MLB Betting News and Trends For Wednesday 8/1/18

National League
Mets (44-60) @ Nationals (53-53)
Syndegaard is 4-0, 2.57 in his last five starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 9-4, 3-2 away
5-inning record: 8-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-13

Milone allowed three runs in five IP (84 PT) in his first ’18 start. Team in his starts: 1-0, 0-0 home.
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1

Mets lost three of their last four games; they’re 11-16 vs lefty starters- over is 9-5-2 in their last 16 road games. Washington won five of last seven home games; over is 6-1 in Nationals’ last seven home games.

Cubs (61-45) @ Pirates (56-52)
Hamels was 1-3, 13.24 in his last four starts for Texas; over is 3-1-1 in his last five starts. Texas in his starts: 7-13, 5-5 away
5-inning record: 5-11-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20

Kingham is 0-2, 10.00 in his last two starts (under 6-5). Team in his starts: 4-7, 3-3 home.
5-inning record: 5-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-11

Cubs are 6-7 in their last 13 games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Pittsburgh is 14-3 in its last 17 games, 13-16 vs lefty starters. Under is 3-2-1 in their last six games.

Marlins (46-63) @ Braves (57-47)
Lopez is 1-2, 5.09 in his last three starts (over 3-2). Team in his starts: 2-3, 1-1 away.
5-inning record: 2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-5

Sanchez is 1-1, 4.42 in his last three starts; under is 6-3-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 8-5, 3-3 home
5-inning record: 6-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-13

Marlins are 7-6 in their last 13 games,; over is 6-3 in their last nine games. Atlanta won its last three home games; under is 7-2 in their last nine home games.

Rockies (57-48) @ Cardinals (54-52)
Freeland is 3-0, 2.54 in his last five starts; under is 14-3 in his last 17 starts. Team in his starts: 13-8, 5-6 away
5-inning record: 9-7-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Weaver is 2-2, 3.00 in his last four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 10-11, 3-6 home
5-inning record: 10-10-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21

Rockies won five of their last six games; six of last eight Colorado games stayed under. St Louis won four of its last six home games; they’re 16-14 vs lefty starters- under is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Brewers (63-47) @ Dodgers (59-49)
Anderson is 2-1, 2.17 in his last seven starts (under 6-1). Team in his starts: 12-9, 5-5 road
5-inning record: 11-8-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-21

Hill is 2-0, 0.69 in his last two starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 6-7, 1-4 home.
5-inning record: 6-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-7-2

Brewers won seven of their last nine games; they’re 12-12 vs lefty starters- over is 4-3 in their last seven games. Los Angeles lost its last three games, scoring total of 3 runs; last five Dodger games stayed under the total.

American League
Orioles (32-75) @ New York (68-37)
Cobb is 0-5, 5.59 in his last five starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 3-16, 3-10 away
5-inning record: 3-13-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-19

Gray is 3-0, 1.65 in his last three starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 11-5, 3-2 home.
5-inning record: 9-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Orioles won four of their last six games (over 4-1-1), scoring 40 runs in last four. New York won seven of last nine home games; over is 4-1-2 in their last seven home games.

Angels (54-54) @ Rays (54-53)
Tropeano is 1-4, 4.39 in his last five starts (under 5-1). Team in his starts: 6-9, 3-3 away
5-inning record: 7-7-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Bullpen game for the Rays Team in his starts: home.
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Angels won four of their last six games; over is 5-1 in their last six games. Tampa Bay lost three of its last four games; Rays’ last four games all went over.

Royals (33-73) @ White Sox (37-69)
Junis is 0-8, 7.90 in his last nine starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 8-11, 4-4 away
5-inning record: 8-7-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-19

Covey is 1-4, 9.75 in his last five starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 5-8, 3-2 home.
5-inning record: 3-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-13

Royals lost nine of last 13 road games; over is 3-2 in their last five games. White Sox lost five of their last six games, five of Chicago’s last six games went over the total.

Indians (58-48) @ Twins (49-57)
Carrasco is 3-0, 3.08 in his last four starts; his last five went over. Team in his starts: 12-7, 6-3 away
5-inning record: 12-4-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-19

Mejia is 1-0, 4.82 in his two starts (over 2-0). Team in his starts: 1-1, 0-0 home.
5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Indians won four of last six games; they’re 17-11 vs lefty starters- over is 7-5 in their last 12 road games. Minnesota lost four of its last five games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 games.

