MLB Betting News and Trends For Wednesday 9/12/18

Wednesday’s games
National League
Dodgers (78-67) @ Reds (63-83)
Stripling is making his first start since August 9; he is 0-1, 6.14 in his last three starts (under 10-7). Team in his starts: 11-6, 6-4 away
5-inning record: 9-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-17

DeSclafani is 1-1, 6.64 in his last four starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 11-6, 4-2 home
5-inning record: 10-4-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-17

Dodgers lost three of their last four games; under is 9-4 in their last 13 games. Cincinnati won four of its last five games; over is 6-3-1 in their last ten home games.

Nationals (73-72) @ Phllies (74-70)
Strasburg is 1-0, 3.57 in his last three starts; over is 5-1 in his last six starts. Team in his starts: 9-9, 5-2 road
5-inning record: 9-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-18

Nola is 4-1, 2.21 in his last six starts; over is 2-0-1 in his last three. Team in his starts: 20-9, 12-2 home
5-inning record: 11-8-10 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-29

Washington won five of its last six road games; over is 10-3 in their last 13 games. Phillies lost eight of their last ten games; over is 4-2-1 in their last seven games.

Marlins (57-86) @ Mets (65-78)
Richards is 0-3, 6.59 in his last six starts; his last four all went over. Team in his starts: 8-13, 4-7 away
5-inning record: 8-8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-21

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

Wheeler is 8-1, 1.86 in his last ten starts; his last three home starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 13-14, 5-9 home
5-inning record: 13-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-27

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

Marlins are 3-16 in their last 19 road games; over is 9-4-1 in their last 14 road games. Mets won six of their last nine games; over is 4-0-2 in their last six games.

Brewers (83-63) @ Cubs (84-60)
Anderson is 2-0, 3.86 in his last four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 15-13, 5-8 away
5-inning record: 15-8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-28

Hendricks is 2-0, 2.50 in his last three starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 15-14, 8-6 home
5-inning record: 11-12-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 14-29

Milwaukee won seven of its last nine games; under is 4-1 in their last five games. Cubs lost five of their last eight games; five of their last seven games went over the total.

Pirates (71-73) @ Cardinals (81-64)
Taillon is 3-1, 1.43 in his last six starts; under is 11-2-1 in his last 14 starts. Team in his starts: 14-14, 6-6 road
5-inning record: 10-11-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-28

Poncedeleon is 0-1, 2.51 in his three starts (under 3-0). Team in his starts: 1-2, 0-1 home
5-inning record: 1-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Pirates won five of their last seven games, but lost last two; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight road games. St Louis won its last three games; over is 4-1 in their last five home games.

Diamondbacks (77-68) @ Rockies (79-65)
Corbin is 4-1, 2.23 in his last seven starts; under is 7-1-1 in his last nine starts. Team in his starts: 17-12, 8-5 away
5-inning record: 15-7-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-29

Gray is 1-1, 4.86 in his last three starts; under is 5-1 in his last six starts. Team in his starts: 16-11, 6-5 home
5-inning record: 13-12-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 11-27

Arizona lost eight of its last 11 games; five of their last six games went over. Colorado won seven of its last ten games; under is 12-5 in their last 17 home games.

Braves (81-64) @ Giants (68-78)
Sanchez is 0-2, 3.57 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 11-9, 7-4 away
5-inning record: 7-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20

Holland is 1-0, 1.59 in his last five starts (under 5-0). Team in his starts: 14-13, 7-3 home
5-inning record: 9-11-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-27

Braves won six of their last seven road games; five of their last seven games went over. Giants lost their last ten games; their last ten home games stayed under.

American League
Astros (91-54) @ Tigers (59-86)
Cole is 3-0, 3.97 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 20-8, 10-4 away
5-inning record: 16-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-28

Norris is 0-2, 4.63 in his three starts (under 3-0). Team in his starts: 0-3, 0-1 home
5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Astros won nine of their last nine games; over is 5-3-1 in their last nine road games. Detroit won four of its last seven games; under is 5-1-2 in their last eight home games.

A’s (88-57) @ Orioles (41-103)
Bassitt is 2-0, 2.66 in his last four starts (over 3-3-1). Team in his starts: 4-3, 3-1 away
5-inning record: 3-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-7,

Cashner is 0-4, 6.26 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 8-19, 4-9 home
5-inning record: 7-16-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-27

A’s won seven of their last eight games; over is 8-2 in their last ten games. Baltimore lost nine of its last ten games; three of last four Oriole games went over.

