MLB Betting News and Trends For Thursday 9/13/18

National League
Diamondbacks (77-69) @ Rockies (80-65)
Buchholz is 2-0, 1.05 in his last five starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-8, 4-6 away
5-inning record: 11-1-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Freeland is 5-0, 2.01 in his last seven starts; under is 12-5 in his last 17 starts. Team in his starts: 20-9, 10-2 home
5-inning record: 14-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-29

Arizona lost nine of its last 12 games; five of their last seven games went over. Colorado won eight of its last 11 games; under is 13-5 in their last 18 home games.

Marlins (57-87) @ Mets (66-78)
Alcantara is 2-0, 0.75 in two starts (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 2-0, 0-0 away
5-inning record: 2-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Brigham allowed three runs in three IP (82 PT) in his first ’18 start. Under 1-0. Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-0 away
5-inning record: 10-14-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-26

Matz is 0-1, 2.25 in his last four starts; over is 7-1-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 12-14, 5-8 home
5-inning record: 10-13-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-26

Vargas is 3-1, 3.60 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 5-12, 2-4 home
5-inning record: 6-11 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-17

Marlins are 3-17 in their last 20 road games; over is 10-4-1 in their last 15 road games. Mets won seven of their last ten games; over is 5-0-2 in their last seven games.

Dodgers (79-67) @ Cardinals (81-65)
Kershaw is 4-0, 2.43 in his last eight starts; under is 6-3-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 12-10, 6-4 away
5-inning record: 14-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-22

Gomber is 4-0, 2.98 in his eight starts (under 4-3-1). Team in his starts: 7-1, 2-0 home
5-inning record: 7-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-8

Dodgers are 4-5 in their last nine games; they’re 16-8 in road series openers- under is 9-5 in their last 14 games. St Louis won three of its last four games; they’re 7-0 in last seven home series openers- over is 4-2 in their last six home games.

Cubs (84-61) @ Nationals (74-72)
Montgomery is 1-1, 3.20 in his last four starts; over is 6-4 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 7-8, 4-5 road
5-inning record: 6-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Ross is making his first ’18 start; he is 17-13, 3.95 in 45 big league starts, and was 2-1, 2.39 in six AAA starts this year. Team in his starts: 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Cubs lost four of their last five games; under is 3-0 in their last three. Washington won its last five games; over is 10-4 in their last 14 games.

American League
A’s (89-57) @ Orioles (41-104)
Anderson is 1-1, 2.15 in his last five starts (under 10-3). Team in his starts: 7-6, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 4-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-13

Bundy is 0-4, 10.27 in his last five starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 8-19, 4-11 home
5-inning record: 9-14-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-27

A’s won eight of their last nine games; over is 9-2 in their last 11 games. Baltimore lost ten of its last 11 games; four of last five Oriole games went over.

Toronto (65-80) @ Boston (100-46)
Gaviglio is 1-4, 5.93 in his last five starts; under is 4-1 in his last five road starts. Team in his starts: 9-9, 4-4 away
5-inning record: 6-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-20

Rodriguez is 3-1, 2.08 in his last five starts (under 5-0). Team in his starts: 17-4, 9-3 home
5-inning record: 13-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-27

Blue Jays are 5-11 in their last 16 games, over is 10-4 in their last 14 road games. Boston won seven of its last nine games; over is 6-3 in their last nine home games.

Twins (67-78) @ Royals (49-96)
Gonsalves is 0-2, 13.87 in four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 2-2, 1-0 away
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Fillmyer is 1-1, 7.36 in his last four starts (over 6-3-1). Team in his starts: 3-7, 3-3 home
5-inning record: 3-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-10

Twins won four of their last six games; under is 3-1-1 in their last five. Minnesota is 8-16 in road series openers. Kansas City is 9-2 in its last 11 home games; they won last five home series openers. Under is 6-2-1 in their last nine games.

Mariners (79-66) @ Angels (73-73)
Leake is 1-2, 7.02 in his last three starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 18-10, 9-5 away
5-inning record: 11-9-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-28

Shoemaker is 2-0, 3.45 in his three starts (over 2-1). Team in his starts: 3-0, 0-0 home
5-inning record: 2-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Seattle is 5-7 in its last 12 games; six of their last seven games stayed under. Mariners are 13-11 in road series openers. Angels won seven of their last nine games; under is 10-3-1 in their last 14 games. Halos are 13-10 in home series openers.

