MLB Betting News and Trends For Tuesday 9/4/18

National League
Cardinals (76-62) @ Nationals (69-69)
Mikolas is 3-1, 3.80 in his last seven starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 19-8, 10-3 away
5-inning record: 14-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-27

Fedde is making his first start since July 4; he is 1-2, 5.71 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 2-4, 0-4 home (road team won all six)
5-inning record: 1-2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Cardinals are 4-5 in their last nine games; under is 8-4 in their last 12 games. Washington lost three of its last five games; over is 8-3-1 in their last 12 home games.

Phillies (72-65) @ Marlins (55-83)
Arrieta is 0-3, 6.30 in his last four starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 13-13, 5-7 away
5-inning record: 13-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-26

Richards is 0-2, 4.85 in his last five starts; his last three starts went over. Team in his starts: 8-12, 5-4 home
5-inning record: 8-7-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-20

Philly is 4-11 in its last 15 games; over is 5-4 in their last nine games. Marlins lost five of their last seven games; under is 6-2 in their last eight home games.

Reds (59-79) @ Pirates (67-71)
Reed is 0-0, 7.04 in his two starts (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 0-2, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Musgrove is 1-4, 4.14 in his last six starts (under 5-1). Team in his starts: 6-10, 4-5 home
5-inning record: 6-9-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Cincinnati is 3-9 in its last 12 games; over is 5-4 in their last nine games. Pirates lost nine of their last 13 games; under is 16-4-1 in their last 21 games.

Cubs (81-56) @ Brewers (78-61)
Montgomery is 1-1, 4.35 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 7-7, 4-4 away
5-inning record: 6-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Miley is 0-1, 3.81 in his last five starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 7-4, 2-2 home
5-inning record: 5-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-10

Cubs won 10 of their last 13 games; under is 9-4-1 in their last 14 road games. Milwaukee is 8-3 in its last 11 games, over is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Giants (68-71) @ Rockies (75-62)
Rodriguez is 1-1, 2.13 in his last six starts; under is 8-2 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 9-5, 4-1 road
5-inning record: 8-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Marquez is 2-0, 1.55 in his last four starts; his last seven stayed under. Team in his starts: 14-12, 6-7 home
5-inning record: 11-12-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 16-26

Giants lost four of their last five games; eight of their last nine games stayed under the total. Colorado won seven of its last ten home games; under is 7-3 in their last ten home games.

Mets (62-75) @ Dodgers (75-63)
Vargas is 3-0, 1.62 in his last three starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 5-11, 3-7 road
5-inning record: 6-10 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-16

Hill is 1-1, 3.91 in his last four starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 9-10, 3-5 home
5-inning record: 6-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Mets won four of their last five games; under is 5-1 in their last six games. Dodgers won eight of their last ten games; under is 6-0 in their last six games.

Padres (55-85) @ Diamondbacks (74-64)
Lucchesi is 2-1, 3.18 in his last four starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 9-12, 3-4 road
5-inning record: 9-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Ray is 1-0, 3.24 in his last five starts (under 3-1-1). Team in his starts: 8-10, 2-6 home
5-inning record: 10-4-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Padres are 5-7 in their last 12 games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Arizona lost six of its last eight games; their last ten games stayed under.

American League
Tigers (55-83) @ White Sox (56-82)
Liriano is 0-4, 9.28 in his last five starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 8-14, 4-10 away
5-inning record: 7-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Giolito is 3-0, 2.84 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 14-13, 4-9 home.
5-inning record: 9-15-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-27

Tigers lost eight of their last ten games; over is 4-2 in their last six games. Chicago is 14-6 in its last 20 games; under is 7-1 in their last eight games.

Twins (63-74) @ Astros (85-53)
Stewart is 0-1, 6.61 in his four starts (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 2-2, 1-1 away
5-inning record: 1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Verlander is 2-2, 4.76 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six home starts. Team in his starts: 16-13, 5-11 home (lost last 5 home starts).
5-inning record: 18-6-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-29

Twins lost eight of their last ten games; over is 5-3 in their last eight road games. Houston is 10-3 in its last 13 games; under is 9-4 in their last 13 home games.

New York (86-52) @ A’s (83-56)
Happ is 5-0, 3.37 in his six starts for NY (over 4-1-1). Team in his starts: 5-1, 1-0 away
5-inning record: 5-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Hendriks will start what is a bullpen game for Oakland. Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-1 home.
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

New York is 3-5 in its last eight games; over is 4-1 in their last five games. Oakland is 7-4 in its last 11 games; over is 7-1 in their last eight games.