Blue Jays (48-58) @ A’s (63-46)
Stroman is 3-1, 2.81 in his last four starts; under is 7-1-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 7-7, 4-4 away
5-inning record: 5-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Manaea is 1-1, 3.77 in his last five starts; over is 8-5-1 in his last 14. Team in his starts: 13-9, 7-4 home
5-inning record: 9-10-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Toronto lost six of its last eight games; they’re 12-25 vs lefty starters- over is 7-3 in their last ten road games. A’s are 29-10 in their last 39 games; five of their last seven games stayed under.

Astros (68-41) @ Mariners (63-44)
Keuchel is 4-1, 1.93 in his last five starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 12-10, 7-4 away
5-inning record: 9-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-22

LeBlanc is 3-1, 3.82 in his last five starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 11-5, 9-0 home.
5-inning record: 10-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16

Astros lost five of their last five games; they’re 23-18 vs lefty starters- under is 12-1 in their last 13 road games. Correa/Altuve are on the DL. Seattle is 5-9 in its last 14 games; they’re 17-17 vs lefty starters- under is 11-3 in its last 14 home games.

Interleague
Reds (48-59) @ Tigers (46-62)
Romano is 2-1, 4.63 in his last four starts; over is 10-2 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 1-12, 1-4 away
5-inning record: 5-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-20

Fiers is 2-1, 2.55 in his last four starts; under is 8-2-1 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 12-8, 9-3 home
5-inning record: 8-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Reds won five of their last eight games; eight of their last nine road games went over. Detroit lost five of last eight home games; over is 3-2 in their last five games.

Umpires
NY-Wsh: Over is 9-2 in last eleven O’Nora games.
Chi-Pitt: Over is 10-0-1 in last 11 Guccione games.
Mia-Atl: Under is 11-1-2 in last 14 Bellino games.
Col-StL: Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Lentz games.
Mil-LA: Three of last four Marquez games went over.

Balt-NY: Five of last seven Cederstrom games went over.
Clev-Min: Under is 6-3-2 in last 11 Conroy games.
Tor-A’s: Seven of last eight Blakney games went over.
Hst-Sea: Over is 4-1-1 in last six Morales games.
LAA-TB: Over is 5-3-1 in last nine Miller games.

Cin-Det: Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Vanover games.

______________________________

New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st July 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/31/2018

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo opted to stay fairly quiet at the trade deadline, insisting "we believe in the players that we have." Hours later, those players backed up those words as the Nationals annihilated the visiting New York Mets to give them a chance to complete a two-game sweep of their National League East rivals on Wednesday afternoon.

Washington set a franchise record for runs and handed New York its worst loss in history in the 25-4 destruction in the series opener, opening a 13-0 lead through three innings as Daniel Murphy continue to torment his former team with a pair of three-run homers. "Tough loss. It's embarrassing. We've got to do better than that," said Mets manager Mickey Callaway, who will send Noah Syndergaard to the mound when he comes off the disabled list due to hand, foot and mouth disease. New York could use a solid effort from Syndergaard after infielder Jose Reyes was on the mound for the final inning Tuesday, getting tagged for six runs and five hits. Third baseman Anthony Rendon had three hits and four RBIs in the romp, and is 8-for-23 against Syndergaard, who is 0-2 with a 6.61 ERA in four career starts at Nationals Park.

TV: 12:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), MASN 2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (6-1, 2.89 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Tommy Milone (0-0, 5.40)

Syndergaard beat the Nationals in his return from a seven-week stint on the disabled list due to a ligament injury in his index finger, giving up one run on seven hits over five innings. He also earned the win with five innings of one-run ball against the Yankees in his next start on July 20 before heading back to the DL. Syndergaard has made 11 career starts against Washington, posting a 3-4 record and 3.38 ERA.

Milone made his season debut at Miami and looked like he might not make it through the first inning after giving up three runs, but he followed that up with four scoreless frames to earn his first win since April 14, 2017. The 31-year-old veteran made 11 appearances (five starts) for the Mets last year, posting an 0-3 record and bloated 8.56 ERA. Milone has made two starts against New York, going 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Murphy is batting .390 with 11 homers and 43 RBIs in 43 games versus the Mets since the start of the 2016 season.

