MLB Betting News and Trends For Saturday 9/8/18

Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

David Bote's role has been reduced since Kris Bryant returned from the disabled list, but the Chicago Cubs might have to find a way to work him into the lineup for the remainder of their four-game set against the host Washington Nationals. Bote and the Cubs have had a knack coming up big late against the Nationals, and they'll try to record at least one more victory in the season series after Friday night's rainout when they visit Washington for a doubleheader Saturday.

Bote, who hit a walk-off grand slam to beat the Nationals on Aug. 12, was clutch again when he delivered a go-ahead RBI double in the 10th inning of Thursday's 6-4 victory. The Cubs have won 12 of their last 16 and lead the National League Central by four games over Milwaukee. The Nationals have dropped six of their last eight to fall three games below .500 for the first time since April 30. Washington is 3-8 in extra-inning affairs.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WGN (Chicago), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jaime Garcia (3-6, 5.93 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (16-6, 2.28)

Garcia is set to make his debut for the Cubs and see his first big action for them since signing as a free agent at the end of August following his release from Toronto on Aug. 29. The 32-year-old made 13 starts with the Blue Jays, going 2-6 with a 6.16 ERA, before making his final 12 appearances with Toronto out of the bullpen. Bryce Harper (3-for-16) and Howie Kendrick (3-for-4) have each homered against Garcia, who is 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA in nine starts versus Washington.

Scherzer is only 1-1 over his last six starts despite posting a 2.08 ERA and striking out 50 over 39 frames, including Monday's no-decision versus St. Louis in which he allowed three runs and fanned 11 across seven innings. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, who leads the majors in strikeouts (260) and innings pitched (193 2/3), paces the NL in wins and WHIP (0.88). Bryant is 1-for-10 with seven strikeouts against Scherzer, who fanned 11 in seven scoreless frames on Aug. 12 versus the Cubs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals SS Trea Turner (12-for-35) and OF Adam Eaton (12-for-38) extended their hitting streaks to eight games on Thursday.

2. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo has recorded multiple hits in four of his last five games, going 9-for-16 over that stretch.

3. Chicago 2B-OF Ben Zobrist is 16-for-41 with six multi-hit performances in his last 11 contests.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Cubs 2
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Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th September 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/07/2018

The Houston Astros may not be able to catch the Boston Red Sox for the best record in the majors, but the reigning World Series champions sent a reminder that they will be a tough out in the postseason. After rallying for a 6-3 victory in the series opener, the Astros go for their seventh consecutive victory Saturday afternoon against the host Red Sox.

Houston third baseman Alex Bregman has hit safely in six straight and 17 of 18 games, collecting multiple hits for the 10th time in that span after going 2-for-3 with two runs scored on Friday. Tony Kemp delivered a pinch-hit, two-run double for the Astros, who have outscored the opposition 35-12 during their 6-0 September run. Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts collected three hits in the series opener to boost his major league-leading average to .339 while teammate J.D. Martinez drove in a pair of runs to increase his majors-best total to 117. Boston's bullpen gave up four runs Friday to absorb its eighth blown save in 44 games since the All-Star break.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS1, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Charlie Morton (13-3, 3.14 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (12-3, 3.34)

Morton will come off the disabled list to make his first start since Aug. 28, when he allowed three runs on three hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings of a no-decision versus Oakland. He beat Seattle in his previous turn despite getting tagged for six runs in five innings to improve to 5-1 in 12 road starts. Morton was roughed up in a loss to Boston on June 3, allowing six runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Rodriguez made a dazzling return following a seven-week stint on the DL, striking out a season-high 12 and giving up one run on three hits over 5 2/3 innings in a victory over the White Sox. He is 3-0 over his last four turns and has permitted one run over 22 2/3 innings in that span. Carlos Correa is 3-for-3 against Rodriguez, who has struggled in two starts against the Astros, posting an 0-1 mark and 8.10 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox ace LH Chris Sale will be activated from the disabled list on Tuesday night and start versus Toronto.

2. Bregman takes an on-base streak of 34 games into Saturday's matchup.

3. Boston 2B Dustin Pedroia will not play again this season, manager Alex Cora said Friday.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Red Sox 5
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Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

The Oakland Athletics may not capture first place in the American League West, but they have a firm grip on the second wild card and look to tighten it further when they host the Texas Rangers on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Oakland trails division-leading Houston by 3 1/2 games but it owns a 6 1/2-game lead over Seattle for the wild card after posting an 8-4 triumph on Friday.