Royals (46-91) @ Indians (77-60)
Duffy is 1-2, 6.05 in his last four starts; over is 5-1-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 10-17, 7-9 away
5-inning record: 12-12-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-27

Clevinger is 3-0, 2.66 in his last four starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 12-15, 7-7 home.
5-inning record: 6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Royals won eight of their last nine games; over is 8-4-1 in their last 13 road games. Cleveland is 4-8 in its last 12 games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six games.

Rays (74-63) @ Blue Jays (62-75)
Bullpen game for the Rays. Team in his starts: away
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Gaviglio is 1-3, 5.24 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 7-12, 4-4 home.
5-inning record: 6-8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-19

Rays won 12 of their last 14 games; over is 4-2-1 in their last seven games. Toronto lost six of its last eight games; five of their last six games went over.

Angels (67-71) @ Rangers (60-78)
Heaney is 1-1, 4.74 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 13-12, 5-8 away
5-inning record: 7-11-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-25

Minor is 4-1, 2.64 in his last five starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 12-12, 7-6 home.
5-inning record: 9-11-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-24

Angels lost nine of their last 13 games; under is 5-1 in their last six games. Texas lost six of its last eight games; four of their last six games went over.

Orioles (40-98) @ Mariners (77-61)
Cobb is 1-1, 3.12 in his last five starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 7-19, 5-11 away
5-inning record: 7-14-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-25

LeBlanc is 1-0, 0.69 in his last two starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 15-7, 9-2 home.
5-inning record: 13-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-22

Baltimore lost its last eight road games; over is 4-2 in their last six road games. Mariners are 8-11 in their last 19 games; over is 9-3 in their last 12 home games.

Interleague
Red Sox (95-44) @ Braves (76-61)
Porcello is 0-2, 6.35 in his last three starts; over is 9-5 in his last 14. Team in his starts: 18-10, 10-6 away
5-inning record: 17-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-28

Newcomb is 1-2, 8.38 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 14-12, 4-7 home.
5-inning record: 13-11-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-26

Red Sox lost six of their last nine road games; under is 8-5 in their last 13 road games. Atlanta is 3-8 in its last 11 games; under is 12-4-1 in their last 17 games.

Umpires
Stl-Wsh: Under is 12-7-1 in last 20 Lentz games.
Cin-Pitt: Underdogs are 6-4 in last ten Little games.
Phil-Mia: Over is 7-4-1 in last dozen LBarrett games.
Chi-Mil: Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Rackley games.
SF-Col: Over is 7-3 in last ten May games.
SD-Ariz: Over is 9-2 in last eleven Tichenor games.
NY-LA: Three of last four Blakney games stayed under.

TB-Tor: Under is 13-5-1 in last 19 Wolcott games.
KC-Clev: Under is 7-1-1 in last nine West games.
LA-Tex: Under is 11-2 in last 13 Baker games.
Det-Chi: Favorites won nine of last ten Segal games.
Min-Hst: Under is 9-5-1 in Mahrley games this year.
NY-A’s: Under is 5-2 in last seven Hallion games.
Balt-Sea: Under is 5-3-1 in Libka games this year.

Bos-Atl: Over is 6-2 in last eight Visconti games.

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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

The Washington Nationals are in the midst of a stretch of 19 consecutive games against National League playoff contenders, so even if they can't get back in the race, they have a prime opportunity to make an impact. The Nationals will try to play spoiler again Tuesday when they host the St. Louis Cardinals in the second of a three-game series.

The Nationals won the series opener 4-3 but remain seven games behind the Cardinals for the second NL wild card and 7 1/2 back of Atlanta in the NL East. Bryce Harper ended a drought of 61 at-bats without a homer with a game-tying two-run blast in the ninth inning Monday, then won it with a sacrifice fly in the 10th. The Cardinals have dropped three straight to fall 5 1/2 games behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central, but they remain a half-game ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies for the final playoff spot. St. Louis is 29-16 since manager Mike Shildt took over for Mike Matheny on July 15.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (13-4, 2.96 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Erick Fedde (1-3, 5.79)

Mikolas is coming off his first loss since June 29 after allowing two runs over five innings in a 2-0 defeat against Pittsburgh on Wednesday. The 30-year-old has only one quality start in his last four outings after a string of three straight prior to that stretch. Mikolas faced the Nationals on Aug. 13 and allowed four runs over seven innings in a no-decision.

