MLB Betting News and Trends For Tuesday 8/21/18

National League
Braves (69-55) @ Pirates (63-63)
Gausman is 2-1, 2.84 in three starts for Atlanta (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 2-1, 0-1 road
5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Nova is 1-1, 2.13 in his last two starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 13-10, 5-6 home
5-inning record: 12-6-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Braves lost four of their last five games; under is 5-1 in their last six games. Pittsburgh lost seven of its last ten games, scoring 5 runs last five nights- they’ve lost three 1-0 games since Thursday. Under is 8-1 in their last eight games.

Phillies (68-56) @ Nationals (62-63)
Velasquez is 2-1, 2.64 in his last six starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight starts. Team in his starts: 10-13, 3-7 away
5-inning record: 10-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-23

Roark is 5-0, 2.02 in his last five starts; over is 8-3 in his last 11 starts. Team in his starts: 10-14, 4-7 home
5-inning record: 9-13-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-24

Phillies are 5-8 in their last 13 games, 8-12 in road series openers. Under is 9-2 in their last 11 road games. Washington lost six of its last eight games; they’re 12-8 in home series openers. Six of their last seven games went over.

Giants (62-64) @ Mets (54-70)
Stratton is 0-3, 10.61 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 11-8, 5-5 away
5-inning record: 8-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-19

Matz is 1-5, 8.89 in his last six starts; his last five starts went over. Team in his starts: 10-12, 4-6 home
5-inning record: 7-13-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-22 (4 of last 5)

Giants lost four of their last five games; they’re 24-25 vs lefty starters- under is 7-1-1 in their last nine games. Mets are 8-5 in their last 13 games; under is 3-1 in their last four games.

Reds (55-70) @ Brewers (70-57)
Romano is 1-2, 7.43 in his last three starts; over is 12-3 in his last 15 starts. Team in his starts: 12-11, 4-4 away
5-inning record: 6-12-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-23

Guerra is 0-3, 5.97 in his last six starts; over is 5-1-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 12-11, 9-5 home
5-inning record: 8-12-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Reds won three of their last four games; under is 4-1 in their last five games. Milwaukee is 5-8 in its last 13 games; five of Brewers’ last six home games all went over.

Padres (49-78) @ Rockies (68-56)
Erlin is 1-0, 3.94 in his last three starts (over 3-2). Team in his starts: 2-3, 2-1 away
5-inning record: 0-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Anderson is 0-2, 9.30 in his last four starts (over 4-0). Team in his starts: 10-15, 3-9 home
5-inning record: 11-7-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 13-25

Padres lost six of their last seven games; they’re 4-1 in last five road series openers, 12-25 vs lefty starters- over is 9-4 in their last 13 road games. Colorado eight of its last nine games; they’re 8-11 in home series openers, 25-20 vs lefty starters- six of their last seven games stayed under.

Cardinals (69-57) @ Dodgers (67-59)
Poncedeleon blanked the Reds for seven innings (116 PT) in his only start (under 1-0). Team in his starts: 1-0, 1-0 away.
5-inning record: 0-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Ryu is 3-0, 1.77 in seven starts this year (under 4-3); he is 2-0, 0.00 in three home starts (19 IP). Team in his starts: 5-2, 3-0 home
5-inning record: 5-0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-7

St Louis won 11 of its last 13 games; they’re 21-15 vs lefty starters; over is 12-6-1 in their last 19 home games. Dodgers won three of their last five games; under is 3-0-2 in their last five home games.

American League
Orioles (37-88) @ Blue Jays (56-69)
Bundy is 0-2, 9.37 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 8-15, 4-9 away
5-inning record: 8-11-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-23

Gaviglio is 0-3, 7.50 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 6-11, 4-4 home.
5-inning record: 5-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-17

Baltimore lost nine of its last 11 games; under is 8-1 in their last nine games. Blue Jays are 5-10 in their last 15 games; over is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Royals (38-87) @ Rays (64-61)
Sparkman allowed two runs in four IP (75 PT) in his first ’18 start (under 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Snell is 2-0, 0.64 in his last three starts; his last six starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 14-9, 6-3 home.
5-inning record: 14-5-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-23

Royals are 4-14 in their last 18 games; they’re 14-25 vs lefty starters- over is 9-3 in their last 12 road games. Tampa Bay is 7-4 in its last 11 games; under is 9-1 in their last ten games.

Indians (72-52) @ Red Sox (88-38)
Bieber is 1-0, 2.70 in his last three starts; his last four starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 8-4, 4-2 away
5-inning record: 6-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-12

Eovaldi is 2-0, 4.37 in four starts for Boston (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 3-1, 2-0 home.
5-inning record: 2-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-14

Indians won eight of their last nine games; four of Tribe’s last five games stayed under. Boston won 13 of its last 17 games; under is 11-4-1 in their last 16 home games.