Indians (82-63) @ Rays (79-65)
Carrasco is 2-2, 4.01 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 16-10, 8-4 away
5-inning record: 15-7-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-26

Snell is 5-0, 1.26 in his last five starts; under is 7-1-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 17-9, 8-3 home
5-inning record: 16-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-26

Indians won five of their last eight games; over is 10-7 in their last 17 road games. Tampa Bay won eight of its last ten games; over is 7-2-1 in their last ten home tilts.

Toronto (65-79) @ Boston (99-46)
Sanchez is 1-0, 6.83 in his last six starts; over is 9-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 9-9, 4-4 away
5-inning record: 4-10-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-18

Price is 3-0, 1.88 in his last four starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 20-6, 11-2 home
5-inning record: 13-7-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-26

Blue Jays are 5-10 in their last 15 games, over is 10-3 in their last 13 road games. Boston won six of its last eight games; over is 6-2 in their last eight home games.

New York (90-55) @ Minnesota (66-78)
Severino is 2-2, 6.94 in his last five starts; over is 10-2 in his last 12 starts. Team in his starts: 22-7, 9-5 away
5-inning record: 18-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-29

Odorizzi is 0-3, 5.19 in his last three starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 12-16, 8-6 home
5-inning record: 12-12-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-28

New York is 8-4 in its last 12 road games; under is 4-2-1 in their last six games. Minnesota lost seven of its last ten games; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight home games.

White Sox (56-89) @ Royals (49-95)
Rodon is 3-1, 3.95 in his last four starts; under is 6-3-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 8-7, 4-3 away
5-inning record: 5-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Skoglund is 0-3, 7.41 in his last three starts (over 6-3); this is his first start since May 25. Team in his starts: 3-6, 2-3 home
5-inning record: 2-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-9

White Sox lost their last seven games; under is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Kansas City lost four of its last seven games; over is 5-3 in their last eight home games.

Rangers (62-83) @ Angels (72-73)
Gallardo is 1-2, 5.59 in his last four starts (over 9-3-1). Team in his starts: 10-3, 3-2 away
5-inning record: 8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-13

Pena is 0-1, 3.82 in his last five starts; under is 8-3 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 5-8, 3-4 home
5-inning record: 4-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-13

Texas lost ten of its last 13 road games; four of their last six games went over. Angels won six of their last eight games; under is 10-3 in their last 13 games.

Interleague
Padres (58-88) @ Mariners (79-65)
Lucchesi is 1-1, 2.45 in his last three starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 9-13, 3-5 away
5-inning record: 9-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-22

LeBlanc is 1-0, 0.47 in his last three starts; under is 8-2 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 15-8, 9-3 home
5-inning record: 14-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-22

Padres are 8-5 in their last 13 games, over is 2-1-1 in their last four games. Seattle is 5-6 in its last eleven games; six of their last seven games stayed under.

Umpires
LA-Cin: Over is 15-1-1 in last 17 Guccione games.
Mil-Chi: Under is 4-1-1 in last six Blaser games.
Mia-NY: Under is 4-0-1 in last five Hamari games.
Under is 10-6-1 in Mahrley games.
Wsh-Phil: Favorites won 10 of last 11 May games.
Pitt-StL: Under is 5-2 in last seven Fletcher games.
Az-Colo: Under is 9-4-2 in last 15 Cuzzi games.
Atl-SF: Under is 7-4 in last 11 Tumpane games.

Hst-Det: Under is 4-0-1 in last five Davis games.
Tor-Bos: Six of last eight Reyburn games went over.
A’s-Balt: Home side won last seven Miller games.
Clev-TB: Over is 10-7 in last 17 Nauert games.
NY-Min: Eight of last nine Barber games stayed under.
Chi-KC: Five of last seven Additon games stayed under.
Tex-LAA: Over is 8-4 in last dozen Johnson games.

SD-Sea: Five of last seven Hickox games went over.

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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th September 2018 by Gracenote
If the Los Angeles Dodgers miss the playoffs, they may be able to look back on their inability to solve the last-place Cincinnati Reds as one big reason why. The Reds will try to sweep the seven-game season series when the teams finish a three-game set in Cincinnati on Wednesday afternoon.

