Friday 6/2/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: San Francisco Giants (22-33) at Philadelphia Phillies (17-34)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

A pair of last-place National League clubs in dire need of turning things around will square off when the San Francisco Giants open a seven-game road trip with the first of three at the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night. Inept offenses have plagued San Francisco and Philadelphia, which have lost three and four in a row, respectively.

The Giants produced four runs in a three-game sweep at home by NL East-leading Washington, prompting manager Bruce Bochy to call out his team leaders. "We've got to get this offense going," Bochy said. "It's not going to happen until we get our core guys to get their numbers to where they're supposed to be. We still think that's going to happen." The Phillies were outscored 21-5 in a three-game sweep in Miami, losing for the 25th time in 31 games. Philadelphia posted a woeful 6-22 record in May -- its fewest wins in one month in 20 years -- and was limited to two runs or fewer in nine of its last 11 games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco), NBC 10 (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Ty Blach (3-2, 3.83 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (0-5, 4.74)

With the exception of a horrendous performance at Cincinnati on May 6, Blach has been outstanding since he was shifted from the bullpen to the rotation. The 26-year-old went a season-high 7 2/3 innings last time out at Atlanta, winning his third consecutive start by allowing two runs on six hits. In fact, Blach has allowed as many runs in his six other starts (10) as the debacle in Cincinnati.

While still in search of his first victory of the season, Eickhoff has regressed since a solid start to the year, permitting at least four runs on four occasions over the past six outings. He pitched at least six innings in each of his first three starts but has failed to go beyond that marker since. Eickhoff is keeping the ball in the park, giving up four homers in his last seven starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants C Buster Posey is batting .348 after going 6-for-11 against Washington.

2. Phillies LF Aaron Altherr has hit safely in six straight games, but has one extra-base hit in his last nine contests.

3. The teams split six meetings last year, each winning two of three at home.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Phillies 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Boston Red Sox (29-24) at Baltimore Orioles (28-24)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Baltimore Orioles provided the fireworks with four home runs in the opener of what was expected to be a contentious four-game series against the Boston Red Sox. Baltimore aims to continue making a statement with its offense on Friday, when it hosts reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello and the Red Sox.

Mark Trumbo highlighted his fifth career three-hit performance with a two-run blast in Thursday's 7-5 rout to improve to 8-for-17 with two homers, six RBIs and as many runs scored in his last five games. The 31-year-old has enjoyed success versus Porcello, going 9-for-29 with three blasts in his career. While Baltimore has won three of four on the heels of a season-high seven-game skid, Boston has dropped three of five after posting a campaign-best six-game winning streak. Jackie Bradley Jr. launched a three-run homer in the ninth inning on Thursday for his third shot in six games, a span during which he has collected 10 RBIs.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (3-6, 4.21 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Alec Asher (1-3, 3.77)

Porcello's rocky season continued on Sunday as he allowed 11 hits for the second straight outing and sustained the loss despite limiting the damage to just two runs over 6 1/3 innings. The 28-year-old received a similar result despite putting forth a much better performance in his last outing against Baltimore, permitting two runs and five hits while striking out seven in six frames on May 1. Porcello fell to 4-9 with a 4.77 ERA in his career versus the Orioles, with a 2-4 mark and a 4.89 ERA at Camden Yards.

Asher's third start of the season left plenty to be desired as the 25-year-old was shredded for six runs and as many hits in two innings en route to an 8-4 loss at Houston. Asher pitched well but sustained his first loss of the year against Boston on May 2 after allowing a pair of homers by Hanley Ramirez in a 5-2 setback. Asher also recorded a scoreless inning of relief in a 6-2 loss to the Red Sox on April 23.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston C Christian Vazquez drove in a pair of runs for the second straight contest and improved to 9-for-23 with four RBIs against Baltimore this season.

2. Orioles 3B Manny Machado, who was the central figure in the teams' previous testy series, recorded two singles to increase his hit total to 11 against the Red Sox this season.

3. Boston RF Mookie Betts is 4-for-28 with six strikeouts in his last seven games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Orioles 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: New York Yankees (31-20) at Toronto Blue Jays (26-28)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Aaron Hicks has provided tremendous balance this season by leading the team in on-base percentage (.437), but the 27-year-old had no problem clearing the bases in the opener of a four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Hicks aims to carry the momentum of a six-RBI performance into Friday's tilt as the visiting New York Yankees tangle with the Blue Jays.