Twins (59-65) @ White Sox (47-77)
Berrios is 1-1, 6.05 in his last four starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 14-11, 3-8 away.
5-inning record: 8-12-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-25

Kopech is making his MLB debut; he was 7-7, 3.70 in 24 AAA starts, striking out 170 batters in 126.1 IP (60 walks). Team in his starts: 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Minnesota won six of its last eight games; over is 5-1 in their last six games. White Sox won five of their last six games; over is 6-1-1 in their last eight games.

Rangers (56-71) @ A’s (75-50)
Jurado is 2-2, 6.41 in his five starts (over 4-1). Team in his starts: 3-2, 1-2 away
5-inning record: 2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Anderson is 0-0, 0.92 in his last three starts (under 9-2). Team in his starts: 6-5, 1-2 home.
5-inning record: 3-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-11

Texas won three of its last five games; they’re 15-21 vs lefty starters- under is 5-3-1 in their last nine games. A’s are 14-4 in their last 18 games; under is 8-3-1 in their last 12 home games.

Astros (75-50) @ Mariners (72-54)
Team in his starts: 18-7, 9-4 away
5-inning record: 13-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-25

Leake is 0-0, 2.18 in his last three starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 17-8, 8-5 home.
5-inning record: 10-7-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-25

Houston lost eight of its last ten games; under is 8-4-1 in their last 13 games. Seattle lost seven of its last ten home games; over is 8-1 in their last nine home games.

Interleague
Cubs (71-52) @ Tigers (51-74)
Hendricks is 3-0, 4.38 in his last four starts; Team in his starts: 12-13, 4-7 away
5-inning record: 9-10-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 13-25

Zimmerman is 1-5, 6.40 in his last six starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 10-13, 5-7 home.
5-inning record: 9-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Cubs split their last ten games; they’re 13-7 in road series openers. Under is 6-0-1 in their last seven road games. Detroit lost five of its last six games; they’re 3-0 in last three home series openers. Over is 5-1-1 in their last seven games.

New York (78-46) @ Miami (50-76)
Tanaka is 0-2, 5.17 in his last three starts; under is 3-1-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 12-8, 8-4 away
5-inning record: 11-5-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Lopez is 0-2, 4.88 in his last four starts (over 4-4). Team in his starts: 2-6, 1-3 home.
5-inning record: 4-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-8

New York is 10-4 in its last 14 games, 3-6 in last nine road series openers. Under is 6-2-1 in their last nine road games. Marlins are 4-9 in their last 13 games, 10-7 in last 17 home series openers. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Angels (63-63) @ Diamondbacks (69-56)
Pena is 0-1, 3.18 in his last three starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 5-5, 2-2 away
5-inning record: 3-4-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-10

Corbin is 4-0, 2.97 in his last five starts; under is 7-3-1 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 15-10, 7-6 home.
5-inning record: 12-6-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-25

Angels lost three of their last four games; they’re 5-11 in last 16 road series openers, 14-21 vs lefty starters- over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Arizona won four of its last five games; they’re 1-6 in last seven home series openers. Snakes’ last four home games stayed under.

Umpires
Atl-Pitt: Over is 9-3-1 in last 13 May games.
SF-NY: Eight of last nine Whitson games went over.
Cin-Mil: Four of last five TGibson games stayed under.
StL-LA: Over is 12-3-1 in last sixteen Wolf games.

Balt-Tor: Over is 10-3 in last thirteen Blakney games.
KC-TB: Six of last seven Torres games stayed under.
Clev-Bos: Four of last five Knight games went over.
Chi-Min: Seven of last nine Gonzalez games went over.
Tex-A’s: Under is 12-4-1 in last 17 Estabrook games.
Hst-Sea: Four of last five Winters games stayed under.

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Atlanta Braves vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/21/2018

The Atlanta Braves rebounded from a rough weekend with a big effort in the series opener and will try to build off that Tuesday night when they visit the Pittsburgh Pirates for the second of a three-game set. Six pitchers limited the Pirates to seven hits Monday as the Braves extended their lead in the National League East to one game over Philadelphia with a 1-0 victory after losing four in a row.