After sweeping four in Los Angeles in May and taking the series opener Monday, the Reds rode a strong start by Luis Castillo and home runs by Brandon Dixon and Scott Schebler to a 3-1 triumph Tuesday. The Dodgers have lost five of eight overall, sit 1 1/2 games back in the National League West and three back in the race for the second wild card in the NL. Ross Stripling will be making his first start in just over a month when he gets the nod for Los Angeles in the series finale. Anthony DeSclafani goes for Cincinnati, which has won four of its last five overall.

TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Ross Stripling (8-3, 2.61 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (7-4, 4.56)

Stripling returned from the disabled list (toe) earlier in the month and retired one batter in relief Friday at Colorado. He will be limited to roughly 45 pitches or three innings of work as he builds back up. The 28-year-old allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings against Cincinnati on May 12.

DeSclafani worked at least six innings in all five of his August starts but has failed to get beyond four in his first two outings this month. He was rocked for four runs and eight hits in four frames in a no-decision against the San Diego Padres his last time out. The University of Florida product is 1-3 with a 3.12 ERA in four prior starts versus Los Angeles.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 2B Scooter Gennett is 6-for-8 with four RBIs in the series.

2. Dodgers OF Joc Pederson homered and singled Tuesday after going 0-for-13 over his previous six games.

3. Schebler is 10-for-28 with three home runs and seven RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Reds 4
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Cleveland Indians vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Cleveland Indians visit the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday afternoon for the rubber match of a three-game set that features a pair of Cy Young candidates who total 34 victories this season. Cleveland's Carlos Carrasco goes for his 17th victory and the Rays counter with 18-game winner Blake Snell in a matchup of pitchers that have dominated at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay.

Snell is tied for the major league lead in wins with Corey Kluber of the Indians while owning a 9-1 record and a 1.23 ERA at home this season and Carrasco is 4-0 with a 1.11 ERA in his career at Tampa Bay. American League Central-leading Cleveland evened the series with a 2-0 victory on Tuesday, ending the Rays' franchise-record 12-game winning streak at home and reducing its magic number to three. Edwin Encarnacion reached 30 homers for the seventh straight season Tuesday and Indians teammate Michael Brantley singled to improve to seven hits in his last four games. The Rays dropped 8 1/2 games behind Oakland for the second wild card in the AL, but outfielder Tommy Pham extended his hitting streak to 15 games - going 25-for-62 during the run.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (16-8, 3.41 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (18-5, 2.06)

Carrasco gave up five runs and nine hits over 6 1/3 innings to lose against Tampa Bay on Sept. 2 and rebounded with eight frames of two-run ball in a no-decision five days later versus Toronto. The 31-year-old Venezuelan went 4-2 with a 1.85 ERA in August after winning all four of his decisions in July. C.J. Cron is 2-for-3 with a homer against Carrasco, who is 4-4 with a 3.21 ERA in 10 career games (nine starts) versus the Rays.

Snell continues to make a strong case for a Cy Young while winning six straight starts, allowing six runs combined during that stretch. The 25-year-old Washington native gave up two runs and five hits with nine strikeouts last time out to beat Baltimore after holding Cleveland to two runs across 6 2/3 frames on Sept. 1. Josh Donaldson has a homer versus Snell, who is 1-1 with a 1.83 ERA in three career starts against Cleveland.

WALK-OFFS

1. Donaldson played 3B and went 0-for-4 in his debut with the Indians on Tuesday, while Jose Ramirez moved to 2B and Jason Kipnis to CF.

2. Tampa Bay CF Kevin Kiermaier, who owns a seven-game hitting streak, is day-to-day after missing the last two contests due to illness.

3. The Rays lead the season series 3-2 with one game left and can win it for the first time against Cleveland since 2013.

PREDICTION: Indians 3, Rays 2
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Houston Astros vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

The Houston Astros have felt very comfortable on the road and look to finish off their ninth sweep away from home this season when they visit the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday afternoon for the finale of a three-game set. The Astros, who lead the American League West by three games, defeated the Tigers 5-4 on Tuesday for their second straight one-run victory in the series and improved to a major league-best 51-22 on the road.