Ramon Laureano homered twice and Marcus Semien also went deep for the Athletics, who improved to 11-6 against Texas this season and 4-1 in their last five overall contests. The 24-year-old Laureano, who also belted two shots versus the Rangers on Aug. 20, has hit four of his five major-league homers against Texas. Joey Gallo went 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs as the Rangers lost for the third time in their last four contests. The blast ended a nine-game drought for Gallo, who is six shy of matching the career high of 41 he set last season.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Yohander Mendez (1-1, 5.59 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Edwin Jackson (5-3, 2.91)

Mendez registered his first career win in his second major-league start on Sunday, when he scattered three hits over a personal-best six scoreless innings against Minnesota. It was a far better effort by the 23-year-old Venezuelan than the one he put forth in his first turn on June 15, when he was battered for six runs and seven hits in three frames of a loss to Colorado. Mendez has made three career relief appearances against Oakland, yielding three runs and six hits with three walks and two strikeouts over seven frames.

Jackson halted his three-start winless streak on Sunday as he gave up just one run and three hits over six innings against Seattle. The 34-year-old journeyman has served up only nine homers over 74 1/3 frames in 13 outings this season and has kept the ball in the park in five of his last seven turns. Jackson fell to 2-4 with a 4.85 ERA in nine career starts against Texas after surrendering four runs on seven hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings on Aug. 22 at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Semien has hit safely in eight of his last nine games after a 2-for-2 effort in the series opener.

2. Texas OF Nomar Mazara has gone 9-for-23 with three homers and seven RBIs in six contests this month.

3. Oakland recalled RHP Chris Bassitt, who allowed two runs and three hits in three innings of relief on Friday, from Triple-A Nashville.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Rangers 3
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Cleveland Indians vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

Billy McKinney has made a positive impression since coming over in the J.A. Happ trade and looks to extend his hitting streak to eight games when the Toronto Blue Jays host the Cleveland Indians on Saturday afternoon. McKinney has reached base in all 16 games with an at-bat since being acquired from the New York Yankees - the third-longest streak for a player starting his career with the Blue Jays.

McKinney is batting .351 since joining Toronto after going 1-for-4 on Friday while fellow outfielder Kevin Pillar ended up the hero as he broke out of a 1-for-21 slump with two hits, including a walk-off solo homer in the 11th inning for a 3-2 win. Sean Reid-Foley looks to seal the season series (Blue Jays lead 3-2 with two games remaining) when he takes the mound Saturday, while Cleveland counters with fellow rookie Adam Plutko. The American League Central-leading Indians saw their three-game winning streak come to an end Friday while going just 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position to leave their magic number for clinching the division at seven. Cleveland's All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor was cooled off Friday as he went 0-for-5, but he still has four homers in five games and already equaled his career high with 33 blasts.

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Adam Plutko (4-5, 5.04 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Sean Reid-Foley (1-2, 5.51)

Plutko is winless in his last seven trips to the mound after allowing four runs on seven hits (three homers) in a loss to Kansas City on Monday. The 26-year-old UCLA product struck out a career-high eight in that contest and has fanned 23 in his past 22 2/3 frames. Plutko made his 2018 debut against Toronto, giving up three solo homers among six hits over 7 1/3 innings - one blast by Aledmys Diaz.

Reid-Foley makes his home debut after limiting Miami to one run and four hits with 10 strikeouts in his first major-league win Sunday. The 23-year-old native of Guam had served up four homers and six walks in his first two starts before keeping the ball in the park against Miami and walking just one. Reid-Foley was 12-5 with a 3.26 ERA in 24 starts at Triple-A and Double-A this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland 3B Jose Ramirez needs one stolen base to become the third player in team history to record at least 30 homers and 30 steals.

2. Toronto 1B Rowdy Tellez is 6-for-10 with six doubles and three RBIs in his first three major-league contests.

3. Indians LHP Andrew Miller (left shoulder) is scheduled to throw a side session on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Indians 8, Blue Jays 4
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San Diego Padres vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

The Cincinnati Reds might be suffering through a dismal season but the club has set a record for grand slams. The slam count stands at 10 as Cincinnati hosts the San Diego Padres on Saturday in the third contest of a four-game set.