2. Mets INF Wilmer Flores left Tuesday's game in the first inning due to dizziness and dehydration.

3. 1B Ryan Zimmerman surpassed Tim Wallach (1,694) as the all-time hits leader in Expos/Nationals franchise history with 1,696.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Nationals 3
__________________

Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st July 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/31/2018

The New York Yankees look to tune up for their pivotal four-game series against a power-packed Boston club when they vie for an abbreviated two-game sweep of the depleted Baltimore Orioles (32-75) in the Bronx on Wednesday afternoon. The Yankees (68-37) have sharpened up for their upcoming set with the Red Sox by erupting for 29 runs while winning four of their last five contests.

Rookie Miguel Andujar belted a three-run homer in Tuesday's 6-3 triumph in the series opener for New York, which resides five games behind American League East-leading Boston with their four-game set looming at Fenway Park. Andujar, who is 10-for-36 with two homers, nine RBIs and six runs scored versus Baltimore this season, aims to continue his torrid stretch after going 29-for-88 with eight RBIs and 13 runs scored in July. While the Yankees improved to 31 games over .500 for the first time since the 2011 season, the Orioles' horrific campaign added another blemish as they were limited to just one inning of offense after erupting for 37 runs in their previous three games. Jace Peterson had a two-run double and scored on Andujar's error in the eighth inning, although he is 0-for-6 with two strikeouts in his career versus Wednesday starter Sonny Gray.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Baltimore), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Alex Cobb (2-14, 6.08 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Sonny Gray (8-7, 5.08)

Cobb's disastrous season continued on Thursday as he lost his fifth straight start and fell to 0-7 with a bloated 5.96 ERA in his last nine trips to the mound after yielding four runs in six innings of a 4-3 setback to his former team, Tampa Bay. Despite his latest loss, the 30-year-old admitted to feeling "better each time out, so just keep following that path and hopefully the tide will turn." Giancarlo Stanton (1-for-8, three strikeouts) has struggled versus Cobb, who owns a 6-4 mark with a 4.26 ERA in 14 career encounters with New York.

Gray won his third straight start after scattering three hits over five scoreless innings in a 7-2 victory versus Kansas City on Thursday, but saw his outing cut short after getting struck on the right thumb by a comebacker. X-rays were negative for the 28-year-old, who -- like most teams in the majors -- has manhandled Baltimore this season. Gray improved to 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA while limiting the Orioles to a .169 batting average in three starts after striking out eight and permitting three hits over six frames in a 9-0 romp on July 11.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York SS Didi Gregorius is 16-for-40 with 12 runs scored versus Baltimore this season.

2. The Orioles acquired Jonathan Villar from Milwaukee in exchange for fellow 2B Jonathan Schoop prior to Tuesday's deadline while sending RHPs Kevin Gausman and Darren O'Day to Atlanta for four prospects and international signing bonus allotment.

3. Yankees LHP J.A. Happ, who is slated to start Saturday's game versus the Red Sox, was sent to a local hospital Tuesday afternoon and was diagnosed with a "mild" case of hand, foot and mouth disease, according to general manager Brian Cashman.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Orioles 2
__________________

Cincinnati Reds vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 08-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st July 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/31/2018

The Detroit Tigers have alternated losses and wins in 10 games since returning from the All-Star break, but they have a chance to post back-to-back victories for the first time since July 6-7 when they wrap up a two-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday afternoon. Detroit won the series opener 2-1 to improve to 2-9 in interleague play.

The Tigers made only one trade at Tuesday's deadline, sending outfielder Leonys Martin to Cleveland in exchange for a pair of prospects. Niko Goodrum homered and Mike Gerber made his first major-league hit a memorable one with an RBI double that stood up as the game-winner Tuesday night. Despite eight strong innings from Homer Bailey, Cincinnati had its three-game winning streak halted and lost for just the fourth time in 14 interleague matchups. Eugenio Suarez drove in the lone run for the Reds in Tuesday's loss for his 10th RBI in eight games, leaving him one shy of matching last season's career high of 82.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Sal Romano (6-8, 5.04 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Mike Fiers (7-6, 3.54)

Romano worked six strong innings against St. Louis in his last start, earning the win by permitting two runs on seven hits while striking out five. He followed that up with a scoreless relief stint versus Philadelphia three days later, the second time in his last three appearances he pitched out of the bullpen. Romano tossed a gem against the Tigers on June 19, yielding four walks over seven scoreless innings.