Nick Markakis knocked in Freddie Freeman with a single in the first inning for Atlanta's only run and teammate Johan Camargo registered his fifth multi-hit game in eight outings with three hits, improving to 12-for-30 in that span. Kevin Gausman, who was pushed back a day in favor of 20-year-old rookie Bryse Wilson on Monday, will get the call in the second game of the series for the Braves while veteran Ivan Nova tries to remain unbeaten in his career against Atlanta. Pittsburgh (63-63) has been shut out 1-0 three times in the last five games - in which it has combined for five runs total - and dropped to the .500 mark with a sixth loss in eight contests. Corey Dickerson had a single in four at-bats Monday for the Pirates and is 10-for-25 during a six-game hitting streak that has raised his team-best batting average to .308.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Kevin Gausman (7-9, 4.22 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Ivan Nova (7-7, 4.26)

Gausman has won his last two starts with the Braves after limiting Miami to two runs over six innings on Wednesday and Milwaukee to one run across eight frames five days earlier. The 27-year-old LSU product surrendered six runs on 16 hits with 12 strikeouts and four walks across 19 innings since being acquired from Baltimore. David Freese is 2-for-6 with a homer versus Gausman, who is 0-1 with an 8.44 ERA in two career turns against Pittsburgh.

Nova has been solid in his last two starts, permitting two runs over six innings to win at San Francisco on Aug. 9 before limiting the Chicago Cubs to one run across 6 2/3 frames in a tough-luck loss Thursday. The 31-year-old Dominican allowed two homers over his last six starts after serving up 19 in his first 17 contests this year. Markakis is 14-for-42 with four doubles and a homer against Nova, who is 3-0 with a 1.69 ERA versus Atlanta in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh CF Starling Marte was held out of the starting lineup Monday after manager Clint Hurdle was reportedly upset with his hustle on Sunday.

2. Atlanta LHP A.J. Minter was unavailable Monday due to back tightness and is questionable for Tuesday's contest.

3. The Pirates recalled LHP Steven Brault on Monday and optioned LHP Buddy Boshers to Triple-A Indianapolis.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Pirates 3
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th August 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/20/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies have been one of baseball's feel-good stories this season, although the good vibes have soured a bit with losses in seven of their last 11 contests. The Phillies (68-56) aim to get back on track Tuesday as they begin a six-game road trip with the opener of a three-game series against the Washington Nationals (62-63).

Philadelphia's Carlos Santana pushed his hitting streak to five games with a two-run homer in Sunday's 8-2 setback versus the New York Mets at Williamsport, Pa. The 32-year-old Dominican is 10-for-36 with four homers, nine RBIs and as many runs scored against Washington, with the Phillies winning six of the 10 encounters this season. While upstart Philadelphia resides one game behind first-place Atlanta in the National League East, the Nationals have dropped six of eight -- including getting outscored 19-6 in back-to-back losses to lowly Miami -- to fall below .500. Adam Eaton had an RBI single in Sunday's 12-1 rout by the Marlins to improve to 6-for-10 with one homer, three RBIs and three runs scored in his last three games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (8-9, 4.13 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (8-12, 4.13)

Velasquez turned in scoreless outings in four of five trips to the mound before struggling in back-to-back starts, including a three-run, four-walk performance in 2 1/3 innings of a no-decision versus Boston on Wednesday. The 26-year-old overcame another four-walk effort to allow one run on one hit in five frames of a 3-1 triumph at Washington on May 5. Wilmer Difo belted a solo homer in that contest and is 2-for-4 in a small sample size versus Velasquez, who owns a 2-2 mark with a 5.28 ERA in six career outings against the Nationals.

Roark has changed the narrative on what has been a disastrous season by going 5-0 with a 1.77 ERA since the All-Star break. The 31-year-old has permitted seven earned runs and 28 hits during that stretch (35 2/3 innings), with three and five, respectively, coming in a 5-4 victory at St. Louis on Thursday. Roark hasn't been as fortunate against the Phillies this season, posting an 0-3 mark with a 5.40 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington 2B Daniel Murphy has 17 hits -- including two homers -- and six RBIs during his last 12 games.

2. Philadelphia LF Rhys Hoskins has nine hits -- including three homers -- and eight runs scored in his last nine contests.

3. Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg (cervical nerve impingement) is expected to come off the disabled list and start Wednesday's game.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Phillies 2
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/21/2018

The Toronto Blue Jays haven't played very well for the majority of August, but the mere presence of the Baltimore Orioles this season has typically cured whatever has been ailing them. The Blue Jays look to improve to 9-0 at home against the Orioles this season when the American League East rivals meet for the second of three games in Toronto on Tuesday.