Fedde is set to come off the disabled list and make his first big-league start since July 4. The 25-year-old made three rehab starts in the minors, allowing four runs over 14 2/3 innings. Fedde is 0-4 with a 6.75 ERA in six career starts at Nationals Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals INF Matt Carpenter has 23 home runs on the road this season, tied with Stan Musial for the most by a left-handed hitter in franchise history.

2. The Nationals are expected to activate RHP Joe Ross and recall OF Victor Robles, their top prospect, as soon as Tuesday.

3. Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright is expected to return to the rotation Monday against Pittsburgh after being sidelined since May 17 with right elbow inflammation.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Nationals 3
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Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a series of moves in front of the waiver trade deadline on Friday designed to open more playing time for younger players, especially on the infield, and the early returns are positive. The Pirates will try to ride the hot bat of second baseman Adam Frazier to a series win when they host the Cincinnati Reds for the second of a three-game series on Tuesday.

Pittsburgh waived goodbye to veteran infielders David Freese and Adeiny Hechavarria on Friday, immediately opening up playing time on the infield for Frazier, who had logged time at all three outfield spots this season in addition to second base. Frazier got the start at second base in the opener against the Reds on Monday and responded by going 4-for-4 with three RBIs while coming up a triple short of the cycle in a 5-1 victory. Cincinnati has its own hot second baseman in All-Star Scooter Gennett, who went 2-for-4 with a homer on Monday and leads the National League with a .320 batting average. Pirates right-hander Joe Musgrove will try to slow Gennett on Tuesday while Reds lefty Cody Reed tangles with Frazier and company.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH Cody Reed (0-1, 3.26 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Joe Musgrove (5-8, 3.80)

Reed is getting a chance to prove he belongs in the rotation and will make his third start among 13 appearances in 2018. The 25-year-old was solid in a start against Milwaukee on Thursday, allowing one run on four hits and three walks over 4 2/3 innings, but was lifted after 73 pitches. Reed, who is seeing Pittsburgh for the first time this season, could build his pitch count further on Tuesday.

Musgrove struggled through his last two outings, allowing a total of nine runs on 13 hits over 10 innings at Milwaukee and St. Louis. The 25-year-old enjoyed a string of five straight quality starts prior to the recent blip, including wins over first-place clubs Cleveland and the Chicago Cubs. Musgrove suffered through his worst start of the season at home against Cincinnati on June 17, when he was ripped for season highs of six runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 1B Josh Bell went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on Monday and is hitless in his last four games.

2. Cincinnati CF Billy Hamilton is 11-for-29 over his last seven contests, raising his batting average to .244.

3. Pittsburgh LF Corey Dickerson is 3-for-34 over his last 10 games.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Reds 2
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Tampa Bay Rays' playoff hopes may be slim, but they've kicked off the final month of the season in strong fashion. Tampa Bay aims for its fourth consecutive victory to start September when it visits the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series.

The Rays rolled to a 7-1 triumph in Monday's series opener, improving to 4-2 on their eight-game road trip and remaining eight games behind Oakland for the second wild-card spot in the American League. Kevin Kiermaier finished a homer shy of the cycle and drove in a run while Ji-Man Choi went deep for Tampa Bay, which has won 12 of its last 14 contests. Toronto managed only four singles on Monday as it began a seven-game homestand with its sixth loss in eight games. Teoscar Hernandez plated the lone run for the Blue Jays, who have dropped two straight at home following a six-game winning streak at Rogers Centre.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Ryne Stanek (2-3, 2.72 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (3-3, 4.52)

Stanek will make his 24th start of the season and second in two nights as Tampa Bay continues its method of using a reliever to open a contest. The 27-year-old native of St. Louis worked one perfect inning in the series opener on Monday, fanning one batter while throwing 11 of his 16 pitches for strikes. Opponents are batting just .185 this season against Stanek, who has worked four scoreless frames versus Toronto this season.

Borucki has been hit hard of late, surrendering four or more runs in four of his last five starts - including a no-decision at Baltimore on Wednesday in which he was tagged for five runs and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old rookie from Illinois has won three of his last four decisions, with two of the victories coming at home. Borucki, who has yet to face Tampa Bay in his career, has posted a 2.59 ERA at Rogers Centre as opposed to a 6.40 mark on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays INF Joey Wendle is riding a nine-game hitting streak during which he has gone 17-for-40 with seven multi-hit performances.