Although he did not factor in the decision, Fiers recorded his sixth consecutive quality start last time out by giving up three runs on five hits -- including two homers -- over six innings. He is only 2-2 in that span despite allowing a combined nine runs while yielding one or less on four occasions. Billy Hamilton is hitless in 10 at-bats against Fiers, who is 5-2 with a 2.85 ERA in 11 home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 1B Joey Votto is 6-for-12 in his last three games and ended an 10-game extra-base hit drought on Tuesday.

2. Tigers RF Nick Castellanos is 1-for-19 over the last five games.

3. Detroit acquired RH Kyle Dowdy and INF Willi Castro from the Indians in the trade for Martin.

PREDICTION: Tigers 3, Reds 2
__________________

Cleveland Indians vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

Jose Ramirez is starting to warm up again after a brief slump and the All-Star third baseman looks to finish off a torrid series when his Cleveland Indians visit the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday afternoon. Ramirez was 0-for-16 during a six-game stretch before going 5-for-8 with two homers and four RBIs in the first two contests in the series as the Indians evened the set with a 6-2 triumph Tuesday.

Greg Allen went 3-for-4 with three runs scored in Tuesday's win, but was sent to Triple-A Columbus following the game to make room on the roster after Cleveland acquired center fielder Leonys Martin from Detroit at the trade deadline. Surging Carlos Carrasco looks for his fifth straight win when he takes the mound in the rubber match for the Indians and Minnesota counters with left-hander Adalberto Mejia. The Twins, who sit nine games behind first-place Cleveland in the American League Central, made two trades for prospects on Monday and dealt 2015 All-Star second baseman Brian Dozier to the Los Angeles Dodgers for infielder Logan Forsythe and a pair of minor leaguers Tuesday. Minnesota's top hitter, Eddie Rosario, needs to get on track again after going 1-for-16 in his last four games - 0-for-8 in the series after belting six homers in the first nine contests against the Indians this year.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Facebook Watch

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (12-5, 3.89 ERA) vs. Twins LH Adalberto Mejia (1-0, 3.65)

Carrasco has won four straight decisions, including a one-inning relief stint July 15 against the New York Yankees in a 5-2 triumph. The 31-year-old Venezuelan has allowed seven earned runs with 32 strikeouts over 24 1/3 innings across his last five appearances. Joe Mauer is 13-for-32 with four doubles and a homer versus Carrasco, who is 5-8 with a 4.29 ERA in 20 career outings (17 starts) against the Twins.

Mejia makes his third start in the majors this season after limiting Boston to one hit on three innings of relief Sunday afternoon. The 25-year-old Dominican Republic native permitted one run on eight hits and two walks over 5 1/3 innings to get the win in his last start July 23 against Toronto. Rajai Davis is 3-for-3 with a double versus Mejia, who is 1-2 with a 2.70 ERA in three career games against Cleveland.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota CF Byron Buxton, out since May 29, suffered a setback in his rehab from a wrist injury Monday and will be re-evaluated.

2. Cleveland LHP Brad Hand allowed two hits over 4 1/3 innings in the last four outings after giving up a run in his Indians debut.

3. Twins RHP Addison Reed gave up one hit in a scoreless frame Tuesday after missing three weeks with an elbow injury.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Twins 2
__________________

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

The Oakland Athletics have been taking out their frustrations on the Toronto Blue Jays this week and look to complete a three-game sweep when they host the finale on Wednesday afternoon. Oakland carried a six-game winning streak into Colorado last weekend but scored a total of four runs while being swept of the three-game set.