Toronto entered the series opener coming off a 2-5 road trip and having dropped 10 of its last 14 contests, but Kendrys Morales almost singlehandedly halted both slides with his second two-homer effort of the season in Monday's 5-3 victory. The Blue Jays (56-69) improved to 10-1 against Baltimore (37-88) in 2018 as a result, securing their eighth straight win against the team with the worst record in baseball. The Orioles received a solo homer from Renato Nunez and three hits from Craig Gentry, but those contributions proved to be mostly fruitless as they dropped to 16-48 on the road and 17-38 inside the division. Although he went hitless in the opener, Baltimore rookie outfielder Cedric Mullins has been a bright spot - batting .343 since making his major-league debut on Aug. 10.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (7-11, 4.99 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Sam Gaviglio (2-6, 5.13)

Bundy was roughed up at home for the second straight time in Wednesday's loss to the New York Mets, tying season highs in allowing seven earned runs and 11 hits while logging 5 1/3 innings. The native Oklahoman was tagged for a season high-tying eight runs (seven earned) across five frames in a no-decision versus Boston five days earlier. Morales is only 2-for-13 with a double against Bundy, who is 3-1 with a 2.27 ERA in nine appearances (five starts) versus Toronto.

Gaviglio has failed to produce a quality start in nine straight outings and is in the midst of a 15-game winless streak since notching his only victory as a starter this season on May 25. The 28-year-old was saddled with his sixth straight losing decision following Thursday's defeat in Kansas City in which he surrendered five runs over 4 1/3 frames. One of Gaviglio's better outings of the season came when he permitted four runs across 7 2/3 innings and struck out eight in a no-decision against Baltimore on July 20.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto OF Kevin Pillar is batting .444 with five doubles, a home run and eight RBIs during his seven-game hitting streak.

2. Baltimore 2B Jonathan Villar stole two bases Monday - the first time he swiped multiple bases in a game since recording three against the Blue Jays while with Milwaukee on May 23, 2017.

3. Toronto C Danny Jansen has notched at least one hit in each of his first six big-league games.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 7, Orioles 5
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Chicago Cubs vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/20/2018

The Chicago Cubs will try to break out of their latest offensive slump and pad their National League Central lead when they travel to Detroit for a quick two-game set against the Tigers starting Tuesday. Chicago leads second-place Milwaukee by three games in the division and owns the best record in the NL.

The Tigers have lost five of their last six to fall 23 games below .500, but they are a respectable 32-30 at home. The Cubs salvaged a split of their four-game series in Pittsburgh over the weekend despite scoring only four runs - all on solo home runs - and going 0-for-17 with runners in scoring position. "We have to get our offense straightened out," Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters. "I can't make any excuses for them either. We just have to get better." Tigers outfielder Nicholas Castellanos alone has outproduced the Cubs' entire lineup lately, as he hit .393 with three doubles, two homers, and 10 RBIs to earn American League Player of the Week honors.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (9-9, 4.11 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (5-5, 4.36)

The Cubs have won Hendricks' last four starts and six of his past seven. The 28-year-old matched his season-high with eight strikeouts last time out, allowing four runs over six-plus innings in a win over Milwaukee to even his record. Hendricks faced the Tigers for the first time on July 3 and gave up three runs over five frames in a no-decision.

Zimmermann had put together consecutive quality starts before getting tagged for six runs over five innings in a loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. The 32-year-old has given up multiple homers in five of his last six starts. Zimmermann is 1-5 with a 4.58 ERA in nine starts against Cubs, but he hasn't faced them since 2015.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs OF Jason Heyward (6-for-17, homer) and 1B Anthony Rizzo (5-for-12, homer) have had success against Zimmermann.
2. Tigers 1B Jim Adduci is 9-for-24 during a six-game hitting streak and is hitting .362 in 13 games this month.

3. Chicago RHP Yu Darvish requested an MRI when he experienced discomfort in his right elbow after pitching just one inning of a rehab start for Class-A South Bend on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Tigers 4
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Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/21/2018

Greg Allen was called up from the minors less than two weeks ago to help the Cleveland Indians fill the void left behind by Leonys Martin, but he is proving to be much more than just a replacement outfielder. After delivering a tiebreaking two-run homer in the opener of a four-game set against two of the American League's top teams, the 25-year-old rookie will try to extend his hitting streak to 14 games Tuesday when the Indians visit the Boston Red Sox.

Martin was placed on the disabled list on Aug. 9 with what proved to be a life-threatening bacterial infection - an ailment that is expected to keep him out the rest of the season. Allen has hit safely in every game since his promotion and is batting .351 over that span after leading Cleveland (72-52) to a 5-4 victory Monday, enabling the Indians to open up a season-high 13-game advantage over second-place Minnesota in the AL Central while improving to 14-4 in August. The Red Sox (88-38) own the highest-scoring offense in the majors, but they suffered their second straight loss Monday despite nearly doubling up the Indians in hits (13-7). Boston still holds a nine-game edge on the New York Yankees in the AL East and appears to be getting another offensive weapon primed for a promising stretch run, as Xander Bogaerts drove in three runs in the opener and is batting .326 in August.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, STO (Cleveland), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Shane Bieber (6-2, 4.37 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Nathan Eovaldi (5-4, 3.62)

Bieber is unbeaten in his last four starts, although he only has one win to show for it over that time after settling for a second straight no-decision Wednesday at Cincinnati. The 23-year-old rookie is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three August outings but turned in his worst effort over that stretch against the Reds, giving up three runs over 4 1/3 innings. Bieber will try to remain unbeaten outside of Cleveland (2-0, 4.11 ERA in six road starts) when he faces Boston for the first time.