2. Tampa Bay purchased the contract of Nick Ciuffo from Triple-A Durham, placed fellow C Adam Moore on the restricted list and activated OF Mallex Smith (virus) from the 10-day disabled list.

3. Toronto added Mark Leiter Jr., who was claimed off waivers from Philadelphia on Saturday, to the active roster, activated fellow RHP Marcus Stroman (finger) - who yielded four runs over 1 2/3 innings in the series opener - from the 10-day DL and sent OF Dwight Smith Jr. outright to Triple-A Buffalo.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Blue Jays 3
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Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
The Cleveland Indians won 19 of 28 games in August to make a playoff spot inevitable, but they will be looking for their first win in their fourth try this month when they host the red-hot Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night. The Indians managed just a Francisco Lindor ninth-inning homer Monday afternoon as the Royals extended their winning streak to a season-high six games with a 5-1 triumph.

Cleveland leads the American League Central by 14 games despite losing the final two of the series with Tampa Bay at home over the weekend and recording just four hits Monday against Kansas City, which sits last in the division. Rejuvenated right-hander Mike Clevinger will try to snap the losing streak for the Indians when he takes the mound Tuesday against lefty Danny Duffy, who has pitched better of late but is 0-3 with a 10.80 ERA in three starts against Cleveland this year. The Royals have won eight of their last nine, averaging 6.7 runs during that stretch, but are still last in the AL and 29th in the majors in scoring. Rookie first baseman Ryan O'Hearn went deep twice for Kansas City on Monday and boasts nine homers along with 22 RBIs in 24 games since being recalled.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (8-11, 4.72 ERA) vs. Indians RH Mike Clevinger (10-7, 3.17)

Duffy finished August with two strong outings after a brief stint on the disabled list, allowing three runs on eight hits and five walks across 11 innings combined. The 29-year-old Californian yielded at least six runs five times and limited opponents to one or fewer eight times during his last 14 starts. Yan Gomes is 10-for-26 with three homers and nine RBIs versus Duffy, who is 2-9 with a 5.38 ERA in his career against the Indians.

Clevinger turned things around in August with a 3-0 record and 2.21 ERA, capped by a victory over Minnesota on Thursday in which he gave up two unearned runs over 6 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old Floridian went 1-4 with a 4.85 ERA in five July outings before posting five quality starts in six tries last month. Alcides Escobar is 1-for-14 with a homer versus Clevinger, who is 4-0 with a 2.49 ERA in his career against the Royals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kansas City 2B Whit Merrifield went 0-for-5 on Monday to snap a 22-game on-base streak and a seven-game hitting streak.

2. Cleveland 1B/DH Edwin Encarnacion needs one homer to reach 30 for the seventh consecutive season.

3. Royals 3B/1B Hunter Dozier is 11-for-24 with two homers and six RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Royals 3
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia Phillies hope to wake up a dormant offense and climb back into the race in the National League East when they visit the last-place Miami Marlins on Tuesday for the second of a three-game set. The Phillies managed just one run for the third straight contest in a 3-1 setback at Miami on Monday afternoon and have lost 11 of 15 to fall four games behind first-place Atlanta in the NL East.

Asdrubal Cabrera, who is a respectable 11-for-34 over his last nine games, homered for Philadelphia's only run in the latest loss and the Phillies are in jeopardy of losing their sixth straight series against teams at or under .500. Jake Arrieta will try to find his top form again after a rough August when he takes the mound for Philadelphia on Tuesday and Miami will counter with rookie right-hander Trevor Richards, who has pitched well against the Phillies this season. The Marlins have won two of three games this month after ending August with four consecutive losses as they play out the string on their transitional season with a young lineup. Center fielder Lewis Brinson, the key player acquired in the Christian Yelich deal last offseason, is 5-for-11 with a double and an RBI in three games since returning from a near-two month stint on the disabled list with a hip injury.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (9-9, 3.54 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Trevor Richards (3-7, 4.26)

Arrieta is winless in his last five starts, giving up four runs in each of his last two trips to the mound against Toronto (loss) and Washington (no-decision). The 32-year-old TCU product, who won the Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs in 2015, finished with a 4.50 ERA in August after going 4-0 with a 2.80 mark in July. Infielder Miguel Rojas is 2-for-4 with a homer versus Arrieta, who is 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA against the Marlins this season.

