MLB Betting News and Trends For Sunday 7/29/18

National League
Mets (43-59) @ Pirates (55-51)
Wheeler is 2-0, 3.68 in his last two starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 7-12, 4-4 away.
5-inning record: 7-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Musgrove is Team in his starts: 10-10, 6-5 home
5-inning record: 7-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20

Mets are 6-5 in their last 11 games; over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Pirates won 13 of their last 15 games; under is 7-4-2 in their last 13 home games.

Phillies (58-46) @ Reds (47-58)
Eflin is 6-0, 2.78 in his last eight starts (under 6-2). Team in his starts: 8-5, 4-3 away
5-inning record: 10-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-13

Castillo is 0-0, 4.32 in his last five starts; over is 5-3-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 11-10, 6-3 home
5-inning record: 9-11-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21

Phillies are 5-7 in their last 12 road games,; over is 8-2 in their last ten games. Cincinnati won four of its last six games; over is 13-5 in their last 18 home games.

Nationals (52-52) @ Marlins (45-61)
Hellickson is 2-0, 2.25 in his last three starts (under 10-3-1). Team in his starts: 9-5, 6-4 road
5-inning record: 7-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Urena is 0-2, 6.29 in his last five starts; under is 9-6 in his last 15. Team in his starts: 5-15, 3-10 home.
5-inning record: 7-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20

Nationals won three of their last four games; over is 5-3-1 in their last nine games. Miami lost four of its last six games; over is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Dodgers (59-46) @ Braves (54-47)
Stripling is 2-0, 3.24 in his last three starts (under 9-6). Team in his starts: 10-5, 5-3 away
5-inning record: 9-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-15

Newcomb is 1-3, 7.00 in his last four starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 10-10, 3.5 home.
5-inning record: 11-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20

Dodgers are 7-4 in their last 11 games; they’re 22-15 vs lefty starters- over is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Atlanta lost eight of its last ten home games; five of Braves’ last seven games went over the total.

Cubs (60-44) @ Cardinals (53-51)
Hendricks is 1-1, 3.86 in his last five starts; under is 11-5-1 in his last 17. Team in his starts: 8-13, 3-7 away
5-inning record: 6-9-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 11-21

Gant is 1-1, 2.31 in his last four starts (over 3-3-1). Team in his starts: 2-5, 1-3 home.
5-inning record: 2-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-7

Cubs lost four of their last six games; over is 10-4 in their last 14 games. Cardinals won three of their last four games; under is 4-1 in their last five games.

Diamondbacks (58-48) @ Padres (42-65)
Buchholz is 2-0, 1.04 in his last three starts (under 3-0). Team in his starts: 4-4, 2-3 away
5-inning record: 7-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-8

Lucchesi is 1-2, 4.30 in his last three starts; his last four stayed under. Team in his starts: 6-9, 5-5 home.
5-inning record: 6-5-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Diamondbacks split their last ten games; they’re 21-16 vs lefty starters- under is 12-4-1 in their last 17 road games. San Diego lost nine of last ten home games; over is 9-2 in their last 11 games.

Brewers (61-46) @ Giants (52-54)
Guerra is Team in his starts: 15-7, 8-5 road
5-inning record: 11-7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-22

Suarez is Team in his starts: 5-3, 3-1 home.
5-inning record: 4-2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-8

Milwaukee won five of their last six games; they’re 13-11 vs lefty starters- over is 7-3 in their last ten road games. San Francisco lost eight of its last ten games; under is 6-3-1 in their last ten games.

American League
Royals (32-72) @ New York (66-37)
Smith is 1-1, 6.17 in his three starts (over 2-1). Team in his starts: 1-2, 0-2 away
5-inning record: 1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Happ was 0-3, 10.06 in his last four starts for Toronto; over is 5-0-1 in his last six. Toronto in his starts: 12-8, 8-4 home.
5-inning record: 10-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20

Royals lost nine of last 12 road games; five of their last eight games stayed under. KC is 13-21 vs lefty starters. New York is 8-8 in its last 16 games; over is 7-3 in their last ten home games.

Rays (53-52) @ Orioles (31-74)
Bullpen game for the Rays. Team in his starts: away
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Bundy is 0-2, 11.68 in his last three starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 7-12, 4-6 home
5-inning record: 6-9-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-19

Rays lost five of their last seven road games; over is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Baltimore is 8-22 in its last 30 games; over is 3-1 in their last four games.

