Friday 5/1/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #3 - BELMONT PARK - 2:22 PM EASTERN POST


The Gold Fever Stakes

6.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEAR OLDS STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#2 EL DEAL
#4 NONNA'S BOY
#3 ACKERET
#1 MONEY CHANGER

The race honors the "hard-knocking," Gold Fever who finished his 3-year-old campaign in 1996 by taking the last NYRA Mile Handicap (G1) before the race was renamed to honor Cigar. The homebred for Cynthia Phipps, who'd owned his family for generations, had previously won the Riva Ridge (G3) and Discovery (G3) for Shug McGaughey. Here in the 2nd running of this stakes event, #2 EL DEAL has excennelnt early speed to compliment for this sprint, is the pace profile leader, and is undefeated in a three race career to date, winning twice in "POWER RUN FASHION." The morning line favorite is #4 NONNA'S BOY who comes off a "POWER RUN WIN" in his last start, the 2nd Circle Trip in his four race career to date.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Churchill Downs

RACE #11 - CHURCHILL DOWNS - 5:45 PM EASTERN POST


THE KENTUCKY OAKS

9.0 FURLONGS DIRT GRADE I THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $1,000,000.00 PURSE

#5 CONDO COMMANDO
#12 STELLAR WIND
#8 I'M A CHATTERBOX
#7 LOVELY MARIA

I'm going with a 4-1 shot, #5 CONDO COMMANDO to upset the morning line favorite, #12 STELLAR WIND here in the "Friday Feature!" She's a perfect three-for-three into "The Circle" racing at today's distance of 9.0 furlongs on the dirt, including back-to-back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her last three starts, and I see a 4th "POWER RUN WIN" on her recent past performance sheets in her 5th race back, winning by a whopping, 13-lengths in that race. Jockey Joel Rosario has been in her irons on two previous occasions, winning 'em both, en route to a +110% return on investment in the process, and is back this afternoon for his 3rd ride, gunning for a "Hat Trick Win." STELLAR WIND, the pace profile leader, has hit the board in each of her four career starts to date, and like my top pick in this race, has won each of her last three "adventures," in "POWER RUN FASHION."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 5/1 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY $1 PICK 4:

2,8,10/6,9,10/2/3,9,10 = $27


LATE $1 PICK 4: 1,8,10/1,8/2,3,5/4 = $18

MEET STATS: 39 - 126 / $194.00 BEST BETS: 7 - 11 / $22.60

SPOT PLAYS: 1 - 10 / $10.60

Best Bet: DIANNA SANTANNA (11th)

Spot Play: RUSSIAN KISSES (6th)


Race 1

(4) STIRLING DEBUTANT swung widest off excess cover turning home and powered up to just miss. She can build on that season's debut and take this if kept closer early. (7) LOVIN KARMA had no issue with the 10-hole and made her maiden-breaking win look easy. She is a contender right back. (8) STRIKING IVY moved to the front in the mid-stages and had enough to hold off the choice. She appears to be much better than last year, as suspected.

Race 2

(4) DOMEDOMEDOME moves to an inside post where she has had better luck from. She can convert a good following trip here. (5) WIZARD OF OSNEY has held her form well and lost to a good one last week; contender. (9) MAGIC MADNESS has enough early foot to get out in the top flight and work out a trip. She, too is a top contender in a contentious dash.

Race 3

(5) MAPLELEA powered home from an impossible spot for 2nd last week which was a much-improved effort over the Blossom Final; top call here in a shorter field. (7) MOONLIT DANCE raced away to a new life's mark and is the obvious one to beat. (1) CAST NO SHADOW set the pace to very late in the Blossom Final and the wet track may have worked against her. She needs a good result here after skipping the first leg of this series.

Race 4

(8) LARJON LAURA missed a couple of weeks but gets Lasix here and faces easier; top call in a competitive dash. (2) ONE LAST BONO also drops on class and is sure to be sent right to the point for as far as she goes. (10) EXHILIRATED makes her fourth start of the year and has shown improved late speed in all of her starts; beware.