Richards has not posted a win in his last seven starts, but limited opponents to three runs or fewer six times during that stretch. The 25-year-old Illinois native gave up five runs on six hits over 11 innings combined against the New York Yankees and Boston in his last two starts without a decision. Richards earned his last win against the Phillies on July 14, allowing four hits over six scoreless innings, and is 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA in the season series.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami C-1B J.T. Realmuto is 10-for-27 with two homers and seven RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

2. Philadelphia 1B Carlos Santana has hit safely in six straight games, going 8-for-24 with a homer and four RBIs in that stretch.

3. The Phillies activated RHP Jerad Eickhoff (lat strain), who has not pitched in the majors this year, from the 60-day DL on Monday.

PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Marlins 2
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Boston Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
Boston Red Sox president Dave Dombrowski felt comfortable not making any big moves at the waiver deadline Friday like his rivals, because he and the front office had already done the work. The Red Sox will continue chasing the franchise's best regular season when they visit the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday in the second of a three-game series.

While the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians both made deals for former MVPs last week, Boston knew it had stars coming back to the pitching staff in Chris Sale, Eduardo Rodriguez and David Price and a former All-Star just rounding into form in the lineup in second baseman Ian Kinsler. Rodriguez pitched the Red Sox to a win over the weekend and Kinsler showed off his clutch hitting ability with three RBIs in Monday's 8-2 triumph. The Braves are leading the National League East but missed a chance to add to that advantage with Monday's setback, and sit four games clear of the slumping Philadelphia Phillies. Boston will hand the ball to former Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello on Tuesday while Atlanta counters with lefty Sean Newcomb.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (15-7, 4.27 ERA) vs. Braves RH Sean Newcomb (11-7, 3.85)

Porcello is winless in his last three turns and was knocked around for a combined 12 runs and 20 hits across 17 innings in those outings. The former Cy Young Award winner's last victory came in a National League park at Philadelphia, where he struck out 10 and yielded one run over seven innings while helping himself with a double. Porcello is 20-8 with a 4.13 ERA in 39 career interleague games, including 2-1 in three starts against Atlanta.

Newcomb allowed five or more runs in three of his last four turns and suffered a loss to Tampa Bay in his last outing on Wednesday. The University of Hartford product was ripped for six runs on eight hits and a pair of walks across four innings by the Rays while notching seven strikeouts. Newcomb started at Boston on May 26 and lasted three innings while allowing three runs on six hits and four walks.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox are expected to recall veteran 2B Brandon Phillips from Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday.

2. Atlanta 1B Freddie Freeman is 5-for-34 over his last eight games, dropping his batting average from .317 to .306.

3. Boston 3B Rafael Devers (hamstring) is expected to be activated off the 10-day DL on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Red Sox 1
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Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th September 2018 by Gracenote
Andrew Heaney has his sights set on recording a second straight road win when the Los Angeles Angels visit the Texas Rangers on Tuesday for the middle contest of their four-game series. Heaney was victorious at Houston in his last start for his initial road triumph this season and first since Sept. 2, 2015.

Heaney is 1-5 with a 4.94 ERA in 13 road starts after a strong outing on Thursday in which he outdueled Houston ace Justin Verlander. Rookie Taylor Ward snapped a scoreless tie on Monday with a two-run homer in the seventh inning as the Angels recorded a 3-1 victory. The Rangers recorded only six hits in the series-opening setback after scoring 32 runs while taking two of three from Minnesota. Joey Gallo registered a run-scoring double for the Rangers - his lone hit in 15 at-bats over his last five games.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (8-8, 4.09 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Mike Minor (10-7, 4.33 ERA)

Heaney gave up five hits over six scoreless innings against the Astros as he ended his three-start winless stretch. The 27-year-old gave up five or more runs in three of his previous four turns, including a no-decision against Texas on Aug. 18 in which he was pounded for six runs and 10 hits over 5 1/3 frames. Heaney is 1-2 with a 7.88 ERA in five career starts versus the Rangers and 0-2 with a 10.38 ERA in three outings at Globe Life Park.

Minor won four consecutive starts before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last turn. The 30-year-old gave up just two runs and two hits against the Dodgers as he served up solo homers to Cody Bellinger and Manny Machado after allowing a total of two blasts during his winning streak. Minor has posted a 5.68 ERA in three career appearances (one start) against the Angels, with the start - in which he yielded three runs over five innings - occurring on June 15, 2014 while with Atlanta.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels LF Justin Upton (concussion) has missed back-to-back games and is questionable for Tuesday.