Scott Schebler hit the record-breaking slam to snap a tie with the 2002 club during Friday's 12-6 win while Phillip Ervin went deep twice for the first multi-homer contest of his career. Ervin went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and four runs scored to help the Reds break a four-game losing skid after being just 2-for-22 over the previous seven games. San Diego left fielder Hunter Renfroe is making his case to be viewed as a starter entering next season after slamming his ninth homer in the past 20 games to take over the team leadership with 21. First baseman Eric Hosmer went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs while halting a 14-game stretch without a blast.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Robbie Erlin (3-5, 3.87 ERA) vs. Reds RH Matt Harvey (6-8, 4.95)

Erlin has dropped consecutive starts and allowed four runs in each of the setbacks. The 27-year-old has struggled on the road with a 5.01 ERA over 41 1/3 innings, much higher than his 2.92 mark in 49 1/3 home innings. Erlin made his lone career appearance against the Reds earlier this season when he allowed a homer to Scooter Gennett in 1 1/3 innings of relief.

Harvey lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates in his last turn when he gave up three runs and seven hits over six innings. The 29-year-old has served up 17 homers in 20 starts (6-6, 4.43 ERA) for the Reds since being acquired from the New York Mets. Harvey is 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA in three appearances (one start) against the Padres this season and stands 3-2 with a 4.00 ERA in eight career outings (six starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Gennett (thigh) went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts Friday after missing one game and his National League-leading average dipped to .317.

2. San Diego 3B-OF Wil Myers is 3-for-7 in the series after being 2-for-25 over the previous seven contests.

3. Cincinnati SS Jose Peraza went 2-for-5 with three RBIs on Friday and is 7-for-13 with a homer and four RBIs over the past three contests.

PREDICTION: Reds 10, Padres 7
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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

The St. Louis Cardinals' bullpen has been at the heart of the team's recent struggles and it will try to get past another late-inning defeat in the continuation of a three-game series at the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. Jeimer Candelario's walk-off two-run homer against Jordan Hicks lifted the Tigers to a 5-3 win in the opener of the interleague set Friday night.

It was the fourth loss in the last six games for the Cardinals - including two extra-inning losses and a pair of walk-off defeats - and left them 1 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the race for the top spot in the National League wild card race. Marcell Ozuna was the bright spot for St. Louis on Friday as he notched his second two-homer effort in the past three games. Jack Flaherty has been on a phenomenal run for the Cardinals, winning all four of his decisions since the start of August, but struggled a bit with his command at Washington on Monday. He will try to find his dominant form again when he starts Saturday opposite Tigers left-hander Matthew Boyd.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Jack Flaherty (8-6, 2.83 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (9-12, 4.24)

Flaherty has allowed five runs in 37 innings over a span of six starts, but he was able to last just five innings due to five walks in a no-decision earlier in the week. Opponents have only 17 hits in that six-game stretch and they are hitting .192 overall against the 22-year-old, the second-lowest mark in the National League for pitchers with at least 120 innings. Flaherty, who is facing Detroit for the first time, is 1-1 with a 3.78 ERA in three career interleague games.

Boyd won at Yankee Stadium with six innings of three-run ball Sunday afternoon, striking out six and walking one. It marked his fifth quality start in a span of eight outings, during which the Oregon State product owns a solid 3.44 ERA. Boyd has an unsightly 6.06 mark in eight career interleague games (six starts), although he spun eight scoreless innings against Cincinnati in his most recent matchup with an NL team.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals C Yadier Molina (hamstring) is expected to miss the entire series.

2. The Tigers have won three straight, their longest run since a five-gamer in the middle of June.

3. Detroit is 22-11 all time against St. Louis and 13-3 in the 16 meetings at Comerica Park.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Tigers 3
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

Kevin Kiermaier hopes to put together one strong month in an otherwise dismal season at the plate, and he is off to a good start in September as his Tampa Bay Rays host the Baltimore Orioles for the second of a three-game set Saturday. Kiermaier is 9-for-16 with three homers and seven RBIs in five games this month to raise his batting average to .217 after belting a three-run blast Friday in a 14-2 victory - their ninth straight at home.