Race 5

(10) BIG PACKAGE closed from farthest back to nab second from this same post last week. He can beat these if Filion elects to leave a bit. (6) BLUSH AND CRUSH was out the route and was less than 3 lengths back at the wire. She too will likely leave harder here back on a 7-day cycle. (9) TYMAL COLLOSSUS also had a rough trip first off the claim and has beaten most of these before.

Race 6

(2) RUSSIAN KISSES has faced two very tough mares the past two starts and wasn't disgraced. Look for a better result vs. easier here. (6) WILDCAT HANNA is right around the money every week and is due for some better luck. (7) ST LADS PENNY LANE rarely misses the board and can race any way the driver chooses; using.

Race 7

(3) F TWENTY TWO went a huge first-over trip last week and almost managed to last; look for him to try to clear at some point here in his first start off the claim. (10) CROWN ISLE left hard for the front, took a big shuffle then closed hard late into a slowing pace to just miss. He merits consideration off that trip. (9) BUCKSHOT AUSTIN miscued early, closed well for a share and was claimed. He has a good chance to share here.

Race 8

(8) DELIGHTFUL HILL debuts in the Robinson barn here off a solid qualifier. She could be ready to roll right away. (10) SASSAFRASS GIRL tried to close from an impossible spot and did well, considering. The 10-hole may present a similar scenario, however. (1) BEYONCES ROCKN was an easy winner vs. lesser and certainly should be heard from here.

Race 9

(1) CLICK BOOM easily won his penultimate start in this class and was then trounced on Monday night when in over his head. He could carve out a similar winning trip to the one two back here. (8) CANADIAN EDITION has been racing well for Puddy and should be able to get a good spot early here. (4) BAD OUTLAW was easily beaten by the choice last time and likely sets the pace again here for as far as he can take it.

Race 10

(5) MARLEE B couldn't keep up in a rapid second half last week but the top three from that race aren't here; another chance for this mare. (3) RUBIS PRESCOTT took her life's mark here last year off a perfect pocket trip. She may get that exact trip here. (2) ROCK N ROLL XAMPLE beat lesser impressively and the Menary stock has been hot the past week; don't take lightly.

Race 11

(4) DIANNA SANTANNA has faced some very good mares the past 5 weeks and has hit the board every time. She meets a group she can beat here. (7) MARY CELESTE has raced well since coming from London and rarely gets bet; exotics factor at a price. (9) MAKE WAY has trouble finishing her miles but goes first off the claim here and could improve. (1) YOUR MY SECRET has won half her starts in 2015 and can't be easily dismissed. (8) MYSTIQUE BEACHBUM closes late for a slice as is her custom.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 5/1 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

FINAL 2015 WINTER/SPRING MEET STATS: 174 - 648 / $938.10

BEST BETS: 22 - 53 / $82.50

Best Bet: DIVINE CAROLINE (3rd)

Spot Play: QUICK DEAL (7th)


Race 1

(3) NORTHERN GRACE had some trot at the end of both of her qualifying miles and trainer Semdshammer sees fit to call on Tim Tetrick to drive. (4) LADY WINONA has displayed flashes of ability between miscues on the track. She is a pick five must. (1) ALL THAT SPARKLES posted an even mile in her first start of the year and can show more now.

Race 2

(4) CANEPA HANOVER begins his road to the Hambletonian against a somewhat inferior group. If he doesn’t make a mistake, he’ll win. (2) STEEL CURTIN has been very consistent of late and should sit close to the action. (6) MYTHOLOGY BLUECHIP was in against some salty older foes last time. (5) DONNIE DARKO has been chasing JL Cruze at Pocono.

Race 3

(2) DIVINE CAROLINE is a stakes-potential filly coming off a strong 2015 debut mile; again. (3) STRUT MY STUFF was handled patiently and rallied nicely to just miss at big odds in her initial offering of the year. More now? (6) STACIA HANOVER bested the former last time with a solid rally of her own; chance.