______________________________

Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th September 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/13/2018

Mother Nature prevented the Miami Marlins and New York Mets from playing their scheduled doubleheader on Wednesday, with a 5-hour, 35-minute rain delay limiting the struggling National League East clubs to just one game in front of a sparse crowd. The Marlins (57-87) and Mets (66-78) will attempt to squeeze in a single-admission doubleheader on Thursday when they reconvene at Citi Field in New York.

Jay Bruce belted a grand slam and Dominic Smith also went deep to highlight a seven-run sixth inning as New York posted its seventh win in 10 outings this month with a 13-0 romp over Miami on Wednesday. Jeff McNeil recorded his third three-hit performance in four games for the Mets and is 12-for-27 with six runs scored during his last six outings overall. Miami's Derek Dietrich had one of his team's five hits to improve to 14-for-46 versus New York this season while scoring 10 runs. Dietrich has limited experience against Steven Matz and none versus fellow left-hander Jason Vargas, who are expected to pitch in the doubleheader for the Mets opposite right-handers Jeff Brigham and Sandy Alcantara - although neither team has confirmed the order of the pitchers on Thursday.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, FS Florida, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jeff Brigham (0-1, 9.00 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jason Vargas (5-9, 6.75)

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

Vargas answered a three-start winning streak by getting shredded for five runs on six hits over 3 1/3 innings of an 11-4 setback at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sept. 4. The 35-year-old allowed two homers in that contest after being taken deep twice in his previous six trips to the mound. Vargas fared significantly better in his previous outing against Miami, scattering two hits and striking out seven across five innings in a 2-0 win on May 21.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami has seen three games postponed in the last week due to poor weather conditions.

2. New York OF Michael Conforto is 7-for-18 with three homers, six RBIs and five runs scored in his last four contests.

3. Marlins 3B-OF Brian Anderson is 3-for-7 with two runs scored in this series after going 1-for-19 in his previous six games.

PREDICTION: Marlins 3, Mets 2
__________________

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/13/2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks have very little time to dwell on a crushing setback as they visit the Colorado Rockies on Thursday afternoon for the finale of their four-game series. Arizona was two outs away from drawing within 1 1/2 games of first-place Colorado in the National League West before DJ LeMahieu belted a walk-off, two-run homer in the ninth inning to give the Rockies a 5-4 victory.

Eduardo Escobar and Alex Avila went deep in the setback for the Diamondbacks, who remained four games behind St. Louis for the second wild-card spot in the NL. Escobar has heated up in the high altitude, going 5-for-12 with a blast and three RBIs over the first three games of the series. Nolan Arenado also homered for Colorado as he and LeMahieu both finished with three hits and two RBIs while the team improved to 8-3 this month and maintained its 1 1/2-game division lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers. LeMahieu has recorded multiple hits in six of his last seven contests, going 13-for-29 in that span.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, FB-WATCH

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Clay Buchholz (7-2, 2.01 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (14-7, 2.91)

Buchholz extended his unbeaten streak to five starts on Saturday against Atlanta but was denied a victory for the third straight time despite allowing two runs - one earned - and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. The 34-year-old Texan, who has given up more than two earned runs just twice in his 16 outings, has yielded a total of four runs - three earned - in 34 1/3 frames during his streak. Buchholz, who has suffered both of his losses on the road despite posting a 1.73 ERA over 10 turns, surrendered six runs and seven hits - three homers - over five innings of a loss in his only career start against Colorado on May 26, 2016 while with Boston.

Freeland is riding a seven-start unbeaten streak during which he has recorded five victories, including one against the Dodgers on Saturday in which he allowed one run and four hits over six innings. The 25-year-old native of Denver, who has won each of his last three overall outings, has gone 5-0 in eight turns at home since losing to Arizona on June 10. That setback dropped Freeland to 0-1 in three starts against the Diamondbacks this year and 1-2 with a 4.60 ERA in six career meetings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games after registering two of his team's four hits on Wednesday.

2. Arenado has recorded two doubles in back-to-back contests and driven in six runs during his four-game streak, leaving him one RBI shy of reaching the century mark for the fourth consecutive season.