Twins (48-55) @ Red Sox (73-33)
Berrios is 2-0, 3.15 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 12-9, 3-6 away
5-inning record: 7-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-21

Eovaldi was 1-1, 4.57 in his last four starts for the Rays. Tampa Bay in his starts: 3-7, 1-2 home.
5-inning record: 4-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-10

Twins lost 11 of their last 15 road games; under is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Boston is 17-4 in its last 21 games; under is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Indians (56-47) @ Tigers (45-61)
Kluber is 0-2, 6.75 in his last three starts; over is 11-1-1 in his last 13.Team in his starts: 12-9, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 14-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21

Zimmerman is 0-2, 6.17 in his last two starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 8-5, 2-3 home
5-inning record: 8-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-12

Indians lost four of last six games; over is 6-3 in their last nine road games. Detroit is 4-9 in its last 13 home games; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight home games.

Rangers (44-62) @ Astros (67-39)
Minor is 0-2, 6.63 in his last four starts; under is 6-2-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 8-11, 3-5 away
5-inning record: 6-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-19

McCullers is 0-2, 11.88 in his last two starts; his last three starts went over. Team in his starts: 13-6, 6-2 home
5-inning record: 8-7-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Texas lost eight of its last 11 games, but won last two; over is 9-1 in their last ten games. Astros are 5-5 in last ten games; they’re 23-16 vs lefty starters- under is 7-5 in their last 12 home games. Altuve/Correa are both on Houston’s DL.

Blue Jays (47-56) @ White Sox (37-67)
Borucki is 0-2, 4.34 in his five starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 1-4, 1-1 away
5-inning record: 1-2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-5

Rodon is 2-0, 1.71 in his last three starts (under 5-2-1). Team in his starts: 3-5, 2-1 home
5-inning record: 3-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Toronto lost four of its last five games; they’re 11-25 vs lefty starters- over is 8-4 in their last 12 road games. White Sox are 7-4 in last 11 home games; they’re 7-17 vs lefty starters- over is 10-4 in their last 13 home games.

Mariners (61-43) @ Angels (54-52)
Gonzales is 4-0, 1.27 in his last four starts; under is 10-2-1 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 14-6, 6-4 away
5-inning record: 13-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-20

Pena is 1-1, 2.73 in six starts (under 4-1-1). Team in his starts: 3-3, 2-2 home
5-inning record: 3-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-6

Seattle lost eight of its last 11 games; under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Angels are 9-7 in last 16 home games; they’re 10-20 vs lefty starters- under is 11-7 in their last 18 home games.

Interleague
A’s (61-45) @ Rockies (56-47)
Montas is 1-1, 5.95 in his last four starts (over 7-2). Team in his starts: 7-2, 5-0 away
5-inning record: 4-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-9

Marquez is 3-0, 3.60 in his last four starts; over is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 10-9, 3-5 home
5-inning record: 9-9-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 13-19

A’s are 21-7 in their last 28 games, but lost last two; over is 7-4-1 in their last 12 road games. Colorado won 10 of its last 12 games; their last six home games stayed under.

Umpires
Chi-StL: Under is 6-1 in last seven Carapazza games.
Phil-Cin: Under is 6-1-1 in Mahrley games.
NY-Pitt: Under is 10-1-2 in last 13 Bellino games.
Wsh-Mia: Under is 3-1 in last four Muchlinski games.
LA-Atl: Underdogs won six of last nine Livensparger games.
Az-SD: Over is 12-5 in Knight games this season.
Mil-SF: Over is 11-1 in last dozen Wolf games

KC-NY: Last four Diaz games stayed under the total.
Clev-Det: Under is 6-2 in last eight Torres games.
TB-Balt: Under is 13-2 in last 15 Hamari games.
Min-Bos: Home team won 10 of last 12 Eddings games.
Tor-Chi: Over is 8-2 in last ten O’Nora games.
Tex-Hst: Underdogs are 8-5 in last 13 Wendelstedt games
Sea-LA: Under is 7-4 in last 11 Barksdale games.

A’s-Colo: Over is 5-2 in last seven Woodring games.

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Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

The New York Yankees rallied to avoid being swept in a doubleheader Saturday and go for a series victory with their newest acquisition on the mound when they host the Kansas City Royals one day later in the finale. Veteran left-hander J.A. Happ gets his first start in Yankee pinstripes Sunday after New York scored twice in the eighth inning to edge the Royals 5-4 in the nightcap.