Rookie Nicholas Ciuffo homered in his first major-league at-bat in his home park while knocking in four runs, Ji-Man Choi launched a grand slam and Tommy Pham also smacked a solo shot to extend his hitting streak to 11 games for red-hot Tampa Bay. The Rays will open Saturday's contest with reliever Diego Castillo on the mound and fellow right-hander David Hess, who suffered an eye injury after getting hit with a football thrown by a teammate before Friday's game, is still expected to be able to go for Baltimore. The Orioles reached 100 losses Friday for the first time since 1988 and have dropped six of their last seven to fall behind 9-8 in the season series. Outfielder Joey Rickard continues to his hot hitting against the team that drafted him as he homered Friday and is 13-for-30 with four blasts along with 17 RBIs versus the Rays this year.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH David Hess (3-9, 5.27 ERA) vs. Rays RH Diego Castillo (3-2, 3.48)

Hess could not follow up one of his best major-league starts, getting pounded for five runs (four earned) on nine hits over four innings in a loss to Kansas City on Sunday. The 25-year-old Tennessee native had been solid in his last four starts of August, including six scoreless innings to beat Toronto on Aug. 27. Matt Duffy is 4-for-9 with a homer and four RBIs versus Hess, who is 2-0 with a 2.79 ERA in four games (three starts) against the Rays in 2018.

Castillo opens a game for the fifth time this season and is coming off two dominant innings of relief Tuesday when he struck out four over two perfect innings. The 24-year-old Dominican Republic native yielded three runs over two innings in a start at Atlanta on Aug. 29 but has posted nine scoreless outings in his last 10 appearances. Chris Davis homered earlier this season off Castillo, who has given up two runs in two innings against Baltimore in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore CF Adam Jones, who is batting .386 versus the Rays this year, is expected back in the lineup after being rested in the series opener.

2. Tampa Bay INF Joey Wendle had a double and scored twice Friday, making him 22-for-63 against the Orioles this season.

3. Orioles INF Jonathan Villar is 8-for-26 with two homers and four RBIs during his current six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Orioles 3
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Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

David Bote's role has been reduced since Kris Bryant returned from the disabled list, but the Chicago Cubs might have to find a way to work him into the lineup for the remainder of their four-game set against the host Washington Nationals. Bote and the Cubs have had a knack coming up big late against the Nationals, and they'll try to record at least one more victory in the season series after Friday night's rainout when they visit Washington for a doubleheader Saturday.

Bote, who hit a walk-off grand slam to beat the Nationals on Aug. 12, was clutch again when he delivered a go-ahead RBI double in the 10th inning of Thursday's 6-4 victory. The Cubs have won 12 of their last 16 and lead the National League Central by four games over Milwaukee. The Nationals have dropped six of their last eight to fall three games below .500 for the first time since April 30. Washington is 3-8 in extra-inning affairs.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Cole Hamels (9-9, 3.67 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jefry Rodriguez (2-2, 5.58)

Chicago lost for the first time in seven starts made by Hamels on Monday at Milwaukee, although he was not involved in the decision after yielding two runs across six innings. The 2008 World Series MVP had yielded no more than one run in any of his first six outings since coming over from Texas and has yet to surrender a home run as a Cub after giving up 23 in his 20 previous turns. Hamels settled for a no-decision against Washington on Aug. 12 despite permitting one hit and fanning nine over seven innings.

Washington manager Dave Martinez was undecided about his starter for the nightcap as of early Saturday morning, although Rodriguez is the most likely candidate and will be six days removed from his most recent outing. The 25-year-old's last appearance did not go well, however, as he was pounded for seven runs on seven hits while issuing seven walks across 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Milwaukee. Rodriguez is 1-1 with a 6.93 ERA in six career home appearances (five starts) and will face the Cubs for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals SS Trea Turner (12-for-35) and OF Adam Eaton (12-for-38) extended their hitting streaks to eight games on Thursday.

2. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo has recorded multiple hits in four of his last five games, going 9-for-16 over that stretch.

3. Chicago 2B-OF Ben Zobrist is 16-for-41 with six multi-hit performances in his last 11 contests.

PREDICTION: Cubs 8, Nationals 1
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies have a shot at their first series win in over a month when they play the second of three straight at the New York Mets on Saturday. A solo homer by Rhys Hoskins in the top of the eighth inning was the difference in the Phillies' 4-3 win to begin the set Friday night.