Race 4

(2) FOR YOU ALMOSTFREE was used from an outside post last time and lacked a big late kick; another shot. (7) LAUDERDALE won at this level last time and gets the ‘free ride’. (3) DREAM ROCKER will be gunning for the front and seems very capable. (1) ALL ABOUT JUSTICE doesn’t look great on paper, but he could sneak into the exotics. (4) B YOYO is in a flash speed and stop pattern. Maybe he turns it around?

Race 5

(7) ARIEL SALUTE took a shot in his career debut and weakened a bit versus a more accomplished group than he tackles tonight. I’m going to stay here on the class break. (2) TOTAL DARKNESS and (1) STARZINNER drop out of the Spring Preview where they chased a powerful trotter in Whom Shall I Fear.

Race 6

(6) TOTALLY RUSTY chased a pretty good mare in Jerseylicious though a fast morning mile. Dover shipper is perfect in three starts this year and has only lost once in her 12-race career; lots to like. (5) BEDROOMCONFESSIONS was aimed at some big races in her rookie season and qualified back well enough to think she’ll have a major say in here. (8) HAPPINESS showed a nice brush and staying power in both qualifiers.

Race 7

(3) QUICK DEAL proved he could behave without hobbles and trotted a strong mile. If he has his ‘A’ game, he wins. (7) POUNCE HANOVER has been on quite a roll but faces a better group tonight. (9) D’ORSAY was a bit flat to start her year. Classy mare can pop up with a big mile at any time.

Race 8

(6) HURRIKANE ALI came up with a huge 1:51 4/5 qualifying mile last time and Gingras chose this son of Rocknroll Hanover over a Ron Burke-trained horse. (2) DEVILS CUT had no shot from post 10. He should sit close and pick up a good check. (1) THE LIMIT HANOVER seems ready for action after a pair of decent qualifiers.

Race 9

(9) SINGLE ME has flashed early speed in almost every start, so the outside post should present no problems. As long as she doesn’t have to work so hard to make the front, she looks clearly best. (3) QUICK AINT FAIR finds an easier spot. Chris Ryder trainee could easily improve in her second career race. (1) KAITLYN AKEEPER is an unknown since I didn’t see those Philly qualifiers; watch her warm up. (2) NEW JOEZ is an exotics player if she stays pacing.

Race 10

(5) JANIE BAY proved last week that she can make an early move and race well. She outdraws main rival (10) DREAM’S BAR but a large margin and faces a mostly dull group. The latter drops back down into her comfort zone and should be hustled away from the gate. (1) HAPPILYEVERFASTER gets a positive driver switch to Callahan.

Race 11

(6) RADAR CONTACT had to work on the engine last time and barely got nipped at the wire. Her price should rise over even money this week and now she becomes tempting. (5) INITTOWINAFORTUNE finally turned the tables on the top one last time; threat again. (1) MAJOR DANCER got in a good warm-up mile in her first start as a 4-year-old. Do we see her best yet?

Race 12

(4) KINGAPORE was hopelessly trapped in last week and never got a chance to shine. I’ll bite one more time. (2) TIGER’S TOO GOOD drops down and really has no excuses. One of my top pair should win. (1) CRAZED N LINDY gets a better post and Gingras in the bike. (10) VIPER BLUE CHIP should flash early speed and get into the exotics.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 5/1 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 62 - 368 / $464.50 BEST BETS: 5 - 32 / $26.60

Best Bet: AZOREANSAILOR (3rd)

Spot Play: FANTICIPATION (5th)


Race 1

(3) KEEMOSABE returns to his old friends ($12,500 ranks). Has every right to get back to his winning ways. (4) TOUCH AND GO leaves the eight slot. Might have a say with these. (6) LUCKY HOUSE just missed the victory in his recent trip.

Race 2

(4) FORT VALLEY AS has put in three sharp performances in a row. Trotter seems to be ready to move forward. (3) FLYHAWK EL DURADO did not race badly at The Meadowlands last time out; player. (6) TAKE MY PICTURE gets class relief; watch out.