3. Escobar, who already has set a career high with 81 RBIs, matched the personal best of 21 homers he hit last year with his blast on Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 4, Rockies 2
__________________

Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th September 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/13/2018

The Chicago Cubs' quick trip back to the nation's capital takes place as their lead in the National League Central has been trimmed to the narrowest of margins. The Cubs will try to preserve their one-game edge over Milwaukee when they face the host Washington Nationals in a makeup game on Thursday.

The Cubs have lost four of their last five - including two of three during a rain-soaked trek to Washington last weekend - to allow the Brewers to carve into their division lead. Chicago's offense has struggled of late, producing a total of 14 runs in those five contests. The Nationals, meanwhile, are looking to match their season high with a sixth consecutive win. Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman and Juan Soto homered in Wednesday's 5-1 win over Philadelphia, keeping the Nationals' slim playoff hopes alive as they sit eight games behind first-place Atlanta in the NL East and trail St. Louis by seven for the second wild card.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago, MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (4-5, 3.85 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Joe Ross (2017: 5-3, 5.01)

Montgomery has recorded only one win since June 29 and allowed six runs over 8 1/3 innings in two starts since returning from the disabled list. The 29-year-old gave up two runs over four frames of a loss at Milwaukee in his last outing on Sept. 4. Montgomery has made two relief appearances against the Nationals, allowing one run in 1 2/3 innings.

Ross will be making his first major-league start since July 9, 2017 after recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 25-year-old went 2-1 with a 2.39 ERA in six turns in the minors as he worked his way back. Ross is 0-2 with a 3.44 ERA in three career starts against the Cubs, including his major-league debut in 2015.

WALK-OFFS

1. Soto has hit 19 home runs, tying Mel Ott for third-most by a teenager in major-league history behind teammate Harper (22) and Tony Conigliaro (24).

2. Chicago INF Tommy La Stella has recorded a major league-leading 23 pinch hits, 10 more than the next closest player (Chase Utley, 13).

3. Cubs RHP Brandon Morrow threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and hopes to return to game action late next week.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Nationals 4
__________________

Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th September 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/13/2018

Mother Nature prevented the Miami Marlins and New York Mets from playing their scheduled doubleheader on Wednesday, with a 5-hour, 35-minute rain delay limiting the struggling National League East clubs to just one game in front of a sparse crowd. The Marlins (57-87) and Mets (66-78) will attempt to squeeze in a single-admission doubleheader on Thursday when they reconvene at Citi Field in New York.

Jay Bruce belted a grand slam and Dominic Smith also went deep to highlight a seven-run sixth inning as New York posted its seventh win in 10 outings this month with a 13-0 romp over Miami on Wednesday. Jeff McNeil recorded his third three-hit performance in four games for the Mets and is 12-for-27 with six runs scored during his last six outings overall. Miami's Derek Dietrich had one of his team's five hits to improve to 14-for-46 versus New York this season while scoring 10 runs. Dietrich has limited experience against Steven Matz and none versus fellow left-hander Jason Vargas, who are expected to pitch in the doubleheader for the Mets against right-handers Jeff Brigham and Sandy Alcantara - although neither team has confirmed the order of the pitchers on Thursday.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, FS Florida, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Sandy Alcantara (2-0, 0.75 ERA) vs. Mets LH Steven Matz (5-11, 4.17)

Alcantara has fared well in a pair of major-league starts this season, allowing just one run on six hits over 12 innings to win both outings. The 23-year-old Dominican overcame five walks to pitch five frames in an 8-2 victory over the Mets on June 29 before scattering three hits over seven scoreless innings in a 2-1 triumph versus Philadelphia on Sept. 5. Marlins manager Don Mattingly talked long-term as it relates to Alcantara, telling reporters that "you're talking about a guy who can be a top of the rotation guy."

Matz saw his winless stretch extend to six starts, although he is just 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA with 31 strikeouts in his past four. The 27-year-old looks to get back on track when he faces Miami, against which he picked up the win after allowing one unearned run on three hits while striking out six over 5 1/3 frames of a 5-2 win on July 1. Matz has flustered Starlin Castro (0-for-6, four strikeouts), although J.T. Realmuto is 3-for-7 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami has seen three games postponed in the last week due to poor weather conditions.

2. New York OF Michael Conforto is 7-for-18 with three homers, six RBIs and five runs scored in his last four contests.

3. Marlins 3B-OF Brian Anderson is 3-for-7 with two runs scored in this series after going 1-for-19 in his previous six games.

PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Mets 3
__________________

Oakland Athletics vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th September 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/12/2018

The red-hot Oakland Athletics only needed to score in one inning en route to a sixth straight victory and now can complete a three-game sweep when they visit the major league-worst Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore on Thursday. The Athletics sent 15 batters to the plate while scoring 10 times in the third inning of Wednesday's 10-0 victory, remaining three games behind first-place Houston in the American League West and climbing within one of the New York Yankees for the first wild-card spot.

Matt Olson belted Oakland's 200th homer of the season - the sixth time in team history that plateau has been reached - on Wednesday and Stephen Piscotty extended his hitting streak to a career-best 13 contests as the club moved 32 games over .500 for the first time since 2003. Brett Anderson is in line to come off the disabled list and start the series finale for the Athletics, who own an 8 1/2-game lead over Tampa Bay for the AL's second wild card, while Baltimore sends Dylan Bundy to the mound. The Orioles, who are 0-5 in the season series, have dropped six straight contests overall and are three losses away from tying the club record of 107 set in 1988. Trey Mancini's single was the only hit recorded on Wednesday by Baltimore, which has scored just 14 runs during its losing streak.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS California (Oakland), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Brett Anderson (3-4, 4.02 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (7-14, 5.58)

Anderson is expected to make his 14th start of the season after spending a little over two weeks on the DL with nerve irritation in his left arm. The 30-year-old Texan produced three scoreless efforts of at least seven innings over a stretch of four starts before allowing five runs over 2 2/3 frames in his last turn on Aug. 27 at Houston. Adam Jones is 2-for-6 with a double versus Anderson, who is 0-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts against the Orioles.

Bundy has gone 0-5 with a 9.09 ERA in seven starts since the beginning of August after giving up six runs over four innings in a loss at Tampa Bay on Friday. The 25-year-old fourth overall pick in 2011 has not recorded a win since July 29 and has served up a major league-high 37 homers in 27 starts this year. Khris Davis is 3-for-7 with a homer and a double against Bundy, who is 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) versus the Athletics.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics are 20-8 against AL East opponents and meet another over the weekend in red-hot Tampa Bay.

2. Baltimore OF D.J. Stewart became the 55th player used by the team this year, eclipsing the club record set in 1955.

3. Oakland 3B Matt Chapman is 3-for-8 with a pair of doubles, two runs scored and four RBIs in the series.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Orioles 4
__________________

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/13/2018

The Boston Red Sox reached the century mark in wins for the fourth time in franchise history due in large part to strong starting pitching and a rather fortunate bounce that allowed Rafael Devers to score the game's only run on a wild pitch. The Red Sox (100-46) aim to continue their mastery of the visiting Toronto Blue Jays (65-80) at Fenway Park on Thursday when they bid for the second sweep of their American League East rivals this year.

Mookie Betts had one of Boston's four hits in Wednesday's 1-0 triumph to improve to 22-for-61 with four homers, 11 RBIs and 17 runs scored versus Toronto this season. The Red Sox, who have won 10 of their last 14 overall to reduce their magic number to secure their third straight AL East title to seven, have emerged victorious in 14 of 18 encounters with the Blue Jays - including a three-game sweep from May 28-30. Yangervis Solarte had two of Toronto's four hits on Wednesday to improve to 3-for-4 in the series, albeit just 11-for-68 with 13 strikeouts against Boston this season. The 31-year-old Solarte aims to net the Blue Jays just their sixth win in 17 outings on Thursday, although he is just 1-for-8 versus Venezuelan countryman Eduardo Rodriguez - Boston's scheduled starter.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Sam Gaviglio (3-8, 5.25 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (12-4, 3.64)

Gaviglio fell to 1-5 in his past seven outings last Thursday after allowing five runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings of a 9-4 setback versus Cleveland. The 28-year-old was taken deep twice by the Indians to increase his homer total to seven in his last seven trips to the mound. Gaviglio has faced the Red Sox on four occasions this season, picking up the win after three scoreless innings on May 11 and taking the loss later that month after permitting four runs - including two homers - in a 6-4 setback.