The Athletics have bounced back, outscoring Toronto 16-3 while winning the first two contests of the series to start their eight-game string at home, where they've won four in a row. Khris Davis belted his major league-leading eighth home run since the All-Star break as he went 3-for-5 with two RBIs in Tuesday's 6-2 victory. Justin Smoak homered and Kendrys Morales recorded two singles and an RBI as the Blue Jays fell to 2-3 on their 10-game road excursion. Smoak is riding a five-game hitting streak during which he has gone 8-for-27 after ending his 11-game home run drought.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (4-7, 5.20 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (9-7, 3.46)

Stroman has won three of his last four starts, including a triumph over the White Sox in Chicago on Friday in which he gave up two runs and seven hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old New Yorker has allowed fewer than three runs in each of his four victories this season, all of which have come over his last six outings. Stroman has made three career starts against Oakland without recording a decision as he yielded 10 runs - nine earned - in 16 1/3 frames.

Manaea had his nine-start unbeaten streak come to an end Friday at Colorado, where he surrendered three runs and a season-high nine hits in five innings en route to his first loss since May 30. The outing was the 10th straight in which the 26-year-old native of Indiana gave up fewer than four runs and second in a row in which he did not issue a walk. Manaea is 1-0 with a 4.30 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the Blue Jays - including a no-decision at Toronto on May 19, when he yielded four runs on five hits and three walks over five innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays INF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was diagnosed with sprains of his left knee and ankle on Tuesday and is expected to miss 2-6 weeks.

2. Oakland manager Bob Melvin recorded his 600th victory with the club on Saturday.

3. Toronto recalled OF Darnell Sweeney and RHP Brandon Cumpton from Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday after trading RHP John Axford to the Los Angeles Dodgers and LHP Aaron Loup to Philadelphia - each for a minor leaguer.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Blue Jays 2
__________________

Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 08-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Mariners Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

Less than 24 hours after halting their season-worst five-game skid, the Houston Astros look to win the series when they visit the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday afternoon for the rubber match of their three-game set. Houston posted a 5-2 victory on Tuesday to end its slide and increase its lead over Seattle in the American League West to four games.

The Astros collected 15 hits on Tuesday, with Josh Reddick (homer, three RBIs) and Alex Bregman each going 3-for-5 to highlight the attack. Evan Gattis slugged a two-run homer to finish July with six blasts - the third straight month in which he has belted six or more shots. Seattle has dropped nine of its last 14 games and scored only four runs in the series despite winning Monday's opener. All-Star Jean Segura recorded his first multi-hit performance since July 7 on Friday as he went 2-for-4 with a home run.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (8-9, 3.60 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Wade LeBlanc (6-1, 3.51)

Keuchel lost to Texas in his last turn after winning four consecutive starts and five straight decisions. The 30-year-old gave up three runs and six hits over five innings versus the Rangers after allowing just three runs over 27 2/3 frames during the four-start winning streak. Keuchel was roughed up by Seattle for seven runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings on June 5 to fall to 0-2 with a 5.52 ERA in two starts versus the Mariners this year and 8-7 with a 3.07 ERA in 17 career appearances (16 starts).

Seattle is 11-5 in LeBlanc's starts this season as the veteran routinely keeps the club in games before departing. The 33-year-old did not factor in the decision in his last turn, when he allowed three runs and five hits over six innings against the Los Angeles Angels. LeBlanc yielded three runs and seven hits in four frames of a no-decision against the Astros on June 6 and has posted a 5.32 ERA in seven career appearances (three starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners DH Nelson Cruz, who is 12-for-36 with four homers versus Keuchel, went deep just four times last month after hitting 11 homers in June.

2. Houston OF George Springer (shoulder) departed Tuesday's game in the second inning and told reporters afterward that the plan is to see how it feels Wednesday before making a decision on his availability.

3. Seattle acquired CF Cameron Maybin from Miami for INF Bryson Brigman and international bonus pool money while placing LHP Roenis Elias (triceps) on the 10-day disabled list.

PREDICTION: Astros 3, Mariners 2
__________________

Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st July 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/31/2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a big splash at the trading deadline in hopes of making more waves in the National League Central race. The Pirates will try to trim another game off their deficit when they wrap up a brief two-game set against the visiting Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.