Race 3

(3) AZOREANSAILOR put in a nice effort in his latest. Gelding can fire his best for all the glory. (4) STONEBRIDGE COWBOY 11-year-old is quite sharp; threat. (6) CHINA DREAM could land a share of the purse.

Race 4

(5) DIAMONDKEEPER has scored his last five trips in row. Pacing gelding is one tough cookie, the one to deny. (7) DABUNKA Since the move from Ohio, this one has hit the exacta in his last two tries; main danger. (3) GRANDPA DON Even finish last time out. Don't overlook.

Race 5

(4) FANTICIPATION was second best in her latest. Pacing miss is sharp, can take this at her best. (1) SCOOTIN FOR JOY was sent down the road last out for all the glory, contender from the fence. (2) JONSIE JONES was nailed for win honors in her last start. Not out of this.

Race 6

(2) SOMEPLACE SPECIAL was used hard in the early stages and stopped badly last out. The good news is this seems to be a better spot for him to relax. Down the road. (1) NASSAU COUNTY put in two sharp tries. Big threat from the rail slot. (7) IM BLUE TOO rallied strongly recently to nail down the placing.

Race 7

(2) SKY IS THE LIMIT gets a cozy post to work with. With a golden trip, this 5-year-old can make tonight a winning one. (8) CLASSIESISTAR N Sharp for the victory in his U.S, debut; threat again. (1) BY A TIME should do much better from the fence.

Race 8

(3) NATURAL LEDA Gelding has good tactical speed to rate and score. Ready to fire his best. (5) LUCKY MAN closed strongly from the 8-hole to take down top prize. Big player. (1) FLIPPER J draws well to contend with these.

Race 9

(4) RU READY TO ROCK fits well with this group. Pacer has hit the board 8 of 14 trips this year. Ready for action. (2) FLEM N EM N flashed good speed in his last one; main danger. (1) BIGRISK put in a late rally to grab the place spot; Don't overlook.

Race 10

(7) HANDSOFFMYCUPCAKE is seeking her first score of the year. Pacing mare is very capable of getting the job done if she is given a golden trip. (6) LETS GO HIGHER faced Open foes upstate last out; Big player. (1) CLASSY LANE ROSE should get involved from the rail slot.

Race 11

(4) ROCK N LOAD Based on her last three trips to the post, she is clearly knocking at the door. Ready for action. (7) KEYSTONE WANDA has tactical speed. Should be right in the mix. (1) STRINGS was in over her head last out; beware with strong connections.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (2nd) King's Fortune, 4-1
(8th) Delightful Daisy, 6-1