Alex Bregman extended his on-base streak to 38 games when he was hit by a pitch Tuesday while Houston teammates Jose Altuve and Tyler White each homered to extend their hitting streaks to six and five contests, respectively. Gerrit Cole looks to continue his dominant pitching when he takes the mound Wednesday and Detroit will counter with left-hander Daniel Norris, who makes his fifth start in a season shortened by surgery. The Tigers have dropped three in a row after a four-game winning streak and fell to 20-25 in one-run games. Detroit's top hitter this season, Nicholas Castellanos, went 0-for-4 in Tuesday's setback to end a five-game hitting streak, but he is the eighth player in franchise history with at least 40 doubles and 20 homers in a season.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Gerrit Cole (13-5, 2.86 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Daniel Norris (0-3, 5.47)

Cole is unbeaten over in his last five starts while giving up a total of 11 earned runs with 44 strikeouts over 28 2/3 innings, but did not complete more than six frames and any of the outings. The 28-year-old UCLA product is second behind teammate Justin Verlander in the AL with a career-best 251 strikeouts across 182 2/3 innings. Castellanos is 7-for-13 with four RBIs versus Cole, who beat Detroit with 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball July 14.

Norris, a former second-round pick of Toronto, makes his third start since returning from a four-month stint on the disabled list with a groin injury. The 25-year-old Tennessee native gave up five runs on five hits (three homers) and two walks over 9 1/3 innings in his two starts after coming back Sept. 1. Brian McCann has homered against Norris, who allowed two runs (one earned) across 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision versus Houston last year.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Tigers recalled RHP Spencer Turnbull and LHP Matt Hall while designating RHP Johnny Barbato for assignment Tuesday.

2. Houston 1B Yuli Gurriel had a pair of hits Tuesday and is 9-for-26 during a seven-game hitting streak.

3. The Astros sent RHP Brad Peacock home Tuesday and he is out indefinitely with hand, foot and mouth disease.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Tigers 2
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th September 2018 by Gracenote
The St. Louis Cardinals have racked up 19 runs in the first two contests of the series and look to complete a three-game sweep when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday afternoon. Tyler O'Neill hit a three-run homer and Marcell Ozuna collected three RBIs as the Cardinals posted an 11-5 victory on Tuesday.

St. Louis has won three straight and five of seven to boost its lead for the National League's second wild card to three games over the Los Angeles Dodgers, who arrive in town for a four-game series that begins on Thursday. The Cardinals have been explosive on offense in recent weeks as Tuesday's outing marked the fourth time in their last 15 contests that they have scored 11 or more runs. The Pirates have lost four consecutive road games, with the setbacks in St. Louis being the first two of a six-game trip that ends with three in Milwaukee. Pittsburgh's Josh Bell is 5-for-10 in the series and 7-for-15 with two homers, two doubles, four RBIs and five runs scored over his last four games.

TV: 1:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (12-9, 3.40 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Daniel Poncedeleon (0-1, 2.67)

Taillon has won three consecutive starts and owns a 1.88 ERA over his last four turns. The 26-year-old has been strong since the All-Star break, going 6-2 with a 2.48 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in nine outings. Taillon is 1-0 with a 1.88 ERA in two starts against the Cardinals this season and 2-1 with a 3.57 mark in seven career turns.

Poncedeleon is making his fourth start and 10th appearance of the campaign. The 26-year-old has gone 0-1 with a 2.51 ERA in his previous three starts, including the stellar debut in which he worked seven no-hit frames against Cincinnati on July 23. Poncedeleon's most recent start also was against the Reds on Sept. 1 and he didn't fare that well as he yielded three runs and five hits over 3 1/3 innings en route to his first career setback.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ozuna has gone 13-for-30 with five homers and 10 RBIs during his seven-game hitting streak.

2. Pittsburgh C Francisco Cervelli is mired in a 23-game home-run drought.

3. St. Louis 3B Jedd Gyorko (groin) could be available as a pinch-hitter on Wednesday and might be able to start as soon as Thursday.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Cardinals 2
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Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Atlanta Braves have won a series in San Francisco for the first time since 2011 and look to complete a three-game sweep of the struggling Giants on Wednesday afternoon. Charlie Culberson belted a two-run homer on Tuesday as the Braves posted a 4-1 victory to improve to 5-1 on their seven-game road trip.