The victory left Philadelphia with an 11-18 record since it swept a four-game series with Miami from Aug. 2-5, and it pulled the club to within 2 1/2 games of first-place Atlanta in the National League East. Carlos Santana had a two-run blast for the Phillies in Friday's win and he is hitting .333 with eight RBIs during a nine-game hitting streak. Santana is 2-for-4 with a walk in his career against hard-throwing right-hander Noah Syndergaard, who starts for the Mets on Saturday opposite Zach Eflin. New York managed three hits - including solo homers by Jay Bruce and Dominic Smith - in the series opener as it fell to 12-25 in one-run games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Zach Eflin (9-6, 4.05 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (10-3, 3.33)

Eflin worked a total of just 13 2/3 innings over his last three starts, giving up 14 runs (10 earned) and 25 hits along the way. Prior to the rocky stretch, the former first-round pick gave up four runs across 6 2/3 frames to defeat the Mets on Aug. 16. Amed Rosario is 3-for-6 with three doubles against Eflin, who has a 4.82 ERA in five career starts versus New York.

Syndergaard posted a 4.74 ERA in August but opened this month with a gem, holding the San Francisco Giants to one run and two hits with 11 strikeouts in his first career complete game. He has gone six straight starts spanning 40 innings without allowing a home run. The Phillies got to the 26-year-old for four runs over 5 2/3 innings Aug. 17 in Philadelphia but Syndergaard is 4-2 with a 2.60 ERA lifetime against the divisional foes.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets 3B David Wright, who has not played in the majors since May 2016 due to various injuries, is scheduled to play in a simulated game Saturday as he continues a comeback attempt.

2. The Phillies recalled C Andrew Knapp from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

3. New York has won 20 of its last 26 series against Philadelphia.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Phillies 3
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San Francisco Giants vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

Gio Gonzalez makes his franchise debut when the Milwaukee Brewers host the San Francisco Giants on Friday in the middle contest of a three-game set. Milwaukee acquired Gonzalez and $250,000 in international slot money from the Washington Nationals on Aug. 31 in exchange for two minor leaguers - catcher/first baseman KJ Harrison and infielder Gilbert Lara.

The Brewers are hoping Gonzalez can be a difference-maker down the stretch even though the two-time All-Star is experiencing a substandard campaign after eight straight seasons of 10 or more victories. "It's unfortunate I put myself in this situation, and now it's time I get myself out of it," Gonzalez said at a press conference. "Milwaukee took a shot with me, and I'm going to do my best to make it happen." The Brewers recorded a 4-2 victory on Friday for their seventh win in the past nine games, and they possess the National League's top wild-card spot by 1 1/2 games over the St. Louis Cardinals while closing within four games of the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs. San Francisco has dropped six straight contests, including the first four of a six-game road excursion that concludes on Sunday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS Wisconsin, Dish455 (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Chris Stratton (9-8, 4.90 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Gio Gonzalez (7-11, 4.57)

Stratton lost to the New York Mets in his last turn despite giving up just two runs and three hits over six innings. The 28-year-old was even better in his previous turn when he tossed eight innings of five-hit scoreless ball while defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks. Stratton is 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA in three career appearances (one start) against Milwaukee, and he stood out in the start by blanking the Brewers over six innings in a victory on Aug. 21, 2017.

Gonzalez received a no-decision in his final start for the Nationals on Aug. 29 when he allowed six runs and six hits over five innings at Philadelphia. The 32-year-old was 0-3 with an 8.71 ERA in his last four turns while giving up 28 hits and 10 walks over 20 2/3 innings. Gonzalez is 5-5 with a 3.53 ERA in 14 career starts against the Giants, including 0-1 with a 7.56 ERA in two starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers 1B Jesus Aguilar stroked the tiebreaking two-run double in the seventh inning of the opener to raise his RBI count to 97.

2. San Francisco 1B Brandon Belt is mired in a 24-game homerless drought and has just three RBIs during the stretch.

3. Milwaukee OF Ryan Braun hit a two-run blast on Friday after failing to go deep in 16 consecutive appearances.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Giants 3
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Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

Shohei Ohtani probably is done for the season as a pitcher after learning earlier in the week he likely will require Tommy John surgery, but it is becoming obvious his elbow is not affecting him at the plate. The 24-year-old Japanese import will attempt to hit a home run for a third straight game Saturday, when his Los Angeles Angels continue their three-game road series against the Chicago White Sox.