Pittsburgh held on for a 5-4 win in the series opener Tuesday, as Francisco Cervelli and Gregory Polanco homered and Chicago's Addison Russell was thrown out trying to stretch a double into a triple with no outs in the ninth. The Pirates, who have won 16 of their last 20 to get within six games of the first-place Cubs, were active in the trade market, landing a potential ace in Chris Archer from Tampa Bay and adding reliever Keone Kela from Texas. Veteran left-hander Cole Hamels will make his Cubs debut and look to build on a solid record at PNC Park, where he is 1-1 with a 1.22 ERA in five career starts. Hamels is one of three additions to the pitching staff ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline for the Cubs, who also picked up reliever Brandon Kintzler from Washington on Tuesday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WGN (Chicago), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Cole Hamels (5-9, 4.72 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Nick Kingham (5-5, 4.80)

Hamels gets a chance to hit the reset button on his 2018 campaign with his trade to the Cubs. The 34-year-old has not recorded a quality start in his last five outings, posting a whopping 10.23 ERA over that span, but that followed a stretch in which he had six quality starts in eight outings. Hamels is 3-3 with a 2.93 ERA in 10 starts against the Pirates, but he hasn't faced them since 2016.

Kingham had his three-start winning streak snapped Thursday against the New York Mets, who tagged him for six runs over three-plus innings. The 26-year-old rookie struggled with his command last time out, issuing a season-high four walks and working behind in the count throughout the brief outing. Kingham is 0-1 against the Cubs despite limiting them to five runs over 12 innings across two starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 2B Javier Baez has recorded at least three hits in a game 10 times this season.

2. Pirates SS Jordy Mercer is 10-for-28 during a nine-game hitting streak.

3. Pittsburgh 3B David Freese is 16-for-41 with 12 RBIs over his past 15 games (11 starts).

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Pirates 5
__________________

Los Angeles Angels vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 31st July 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/31/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays fell victim to three straight offensive explosions before unleashing one of their own in the series opener against the Los Angeles Angels. Fueled by a seven-run fourth inning, the Rays (54-53) vie for a series victory over the visiting Angels (54-54) on Wednesday in the second contest of a three-game set.

Carlos Gomez capped the fourth-inning uprising with a two-run single for his second hit of the frame for Tampa Bay, which had been outscored 37-12 by lowly Baltimore heading into the series. Tommy Pham, who was somewhat of a surprise trade deadline acquisition given the Rays' standing, is expected to be in the lineup for Wednesday's tilt, manager Kevin Cash announced. Mike Trout joined exclusive company by going deep on Tuesday to become just the second major league player (Willie Mays) to hit 30 homers and steal 20 bases in a season three times before the age of 26. Trout is 9-for-22 with four homers, six RBIs and nine runs scored during his six-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Nick Tropeano (4-5, 4.82 ERA) vs. Rays RH Tyler Glasnow (1-2, 4.34)

Tropeano overcame five solo homers to strike out seven in 6 1/3 innings on Thursday in a 12-8 victory over the Chicago White Sox. The 27-year-old was taken deep twice against Tampa Bay on May 18 as he fell to 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA in three career starts versus the club after permitting four runs in 2 2/3 innings of an 8-3 setback. Daniel Robertson went deep in that contest and is 2-for-2 versus Tropeano, who has limited the rest of the current crop of Rays to going just 2-for-9 with three strikeouts.

Glasnow was acquired along with outfielder Austin Meadows from Pittsburgh in exchange for right-hander Chris Archer prior to Tuesday's deadline. The Rays are bidding to have the 24-year-old Glasnow work two to four innings before the returning Jake Faria will come on in relief, per the Tampa Bay Times. Glasnow, who has made all 34 of his appearances in relief this season, walked four in three innings of a no-decision versus the New York Mets on Thursday in his last outing.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay C Michael Perez is 7-for-14 with two doubles and two runs scored in four games.

2. Los Angeles OF Kole Calhoun has 18 hits -- including seven homers -- in his last 13 games.

3. Rays 3B Matt Duffy had three hits in the opener to give him five singles in the last three contests after going 1-for-20 in his previous five.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Rays 2
__________________

Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

The Atlanta Braves scored only seven runs in losing four games in a row last week, but enter Wednesday's series finale at home against the Miami Marlins riding a three-game winning streak that has been sparked by their offense. The Braves pounded out 19 hits Tuesday in battering the Marlins 11-6 and, after hitting .175 with just seven extra-base hits during their four-game skid, are batting .333 during the winning streak with 20 runs scored and 33 hits.