Hicks recorded three doubles to highlight his four-hit performance in Thursday's 12-2 rout, improving to 9-for-18 during his five-game hitting streak. He is 6-for-13 with one homer and nine RBIs against Toronto this season and 3-for-5 in a small sample size against Friday starter Francisco Liriano. While the American League East-leading Yankees have won four of six overall and three of four versus the Blue Jays this season, Toronto fell for just the second time in 10 outings with Thursday's lopsided result. Kendrys Morales launched his fourth homer in eight contests on Thursday and will test his mettle versus Friday starter Michael Pineda, against whom he is 3-for-11 in his career.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), Sportsnet One (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Michael Pineda (6-2, 3.32 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Francisco Liriano (2-2, 6.35)

Pineda matched last season's win total on Sunday as he picked up his third straight victory with a quality start versus Oakland. The 28-year-old Dominican, who permitted three runs and as many hits in six innings, has surrendered three runs or fewer in nine consecutive outings. Pineda kept the ball in the park for just the second time this season, although Jose Bautista has taken him deep on three occasions despite going just 5-for-23 in his career.

Liriano (left shoulder inflammation) is expected to return from the disabled list to make his first start since May 10. The 33-year-old Dominican yielded three runs over 4 1/3 innings in his lone rehab appearance for Triple-A Buffalo. Liriano has struggled against the likes of Brett Gardner (.375) and Matt Holliday (.344), although Starlin Castro is hitting just .115 versus the southpaw with eight strikeouts in 26 career games.

WALK-OFFS

1. Holliday is 6-for-14 with two homers, three RBIs and four runs scored in his last three games after going 1-for-14 with five strikeouts in the previous four.

2. Toronto CF Kevin Pillar is hitless in all 13 at-bats over the last four contests and 1-for-25 in his last seven.

3. Yankees C Gary Sanchez recorded his fourth multi-homer performance of his career in the opener to improve to 6-for-18 with four RBIs and as many runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Blue Jays 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Chicago White Sox (24-28) at Detroit Tigers (25-28)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

No team has been able to seize control of the American League Central Division, which is why both the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers are close to first place despite each sporting sub-.500 records. The teams will square off for the second straight weekend and fourth time overall this season when Detroit hosts Chicago on Friday night.

The Tigers, who play 12 of their next 15 games at home, are coming off a 4-7 road trip and are seeking back-to-back wins for the first time since May 17-18. Chicago wrapped up a seven-game homestand with consecutive losses to Boston and now opens a 10-game road trip that will include stops at Tampa Bay and Cleveland. Left-hander Derek Holland, who has six quality starts in his last seven outings, will face Detroit for the third time this season. He will be opposed by right-hander Michael Fulmer, who has opened the season with 10 consecutive quality starts.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Derek Holland (4-4, 2.37 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (5-3, 2.65)

Holland was a hard-luck loser against the Tigers on Saturday, allowing one run on seven hits while striking out a season-high eight batters over six innings. He also turned in a strong performance at Detroit on April 29 but did not factor in the decision despite yielding two runs over 6 1/3 innings. Slugger Miguel Cabrera is 4-for-11 with a pair of homers against Holland.

Fulmer has pitched at least seven innings in each of his last five starts, but he has lost his last two after the Tigers failed to supply him with a run in each. Fulmer went the distance in a 3-0 loss to the White Sox last weekend and had a no-decision against them after tossing six innings of three-run ball in April. Chicago first baseman Jose Abreu is 5-for-11 with a homer off Fulmer.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago is 6-3 against Detroit this season.

2. Tigers RF J.D. Martinez is hitless in 10 at-bats versus the White Sox this season.

3. White Sox RF Avisail Garcia is 12-for-34 with a homer and seven RBIs versus the Tigers this year.

PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Tigers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (34-22) at Miami Marlins (21-31)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Promising pitching and just enough offense have propelled the Arizona Diamondbacks to a share of the lead in the National League West. That formula paved the way in the opener of a four-game series against the host Miami Marlins, with Arizona vying to record its 14th win in 18 contests when the teams reconvene on Friday.