Happ, who will pitch for his sixth team after coming over from Toronto for infielder Brandon Drury and outfielder Billy McKinney on Thursday, has performed well at Yankee Stadium in his career with a 4-1 record and 3.94 ERA in eight starts. Neil Walker had five hits in the doubleheader Saturday and is 10-for-15 with four RBIs during a five-game hitting streak for New York, which is 5-6 in its last 11 contests and trails first-place Boston by 5 1/2 games in the American League East. All-Star catcher Salvador Perez has homered twice and knocked in five runs in the series for Kansas City, extending his hitting streak to six games (10-for-25). Alcides Escobar and Hunter Dozier started at third base for the Royals on Saturday in place of their home run leader Mike Moustakas, who was traded to Milwaukee after Friday's contest for outfielder Brett Phillips and pitcher Jorge Lopez.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Burch Smith (1-1, 5.58 ERA) vs. Yankees LH J.A. Happ (10-6, 4.18)

Smith makes his fourth consecutive start - after 24 relief appearances - and is coming off the best of the bunch when he beat Detroit while giving up two runs on one hit over 6 1/3 innings Tuesday. The 28-year-old Texan allowed six runs on 10 hits across 5 1/3 innings in his first two starts and owns a 4.60 ERA in four July appearances. Smith yielded one run on five hits over three innings of relief May 19 against the Yankees.

Happ hopes to snap a four-game winless stretch in his Yankees' debut, but he has only given up one earned run combined in his last two outings. The 35-year-old Northwestern product limited Baltimore to one run on four hits and zero walks with nine strikeouts across five innings in a no-decision last Sunday. Alex Gordon is 5-for-14 with a homer versus Happ, who is 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA in seven career starts against the Royals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kansas City INF Adalberto Mondesi is 13-for-28 with a pair of homers and five RBIs during his current eight-game hitting streak.

2. New York OF Giancarlo Stanton homered in the first game Saturday and boasts eight RBIs in his last eight contests.

3. Royals CF Brian Goodwin is 8-for-17 with a homer and four RBIs in five games since being acquired from Washington.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Royals 2
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

Joey Rickard hasn't had much of a chance to play consistently this season with the Baltimore Orioles or done much with his opportunities when he has received them, except for when he faces the Tampa Bay Rays. The Las Vegas native hopes to haunt the Rays one more time Sunday when the host Orioles attempt to capture a rare series victory in the finale of their four-game set.

Rickard entered the weekend batting .193 with five home runs and 10 RBIs in 109 at-bats spanning 41 games. After not playing in Thursday's 4-3 series-opening loss, the 27-year-old has been a major catalyst in Baltimore's offensive resurgence over the last two days, going 4-for-8 with a homer, three doubles, four runs scored and eight RBIs. Rickard was a one-man wrecking crew for the Orioles (31-74) in Saturday's 11-2 rout, finishing 3-for-4 with five RBIs - tying the career high he set May 13 against the Rays - as the bottom third of the lineup went 10-for-12 with nine RBIs and seven runs scored. Kevin Kiermaier's solo shot in the third inning was one of the few bright spots in the loss for Tampa Bay, which has been outscored by the team with the worst record in the majors 79-59 despite splitting their 12 meetings this season.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), MASN 2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Yonny Chirinos (0-2, 3.78 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (6-9, 4.57)

Chirinos recorded the first quality start of his brief seven-game career Tuesday versus the New York Yankees but was saddled with the loss despite yielding three runs over 6 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old Venezuelan has limited the opposition to three runs or fewer in five of his six turns, although his last outing was the first time he completed six frames. Chirinos has yet to give up a home run in 54 at-bats against right-handed hitters entering his first start against Baltimore.

Bundy has given up five earned runs in each of his three official July starts after posting a 3-0 record with a 1.98 ERA in June, going 0-2 with a 10.95 ERA this month while allowing 19 hits and issuing six walks across 12 1/3 innings. The native Oklahoman surrendered another five runs in fewer than two frames against Boston on Wednesday before the game was postponed. Bundy has split a pair of starts against Tampa Bay this season, winning his most recent one May 13 when he held the Rays scoreless over seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rickard is 8-for-19 with three homers and 13 RBIs in six games versus the Rays this season and 17-for-98 with three home runs and five RBIs against every other team.

2. Tampa Bay has surrendered at least 11 runs seven times this season, three of which have come against Baltimore. The Orioles also scored a season-high 17 runs on May 13 and 15 on Friday.

3. Baltimore 2B Jonathan Schoop's five-game homer streak ended Saturday, but he went 1-for-5 and is batting .360 during an 11-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, Orioles 5
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Minnesota Twins vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

The Boston Red Sox are back to 40 games over .500 and continue to ride the hot bats of All-Stars Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez. The pair of sluggers will try to lead the Red Sox to another series win when they host the Minnesota Twins in the finale of a four-game set on Sunday.