Ohtani has yet to make a decision on whether or not he will undergo surgery after doctors discovered new damage in his ulnar collateral ligament a few days ago, but he entered this weekend with five hits - three homers - in eight at-bats since receiving his diagnosis. He kept it going in Friday's series-opening 5-2 victory, launching tiebreaking three-run blast in the third inning to give the Angels all of the offense they needed for their third win in four contests. Chicago has lost three straight overall and needs to win the final two games of the set to avoid dropping the season series against Los Angeles for the seventh time in eight years. Avisail Garcia returned from a four-game absence due to knee soreness and reached base in all four plate appearances, going 2-for-2 with a solo homer in the opener.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (1-0, 2.53 ERA) vs. White Sox RH James Shields (6-15, 4.39)

Shoemaker was sharp and efficient in his first game back from a layoff of five-plus months following surgery on his forearm, holding Texas to two hits and a walk while throwing 62 pitches over five scoreless innings. The Eastern Michigan product showed similar form in his only rehab start with Single-A Inland Empire on Aug. 29, allowing an unearned run with two walks in four hitless frames. Shoemaker is 2-2 with a 4.18 ERA in five career outings versus Chicago.

Shields produced his finest turn in over two months on Sunday, limiting Boston to four hits and two walks while striking out six over as many scoreless innings. The 36-year-old has been significantly better at home (5-7, 3.39 ERA) than on the road (1-8, 5.89) and will post his 11th season with at least 30 starts when he takes the mound on Saturday. Mike Trout is 5-for-13 (all extra-base hits, including three homers) against Shields, who was pounded for six runs over four innings in a loss to the Anls on July 25.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ohtani's homer on Friday gave him 19 for the season, setting a record for the most by a Japanese rookie in the majors.

2. Chicago announced RHP Michael Kopech will require Tommy John surgery, which likely will sideline him through the end of the 2019 season.

3. Trout returned from a one-game absence Friday and finished 1-for-2 with three walks (two intentional) and also was hit by a pitch.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, White Sox 2
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Atlanta Braves vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks sit in third place in the National League West and also face an uphill climb for a wild-card spot, but their starting rotation is pitching at an elite level as they host the Atlanta Braves on Saturday for the third contest of a four-game series. Patrick Corbin drew the series even at one apiece with a stellar effort in Friday's 5-3 victory, and in its past 19 home games Arizona starters are 9-4 with a 2.60 ERA and 143 strikeouts.

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who was hitting .198 on May 22, is batting .350 in 91 games since with 28 homers, 56 walks and 69 RBIs, after going 2-for-2 with three walks Friday and homering for the second consecutive game. Arizona comes into Saturday 1 ½ games behind Colorado in the NL West race and is 9-6 in its past 15 home games. The Braves' advantage in the NL East dropped to 2 ½ games after their loss and Philadelphia's victory over the New York Mets. Third baseman Johan Camargo homered for the second time in two games in the series and is batting .322 with eight homers and 14 doubles since the All-Star break after collecting three hits Friday.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (9-7, 4.05 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Clay Buchholz (7-2, 2.05)

Teheran finally has found the consistency he lacked earlier this season, and the veteran has helped stabilize Atlanta's rotation by going 2-0 with a 3.12 ERA in his past seven starts. The 27-year-old has surrendered two runs or fewer four times in his past five outings, giving up one run on four hits in seven innings of a no-decision Sunday against Pittsburgh. Teheran beat Arizona on July 15, firing 6 1/3 shutout innings with four runs allowed.

Buchholz has been outstanding since the beginning of August, posting a 1.32 ERA with 32 strikeouts and eight walks in 41 innings across six starts. The 34-year-old, who is 5-1 in his past eight starts, gave out one run on four hits in five innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Dodgers, five days after shutting out San Francisco over seven innings. Buchholz is 1-1 with a 6.06 ERA in three career starts against Atlanta and faces the Braves for the first time since 2016.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis extended his hitting streak to five games by going 2-for-3 Friday and is batting .526 during his streak.

2. Arizona leads the majors in runs scored in the first inning, logging 116 runs in the opening frame of games this season.

3. After posting a .431 win percentage (174-230) on the road from 2013-17, the Braves are 40-30 (.571) on the road in 2018.