Eovaldi will be happy to return to Fenway Park - where he has yet to yield a run in 15 innings - after settling for a pair of no-decisions at Baltimore and Philadelphia. The Houston native allowed three runs (one earned) across five innings Wednesday versus the Phillies after surrendering eight runs (four earned) in 2 2/3 frames against the Orioles. Yan Gomes (4-for-8) has enjoyed the most success against Eovaldi, who is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three career games (two starts) versus Cleveland.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox have lost three straight only once (April 21-24) and are the only team in the majors without a four-game losing streak this season.

2. Cleveland is 16-4 in its last 20 road contests.

3. Boston on Monday fell to 60-10 when it scores first and 64-5 when holding a lead after five innings.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Indians 2
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Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/21/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays send ace Blake Snell to the mound Tuesday night in search of their third straight shutout when the struggling Kansas City Royals pay a visit for the second of a four-game set. Snell has not allowed a run in his last two outings to push his career-high total to 14 wins and the Rays have blanked opponents over the past 23 innings after Monday's 1-0 triumph in the series opener.

Four Tampa Bay pitchers limited Kansas City to six hits and two walks while stranding seven runners Monday after the Rays (64-61) beat the major league-best Boston Red Sox 2-0 on Sunday to finish a 5-4 road trip. Snell, who made his first All-Star Game last month, has held opponents to one run or fewer in seven of his last eight starts as he goes to the mound against Kansas City rookie Glenn Sparkman on Tuesday. The Royals (38-87) have lost 14 of their last 18 contests since winning the first encounter of August and are just one game ahead of the major league-worst Baltimore Orioles (37-88). Kansas City second baseman Whit Merrifield reached on an infield single in the eighth inning to extend his hitting streak to nine games, in which he is 14-for-36.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Glenn Sparkman (0-1, 4.95 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (14-5, 2.10)

Sparkman makes his second major-league start after permitting two runs on four hits and one walk during his first turn Thursday in a no-decision against Toronto. The 26-year-old Texan, who was a 20th-round pick in the 2013 draft, had three straight scoreless relief outings before giving up five runs over 7 1/3 frames in his last three prior to getting a start. Sparkman is 0-1 with a 4.70 ERA in five appearances on the road in 2018, allowing opponents to bat .313 with five walks over 7 2/3 innings.

Snell has been outstanding since returning from a brief stint on the disabled list, yielding one run on five hits across 14 innings combined in three starts with two wins. The 25-year-old Washington native gave up two hits in five scoreless frames to beat the New York Yankees on Thursday after tossing five hitless frames at Toronto six days earlier. Drew Butera has a homer versus Snell, who permitted four runs and 10 hits over five innings to lose his only start against the Royals last year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kansas City LF Alex Gordon needs one home run to pass Hal McRae (169) for fourth on the franchise's all-time list.

2. Tampa Bay DH Ji-Man Choi had a bunt single Monday and is 9-for-28 during a nine-game hitting streak.

3. Royals 1B/DH Ryan O'Hearn went 0-for-3 on Monday but owns three homers and seven RBIs in his last six contests.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, Royals 2
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San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/21/2018

The San Francisco Giants continue to struggle to put runs on the board, but they got just enough to open their series at the New York Mets with a win. The Giants will try to make it two in a row and crawl a bit closer to .500 when the teams continue the four-game series at Citi Field on Tuesday.

Andrew McCutchen walked and eventually came in on a dropped pop fly in the top of the 13th inning to lift San Francisco to a 2-1 victory Monday. The marathon win snapped a four-game slide for the Giants (62-64), who have scored 22 runs over their last nine games - three of which went to extra innings. The Mets averaged 7.5 runs during a 7-4 road trip before going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranding 10 runners in the series opener. The Giants plan to recall Chris Stratton to start Tuesday's affair opposite left-hander Steven Matz for the Mets.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Chris Stratton (8-7, 5.52 ERA) vs. Mets LH Steven Matz (5-10, 4.60)

Stratton is being recalled for the second time in less than a month after winning his last two starts for Triple-A Sacramento while allowing two runs in 13 combined innings. He has a woeful 14.14 ERA over his last four outings (three starts) in the majors. The former first-round pick will be facing the Mets for the first time.