Atlanta's lead in the National League East grew by 1 1/2 games on Tuesday as Philadelphia dropped both ends of its doubleheader against Washington to fall 6 1/2 behind. Nick Markakis reached base three times on two hits and a walk Tuesday and is batting .341 in 41 at-bats this month. The Giants have lost 10 straight contests for just the third time (1985 and 1996) since moving to San Francisco in 1958, and the franchise last lost 11 straight in 1951 while based in New York. The Giants recorded just two runs and nine hits in the first two games of the series and have scored three runs or fewer nine times during their skid.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, Facebook-Watch

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (6-5, 3.09 ERA) vs. Giants LH Derek Holland (7-8, 3.54)

Sanchez struck out eight in five innings against Arizona in his last turn, when he gave up three runs and four hits in a no-decision. The 34-year-old has performed well on the road, going 5-2 with a 3.07 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and .204 opponents' batting average in 11 starts. Sanchez is 4-1 with a 2.13 ERA in six career starts against San Francisco.

Holland settled for a no-decision against Milwaukee last time out after giving up two runs on two hits and five walks over six innings. The 31-year-old has posted a 1.61 ERA over his last five outings but only has a 1-0 record to show for his efforts. Holland's lone appearance against the Braves came on Sept. 12, 2014, when he gave up one run and eight hits in seven innings of a no-decision while with Texas.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman was 0-for-4 with a walk on Tuesday after registering three consecutive two-hit performances.

2. San Francisco INF Ryder Jones (knee) will undergo surgery on Wednesday while 1B Brandon Belt (knee) may require a procedure after the season.

3. Atlanta 3B Johan Camargo (groin) departed Tuesday's contest and will be re-evaluated on Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Braves 6, Giants 3
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Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Miami Marlins aim to gain the edge in both the season and current series against the host New York Mets on Wednesday when the National League East rivals play a single-admission doubleheader at Citi Field. The Marlins (57-86) improved to 6-7 against the Mets (65-78) this season by getting the better of Jacob deGrom during Tuesday's 5-3 triumph in the opener of a four-game set.

Derek Dietrich collected two hits and a run scored in the series opener to improve to 13-for-43 with six extra-base hits (five doubles, homer) versus New York this season while crossing the plate 10 times. The 29-year-old is just 3-for-15 with nine strikeouts in his career against Wednesday's opening starter Zack Wheeler while he'll face left-hander Jason Vargas for the first time in the nightcap. While cellar-dwelling Miami has split eight of its contests in September, the Mets fell for just the third time in nine outings overall this month - although the team is batting just .215 while posting a 30-42 mark at home this season. Michael Conforto homered in a career-best third straight game and fifth time in eight contests, giving him 11 RBIs, 10 hits and six runs scored in that stretch heading into matchups against right-handers Trevor Richards and Jeff Brigham.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Trevor Richards (3-8, 4.73 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (10-7, 3.39)

Richards fell to 0-3 in his last six outings on Sept. 4 after yielding six runs on four hits over 1 1/3 innings of a 9-4 setback versus Philadelphia. The 25-year-old did himself no favors by issuing four free passes, giving him multiple walks in seven straight encounters. Richards will be making his 22nd start of the season and first versus the Mets.

Wheeler improved to 8-1 with a 1.86 ERA in his last 10 starts last Wednesday after permitting three runs on as many hits over seven innings of a 7-4 win at the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 28-year-old surrendered two homers in that contest, matching his sum total of his previous nine outings. Wheeler posted a pair of sterling seven-inning performances to win two of his three encounters with Miami this season, upping his career mark to 4-2 with a 2.13 ERA against the Marlins.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York 3B Todd Frazier, who was ejected in the seventh inning for arguing balls and strikes in the series opener, is mired in a 1-for-15 stretch in his last five outings.

2. Miami CF Lewis Brinson had a two-run double in the series opener, improving to 12-for-30 with six runs driven in this month.

3. Mets RHP Robert Gsellman has yielded four runs on seven hits in his last three relief outings.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Marlins 2
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San Diego Padres vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Seattle Mariners are sinking out of the American League wild-card race, and one contributing factor is that they can't defeat the San Diego Padres. San Diego looks to complete a four-game season sweep of the host Mariners on Wednesday in the finale of their two-game series after recording a 2-1 victory in the opener.

Wil Myers delivered the tiebreaking RBI double in the ninth inning for the Padres, who have limited Seattle to five runs while winning three meetings over the last 15 days. San Diego rookie second baseman Luis Urias pulled his left hamstring during Tuesday's game and manager Andy Green called him "doubtful" to return this season in his postgame press conference. The latest setback left the Mariners 8 1/2 games behind Oakland for the second AL wild card with just 18 contests remaining. Seattle slugger Nelson Cruz is just 1-for-15 over his last four games and is one RBI shy of 1,000 for his career.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Joey Lucchesi (7-8, 3.59 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Wade LeBlanc (8-3, 3.56)

Lucchesi lost to Arizona in his last turn as he gave up two runs and three hits over five innings. The 25-year-old rookie defeated the Mariners in his previous start as he gave up one run and six hits while matching his season high of nine strikeouts over 6 2/3 frames. Lucchesi is 2-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in eight road starts.