Betts provided the heroics with a walk-off blast in Friday's 4-3 triumph and followed it up with a pair of RBI doubles in Saturday's 10-4 victory to increase his major league-leading batting average and slugging percentage marks to .346 and .666, respectively. Martinez leads the majors in home runs and RBIs and provided the go-ahead blast with his 32nd homer in the fifth inning for Boston (73-33) on Saturday, bringing his RBI total to 86. The Twins already entered seller mode with a pair of trades on Friday and could be in for more with second baseman Brian Dozier and right-hander Lance Lynn reportedly on the block. Right-hander Jose Berrios figures to stick around as part of the rebuild and takes the mound for Minnesota on Sunday opposite Boston's latest trade acquisition, right-hander Nathan Eovaldi.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jose Berrios (10-7, 3.48 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Nathan Eovaldi (3-4, 4.26)

Berrios dominated in his first outing after the All-Star break on Tuesday, surrendering four hits in seven scoreless innings while striking out nine to earn a win at Toronto. The 24-year-old has posted a quality start in seven of his last nine turns and is 4-2 in that span, including a no-decision against Boston on June 19. Berrios held the Red Sox to one run on five hits in 6 1/3 innings but was gone by the time the Twins pulled out a 6-2 victory.

Eovaldi last pitched for Tampa Bay on July 20, scattering one run and six hits over six innings without factoring in the decision before being acquired by Boston on Wednesday. The 28-year-old, who missed all of 2017 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, became a strong trade target during a three-start stretch bridging June and July in which he allowed two runs in 19 innings. That stretch ended in a disastrous turn at Minnesota on July 13, when Eovaldi was knocked around for eight runs and nine hits in 2 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Twins recalled 3B Miguel Sano and LHP Gabriel Moya from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

2. Red Sox 1B Mitch Moreland (left knee soreness) returned from a two-game absence and went 1-for-5.

3. Boston 3B Rafael Devers (hamstring) is likely to end up on the 10-day disabled list after suffering an injury on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Red Sox 3
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Cleveland Indians vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

The Detroit Tigers have a chance to win back-to-back series for the first time in more than a month when they host the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians in the finale Sunday afternoon. The Tigers took two out of three at Kansas City to start the week and four pitchers limited the Indians to five hits in a 2-1 victory Saturday that evened the series at a game apiece.

Detroit's JaCoby Jones provided all the offense with a two-run homer in the third inning, but later left the contest with lower-back tightness, and veteran Victor Martinez extended his hitting streak to six games (10-for-22). Jordan Zimmermann takes an 0-4 record and 10.57 ERA against the Indians into Sunday's matchup and Cleveland counters with ace Corey Kluber, who has struggled a bit lately. The Indians fell to 29-14 against division opponents and 11-4 versus the Tigers this year with the setback and will have to get Jose Ramirez going again as the All-Star third baseman is 0-for-14 with nine walks in his last six games. Fellow All-Star Michael Brantley is 4-for-9 in the series for Cleveland after recording two of his team's hits Saturday in his 1,000th major league game to improve his batting average to a team-best .304.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (12-6, 2.88 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (4-2, 3.97)

Kluber was hampered by a two-out error that led to four unearned runs last Monday but gave up seven in all along with nine hits over five innings in a loss to Pittsburgh. The 32-year-old two-time Cy Young winner is winless in three starts overall, yielding 13 runs across 11 1/3 innings. Martinez is 15-for-49 with three homers versus Kluber, who is 2-0 this year and 10-7 in his career with a 3.67 ERA against the Tigers.

Zimmermann lost his last two starts while allowing eight runs on 18 hits (four homers) and two walks over 11 2/3 innings combined after going unbeaten in his first 11 outings. The 32-year-old Wisconsin native, who owns a 2.59 ERA at home as opposed to 5.15 on the road, lasted just two-thirds of an inning April 11 against Cleveland before getting hit in the jaw by a line drive. Yonder Alonso is 6-for-16 with three homers versus Zimmermann.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians placed CF Tyler Naquin (hip strain) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled RHP Adam Plutko on Saturday.

2. Cleveland SS Francisco Lindor owns six homers - two in the series opener - and 13 RBIs against Detroit this season.

3. The Tigers claimed LHP Josh Smoker off waivers from Pittsburgh on Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Toledo.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Tigers 1
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Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

The Washington Nationals saw their three-game winning streak come to an end Saturday night but can still win their four-game series at the Miami Marlins with a victory Sunday. After outscoring opponents 26-7 during the winning streak, the Nationals were limited to five hits by six Miami pitchers in Saturday's 2-1 loss in 10 innings.