2. Texas SS Elvis Andrus went 3-for-4 on Monday for his third multi-hit performance in six contests.

3. Los Angeles CF Mike Trout reached base three times (one single, two walks) in the series opener and is 3-for-18 without a homer over his last six games.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, Rangers 3
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Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/03/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers won in walk-off fashion to claim the opener of their three-game series against the visiting Chicago Cubs, and they'll try to tighten the race in the National League Central a little more when the division rivals square off on Tuesday. The Brewers pulled within four games of the Central-leading Cubs with Monday's 4-3 victory, and with five more meetings with Chicago over the next nine days, they have an opportunity to further narrow the gap.

The Cubs lead the season series 9-5, but the NL wild card-leading Brewers have won four of the last five matchups after Christian Yelich beat out a potential double play at first base to allow the winning run to score in the ninth inning on Monday. "They're very good, and they beat us at the end," Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters. "This is what we expect moving forward. When we have the opportunity to win games late with the lead, we have to do that." The Brewers have a chance to keep their hot streak against the Cubs going with Wade Miley on the mound, as he has been their most reliable starter of late. Chicago's Mike Montgomery will try to change his luck against Milwaukee, as he is 1-6 with a 5.24 ERA in 14 career games (five starts) versus the club.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (4-4, 3.82 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Wade Miley (2-2, 2.18)

Montgomery will make his second start since coming off the disabled list, and he hopes to be sharper than he was in his return to the rotation. The 29-year-old was tagged for four runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings of a no-decision at Atlanta. Montgomery has suffered two losses to the Brewers this season - one in relief and one in a start on June 13, when he allowed just one run and two hits over six frames.

Miley has allowed more than two earned runs in only one of his 11 starts - a no-decision against Colorado on Aug. 5 in which he gave up three over five innings. The 31-year-old is coming off a strong outing at Cincinnati, where he gave up one run and five hits in 7 1/3 frames but did not factor in the decision. Miley is 4-2 with a 4.47 ERA in seven career starts against the Cubs, and he was shelled for seven runs over 4 2/3 innings in the most recent meeting last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs INF Javier Baez has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games, batting .381 with five home runs over that span.

2. Yelich has reached base in 20 consecutive games - the longest active streak in the NL - and is batting .311 with nine homers and 23 RBIs during that stretch.

3. The Brewers are tied with St. Louis for the major-league lead with 10 walk-off wins, while the Cubs' 10 walk-off losses put them behind only Minnesota (12).

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Cubs 3
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Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers entered the series with identical records, and Monday's tilt showed off how close the two teams are. The rebuilding American League Central foes will vie for supremacy over each other again when the White Sox host the Tigers in the second of a three-game series on Tuesday.

Chicago and Detroit are both spending the last month looking for signs that their respective rebuilding efforts are moving in the right direction, and the teams entered the ninth inning deadlocked in Monday's series opener before the young players for the White Sox asserted themselves. Rookie right fielder David Palka hit a tying homer in the bottom of the ninth and first baseman Matt Davidson continued a hot streak with a walk-off, two-run blast. Chicago is making a spirited run of late with wins in 14 of their last 20 games, including a series victory over the New York Yankees and a four-game split with the Boston Red Sox. The White Sox will show off another piece in the rebuilding project with right-hander Lucas Giolito opposing Detroit veteran Francisco Liriano on Tuesday.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (3-9, 4.96 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (10-9, 5.66)

Liriano surprisingly remained on the Detroit roster through both the non-waiver and waiver trade periods and will try to continue to supply a veteran presence in the rotation. The Dominican Republic native is winless in his last 17 appearances and served up at least four runs in each of his last three outings, totaling 11 1/3 innings. Liriano last faced Chicago on May 26 and was ripped for five runs on six hits and three walks over five innings to absorb a loss.

Giolito is 3-0 with a 2.84 ERA in his last four outings and held the major league-best Boston Red Sox to one run and two hits over 6 1/3 frames on Thursday. The 24-year-old matched a season high with eight strikeouts against the Red Sox and owns 27 Ks across 25 1/3 innings across his last four turns. One of those outings came at Detroit on Aug. 25, when Giolito limited the Tigers to one run and three hits over seven innings while striking out six.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox RF Avisail Garcia (knee) sat out the last two games and is day-to-day.

2. Detroit RHP Michael Fulmer was forced out in the sixth inning on Monday after taking a comebacker to the shin.

3. Chicago C Welington Castillo made his first start on Monday since serving an 80-game suspension for a positive PED test and went 1-for-4.