Rodriguez tasted defeat for the first time since June 29 when he yielded five runs on six hits - including two solo homers - over 3 1/3 innings of a 5-3 setback versus Houston on Saturday. The 25-year-old looks to get back on track when he faces Toronto, against which he owns a 2-0 mark with a 2.41 ERA in three starts this season. Rodriguez's most-recent effort against the Blue Jays saw him scatter four hits over 5 1/3 scoreless innings in a no-decision on July 14.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts has nine hits - including two homers - to go along with four RBIs and three runs scored in his last five games.

2. Toronto OF Teoscar Hernandez is 0-for-6 with four strikeouts in the series.

3. Red Sox OF Jackie Bradley Jr. has hit safely in five of his last six games overall and is batting .339 in his last 33 contests at Fenway Park.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Blue Jays 2
__________________

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th September 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/12/2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers are hot on the heels of the Colorado Rockies in the National League West and right behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the second wild card. Winners of five straight division titles, Los Angeles will look to make up ground in both races when they send Clayton Kershaw to the mound for Thursday's opener of a huge four-game series in St. Louis.

The Dodgers have split the first six contests on their 10-game trek after avoiding a series and season sweep with an 8-1 rout at last-place Cincinnati on Wednesday afternoon. Kershaw is unbeaten in his last eight starts, posting a 4-0 record in that span and not allowing more than two earned runs in any outing, but he is only 2-3 with a 3.68 ERA in seven career starts at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals had a three-game winning streak halted with a 4-3 loss versus Pittsburgh on Wednesday but they enter the showdown with Los Angeles just over three weeks removed from posting a three-game sweep at Dodger Stadium. Rookie Austin Gomber certainly doesn't have the pedigree of three-time Cy Young Award winner Kershaw, but he is unbeaten since joining the starting rotation and has allowed nine runs in his last six outings.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (7-5, 2.42 ERA) vs. Cardinals LH Austin Gomber (5-0, 2.93)

Kershaw registered his 12th consecutive quality start at Colorado on Friday, picking up the victory with seven strikeouts in six innings of two-run ball. He has surrendered two earned runs or fewer in 15 of his last 16 starts and allowed more than three earned runs just once all season. Kershaw has not faced the Cardinals this season but he has held their collective roster to a .213 batting average.

Gomber spent June and July pitching primarily out of the bullpen, making just one start in that span, but he is 4-0 over his last six turns after allowing three runs and six hits over six innings in a no-decision at Detroit last time out. He faced the Dodgers on Aug. 20 and also did not factor in the decision, permitting two runs over five innings. Gomber has not allowed a home run over his last six starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers have homered in 20 straight games, their longest streak since moving to L.A. and four shy of the franchise record.

2. Cardinals LF Marcell Ozuna is 14-for-34 with five homers and 11 RBIs during his eight-game hitting streak.

3. Dodgers C Yasmani Grandal was 5-for-11 with a homer, two doubles and four RBIs versus the Reds in the last series.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 3, Cardinals 2
__________________

Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th September 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/13/2018

Fresh off winning two of three against the New York Yankees, the Minnesota Twins embark on a 10-game road trip that begins Thursday with the opener of a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Minnesota, which is 24-47 away from home, also has three-game sets in Detroit and Oakland on its final trek of the campaign.

The Twins posted a 3-1 victory over the Yankees on Wednesday as Jake Odorizzi pitched 7 1/3 hitless innings before allowing Greg Bird's run-scoring double. Veteran Joe Mauer, who recorded two hits for the second straight game, told the Minneapolis Star Tribune earlier in the day that he is considering retirement after the season. "There's a lot that goes into it than just, 'Do you want to play?'" the 35-year-old said. "There's a lot of different dynamics that go into it. I owe it to myself and my family to sit down and think about those things." Kansas City had its seven-game home winning streak come to an end with Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox - the team's sixth setback in its last 17 contests.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Stephen Gonsalves (0-2, 11.68 ERA) vs. Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (2-1, 4.75)

Gonsalves has struggled over his first four major-league appearances, allowing 24 hits and 13 walks in just 12 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old escaped with a no-decision against the Royals in his last turn after giving up five runs and five hits over 2 1/3 frames. Gonsalves has worked more than four innings in just one of his four turns - a five-frame effort in a loss to Oakland on Aug. 25.

Fillmyer was torched for six runs and six hits over 2 1/3 innings of a no-decision against the Twins in his last outing. The 24-year-old also did not factor in the decision against Minnesota on Aug. 3, when he gave up three runs and five hits in three frames. Fillmyer is 2-1 with a 2.54 ERA in seven appearances (six starts) at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins C Mitch Garver departed Wednesday's game shortly after being hit in the mask by a foul tip.