J.T. Realmuto delivered the game-winning RBI single for the Marlins, who also snapped an eight-game slide at home against Washington. Jeremy Hellickson will hope for a little more offensive support when he gets the ball in the series finale for Washington, which fell six games out in the National League East. Miami turns to Jose Urena in the series finale as he aims to win at home for the first time in 2018. Trea Turner was the only National to record more than one hit in Saturday's loss and he is 7-for-17 with four runs scored, three RBIs and two stolen bases over a three-game stretch.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jeremy Hellickson (4-1, 3.44 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (2-10, 4.63)

Hellickson gave up a season-high nine runs (eight earned) on nine hits in four innings against the Marlins on July 5. He has rebounded to go 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA over his last three starts, limiting opponents to 11 hits in 16 innings. Despite getting roughed up by Miami earlier in the month, the 31-year-old has a 3.65 ERA in 13 career meetings.

Since tossing eight scoreless innings in a win at Baltimore on June 15, Urena is 0-2 with a 6.29 ERA over a span of five starts. The last four of those outings came at home, where the Dominican Republic native is 0-8 in 13 starts. Bryce Harper is 2-for-6 with a double and four walks against Urena, who has a 5.08 ERA in nine career games (three starts) against the Nationals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami is 6-4 in extra innings while Washington is 2-6.

2. Realmuto is 7-for-15 with six RBIs during a four-game hitting streak.

3. Nationals 2B Daniel Murphy delivered an RBI single in the top of the ninth inning Saturday and has seven RBIs in his last nine contests.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Marlins 4
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies are sitting atop the National League East, but they continue to have trouble when facing bottom-tier teams away from home. The Phillies were unable to win their last two road series at Miami and the New York Mets and will need a win Sunday to earn a split of a four-game series against the last-place Cincinnati Reds.

Philadelphia, which leads Atlanta by 2 1/2 games in the division, is only 5-6 in its last 11 road games against four opponents who are each at least 11 games under .500. The Phillies dropped a 6-2 decision on Saturday despite another homer by red-hot Rhys Hoskins, who has gone deep seven times and has 13 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak. Reds third baseman Eugenio Suárez had his five-game homer streak snapped but drove in a run for the sixth game in a row while Joey Votto collected three hits and two RBIs to power Cincinnati. The Reds will send right-hander Luis Castillo to the mound to oppose Zach Elflin, who is 6-0 over his last eight starts and hasn't lost since May 30.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Zach Eflin (7-2, 3.41 ERA) vs. Reds RH Luis Castillo (5-8, 5.30)

Elfin kept his unbeaten streak intact despite a woeful outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers last time out, when he lasted a season-low 2 2/3 innings and was reached for three runs on five hits and three walks. He had allowed eight runs during his six start winning streak before taking a no-decision in his last outing before the All-Star break. Eflin gave up four homers in his lone start versus the Reds last year.

Castillo picked up his fifth consecutive no-decision in his first start after the All-Star break by limiting St. Louis to one run and four hits over 5 1/3 innings. He has allowed a combined seven runs over his last four turns but he has won only once in his last 10 starts. Castillo did not factor in the decision in his lone start against the Phillies, giving up three runs over six innings at Philadelphia on April 11.

WALK-OFFS

1. Hoskins is 13-for-35 with 10 runs scored during his hitting streak.

2. Reds RHP Jared Hughes earned his seventh save Saturday, three more than in his previous seven seasons combined.

3. Phillies INF Asdrubal Cabrera, acquired from the New York Mets on Friday, went 0-for-4 in his debut with the team.

PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Reds 3
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

The Atlanta Braves are in a tailspin that threatens to knock them out of the race for the National League East title, entering Sunday's finale of a four-game home series against the Los Angeles Dodgers seeking a jolt to their suddenly silent offense. Atlanta's pitching issues of late are well documented, but the Braves have scored just seven runs during a current four-game losing streak that has them 2 ½ games behind Philadelphia in the division race following Saturday's 5-1 loss.

Atlanta's struggles at home continued as it has dropped 10 of its past 14 home games, falling to 7-13 overall in July after posting a winning record in each of the first three months of the season. Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig, who was activated from the disabled list before the game, finished 1-for-2 with a sacrifice fly and a two-run homer in his first game since July 8. Los Angeles has turned things around since being 10 games under .500 on May 16, going 43-20 since that date. Good work from the bullpen has helped spark the Dodgers' turnaround, as Los Angeles relievers have posted a 2.85 ERA in July while posting 12 saves.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, TBS, SportsNet Los Angeles, FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Ross Stripling (8-2, 2.43 ERA) vs. Braves LH Sean Newcomb (9-5, 3.41)

Stripling has become a key rotation piece, but looks to get back on track after a rough showing in the All-Star game and in his first start after the break. The 28-year-old gave up five runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision Monday at Philadelphia, but did strike out six with no walks. Command has been critical for Stripling, who has issued one walk or fewer in nine consecutive starts, including June 10 against Atlanta in which he got the win after allowing two runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Newcomb stumbled entering the All-Star break but the 25-year-old, in his first full major-league season, started the second half with a solid outing Monday at Miami. He gave up one run on four hits with five strikeouts, his first victory since June 16, but walked four hitters to give him 16 against just 12 strikeouts in 18 innings this month. Newcomb endured one of his roughest starts of 2018 against the Dodgers on June 10, taking the loss while allowing five runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles improved to 33-16 since the beginning of June, the best record in the NL during that stretch.