Belmont Park (4th) Call Daddy, 5-1
(9th) Clara Kelly, 3-1

Belterra Park (1st) Judy B's Warrior, 9-2
(6th) Conquestor, 9-2


Charles Town (3rd) Just Safe, 9-2
(6th) Dakota's Diamond, 9-2


Churchill Downs (1st) Opening Act, 4-1
(4th) Diva Express, 6-1


Emerald Downs (3rd) Top Platinum, 6-1
(6th) Maggie's Special, 6-1


Evangeline Downs (3rd) Believing in Me, 4-1
(9th) Adrianne G, 6-1


Finger Lakes (6th) Jo Jo, 10-1
(9th) Alcanudance, 3-1


Golden Gate Fields (5th) Derrymore, 5-1
(8th) The Gang and I, 7-2

Gulfstream Park (2nd) You Can't Stop Me, 3-1
(4th) Xaverian, 6-1


Indiana Downs (7th) Sucess is Racing, 3-1
(8th) Late to the Dance, 5-1


Lone Star Park (6th) King Council, 9-2
(7th) Roman Threat, 4-1


Louisiana Downs (1st) Storm Cap, 7-2
(7th) My Pal Torres, 4-1


Parx Racing (4th) C R S Angels, 3-1
(8th) Antares, 5-1


Penn National (2nd) Avery's Parade, 10-1
(6th) King Touch, 9-2

Pimlico (1st) Rebel Spy, 3-1
(7th) Bottleofredorwhite, 7-2

Prairie Meadows (4th) Hot Redhead, 7-2
(8th) A M Milky Way, 7-2


Santa Anita (6th) Nazareth, 3-1
(7th) Surf n Sky, 6-1


Tampa Bay Downs (2nd) Dreamcastle, 3-1
(10th) Rising Tigress, 9-2


Thistledown (5th) Sylvan Walk, 6-1
(8th) Storm Snow, 8-1


Turf Paradise (5th) Incisive, 4-1
(8th) Cozy Afternoon, 7-2

Woodbine (3rd) Just Blake, 8-1
(6th) District Attorney, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

May Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

For baseball purists, May is simply the 2nd month of the 2015 MLB season. But for die-hard baseball fans, namely those who enjoy handicapping America’s pastime, it signals our annual May Good Month/Bad Month pitchers report.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of May. On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in April, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each April over the last three years. And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s May list.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Bailey, Homer - 12-6 (7-0 H)

The Reds right-hander will start the month on the DL with a with a right elbow ligament sprain. This is coming off September surgery that repaired a torn flexor mass tendon in the same elbow. When right, Bailey has two good fastballs he can work either corner and go up or down the ladder. His splitter is one hitter’s will chase with two strikes.

*Buehrle, Mark - 15-2 (8-1 H)

The Toronto lefty continues to pitch well early in the season when he’s at his strongest now that he’s 35 years old. Buehrle has never thrown hard and his best fastball today might reach 85 MPH on a hot day, but he’s a craftsman working both sides of the plate.

*Cain, Matt - 12-2 (6-1 A)

The former ace of the San Francisco staff began playing catch on April 28th as he works his way back from a flexor tendon strain in his throwing arm. Cain has not pitched since spring training, and had an injury-plagued 2014 season come to an end with August elbow surgery to remove bone chips. His return is unknown.

*Cobb, Alex - 7-3 (3-1 A)

The 27-year-old right-hander has been sidelined with forearm tendinitis since March 17 and late in April tossed 21 pitches with no problem. He will continue rehab and if all goes well could be back later in May.

Lynn, Lance - 12-5 (8-2 H)

Lynn has inconspicuously become one of the best No. 2 starters in the National League. His trade skill is pounding the strike zone and he cuts his fastball to RH hitters. His big looping curveball will freeze opposing batters.

Sale, Chris - 10-1 (5-0 A)

Only 25, the White Sox left-hander has a herky-jerky delivery, hides the ball expertly and dives towards batters at the end of his delivery. His low to mid-90’s fastball commands both sides of the dish and varies the speed of his slider. A tough customer to face.

*Scherzer, Max - 13-4 (8-2 A)

The high-priced Washington ace has not been quite as advertised just yet, but has been known to heat up like the weather. In today’s world Scherzer is a workhorse and intelligently uses his variety of pitches to be able to confound opposing hitters even their third or fourth time at bat.

* Vogelsong, Ryan (12-4 (5-1 A)

At 37, Vogelsong’s best days are behind him, but with the Giants scrambling for starting pitching, he will again fit nicely in the back of the rotation. As long as the Charlotte native keeps the ball low, a quality start is possible.

Weaver, Jered - 10-2 (5-1 A)

Like Buehrle, Weaver lacks the big fastball, but survives on guile and knowing how to pitch, which is actually his best trait. When spots the fastball all his off-speed pitches are that much more effective.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Chacin, Jhoulys - 1-10 (0-5 A)

Was surprisingly cut by Colorado in April and signed a minor league deal with Cleveland on April 24th. Could be brought up in May or June if Indians need a warm body to start.

Correia, Kevin 5-11 - (2-5 H)

With San Francisco starting pitching woes, signed minor league deal in early April and could be called up if effective or if the Giants need a fifth starter.

Haren, Dan 6-12 - (3-8 A)

Haren used to throw low 90’s, not anymore and his off-speed breaking pitches and splitter are flatter compared to years gone by. They are all among the reasons his May record is terrible and his career is heading south at 34.