LeBlanc hasn't allowed a run over his last 18 innings to match ace James Paxton for Seattle's longest scoreless stretch among starters this season. The 34-year-old LeBlanc allowed just six hits over six frames against Baltimore in his last turn but wasn't involved in the decision. LeBlanc, who went 17-22 for the Padres from 2008-11, is 0-1 with a 2.67 ERA in six career appearances (one start) against his former club.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners SS Jean Segura (fever) was a late scratch on Tuesday but could return for the finale.

2. San Diego recalled SS Javy Guerra, RHPs Kazuhisa Makita and Colten Brewer and LHP Brad Wieck from Triple-A El Paso.

3. Seattle activated LHP Marco Gonzales (neck) - who gave up one run in five innings on Tuesday - from the DL and recalled RHPs Matt Festa and Nick Rumbelow from Double-A Arkansas.

PREDICTION: Mariners 4, Padres 3
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Oakland Athletics vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th September 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/11/2018

Stephen Piscotty and the Oakland Athletics look to continue their impressive roll when they continue a three-game series at the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Piscotty had three hits and an RBI in a 3-2 win to begin the set, giving him a 12-game hitting streak and at least one RBI in six straight contests.

Piscotty's latest outburst, which gave him a .367 average over a 21-game span, helped the Athletics remain within three games of first-place Houston in the American League West. Oakland is 7-0 in starts made by Mike Fiers, who pitched six strong innings in Tuesday's win to help spare the relief corps ahead of another bullpen day, led by likely opener Liam Hendriks. The Orioles will counter with veteran Andrew Cashner as they inch toward a franchise record in losses (111 in 1939). Jonathan Villar drove in both runs for Baltimore on Tuesday and he has hit safely in all nine of his games this month.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Liam Hendriks (0-1, 6.32 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (4-14, 4.89)

Hendriks will be making his fourth start this month but his first on the road. He has a 6.10 ERA in 16 career matchups (one start) with Baltimore and a 7.11 ERA at Camden Yards. Right-hander Frankie Montas, who was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday, is a candidate to eat up some innings in relief of Hendriks.

Cashner failed to get through five innings for the first time in over a month when he gave up three runs in 4 2/3 frames at Seattle last Wednesday. The outing left the 32-year-old at 0-4 with a 5.87 ERA over a span of four starts. Cashner also allowed three runs in 4 2/3 at Oakland on May 4, which left him 1-0 with a 4.30 ERA in five career matchups with the A's.

WALK-OFFS

1. A's LHP Sean Manaea will have arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder next week and is expected to miss all of 2019.

2. Villar has seven home runs in 36 games with Baltimore after hitting six in 87 games with Milwaukee to start the year.

3. Oakland needs one home run to reach 200 for the sixth time in franchise history.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Orioles 4
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Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th September 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/12/2018

The free-falling Philadelphia Phillies have seen their postseason aspirations fade in rapid time, as they have lost eight consecutive series to barely remain within earshot for either the National League East title or a wild-card berth. The Phillies (74-70), who will look to snap a four-game skid in the finale of their series on Wednesday at home, squandered a three-run lead in the ninth inning of the nightcap in Tuesday's doubleheader sweep by the Nationals (73-72).

Juan Soto flustered Philadelphia in the finale, capping a two-homer performance with a solo shot in the 10th inning of a 7-6 victory in the nightcap. The 19-year-old rookie is 9-for-22 with six RBIs during his five-game hitting streak heading into a tilt versus Cy Young candidate Aaron Nola, against whom he is 1-for-9 with three strikeouts this season. Washington has won four in a row to inch closer to Philadelphia, which has dropped eight of 10 overall to reside 6 1/2 games behind first-place Atlanta in the NL East. Rhys Hoskins had a two-run double to highlight a five-run fifth inning to improve to 8-for-19 with three homers, five RBIs and five runs scored in his last five outings, although he is just 1-for-7 with five strikeouts versus Wednesday starter Stephen Strasburg.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (7-7, 4.04 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (16-4, 2.29)

Strasburg, who traditionally has dominated Philadelphia in his career, rebounded from a disastrous outing against the Phillies on Aug. 22 by picking up the win five days later after allowing two runs in six innings. The 30-year-old has kept the ball in the park in each of his last three trips to the mound after being taken deep twice in the first of the two recent encounters with Philadelphia. Strasburg has recorded back-to-back no-decisions in his last two starts despite yielding two earned runs in both outings.