PREDICTION: White Sox 7, Tigers 3
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Minnesota Twins vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
The Houston Astros own a three-game winning streak and figure to have a great chance to push it to four when they carry a decided pitching advantage into the second of a three-game series with the visiting Minnesota Twins on Tuesday. Star right-hander Justin Verlander will go for the Astros while the Twins will open with reliever Trevor May in what will be a bullpen day for a team that has dropped eight of 10.

Minnesota hopes to cash in on its opportunities against Verlander after it went 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position in a 4-1 loss to begin the series Monday afternoon. Alex Bregman homered for the third straight game to lead a meager but effective four-hit attack for the Astros, who maintained a 2 1/2-game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the American League West. Bregman has reached base safely in 31 straight games, the longest active streak in the majors, and teammate Tyler White had a hit in three at-bats Monday to leave him with a .333 average in 29 games since the All-Star break. Joe Mauer was the only Twin with multiple hits Monday but both were singles and he remains one extra-base hit shy of tying Tony Oliva (597) for fourth on Minnesota's all-time list.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Trevor May (3-0, 1.88 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (13-9, 2.78)

May will be making his 26th career start but his first since Aug. 14, 2015. He struck out all four batters he faced in a perfect relief outing Friday at Texas and owns five straight scoreless appearances spanning 5 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old gave up seven runs over 4 2/3 innings in his career against Houston and Jose Altuve is 3-for-4 with a home run versus May.

Verlander is 2-1 over his last three starts but has an ERA of 5.40 in that span. He did strike out 11 in just 5 1/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday and did not allow a home run after serving up 11 long balls over his previous six outings. The seven-time All-Star blanked the Twins over seven frames earlier this season and is 18-9 with a 3.06 ERA in 35 career matchups.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros OF-INF Marwin Gonzalez (oblique) has been ruled out of the remainder of the series and RHP Hector Rondon (hand) was forced to leave Monday's game in the ninth inning.

2. Mauer also needs one run to move into a sixth-place tie with Clyde Milan (1,004) on the franchise list.

3. Houston INF Yuli Gurriel homered Monday for just his second hit in 20 at-bats over a six-game stretch.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Twins 3
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San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/03/2018

The San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies combined for 17 runs over the course of their three-game series the last time they met at Coors Field, but Monday's result between the National League West rivals was more in line with what the hitter-friendly venue has become known for in its 24-year history. After surviving a slugfest in the series opener, the Rockies seek a sixth straight win over the Giants when the teams continue their three-game set Tuesday.

Colorado outscored San Francisco 14-3 during a three-game home sweep in early July, but both teams came out swinging for the fences in the hosts' wild 9-8 triumph on Monday, combining for six home runs as the Rockies moved one-half game ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the NL West. Trevor Story hit two of Colorado's three homers and finished with a season-high five RBIs, although it took Noel Cuevas' go-ahead, two-run single in the eighth inning to give the home team its third straight overall victory. Story is batting .397 with three blasts and 13 RBIs this season against the Giants, whose rally from a five-run deficit in the series opener fell short as they suffered their third consecutive setback. Evan Longoria plated three runs for San Francisco and has thrived lately at Coors Field, going 20-for-57 with 13 extra-base hits and 17 RBIs while hitting safely in 12 of his last 13 visits.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Dereck Rodriguez (6-2, 2.47 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (11-9, 4.11)

Rodriguez issued a season-high four walks and lost for only the second time in 14 major-league starts Wednesday against Arizona, yielding three runs over five innings. The 26-year-old rookie has surrendered more than three earned runs only once in his 16 career appearances and posted a 2.55 ERA to go along with a .208 opponents' batting average and 1.03 WHIP as a starter. Rodriguez gave up four runs - one earned - over 3 1/3 frames in a no-decision in his major-league debut against Colorado on May 29.

Marquez has been dominant over his last four outings but failed to get the win in his last two, including Thursday's turn at San Diego in which he allowed two runs and registered a career-high 13 strikeouts over eight innings. The 23-year-old Venezuelan has permitted only five runs and 13 hits while striking out 34 in 29 frames during his unbeaten streak. Brandon Crawford is 5-for-7 with a triple versus Marquez, who hasn't faced the Giants this season but is 0-2 with an 8.79 ERA in three career starts against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Story, who set a career high on Monday with his 28th home run of the season, has recorded at least four RBIs eight times this year.