2. Atlanta 3B Johan Camargo homered in Saturday's loss, and is hitting .278 with nine homers and 31 RBIs in his past 49 games.

3. The Dodgers have won 13 of their past 19 road games and are 31-22 away from home this season, the best record in the NL in road games.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Dodgers 2
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New York Mets vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

A three-week tear not only has the Pittsburgh Pirates in the thick of the wild-card race but they have also moved into contention in the National League Central, trailing the first-place Chicago Cubs by six games. Winners of 15 of their last 18 contests, the Pirates look to make it three straight over the visiting New York Mets in Sunday's finale of a four-game set.

Despite a patchwork lineup missing Corey Dickerson and Josh Bell, who both went on the disabled list Saturday, Pittsburgh beat major-league ERA leader Jacob deGrom 5-0 on Saturday night. Second baseman Adam Frazier had an RBI double among three hits against deGrom and is 6-for-11 with four doubles in four games since he was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. The Mets have already traded closer Jeurys Familia and second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera, and the next to go could be right-hander Zack Wheeler, who will get the starting nod in Sunday's game. "He is a hard guy to replace," New York manager Mickey Callaway told reporters. "That is why if they trade him, it will really have to be worth it, and I think they will do the right thing in that regard."

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (4-6, 4.33 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Joe Musgrove (4-4, 3.90)

Wheeler has been linked to trade rumors and he has bolstered his value with a string of strong outings, including seven innings of two-run ball to beat San Diego on Tuesday. He also won his previous turn by giving up four runs - two on a late homer - over 7 2/3 innings against Washington to help extend his unbeaten streak to five starts. Wheeler owns a 2.08 ERA in a pair of career no-decisions against Pittsburgh.

Musgrove worked at least seven innings for the third time in four starts at Cleveland on Tuesday, picking up the victory by holding the Indians to two runs on five hits. He is 0-4 in his last five home starts after giving up five runs on seven hits over 7 2/3 innings in a no-decision versus Milwaukee on July 15. Musgrove, who has never started a game against the Mets but won one relief appearance, owns a 4.95 ERA at PNC Park and a 1.80 mark on the road this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates RF Gregory Polanco is 5-for-9 over the past two games.

2. Mets OF-3B Jose Bautista is 5-for-16 during a four-game hitting streak.

3. Pittsburgh called up OF Austin Meadows and INF/OF Jose Osuna to replace Bell (oblique) and Dickerson (hamstring).

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Mets 3
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Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

The Houston Astros are trying to run away with the American League West but can't seem to find their way around the last-place Texas Rangers. The Rangers will try to ride a hot offense to a series sweep when they visit the Astros for the finale of a three-game series on Sunday.

Texas is 23 games behind Houston in the American League West but won the first two games of the current series by a combined score of 18-5 and watched Rougned Odor go 5-for-5 with a pair of home runs, including an inside-the-park homer, in Saturday's 7-3 triumph. Odor did the bulk of his damage on Saturday against Astros ace Justin Verlander, and the Rangers knocked around another former Cy Young Award winner in Friday's 11-2 triumph over Dallas Keuchel and company. Houston has dropped its last three games while totaling seven runs and placed All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve on the 10-day disabled list with knee soreness after Saturday's setback. The Astros will try to bounce back on Sunday behind right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. while the Rangers counter with left-hander Mike Minor.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), AT&T SportsNet - Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Mike Minor (6-6, 4.83 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lance McCullers Jr. (10-5, 4.01)

Minor is winless in his last four starts and has failed to make it through six innings in each of the last three turns. The Vanderbilt product allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out five in five innings against Oakland on Tuesday but was long gone by the time the Athletics rallied for a 13-10 win in 10 innings. Minor is making his fifth start of 2018 against the Astros and is still looking for a win after going 0-1 while posting a 5.40 ERA over the first four chances.

McCullers combined to allow one run and six hits while walking two and striking out 19 in 14 innings to earn wins over Tampa Bay and the Chicago White Sox on June 28 and July 6, but his last two starts have not been nearly as efficient. The 24-year-old issued a total of 10 walks while striking out four in 8 1/3 innings in losses to Oakland and the Los Angeles Angels in those last two outings, allowing 11 runs and 10 hits. McCullers made his season debut at Texas on March 31 and earned a win while yielding two runs on four hits and striking out 10 in 5 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros RHP Ryan Pressly allowed a home run in his team debut on Saturday after being acquired from Minnesota on Friday.