*Jackson, Edwin - 3-12 (1-8 A)

Moved to the Cubs bullpen and will be available as a spot starter. Would have been traded but current contract is unworkable for suitors.

Kennedy, Ian - 5-11 (2-6 A)

For Kennedy to be effective his mechanics have to be right or he tends to keep everything up in the zone. With already one trip to the DL this campaign, it is hard to imagine when the righty will rediscover his ability to keep the ball down.

Lincecum, Tim - 6-12 (4-8 H)

The two-time Cy Young winner has lost five MPH on his fastball and breaking pitches since 2011, which is precisely why he’s not the same pitcher he used to be. Unfortunately, getting your haircut does not make you throw harder.

*Lohse, Kyle - 5-11 (3-7 A)

Lohse is more of a feel pitcher and past May’s have shown he has not felt well. It has been even worse this season to date with gargantuan 7.28 ERA to start this month. Rest assured, playing for this Milwaukee bunch will not lead to more success.

*Nolasco, Ricky - 6-12 (3-7 A)

Been on the DL since April 9 with right elbow inflammation but pitched five innings, giving up one unearned run on three hits with five strikeouts on April 27th. The Twins management will decide the plan for Nolasco going forward and if he'll need another rehab start. Should be with Minnesota soon but not near the pitcher he was in Miami.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Yankees (13-9) at Red Sox (12-10)

Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: May 01, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

CC Sabathia isn't used to getting off to a horrendous start during an otherwise sensational career, and he won't ever be comfortable with getting booed at Yankee Stadium.

Now the left-hander will try to regroup on the road as he tries to end the longest losing streak of his career Friday night when the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox renew their rivalry at Fenway Park.

Sabathia (0-4, 5.96 ERA) has dropped his first four starts for the first time after allowing seven runs and nine hits - three home runs - in Saturday's 8-2 home loss to the New York Mets. As manager Joe Girardi went out to get him in the sixth inning, Yankees fans weren't shy about voicing their displeasure with the six-time All-Star.
"You pitch bad, you get booed," he told MLB's official website.

Sabathia was 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA in his first four starts in 2008 before finishing 17-10 with a 2.70 mark. He's hoping for a similar turnaround after going 0-6 with a 6.13 ERA over his last seven starts - the longest winless stretch of his career.

Sabathia has pitched better on the road this season. He allowed four runs over seven innings in a 4-3 loss at Baltimore on April 14 and two runs in a complete-game 2-1 loss at Detroit on April 20.

"If you were to look at the four starts, I think three of them, he's thrown the ball pretty good," Girardi said. "(Saturday), he made mistakes. He was up in the zone. So I'm going to bet on the guy in the three other starts."

Sabathia's last victory came at Fenway on April 24, 2014, when he gave up two runs and three hits over six innings in a 14-5 victory. However, he had been 2-2 with a 8.58 ERA over his previous five starts there and is 5-6 with a 6.44 ERA in his last 13 overall against the Red Sox.

The Yankees (13-9) won 10 of 12 before Wednesday's 3-2, 13-inning loss to Tampa Bay in the finale of a six-game homestand. They'll try win their fourth straight on the road while dealing Boston (12-10) its sixth defeat in nine games.

The Red Sox are hitting .284 with 11 home runs while averaging 6.0 runs over their last six games. Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz each had two hits in Wednesday's 4-1 home win over Toronto, while Hanley Ramirez hit his 10th home run to tie Ortiz for the club record before May 1.

Ramirez is hitting .441 with three homers in his last eight games against the Yankees dating to his time with Miami.

"All the work I put in in the offseason is coming through right now," Ramirez said. "I'm feeling good right now."

Although Pedroia and Ortiz went a combined 5 for 33 in the series, Boston took two of three at Yankee Stadium from April 10-12. Brock Holt (5 for 6), Daniel Nava (4 for 7) and Xander Bogaerts (7 for 16) had big series for the Red Sox.

Justin Masterson (2-0, 5.16), who did not face the Yankees then, has allowed 12 runs and 15 hits over 8 1-3 innings while dropping his last two starts versus New York.