2. Kansas City 2B Adalberto Mondesi went 4-for-5 with two RBIs on Wednesday and has recorded eight multi-hit performances in his last 13 contests.

3. Minnesota 3B Miguel Sano (leg) worked out on the field prior to Wednesday's game and said he is hopeful of playing again this season.

PREDICTION: Royals 5, Twins 3
__________________

Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 09-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th September 2018 by Gracenote
Mariners vs. Angels Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/13/2018

The Seattle Mariners' postseason hopes continue to fade and they look to break out of their deep funk when they open a four-game series against the host Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. Seattle has dropped 10 of its last 15 games to fall 9 1/2 games behind the Oakland Athletics for the American League's second wild-card spot.

The Tampa Bay Rays have passed the Mariners in the wild-card hunt as Seattle's fortunes took another hit with Wednesday's 5-4 home loss to the San Diego Padres. Slugger Nelson Cruz bashed his 35th homer into the upper deck at Safeco Field and it also represented his 1,000th career RBI. Los Angeles rolled to an 8-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday to win for the sixth time in seven games - a stretch that includes two 1-0 victories and three wins in which it scored eight or more runs. Francisco Arcia went 3-for-4 with two homers and four RBIs and fellow rookie Jose Fernandez went deep for the second straight game after hitting his first career home run Tuesday.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports Northwest (Seattle), FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Mike Leake (9-9, 4.11 ERA) vs. Angels RH Odrisamer Despaigne (2-2, 6.40)

Leake went 0-5 during an 11-start winless stretch before he defeated the Baltimore Orioles in his last turn, allowing two unearned runs and seven hits over six innings. The 30-year-old was roughed up for 11 runs and 18 hits over 10 1/3 innings in losses to Arizona and Oakland before the sharp turnaround against the Orioles. Leake is 1-3 with a 5.59 ERA in four starts against the Angels this season and 3-3 with a 4.05 ERA in six career turns.

Despaigne is drawing his fourth start since being acquired by the Angels as the club announced it was pushing Matt Shoemaker back a day. The 31-year-old Cuban has been roughed up for 11 runs, 20 hits and eight walks in 12 innings with the team while allowing opposing hitters to bat .370. Despaigne's lone home start since joining Los Angeles came Aug. 27 when he gave up two runs and six hits over four innings in a no-decision against the Colorado Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 3B Kyle Seager homered Thursday to end a 19-game homerless drought.

2. Los Angeles SS Andrelton Simmons went 3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored Wednesday while recording his fourth multi-hit outing in his last six appearances.

3. Seattle SS Jean Segura (illness) has missed two straight games, and LHP James Paxton (fever) didn't travel with the team to Anaheim after Wednesday's contest and isn't expected to make his scheduled Friday start.

PREDICTION: Angels 5, Mariners 2
__________________

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, September 13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARIZONA (77 - 69) at COLORADO (80 - 65) - 3:10 PM
CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R) vs. KYLE FREELAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 24-41 (-22.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARIZONA is 15-24 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
COLORADO is 80-65 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 78-65 (+15.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 48-41 (+9.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 47-32 (+18.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
COLORADO is 46-34 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 32-19 (+17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
FREELAND is 20-9 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
FREELAND is 11-2 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
FREELAND is 14-5 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 171-141 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 14-5 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 8-7 (+0.5 Units) against COLORADO this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.5 Units)

CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. COLORADO since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 10.80 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

KYLE FREELAND vs. ARIZONA since 1997
FREELAND is 1-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.60 and a WHIP of 1.568.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.5 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (57 - 87) at NY METS (66 - 78) - 7:10 PM
JEFF BRIGHAM (R) vs. JASON VARGAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 0-13 (-13.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
NY METS are 65-78 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 31-42 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 133-148 (-57.7 Units) against the money line in home games in September games since 1997.
NY METS are 30-38 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 42-54 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 103-124 (-29.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 25-29 (-10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 6-8 (+1.0 Units) against NY METS this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