Nola rebounded from his first loss since July 14 with an eight-strikeout performance over seven innings in a 4-3 win at the New York Mets on Friday. The 25-year-old has flustered Washington this season, highlighting his 3-0 mark with a 1.26 ERA in four starts after scattering five hits and fanning nine in eight frames of a 2-0 victory on Aug. 23. Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon are both 9-for-30 against Nola, although the hurler has kept Adam Eaton (1-for-14, nine strikeouts) at bay.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia CF Odubel Herrera is 4-for-31 with 10 strikeouts in his last 10 games.

2. Washington C Matt Wieters is 3-for-7 with two RBIs and two runs scored in his last two contests after going 1-for-15 with eight strikeouts in his previous six outings.

3. Phillies 2B Cesar Hernandez is 8-for-17 with four RBIs during his four-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Nationals 2, Phillies 1
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Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th September 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/11/2018

The Miami Marlins aim to gain the edge in both the season and current series against the host New York Mets on Wednesday when the National League East rivals play a single-admission doubleheader at Citi Field. The Marlins (57-86) improved to 6-7 against the Mets (65-78) this season by getting the better of Jacob deGrom during Tuesday's 5-3 triumph in the opener of a four-game set.

Derek Dietrich collected two hits and a run scored in the series opener to improve to 13-for-43 with six extra-base hits (five doubles, homer) versus New York this season while crossing the plate 10 times. The 29-year-old is just 3-for-15 with nine strikeouts in his career against Wednesday's opening starter Zack Wheeler while he'll face left-hander Jason Vargas for the first time in the nightcap. While cellar-dwelling Miami has split eight of its contests in September, the Mets fell for just the third time in nine outings overall this month - although the team is batting just .215 while posting a 30-42 mark at home this season. Michael Conforto homered in a career-best third straight game and fifth time in eight contests, giving him 11 RBIs, 10 hits and six runs scored in that stretch heading into matchups against right-handers Trevor Richards and Jeff Brigham.

TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), SNY (New York)

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

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

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

WALK-OFFS

1. New York 3B Todd Frazier, who was ejected in the seventh inning for arguing balls and strikes in the series opener, is mired in a 1-for-15 stretch in his last five outings.

2. Miami CF Lewis Brinson had a two-run double in the series opener, improving to 12-for-30 with six runs driven in this month.

3. Mets RHP Robert Gsellman has yielded four runs on seven hits in his last three relief outings.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Marlins 2
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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/11/2018

The Boston Red Sox have clinched a playoff spot and now will try to reach the 100-win mark for the fourth time in franchise history when they host the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday in the second contest of a three-game series. With ace Chris Sale throwing a scoreless inning in his return from shoulder issues and Brock Holt slugging a three-run homer, the Red Sox picked up a 7-2 win in the series opener to become the first team in the majors to clinch a spot in the postseason.

The Red Sox are 13-4 against the Blue Jays, including 7-1 at home, and own a commanding nine-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East. David Price gets the start Wednesday for Boston as he looks to improve upon some stellar career numbers against the Blue Jays (20-3, 2.52 ERA). He will face a lineup that managed just five hits and one walk against Sale and seven relievers as Toronto fell for the ninth time in its last 11 road games. Right-hander Aaron Sanchez starts for the Blue Jays as he tries to finish another injury-plagued campaign on a good note.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (4-5, 5.17 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH David Price (14-6, 3.57)

Sanchez recorded his first quality start in nearly three months when he gave up three runs in six innings to defeat Tampa Bay last Wednesday. He struck out eight in the outing to tie a season high while picking up his first win since June 3. The one-time All-Star was reached for seven runs in five innings in his last Fenway Park start and is 3-2 with a 4.35 ERA in his career at Boston.

Price bounced back from a rare bad start to limit the Houston Astros to two runs while fanning 10 in 6 1/3 innings on Friday. The bullpen lost Price's lead in that game and the Red Sox lost a start made by the left-hander for the first time since July 1. Devon Travis is 7-for-16 in his career against Price, who owns a 3.08 ERA at Fenway this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts has scored six runs in his last four games.