Alex Rodriguez is 1 for 7 when facing Masterson since 2010. He's one homer shy of tying Willie Mays for fourth on the all-time home-run list, but has gone 0 for 9 with four strikeouts in his last two games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB betting cheat sheet: Ramirez makes Boston an over beast
By DOC'S SPORTS

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for this weekend’s major-league schedule:

Hanley going ham

Nobody is hotter than Hanley Ramirez (.292, 10 HR, 22 RBI) right now. The left fielder for the Boston Red Sox has homered in four of his last six games (five homers in total during this stretch) and boasts four multi-hit performances in his last six outings. Boston (15-7 O/U) has gone over the total in five of its six most recent contests.

San Diego slumping

The San Diego Padres have lost three in a row (3-0 O/U) and seven of their last eight games (4-4 O/U). Expected to score big after spending big on guys like Justin Upton and Matt Kemp, the Padres have crossed the plate more than four times in a game only once in their last eight outings. They are fresh off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Houston Astros, who outscored them by a total of 30-9.

Head-to-head dominance

The Detroit Tigers won their last three series against the Kansas City Royals in 2014 and went 8-3 in the last 11 meetings between the two teams. Additionally, the under is 8-3 in the last 11 head-to-head encounters. Detroit and K.C. will begin a four-game set on Thursday.

Pitching Notes

* Cincinnati Reds' starter Anthony DeSclafani has been one of the biggest stories in baseball this season. The 25-year-old righty is 2-1 with a National League-leading 1.04 ERA in four starts (26 innings). DeSclafani will take the mound on Friday against the Atlanta Braves.

* New York Yankees' southpaw C.C. Sabathia has lost all four of his starts in 2015 even though his team is a respectable 13-9. The veteran is plagued by a 5.96 ERA through 25.2 innings of work. Next up for Sabathia is a Friday start against the Red Sox, who roughed him up for a 7.22 ERA in five games in 2013 and a 4.15 ERA in two games last season.

Hitting Notes

* That Baltimore Orioles' first baseman Chris Davis has hit three home runs in his last four games is not a huge surprise. A .400 average (6-for-15) in his last four is more unexpected. Davis has hit safely in 10 of Baltimore's last 12 contests. The Orioles (13-6-1 O/U) are the second most reliable over team in baseball.

* The Philadelphia Phillies (8-14 SU, 10-8-4 O/U) have crossed the plate 60 times through 22 games. No other ballclub in the National League East has scored fewer than 93 runs and no other team in the NL has scored fewer than 71 runs. First baseman Ryan Howard has three dingers in his last four outings, but he has only one other hit in his last seven games and is batting .191.

Totals Streak

Atlanta Braves (14-7 O/U): The Braves have scored at least four runs in five straight games and they surrendered 13 in each of their last two outings against the Washington Nationals earlier this week. All three of Atlanta's games in its series against Washington went over the total. The team is 4-0 O/U in its last four. Next up for the Braves is a four-game set with the Reds, who are 3-1-1 O/U in their last five.


Injury Notes

* Nationals' starter Max Scherzer is scheduled to return on Friday against the New York Mets. Scherzer sprained a thumb last Thursday but threw from the bullpen on Tuesday and appears ready to go. He is 1-2 with a 1.26 ERA in four starts to begin his tenure in Washington.

* Astros' shortstop Jed Lowrie suffered a thumb injury on Monday that will require surgery and keep him out until after the all-star break. Lowrie is hitting .300 (18-for-60), with four homers, 10 RBIs, and 11 runs scored. Marwin Gonzalez went 1-for-9 in starts at shortstop on Tuesday and Wednesday for the Astros, who have won six in a row (6-0 O/U).

 

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Royals' Ventura drops appeal of suspension
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Kansas City Royals right-hander Yordano Ventura abandoned his appeal of a seven-game suspension resulting from a brawl last Thursday in Chicago during a game against the White Sox.