Matz went on the disabled list after a disastrous outing on July 31 at Washington in which he gave up seven runs in just two-thirds of an innings, and he wasn't a whole lot better in his return from the DL. The 27-year-old allowed six runs (four earned) and five hits in two frames of a loss at Philadelphia on Thursday. Matz's only prior start against the Giants in 2016 resulted in six scoreless innings and a win.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants have hit two home runs in their last 115 innings.

2. Mets SS Amed Rosario has 11 runs scored in the last nine contests.

3. San Francisco optioned RHP Ray Black to Sacramento on Monday. RHP Derek Law was recalled from Sacramento in a corresponding move.

PREDICTION: Mets 6, Giants 4
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New York Yankees vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/20/2018

While the rest of his teammates are set to begin a six-game road trip, Giancarlo Stanton will enjoy a homecoming of sorts Tuesday when the New York Yankees (78-46) play the opener of a two-game interleague series against the Miami Marlins. Stanton, a four-time All-Star, was the National League MVP in 2017 during his eighth and final year with the Marlins (50-76).

"It's going to be weird for sure, walking up and going to the visitor's side. But I'm looking forward to it. It's a big part of my life, my time down there," said Stanton, whose availability for Tuesday is in question as he nurses a tight left hamstring. New York's offense hasn't been limited, however, as it erupted for 28 runs on 31 hits in a three-game sweep against Toronto over the weekend. While the Yankees have won 10 of 14 to strengthen their hold on the American League's top wild-card spot, Miami enjoyed a rare offensive outburst of its own to win back-to-back contests versus Washington. J.T. Riddle has answered a 3-for-31 stretch in his previous 14 games by going 7-for-12 with two homers, seven RBIs and three runs scored in his last three contests.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (9-4, 4.03 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Pablo Lopez (2-3, 4.79)

Tanaka answered an unbeaten 14-start stretch by dropping back-to-back outings as he followed up a three-homer, six-run performance versus Texas with six strong innings in a 3-1 setback against Tampa Bay on Thursday. The 29-year-old Japanese star overcame a pair of RBI doubles in the first inning before keeping the Rays at bay for the rest of the start. Tanaka is looking to avenge a disastrous start versus Miami on April 17, when he surrendered seven runs on as many hits in a 9-1 setback.

Lopez saw his scheduled start Sunday pushed back in favor the soon-to-be suspended Jose Urena, who tossed a complete-game gem versus the Nationals. The 22-year-old Lopez fell to 0-2 in his last four starts after getting pierced for six runs on as many hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 9-1 setback at Atlanta on Aug. 13. Lopez, who will make his first career start against the Yankees on Tuesday, has been taken deep in each of his last five outings and eight times in 47 innings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami 2B Starlin Castro, who was acquired in the Stanton deal, extended his hitting streak to eight games following a two-double, three-single performance Sunday.

2. Yankees 1B Greg Bird has homered in back-to-back outings after going 5-for-45 in his previous 14 contests.

3. Marlins C J.T. Realmuto, who has hit safely in eight of his last 10 games, belted a three-run homer against the Yankees on April 17 in his first game of the season.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Marlins 2
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Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/21/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers have halted a slump with consecutive victories and look to record another when they host the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. The Brewers posted a 5-2 triumph in the series opener and have allowed three runs in back-to-back wins following a 5-10 stretch.

Travis Shaw belted a go-ahead, two-run homer and Christian Yelich launched a solo shot as Milwaukee improved to 8-3 against the Reds this season. All-Star Jesus Aguilar registered three of the Brewers' 12 hits and has gone 10-for-23 with one homer, six RBIs and six runs scored over his last seven outings. Milwaukee climbed within three games of the first-place Chicago Cubs in the National League Central and currently possesses the league's top wild-card spot. The Reds had their three-game winning streak halted with Monday's defeat, but All-Star Eugenio Suarez went deep for the second straight game to raise his team-leading totals to 28 homers and 92 RBIs.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Sal Romano (7-10, 5.31 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Junior Guerra (6-8, 3.73)

Romano has lost all five of his career starts against the Brewers, including both of this season's outings. The 24-year-old, who gave up two runs over five innings in each of the 2018 setbacks, owns a 5.70 ERA and 1.69 WHIP versus Milwaukee. Romano was torched by Cleveland in his last turn as he gave up six runs and seven hits over 1 2/3 frames of an 8-1 loss.