PREDICTION: Braves 7, Diamondbacks 2
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

If the Colorado Rockies are going to win their first National League West title, they'll need their star third baseman to return to form over the final few weeks of the season. Following another quiet performance, Nolan Arenado looks to get untracked Saturday as the Rockies continue their crucial three-game series against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers.

Matt Holliday homered, but Arenado committed a key error and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Friday's 4-2 loss as the Rockies had their five-game winning streak come to an end and saw their division lead over the Dodgers reduced to one-half game. Arenado remains in the NL Most Valuable Player discussion with 31 homers and 93 RBIs, but he's 5-for-39 over his last 10 games while playing through lingering shoulder pain. The Dodgers improved to 10-3 in their last 13 games as Clayton Kershaw tossed six strong innings and Kenta Maeda finished the ninth in place of closer Kenley Jansen, who did not make the trip to Colorado after experiencing an irregular heartbeat in his previous visit to Denver. Yasiel Puig homered and drove in two runs after going 8-for-49 with 14 strikeouts over his last 15 games.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Walker Buehler (6-4, 2.92 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (13-7, 2.96)

Buehler owns a 1.48 ERA over his past seven starts after allowing one run and two hits over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision against Arizona on Sunday. "When he gets the ball now, there is 100 percent conviction that is the right pitch and that pitch is able to get major-league hitters out." manager Dave Roberts told reporters. The 24-year-old rookie has posted a 4.07 ERA in seven career games (three starts) versus Colorado - including seven scoreless innings on Aug. 11.

Freeland won his fourth straight decision on Sunday, allowing three runs and seven hits over six frames against San Diego. The 25-year-old native of Denver has gone 7-1 with a 2.35 ERA and 75-to-35 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 15 starts since June 16. Justin Turner is 10-for-17 against Freeland, who is 1-3 with a 3.90 ERA in six career starts versus the Dodgers - including 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA in two outings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers are 8-1 in their last nine games against NL West opponents.

2. Since June 28, the Rockies have gone a combined 29-6 when Freeland (11-1), Jon Gray (9-2) and German Marquez (9-3) start on the mound.

3. The Dodgers activated RHP Ross Stripling from the 10-day disabled list.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Rockies 4
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New York Yankees vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 09-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th September 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Mariners Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/08/2018

Andrew McCutchen is off to a slow start since joining the New York Yankees but is displaying signs of emerging from his slumber as the his new team visits the Seattle Mariners on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. McCutchen is just 2-for-19 in six games since being acquired from San Francisco, but one of those hits was a two-run homer in Friday's series-opening 4-0 win.

McCutchen's third-inning blast was preceded a frame earlier by Gleyber Torres' two-run shot as New York moved within 8 1/2 games of Boston in the American League East while remaining 3 1/2 in front of Oakland for the first wild-card spot. Slumping slugger Giancarlo Stanton fanned three times in four hitless at-bats on Friday and is just 2-for-24 with 13 strikeouts over his last six games. The Mariners managed just three hits in the opener while losing for the seventh time in 11 contests as they fell 6 1/2 games behind the Athletics for the AL's second wild card. Kyle Seager is mired in a 17-game home-run drought and is 12-for-88 in 25 contests since posting a two-hit outing on Aug. 9.

TV: 9:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Lance Lynn (8-10, 5.10 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (8-13, 5.55)

Lynn was torched for six runs and nine hits over 3 2/3 innings while losing to Detroit in his last turn. The 31-year-old has struggled over his last four outings, allowing 31 hits in 18 2/3 frames while going 0-2 with a 9.16 ERA during the stretch. Lynn, who never has faced Seattle, experienced troubles with Jean Segura (10-for-29) when both players were in the National League.

Hernandez has lost seven straight decisions as the worst season of his stellar career continues to unravel. The 32-year-old lost to Oakland in his last turn as he gave up four runs and four hits over five innings. Hernandez is 10-7 with a 3.00 ERA in 22 career starts against the Yankees, including a no-decision on June 20 in which he gave up two runs - one earned - and six hits over five frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees SS Didi Gregorius (heel) was activated from the 10-day disabled list and went 0-for-1 in the series opener.

2. Seattle LHP Marco Gonzales (neck) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Friday and will come off the 10-day DL to start against San Diego on Tuesday.

3. New York RF Aaron Judge (wrist) hit off a tee and swung at underhand tosses on Friday and is expected to take batting practice early next week.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Mariners 3
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