Ventura was one of five players suspended after a bench-clearing incident. His penalty was stiffer than the others because of his role as an instigator.

Also suspended for their involvement in the brawl were right-hander Edinson Volquez (five games), center fielder Lorenzo Cain (two) and right-hander Kelvin Herrera (two) of the Royals and pitchers Chris Sale (five games) and Jeff Samardizja (five) of the White Sox.

Ventura's appeal allowed him to make a start on Wednesday night against the Cleveland Indians. He was rocked for five runs, six hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings.

The suspension will force Ventura to miss one start during the next week. He will be available to return on May 8 before the start of a series against the Detroit Tigers.

In five starts this year, Ventura is 2-2 with a 4.94 ERA.

 

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Yankees have lost Sabathia's past seven starts
Justin Hartling

If C.C. Sabathia has been anything for the New York Yankees, it's a bad luck charm. In the large lefties past seven starts, four this season and three last season, the Yankees are winless.

Sabathia is allowing nearly four runs per outing in those past seven starts. So far on the season, Sabathia is 0-4 with a lofty 5.96 ERA.

 

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Tillman looks to continue dominance over Rays
Justin Hartling

The Baltimore Orioles have seen the wins come easily when Chris Tillman gets the start against division-rival Tampa Bay. The O's are 4-0 in Tillman's past four starts against the Rays dating back to the start of last season.

Tillman has only surrendered five runs in those four starts and have held the Rays to just 16 hits, an average of four hits per game.

 

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Mets place RHP Montero on DL
The Sports Xchange

The New York Mets placed right-hander Rafael Montero on the 15-day disabled list Thursday.

Montero, who started Tuesday against the Miami Marlins, has inflammation in his rotator cuff. The Mets had demoted him to Triple-A Las Vegas, but they rescinded that move.

The Mets also said third baseman David Wright probably won't return until May 8, when the Mets begin a series in Philadelphia. Wright has been on the DL with a hamstring injury since April 15.

"David was hoping he could push the envelope a little bit," general manager Sandy Alderson said. "But he's right on schedule. He certainly hasn't had a setback."

Wright will continue to rehab in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and might play in a rehab game next week, Alderson said.

 

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'Bitter rivals clash'

The eyes of baseball fans as well as those with a penchant for sports gaming will be on the never-lacking-for-hype rivalry between the Boston and New York when they meet at Fenway Park this weekend. The Yankees start the weekend sitting atop of the A.L. East one-game up on the Red Sox and head into Boston with a head of steam having won 7-of-9 platting 4.89 runs/game, 10-of-13 crossing 4.92 over home plate. Yankees doing well in unfriendly territory this season (7-3) have won 6 of its last 9 trips into Boston. Meanwhile, Red Sox thanks in large part to its pitching staff surrendering 6.75 runs/game last eight have hit a rough spot (3-5) and are just 5-7 the past twelve allowing opponents 5.58 runs/game. Lest anyone think Red Sox have nothing in their favor a few betting nuggets to ponder. Boston took 2-of-3 in the Bronx earlier. The Red Sox have thrived in series openers this season winning 7 straight. Also good news for Boston in the opener is the fact Yankees have lost 7 straight with Sabathia. In Game-2 Yankees hurler Eovaldi owns a 2-11 TSR including a loss vs Boston. In the finale, Red Sox have won all three starts vs New York with expected starter Joe Kelly including one this season hooked up against Yankees probable Adam Warren.

 

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Friday's six-pack

-- Washington 2, Rangers 1-- Joel Ward scored in last two seconds for the win.

-- Anaheim 6, Calgary 1-- Flames are 1-23 in last 24 games in Orange County.

-- Bulls 120, Bucks 66-- Ugly end to a promising season for Milwaukee.

-- Clippers 102, Spurs 96-- Road team won four of six series games.

-- Royals 8, Tigers 1-- Kansas City is now 8-0 in series openers.

-- Nationals 8, Mets 3-- Last six Washington games went over the total.

 

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BOB BALFE

Yankees +105 over Red Sox
Sabathia/Masterson