JEFF BRIGHAM vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

JASON VARGAS vs. MIAMI since 1997
VARGAS is 1-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.182.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA DODGERS (79 - 67) at ST LOUIS (81 - 65) - 7:15 PM
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. AUSTIN GOMBER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 79-67 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 18-22 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 56-49 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 39-25 (+9.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 45-34 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ST LOUIS is 22-12 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
LA DODGERS are 82-53 (+30.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 121-112 (-35.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 53-51 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-0 (+4.9 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
KERSHAW is 6-9 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.166.
His team's record is 10-11 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-9. (+1.1 units)

AUSTIN GOMBER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GOMBER is 0-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OAKLAND (89 - 57) at BALTIMORE (41 - 104) - 7:05 PM
BRETT ANDERSON (L) vs. DYLAN BUNDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 89-57 (+37.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 35-16 (+20.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 188-100 (+45.7 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997.
OAKLAND is 43-28 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
OAKLAND is 22-10 (+14.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 24-14 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 53-38 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 59-33 (+31.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 52-36 (+15.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 48-13 (+31.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OAKLAND is 23-2 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
BALTIMORE is 41-104 (-53.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 20-45 (-21.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 5-22 (-15.2 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 24-46 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 8-29 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 25-70 (-39.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 27-76 (-42.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 14-40 (-24.3 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
BALTIMORE is 20-60 (-29.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BUNDY is 1-17 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 5-0 (+5.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
ANDERSON is 0-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 6.55 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

DYLAN BUNDY vs. OAKLAND since 1997
BUNDY is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.417.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (65 - 80) at BOSTON (100 - 46) - 7:10 PM
SAM GAVIGLIO (R) vs. EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 65-80 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 33-47 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 5-23 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 84-106 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 14-34 (-19.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 100-46 (+34.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 46-18 (+17.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 51-20 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 47-19 (+20.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 69-37 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 79-32 (+32.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 69-30 (+24.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 154-140 (-48.4 Units) against the money line in home games in September games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 14-4 (+7.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.2 Units)

SAM GAVIGLIO vs. BOSTON since 1997
GAVIGLIO is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.82 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 3-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.71 and a WHIP of 1.221.
His team's record is 5-5 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-8. (-6.8 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (67 - 78) at KANSAS CITY (49 - 96) - 8:15 PM
STEPHEN GONSALVES (L) vs. HEATH FILLMYER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 24-47 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 64-45 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 13-5 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 375-390 (+44.9 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 100-92 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 49-96 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 26-54 (-21.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 304-434 (-117.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 7-8 (+1.4 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.2 Units)

STEPHEN GONSALVES vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
GONSALVES is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 19.31 and a WHIP of 3.433.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

HEATH FILLMYER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
FILLMYER is 0-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 15.20 and a WHIP of 3.189.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEATTLE (79 - 66) at LA ANGELS (73 - 73) - 10:05 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 173-213 (-56.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997.
LEAKE is 16-27 (-15.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 79-66 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 45-37 (+6.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 38-33 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SEATTLE is 19-13 (+8.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 55-40 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 55-43 (+11.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 38-26 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LEAKE is 18-10 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LEAKE is 10-3 (+9.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 30-37 (-12.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 19-23 (-8.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 22-43 (-16.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 8-7 (+1.1 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.3 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
LEAKE is 3-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.620.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-4. (-2.5 units)

ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO CUBS (84 - 61) at WASHINGTON (74 - 72) - 4:05 PM
MIKE MONTGOMERY (L) vs. JOE ROSS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1779-1823 (-266.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 458-474 (-94.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 904-908 (-169.8 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1315-1358 (-205.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
MONTGOMERY is 4-12 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
MONTGOMERY is 4-10 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 13-3 (+8.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
WASHINGTON is 74-72 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 55-63 (-26.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 37-36 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-31 (-17.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 27-28 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-23 (-16.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 38-36 (-13.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
WASHINGTON is 38-41 (-19.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-3 (+0.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

MIKE MONTGOMERY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

JOE ROSS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
ROSS is 0-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.44 and a WHIP of 1.145.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (57 - 87) at NY METS (66 - 78) - 3:10 PM
SANDY ALCANTARA (R) vs. STEVEN MATZ (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 6-8 (+1.0 Units) against NY METS this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

SANDY ALCANTARA vs. NY METS since 1997
ALCANTARA is 1-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

STEVEN MATZ vs. MIAMI since 1997
MATZ is 3-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.06 and a WHIP of 1.206.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.2 units)
__________________