2. Texas INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa is 6-for-10 with two homers and three RBIs in the series.

3. Houston SS Carlos Correa (back) is taking part in baseball activities and could begin a minor-league rehab assignment next week.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Rangers 3
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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

The Toronto Blue Jays traded away one of their starting pitchers and are waiting for two others to come off the disabled list, and the attrition is starting to show. The Blue Jays will try to slow the opposing offense when they visit the Chicago White Sox in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday.

Toronto's staff allowed at least five runs in each of the last five games - four losses - and couldn't survive a bullpen game on Saturday. With All-Star J.A. Happ off to the New York Yankees in a recent trade, the Blue Jays elected to split Saturday's game between seven relievers and paid for it in the eighth inning, when Jaime Garcia and Ryan Tepera combined to allow six runs and squander the lead in a 9-5 setback. The White Sox had their own pitching problems with double-digit runs allowed in three straight losses before snapping the slide on Saturday and leaned on Leury Garcia for four RBIs in the victory. Toronto will try to get some length out of rookie left-hander Ryan Borucki on Sunday while Chicago counters with left-hander Carlos Rodon.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (0-2, 2.79 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (3-3, 3.38)

Borucki is still looking for his first major-league win despite allowing two or fewer runs in four of his first five outings. The Chicago-area native yielded a pair of unearned runs on six hits in six innings against Minnesota on Tuesday but could not get any run support and ended up with a loss in a game Toronto went onto lose 5-0. Borucki's lone non-quality start came in his last road outing when he was ripped for seven runs - four earned - and eight hits in three innings at Boston on July 13.

Rodon is trying to build off two straight dominant outings, during which he allowed a total of two runs and five hits while striking out 15 in 15 innings against St. Louis and the Los Angeles Angels. The North Carolina State product took a no-hitter into the sixth inning against the Angels on Tuesday and posted a season high of eight strikeouts. Rodon is seeing Toronto for the first time since 2016 and is 2-0 with a 1.77 ERA in three starts at home in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays RHP Marco Estrada (left glute strain, finger blister) is expected to come off the DL and start on Monday at Oakland.

2. Chicago 2B Yoan Moncada is 1-for-15 over his last four contests.

3. Toronto 2B/SS Lourdes Gurriel Jr. recorded multiple hits in each of his last 10 games.

PREDICTION: White Sox 3, Blue Jays 2
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Oakland Athletics vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

The Oakland Athletics have had a more difficult time at Coors Field than expected as they attempt to salvage the finale of their three-game set against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. Oakland entered the set having scored a total of 51 runs during a six-game winning streak but has been held to one in each of its first two contests - both losses - against the Rockies.

Khris Davis, who went deep six times during a four-game home run streak, has been kept in the park in three straight contests. The slugger drove in the lone run for the Athletics on Saturday and has collected 15 RBIs over his last seven games. Carlos Gonzalez went 3-for-4 and Nolan Arenado belted his National League-leading 27th home run as Colorado improved to 15-4 over its last 19 at home with the 4-1 triumph. Gonzalez has registered back-to-back three-hit performances and is 8-for-16 during his four-game hitting streak.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Frankie Montas (5-2, 3.54 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (8-8, 5.00)

Montas returned from the minors to make his ninth start of the season on Tuesday and did not factor in the decision after yielding four runs - three earned - and five hits in five innings at Texas. The 25-year-old Dominican has yet to lose on the road in 2018, going 3-0 with a 3.14 ERA in five turns. Montas has yet to face Colorado in his career but has gone 2-0 while allowing two runs and recording 13 strikeouts over 12 2/3 frames in two interleague starts this year.

Marquez, who is back from paternity leave, extended his unbeaten streak to four starts on July 20 as he escaped with a no decision at Arizona after surrendering six runs - five earned - on eight hits and three walks in five innings. The 23-year-old Venezuelan won each of his previous three turns but is 3-5 with a ghastly 7.31 ERA - more than four runs higher than his road mark of 3.15 - in 10 outings at home this season. Marquez, who will be facing Oakland for the first time, allowed one runs over six frames at Seattle on July 6 to win his only interleague start of the year.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rockies reportedly have agreed to terms on a minor-league contract with four-time All-Star OF Matt Holliday, who was named MVP of the 2007 National League Championship Series while spending the first five seasons of his career with the club.

2. Oakland 3B Matt Chapman has gone 8-for-14 during his a four-game hitting streak and has recorded three straight multi-hit performances and seven in his last 10 contests.

