 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Mike Minor (7-6, 4.73)

Bundy served up three homers in each of his last two starts but went 1-0 with a no-decision. The 25-year-old defeated Tampa Bay in his last turn as he gave up three runs and four hits to go with seven strikeouts. Bundy is 2-0 with a 0.53 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against Texas and has shut down Adrian Beltre (0-for-7).

Minor struck out eight while beating Houston in his last turn as he gave up two runs, four hits and one walk. The 30-year-old has allowed fewer than three runs in six of his last eight turns and has given up four or fewer hits on five occasions during that span. Minor was roughed up for six runs - five earned - and four hits in 2 2/3 innings while losing his lone career start against the Orioles on July 15 and has posted a 7.50 ERA in four appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Odor is 3-for-6 with two homers, seven RBIs, five runs scored and five walks over the first two games of the series and is a scorching 21-for-52 with six homers and 14 RBIs since the All-Star break.

2. Baltimore SS Tim Beckham is 5-for-9 in the series and has recorded six multi-hit performances over his last 13 games.

3. Gallo has homered in back-to-back contests and gone deep seven times in his last 14 appearances.

PREDICTION: Rangers 8, Orioles 6
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San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 08-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th August 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/04/2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks aim for their sixth win in eight contests when they continue their four-game set against the visiting San Francisco Giants on Saturday. After losing the series opener, the Diamondbacks posted a 6-3 victory on Friday to pull into a tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the National League West.

Arizona fell behind early but quickly took control with a five-run rally in the first inning that was highlighted by Paul Goldschmidt's 200th career home run, which put him within 24 of tying Luis Gonzalez for first place on the franchise list. David Peralta has been on fire in the series, going 7-for-9 with a double and a solo homer. The Giants registered nine hits on Friday, but none went for extra bases as the team saw its four-game winning streak come to an end. Buster Posey went 2-for-2 but was removed following his third-inning single to be watched for concussion symptoms after taking a foul ball off his mask in the opening frame.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Andrew Suarez (4-6, 4.11 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Clay Buchholz (4-1, 2.65)

Suarez halted his winless streak at four starts on Sunday despite yielding four runs and eight hits in six innings against Milwaukee. The 25-year-old Floridian rookie went 0-2 during his drought but gave up three runs or fewer in three of the outings. Suarez lost to the Diamondbacks in his major-league debut on April 11, when he surrendered four runs in 5 1/3 frames, before allowing one run over six innings in a win at Arizona on June 29.

Buchholz has won three straight starts - all on the road - and four consecutive decisions as he notched the victory at San Diego on Sunday despite giving up three runs on six hits and three walks over 5 2/3 innings. The 33-year-old Texan, who issued a season-high three walks against the Padres, has yielded fewer than three runs in seven of his nine turns this year. Buchholz has posted a 2.57 ERA without recording a decision in two career starts against the Giants, including an outing at San Francisco on June 6 in which he allowed two runs over six frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks hope to have manager Torey Lovullo back in the dugout as he was under the weather for Friday's contest, with bench coach Jerry Narron assuming the duties in his place.

2. San Francisco signed OF Cesar Puello, who appeared in 34 games with Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Angels last season, to a minor-league contract.

3. Arizona activated LHP Andrew Chafin from the paternity list and optioned OF Chris Owings to Triple-A Reno.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Giants 3
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