Guerra has gone 0-3 with a 6.54 ERA over his last six outings, allowing five or more runs in each of the setbacks during that stretch. The 33-year-old has served up seven homers during the span after yielding just 10 over his first 17 outings. Guerra is 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA in two starts against the Reds this season and 2-1 with a 5.02 ERA in six career appearances (five starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers CF Lorenzo Cain recorded two hits in the series opener and is 19-for-50 with five stolen bases and seven multi-hit efforts over his last 12 games.

2. Cincinnati All-Star 2B Scooter Gennett was hitless in four at-bats on Monday and is 4-for-30 against his former club this season.

3. Milwaukee C Manny Pina (shoulder) returned for the opener and went 2-for-3 with an RBI after sitting out three straight contests.

PREDICTION: Brewers 9, Reds 3
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Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/21/2018

All-Star right-hander Jose Berrios will look to continue his success against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, when the Minnesota Twins visit the South Side for the second of three straight games between the American League Central rivals. Berrios is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA against Chicago this season and 6-1 with a 2.28 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in seven career meetings.

Minnesota completed a seven-game homestand with a 5-2 record after losing 8-5 to Chicago on Monday in the makeup game of a snowed-out contest in mid-April. The Twins will get a look at Michael Kopech, the second-ranked prospect in the White Sox organization who will make his major-league debut after registering 170 strikeouts in 126 1/3 innings at Triple-A Charlotte. Chicago's Matt Davidson homered and recorded three RBIs while Jose Abreu notched two hits and drove in two runs to raise his RBI count to 11 in the last seven games. Max Kepler has gone deep in back-to-back contests and three of his last seven for Minnesota, which has won five of seven.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jose Berrios (11-8, 3.75 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Michael Kopech (NR)

Berrios has registered 23 strikeouts and issued only two walks while posting a 0.77 WHIP in this season's three turns against Chicago. The 24-year-old has struggled in his last two outings, surrendering eight runs, 11 hits and eight walks over 7 2/3 innings in a pair of no-decisions. Berrios is just 3-6 with a 4.59 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 11 road starts this season.

Kopech was a first-round draft pick of Boston in 2014 but was acquired by Chicago as part of the package for Chris Sale prior to last season. The 22-year-old has gone 7-7 with a 3.70 ERA in 24 starts at Charlotte, and the White Sox will watch his innings down the stretch. "At this time, we anticipate Michael taking the ball every fifth day and sticking to a five-man rotation," Chicago general manager Rick Hahn told reporters. "We're going to remain flexible, and if we have to adjust down the stretch, we certainly will."

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox MGR Rich Renteria is expected back in the dugout after being hospitalized on Monday for light-headedness.

2. The top four hitters in Minnesota's lineup - 1B Joe Mauer (five at-bats), LF Eddie Rosario (four), SS Jose Polanco (three, one walk) and 3B Miguel Sano (four) - were a combined 0-for-16 on Monday.

3. Chicago OF Leury Garcia (hamstring) departed the series opener and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Twins 7, White Sox 5
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San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th August 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/20/2018

The Colorado Rockies are one of the hottest teams in baseball with wins in eight of their last nine games and are nipping at the heels of the Arizona Diamondbacks for first place in the National League West. The Rockies will try to avoid a letdown after a dramatic road trip when they return home to host the last-place San Diego Padres on Tuesday in the opener of a three-game series.

Colorado started its recent run by taking three of four from the Los Angeles Dodgers and split a pair at American League West-leading Houston before sweeping a four-game set over the weekend at NL East-leading Atlanta. "Talking doesn't get it done, it's the way these guys are playing," third baseman Nolan Arenado told reporters of his teammates Sunday after the Rockies remained a half-game behind first-place Arizona. "Everybody's contributing - starting pitching, bullpen, defense, offense. I think the offense can probably do a little bit better job, but we're finding a way. And our pitchers are keeping us in games." Colorado finished up a stretch of 46 straight games against teams .500 or better Sunday and will take on Padres club that lost six of its last seven, including three of four to the Diamondbacks over the weekend, to fall to 49-78. San Diego will try to cool Colorado behind left-hander Robbie Erlin while the Rockies counter with lefty Tyler Anderson.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Robbie Erlin (2-3, 3.33 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (6-5, 4.39)

Erlin is making a smooth transition into the starting rotation and allowed a total of five earned runs over 16 innings in three starts this month. The 27-year-old stays around the plate and issued a total of eight walks in 75 2/3 innings this season. Erlin made four relief appearances against Arizona earlier this season and surrendered a total of one run and four hits while walking one and striking out six in 6 2/3 innings.