It is pretty clear rookie left fielder Ronald Acuna has found his home in the leadoff spot, finishing Tuesday 3-for-5 with a homer to raise his average to .302 with four homers and nine runs scored since moving to the top of the order July 15. Atlanta remained one-half game out of first place in the National League East entering Wednesday before embarking on an eight-game road trip. The Marlins have dropped six of their past nine games and their pitching is struggling, giving up six runs or more five times and posting a 6.39 ERA in that span with 12 homers allowed. Center fielder Magneuris Sierra, who went 1-for-10 in his first three games after being promoted, has hits in three of his past four games and finished with a career high-tying three hits Tuesday.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Pablo Lopez (2-2, 5.34 ERA) vs. Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (5-3, 3.00)

Lopez won his major-league debut June 30 with six impressive innings (two runs allowed on six hits) against the New York Mets, but has allowed four runs or more in three of his next four outings. The 22-year-old lost Friday to Washington, giving up four runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings - six days after holding Tampa Bay to one run on two hits in a victory. Lopez, who is holding right-handed hitters to a .226 average, posted a 1.44 ERA in 12 starts between Double-A and Triple-A before being promoted to the majors.

Sanchez has split his first two starts since the All-Star break, losing his most recent outing Thursday to the Los Angeles Dodgers in which he surrendered five runs (four earned) on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 34-year-old posted a 3.07 ERA in his five previous outings, including a victory over Washington on July 20 during which he struck out a season high-tying eight. Sanchez is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA in three career outings against the Marlins, with the victory coming in 2016.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta's top two hitters - 1B Freddie Freeman and RF Nick Markakis - combined to finish 5-for-9 with three runs scored and three RBIs Tuesday.

2. Miami C J.T. Realmuto has at least one hit in his past six games at Atlanta, with three doubles, two triples and a homer in that span.

3. The Marlins are 3-8 against Atlanta and have allowed 75 runs to the Braves this season.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 2
__________________

Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

Matt Davidson has routinely inflicted damage against Kansas City pitching this season and will look to continue the power display when the Chicago White Sox host the Royals on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Davidson hit a two-run homer in Tuesday's 4-2 loss, giving him eight blasts against the Royals this season.

Davidson is a scorching-hot 16-for-37 with 14 RBIs against Kansas City this year, while his eight homers versus one opponent in a single season is tied for fourth-best in that category in franchise history. The 24-year-old has hit a total of eight shots against the rest of the league. Ryan O'Hearn and Brett Phillips each belted a two-run homer as Kansas City won for just the second time in six games, with the former's blast being the first of his career. Alex Gordon registered his second two-hit performance in three starts in the opener as the Royals sent the White Sox to their fifth loss in six contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jakob Junis (5-11, 5.06 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Dylan Covey (4-6, 5.40)

Junis has dropped eight straight starts and is winless in 10 outings since defeating the New York Yankees on May 18. The 25-year-old lost to the Yankees in his most recent turn as he gave up seven runs - three earned - and nine hits over 4 2/3 innings. Junis was roughed up in his lone career start against the White Sox as he surrendered six runs and six hits while serving up five homers - two to Davidson - over 5 2/3 frames in a loss on April 26.

Covey has been torched regularly of late while going 1-5 with an 8.73 ERA and eight homers allowed over his last seven turns. The 26-year-old lost to the Los Angeles Angels in his last outing as he yielded six runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. Covey is 0-4 with a 6.04 ERA in five career starts against the Royals, including a loss on April 28 in which he allowed four runs and seven hits over six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The White Sox are 7-4 against the Royals this season despite Tuesday's setback.

2. Kansas City recalled O'Hearn from Triple-A Omaha prior to the series opener, placed OF Brian Goodwin (groin) on the 10-day disabled list and transferred INF Cheslor Cuthbert (back) to the 60-day DL.

3. Chicago acquired LHP Hunter Schryver from Tampa Bay on Tuesday for international bonus money and released RHP Chris Volstad.

PREDICTION: White Sox 9, Royals 7
__________________

Colorado Rockies vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 08-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

The Colorado Rockies finished a torrid July on a winning note and look to carry their success into a new month when they visit the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday for the third contest of their four-game series. The Rockies posted a 6-3 victory on Tuesday to finish the month with a 17-6 record, and their .739 winning percentage fell just shy of the franchise mark for any month (.750 in June 2009).