3. Colorado added RHP Seunghwan Oh, who was acquired from Toronto on Thursday, to the active roster and optioned LHP Sam Howard to Triple-A Albuquerque to make room.

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Rockies 3
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Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain have been as good as advertised in their first season with the Milwaukee Brewers, who aim for a sweep of their four-game series against the host San Francisco Giants on Sunday. Yelich and Cain were a combined 6-for-10 with a homer and three RBIs in Saturday's 7-1 win as the Brewers pulled within one-half game of the first-place Chicago Cubs in the National League Central.

The red-hot Yelich is 26-for-50 with four homers and 15 RBIs during his 12-game hitting streak for the Brewers, who welcomed newly acquired third baseman Mike Moustakas to the lineup on Saturday. Moustakas batted third and went 1-for-5 while Travis Shaw moved from the hot corner to make his first career start at second base, where he made an impressive over-the-shoulder catch in the sixth inning. San Francisco lost its fourth straight and quickly is fading from wild-card contention despite the efforts of manager Bruce Bochy, who shook up the lineup Saturday and had Andrew McCutchen batting leadoff for the first time since 2011. The Giants were held to four hits in the loss and received a troubling outing from Johnny Cueto, who allowed four runs over four innings while pitching through pain in his right elbow.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Junior Guerra (6-6, 3.13 ERA) vs. Giants LH Andrew Suarez (3-6, 3.99)

Guerra rejoined the Brewers' rotation on Tuesday after missing one start with right forearm tightness and allowed four runs - one earned - in six innings against Washington. The 33-year-old Venezuelan has posted a 2.68 ERA in 34 games (28 starts) at Miller Park compared to a 4.53 mark in 29 career contests (25 starts) on the road. Guerra is making his second career start against the Giants after holding them to two runs - one earned - over five frames on June 5, 2017.

Suarez remained winless since June 29 as he came away with a no-decision on Tuesday after allowing three runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 innings against Seattle. The 25-year-old rookie has posted a 2.63 ERA over his last eight starts, serving up three home runs in 46 2/3 frames. Suarez, who will be facing Milwaukee for the first time, has struck out 83 batters and walked 23 over 94 2/3 innings in his first 17 major-league starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee has clinched its first series win in San Francisco since Sept. 17-19, 2010.

2. The Giants have scored one run in each of their last two contests and averaged 3.5 in 22 games this month.

3. The Brewers activated RHP Matt Albers (shoulder) from the 10-day disabled list, designated INF Brad Miller for assignment and optioned OF Keon Broxton to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Giants 4
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Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 07-29-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
Diamondbacks vs. Padres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

Eduardo Escobar appears to be a perfect fit for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who acquired the versatile infielder from Minnesota on Thursday. Escobar figures to start at third base for the second straight contest on Sunday, when the Diamondbacks aim for a sweep of their three-game series against the host San Diego Padres.

Escobar started in place of Jake Lamb (shoulder) and batted fifth in Saturday's 9-4 win, going 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored to help the Diamondbacks remain 1 1/2 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. Jon Jay added three hits and three RBIs for Arizona, which has won five of its last seven following a three-game losing streak. The rebuilding Padres are 2-6 since the All-Star break and have lost 11 of their last 13 games despite the play of leadoff hitter Manuel Margot, who is 13-for-32 during his career-high nine-game hitting streak. Margot has been batting in front of Wil Myers, who is hitting .293 with seven homers and 21 RBIs in July after battling injuries for most of the previous two months.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Clay Buchholz (3-1, 2.38 ERA) vs. Padres LH Joey Lucchesi (5-5, 3.34)

Buchholz returned after missing a month with a strained oblique and held the Chicago Cubs to one run over 6 2/3 innings in Tuesday's 6-3 victory. "It was a great effort by him," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo told reporters. "When you get him back at this point in time, it's a huge boost for us." Buchholz, who is facing the Padres for the first time since 2016, owns a 2-0 record and 1.04 ERA over his last three starts.

Lucchesi snapped a two-start skid in impressive fashion on Monday, allowing two runs with six strikeouts and no walks over 5 1/3 innings in a 3-2 victory over the New York Mets. "There's no fear in him," Padres manager Andy Green told reporters. "He stepped up and pitched a great baseball game." The 25-year-old rookie has faced Arizona twice in his first 15 career starts, going 0-2 with a 5.23 ERA and nine strikeouts against five walks in 10 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Diego has allowed at least six runs in each setback during its four-game losing streak.

2. The Diamondbacks are 18-7 on the road since June 8.

3. The Padres placed RHP Luis Perdomo on the 10-day disabled list with a strained right shoulder and activated LHP Jose Castillo (hamstring) from the DL.

PREDICTION: Padres 5, Diamondbacks 4
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