Anderson is winless in his last seven turns and was crushed by Houston on Wednesday, when he surrendered nine runs on seven hits - three homers - and three walks in 4 1/3 innings. The Oregon product also yielded three home runs in a loss at Milwaukee on Aug. 4 and is second in the NL with 24 homers allowed. Anderson is making his fourth start against San Diego this season and went 1-0 with a 2.55 ERA and one home run allowed in the first three chances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies LHP Mike Dunn (shoulder) is expected to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday.

2. San Diego RF Hunter Renfroe left Sunday's game after being hit by a pitch in the forearm but x-rays came back negative and he is day-to-day.

3. Colorado SS Trevor Story hit his 26th home run Sunday and needs one more to match his career high, set in 2016.

PREDICTION: Rockies 5, Padres 2
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Los Angeles Angels vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th August 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/20/2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks enter the week clinging to the smallest of leads in the National League West as they attempt to hold off the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Diamondbacks finished up their road trip on a dramatic note Sunday and will try to carry that momentum home when they return to host the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of a two-game interleague series Tuesday.

Arizona squeezed out a 4-3 victory at San Diego on Sunday thanks to a tiebreaking homer in the ninth inning from A.J. Pollock to finish out a 5-4 trip and maintain a half-game lead over the hard-charging Rockies in the West. "It was an exceptional win," Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told reporters. "We obviously were in need of this to win the series. We know what the stakes are. We knew exactly what was going on, but these guys were able to separate that and execute, and it's pretty impressive." The Angels are well off the pace in the American League West and dropped three of four at Texas over the weekend but will get plenty of opportunities to impact races in both leagues with series against Arizona, Houston (twice) and Colorado over the next two weeks. Los Angeles will turn to right-hander Felix Pena on Tuesday while the Diamondbacks counter with lefty ace Patrick Corbin.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Felix Pena (1-3, 4.35 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Patrick Corbin (10-4, 3.18)

Pena turned in strong effort in each of his last three outings but did not earn a win in any as the offense struggled to get on the board early. The 28-year-old settled for a no-decision at San Diego on Wednesday despite striking out seven and allowing one unearned run and two hits in six frames. Pena did not last long enough to earn a win over Arizona on June 19, when he started and surrendered one run on two hits and three walks in four innings while striking out six.

Corbin earned the win in each of his last three outings while yielding a total of six runs and 17 hits in 20 1/3 innings against San Francisco, Philadelphia and Texas. The 29-year-old did not walk a batter in any of those three turns and owns 37 free passes while striking out 190 in 155 2/3 innings this season. Corbin is facing the Angels for the first time in his career and is 7-4 with a 3.50 ERA in 15 interleague games (13 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels RF Kole Calhoun is 2-for-13 with seven strikeouts in his last three games.

2. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt is enjoying a 12-game hitting streak (22-for-51, four home runs, 11 RBIs) and reached base safely in each of the last 25 contests.

3. Pollock recorded four extra-base hits over the last two games.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 4, Angels 2
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Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/21/2018

The Oakland Athletics have received contributions from many different players during their surge toward the top of the American League West, and rookie Ramon Laureano became the latest to do damage. Oakland hopes for a repeat performance when it hosts the Texas Rangers on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series.

Laureano belted his first two major-league home runs and collected five RBIs to lead the Athletics to a 9-0 triumph in Monday's series opener. Khris Davis and Stephen Piscotty also went deep as Oakland posted its 14th win in 18 contests and 41st in 55 to pull even with Houston for the division lead. The Rangers managed only three hits on Monday as they kicked off a six-game road trip with their second loss in three contests. Nomar Mazara enters Tuesday with a seven-game hitting streak during which he has gone 9-for-27.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Ariel Jurado (2-2, 6.41 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Brett Anderson (2-3, 3.90)

Jurado has surrendered six runs in each of his last two starts, including a loss to the Yankees in New York on Aug. 9 in which he walked three and gave up seven hits - including four home runs. The 22-year-old Panamanian rookie escaped with a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday after yielding nine hits in six frames. Jurado, who will be making his sixth major-league start, allowed three runs over 11 innings in his previous two turns - winning both.

Anderson has been outstanding this month, allowing two runs and 11 hits over 19 2/3 innings in three starts, but has a trio of no-decisions to show for his efforts. The 30-year-old Texan kept the opposition scoreless while working at least seven frames in two of those outings - both of which took place at home. Anderson has struggled against Texas during his career, going 2-4 with a 5.68 ERA in nine starts and three relief appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. The bottom four hitters in Oakland's lineup on Monday combined to go 11-for-17 with seven RBIs and seven runs scored.

2. Texas LHP Mike Minor (back), who has won three consecutive outings, is expected to start the series finale on Wednesday.

3. Davis is three homers away from his third straight 40-blast season and needs one RBI to reach the century mark for the third consecutive campaign.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Rangers 4
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