2. Blue Jays IF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has three doubles, four singles and four walks over his last six games.

3. Boston has scored at least five runs in each of its 13 games against Toronto.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Blue Jays 3
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Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th September 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/12/2018

The Chicago Cubs have done enough to ensure they'll still have the lead in the National League Central when the Milwaukee Brewers leaves town, but both teams recognize the importance of their final head-to-head meeting of the season on Wednesday. The finale of the three-game series will represent a two-game swing in the tight division race, which the Cubs lead by two games.

The Cubs have blanked the Brewers six times, including Tuesday's 3-0 triumph, and have an 11-7 lead in the season series. That head-to-head advantage has been the difference in the NL Central race. The victory snapped a three-game skid for the Cubs and evened the series after Milwaukee posted a 3-2 win in the opener to trim its deficit to one game. The Brewers had won four straight and seven of eight before being limited to three singles on Tuesday.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), ABC 7 (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Chase Anderson (9-7, 3.95 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (11-10, 3.71)

Anderson is riding a nine-start unbeaten streak but has posted only three quality starts over that stretch. The 30-year-old has allowed three runs over 10 innings in his last two outings - both of which were no-decisions. Anderson is 4-4 with a 2.91 ERA in 10 career starts against the Cubs, including a 1-2 mark this season despite allowing only three runs over 20 frames in three meetings.

The Cubs have won seven of Hendricks' last eight starts - a stretch during which he has posted a 2.90 ERA. The 28-year-old was hurt by his defense last time out as he allowed four runs - one earned - over five innings in a no-decision at Washington, snapping a streak of three consecutive quality starts. Hendricks is 8-4 with a 2.98 ERA in 18 career turns against the Brewers, including a pair of wins this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers OF Christian Yelich has reached base in a career high-tying 27 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NL.

2. Cubs 2B-OF Ben Zobrist is 9-for-19 with three homers versus Anderson.

3. Chicago LF Kyle Schwarber missed his second consecutive game Tuesday with a tight back and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Brewers 3
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New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 09-12-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th September 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/12/2018

The New York Yankees appeared to be a lock for the first wild card in the American League a short time ago, but their lead has dwindled significantly as they head into the rubber match of their three-game series against the host Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. New York's cushion over Oakland for home field in the wild-card game was reduced to two games with Tuesday's 10-5 loss.

The Yankees fell to 4-4 on their nine-game road trip and 7-8 overall since sweeping a four-game series at Baltimore from Aug. 24-26 while the Athletics have won five in a row and seven of eight - including two of three versus New York last week - to tighten the race. Didi Gregorius went 2-for-3 in the loss with a triple and a grand slam, but Giancarlo Stanton continued to struggle as he went hitless in two at-bats to drop to 4-for-38 with no homers and two RBIs over his last 10 games. Jorge Polanco collected three hits and an RBI while Joe Mauer belted his fifth career grand slam as the Twins posted their third win in five contests following a five-game losing streak. Polanco has gone 5-for-9 over the first two games of the series and has hit safely in eight of his last nine contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (17-7, 3.52 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (5-10, 4.57)

Severino is coming off his shortest start of the season, a loss at Oakland on Wednesday in which he was tagged for six runs - five earned - and six hits over 2 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old Dominican has suffered five of his seven setbacks on the road, where his ERA (4.16) is more than a full run higher than his mark at home (2.86). Severino made his lone career start against Minnesota on Sept. 20, 2016, when he gave up three runs and five hits over three innings in a no-decision.

Odorizzi lost his third consecutive start on Wednesday as he surrendered five runs on four hits - two homers - and four walks in 4 2/3 innings at Houston. The 28-year-old native of Illinois has won just one of his last 10 outings and worked more than six frames once in 29 turns this season. Odorizzi fell to 5-8 with a 4.61 ERA in 15 career appearances (14 starts) versus the Yankees on April 23, when he yielded five runs on five hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings at New York.

WALK-OFFS

1. Gregorius has hit two of his three career grand slams this season - both versus the Twins.

2. Mauer's grand slam on Tuesday was his 596th career extra-base hit, tying him with Tony Oliva for fourth place on the Twins' all-time list.

3. New York 3B Miguel Andujar is tied with Bob Meusel (1920) for the third-most doubles in franchise history by a rookie with 40 and needs five to break the record set in 1936 by Joe DiMaggio.

PREDICTION: Yankees 8, Twins 1
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