2. The Giants have dropped 16 of their last 18 contests at Coors Field.

3. Colorado 2B DJ LeMahieu homered in four at-bats in the series opener and is a career .339 hitter against San Francisco.

PREDICTION: Rockies 5, Giants 3
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San Diego Padres vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th September 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/04/2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been on a downward spiral of late, but they still have plenty of time to right the ship and get back into a playoff spot. Arizona looks to halt its four-game losing streak when it hosts the National League West-rival San Diego Padres on Tuesday for the finale of their two-game set.

The Diamondbacks dropped a 6-2 decision in the series opener, registering only five hits en route to falling 1 1/2 games behind division-leading Colorado and two back in the race for the second wild card in the NL. Paul Goldschmidt recorded an RBI double to extend his hitting streak to five games, although it marked just the second game over his last eight in which he has driven in a run. Eduardo Escobar has hit safely in four of his last five contests after notching a double and scoring both runs for Arizona, which has lost eight of its last 11 games. San Diego has won five of its last seven contests after rookie Franmil Reyes registered his first career two-homer performance on Monday to extend his hitting streak to nine games.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Joey Lucchesi (7-7, 3.59 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (4-2, 4.55)

Lucchesi is coming off a victory over Seattle on Wednesday in which he allowed one run and six hits while registering a career high-tying nine strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. It was the longest outing in the major leagues by the 25-year-old Californian rookie, who has given up fewer than three earned runs in four of his last five turns. Lucchesi will be making his fifth attempt at defeating Arizona, as he has posted a 7.71 ERA while losing his first four career starts versus the club.

Ray ended his 10-start winless streak on Thursday, when he limited the Los Angeles Dodgers to one run and four hits over 5 1/3 innings to improve to 3-1 on the road this year. The 26-year-old native of Tennessee settled for seven consecutive no-decisions prior to the victory, allowing fewer than three earned runs in four of those outings. Ray is 4-4 with a 4.40 ERA in 11 career starts against San Diego, including a pair of no-decisions this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reyes has collected six home runs and 10 RBIs during his hitting streak.

2. San Diego activated Kirby Yates from the bereavement list and fellow RHP Luis Perdomo (shoulder) from the 10-day disabled list.

3. Arizona purchased the contract of RHP Yoan Lopez from Double-A Jackson and transferred 3B Jake Lamb (shoulder) to the 60-day DL.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Padres 2
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New York Yankees vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 09-04-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd September 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Athletics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/03/2018

The race for the top wild-card spot in the American League - and home field advantage in the play-in game - is intensifying by the day, and the Oakland Athletics look to make it even tighter when they continue a three-game series with the visiting New York Yankees on Tuesday. The Athletics hammered five extra-base hits among 10 total in a 6-3 win Monday to begin the series and move to within 3 1/2 games of the wild card-leading Yankees.

The victory also kept Oakland within 2 1/2 games of first place in the AL West and and 5 1/2 ahead of the Seattle Mariners for the second wild card. New York is 3-5 since an 8-1 surge and sits 8 1/2 games back in the AL East, but its most dependable starter of late is on the mound for Tuesday's critical matchup. J.A. Happ is 5-0 since being traded to the Yankees in July, although he finally was roughed up a bit in his most recent outing against Detroit. Oakland counters with Liam Hendriks as its opener in what figures to be a bullpen day.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH J.A. Happ (15-6, 4.00 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Liam Hendriks (0-1, 7.82)

Happ was knocked around for five runs and 10 hits over 4 1/3 innings against the Tigers on Thursday, although he did finish a start without issuing a walk for the first time since July 22. He had a 2.37 ERA in his first five appearances with the Yankees. The 35-year-old is 4-1 with a 3.69 ERA in 10 career games (eight starts) against Oakland.

Hendriks was utilized as the opener Saturday against Seattle - his first start in the majors since 2014 - and took the loss after giving up two runs over 1 2/3 innings. Andrew McCutchen is 2-for-4 with a triple, a double and three RBIs against the Australia native. Manager Bob Melvin indicated that Frankie Montas, who has a 3.96 ERA in 11 starts for Oakland, will get some innings in relief of Hendriks.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees DH/OF Giancarlo Stanton is 0-for-11 with six strikeouts over the last three games.

2. Athletics OF Stephen Piscotty is 9-for-23 with three homers and two doubles during a six-game hitting streak.

3. Oakland has won five straight at home against New York.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Athletics 5
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