All-Star Charlie Blackmon belted a two-run homer in Tuesday's triumph and is 19-for-55 with three blasts during his 13-game hitting streak. Carlos Gonzalez also launched a two-run shot and has registered three multi-hit performances in his last five games - a stretch during which he has gone 9-for-19 with a homer and four doubles. Matt Carpenter continued his power surge for the Cardinals with his 11th homer of July, which was his seventh leadoff shot of the season and the 22nd of his career. Paul DeJong was hitless in four at-bats on Tuesday and is 0-for-13 with six strikeouts over his last three games.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (9-6, 3.13 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Luke Weaver (6-9, 4.70)

Freeland limited Oakland to five hits over six scoreless innings in his last turn as he won his third straight decision. The 25-year-old has settled for no-decisions in each of his last four road outings and is 3-4 with a 3.64 ERA in 12 turns away from home this season. Freeland allowed three runs and eight hits over six innings on May 27, 2017 to lose his lone career start against St. Louis.

Weaver defeated the Chicago Cubs in his last turn as he allowed two runs and eight hits in six innings. The 24-year-old has given up eight runs over his last four starts after being battered by Atlanta for eight - and 10 hits - in 4 2/3 frames. Weaver was roughed up for six runs and seven hits over two innings while losing his lone career start against the Rockies on Sept. 21, 2016.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cardinals traded OF Tommy Pham and $500,000 in international bonus pool money to Tampa Bay for OF Justin Williams, LHP Genesis Cabrera and RHP Roel Ramirez.

2. Colorado All-Star SS Trevor Story recorded two hits on Tuesday and batted .358 with 11 two-hit efforts in July.

3. St. Louis placed RHP Carlos Martinez (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled LHP Tyler Webb and OF Tyler O'Neill from Triple-A Memphis.

PREDICTION: Rockies 8, Cardinals 3
__________________

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 08-01-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers have scored a total of three runs during their three-game losing streak but hope the newest addition to their infield provides an instant spark. Brian Dozier was acquired from Minnesota prior to Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline and likely will be in the starting lineup Wednesday as the Dodgers continue their four-game series against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers.

Wade Miley tossed seven superb innings and Christian Yelich extended his hitting streak to 15 games in Tuesday's 1-0 victory as Milwaukee improved to 5-1 on its eight-game road trip. The Brewers also bolstered their infield Tuesday by making a deal with Baltimore for Jonathan Schoop, who has hit safely in 22 of his last 23 games and brings a 12-game hitting streak to his new team. Milwaukee is tied with the Chicago Cubs atop the National League Central while the Dodgers have dropped five of their last eight to fall one-half game behind first-place Arizona in the NL West. Matt Kemp is hitless in his last 21 at-bats for the Dodgers, who hope to have injured third baseman Justin Turner (groin strain) back in the lineup as soon as Thursday.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Chase Anderson (7-7, 3.69 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (4-4, 3.82)

Anderson recorded his first win in five July starts on Friday after giving up one run over six innings in a 3-1 victory over San Francisco. The 30-year-old Texan has allowed fewer than three runs in seven straight outings. Kemp is 8-for-22 with two home runs against Anderson, who is 1-4 with a 5.36 ERA in 10 career starts versus Los Angeles - including an 0-3 record and 4.15 mark in six outings at Dodger Stadium.

Hill turned in one of his best outings of the season on Thursday, when he scattered three hits over seven scoreless innings in an 8-2 win over Atlanta. "He has a good curveball. His fastball kind of jumps on you a little bit," Atlanta's Charlie Culberson told reporters. "You've got to tip your cap. He threw the ball well and missed our bats." The 38-year-old owns a 3-1 record and 3.60 ERA in eight career games (seven starts) against the Brewers - including a win in Milwaukee on July 20 in which he gave up one run over six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee is 17-5 against the NL West this season, including a 3-2 mark versus the Dodgers.

2. The Dodgers acquired John Axford from Toronto for fellow RHP Corey Copping.

3. The Brewers sent RHP Luis Ortiz and INFs Jean Carmona and Jonathan Villar to Baltimore for Schoop.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Brewers 3
__________________