Nick Ahmed's two-run single in the eighth inning highlighted his three-hit performance in the Diamondbacks' 3-2 win on Thursday, raising his hit total to 10 with six RBIs in his last six games. Paul Goldschmidt slowly is working his way out of a funk, driving in a run for the second straight contest while improving to 4-for-25 in the last seven games. While Arizona has proven itself to be one of the upstart teams in the majors, Miami's brief run of success came to a halt as Thursday's decision ended its season-high winning streak at four. Giancarlo Stanton recorded a run-scoring single in the opener to pull even with Mike Lowell with a franchise-best 578 RBIs, with the slugger's three hits tying for the most on the team against Friday starter Patrick Corbin.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (4-5, 5.14 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (3-2, 3.14)

Although Zack Greinke continued his success in the opener, Corbin is hoping to turn the corner after allowing 26 runs, 42 hits and eight homers in five starts last month. The 27-year-old was scorched for seven runs and 10 hits in four frames of a 9-5 loss in Milwaukee on Sunday. Corbin won his lone decision in four career appearances against Miami but settled for a pair of no-decisions in his encounters with the Marlins last year.

Urena recorded both a personal best and worst in his last outing after striking out seven and walking six in Sunday's 9-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. The 25-year-old Dominican allowed two runs and three hits in that contest on the heels of a less-than-stellar effort in his previous turn, during which he was taken deep twice and permitted six runs in an 11-9 victory at Oakland. Urena, who will be making his first career start against Arizona, recorded a hold after tossing one scoreless inning of relief versus the Diamondbacks last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami 2B Dee Gordon has recorded 20 hits and scored 11 runs in his last 12 games.

2. Diamondbacks LF Yasmany Tomas is 2-for-20 with eight strikeouts in his last six contests.

3. Marlins 3B Derek Dietrich is 3-for-28 with six strikeouts in his last eight games.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 2, Marlins 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Atlanta Braves (22-29) at Cincinnati Reds (24-28)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Cincinnati Reds will try to bounce back from a difficult end to their road trip when they welcome old friend Brandon Phillips and the Atlanta Braves to town for the opener of a three-game series Friday night. After opening with three wins in their first four contests on the trip, the Reds dropped three straight in Toronto - capped by Wednesday's 5-4 defeat - to fall to 3-10 in their last 13 away games.

Cincinnati is 8-4 over its previous 12 at Great American Ball Park, however, and there should be a festive atmosphere for the return of Phillips, who was a three-time All-Star in his 11 seasons with the Reds before being traded to the Braves in February. "It will be pretty fun," Phillips recently told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution of his return to Cincinnati, where he ranks seventh in games played (1,614) and ninth in hits (1,774). The veteran second baseman was 0-for-4 and his teammates managed only six hits in a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, dropping the Braves to 2-4 on their nine-game road trip. Atlanta has won seven straight series openers, including four in a row on the road.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN South (Atlanta), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (3-5, 4.44 ERA) vs. Reds RH Bronson Arroyo (3-4, 6.62)

Foltynewicz gave up five runs on seven hits - including two homers - in four innings of a loss at San Francisco on Saturday, which left him with an ERA of 6.12 in May after he posted a 2.81 mark in April. Previously, the Illinois native gave up two or fewer earned runs in his first five road starts. Foltynewicz is 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA in two career starts against Cincinnati, but Reds slugger Joey Votto is 2-for-3 with three walks against him.

Arroyo lasted at least five innings in all five of his May starts but he got through six just once and served up 12 home runs, including seven over the last two outings. The Philadelphia Phillies took the 40-year-old deep three times - all solo shots - in five frames on Saturday, when Arroyo was given a no-decision in a 4-3 loss. Outfielder Matt Kemp (12-for-28, two homers) has feasted on Arroyo, who has a 5.14 ERA in 18 career matchups (17 starts) with the Braves.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kemp has homered in consecutive games and hit safely in eight of his last nine to raise his average to .345.

2. Votto is batting .326 with a 1.151 OPS at home.

3. Braves C Tyler Flowers is 12-for-30 with a pair of homers over an eight-game span.

PREDICTION: Reds 6, Braves 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (24-30) at New York Mets (23-29)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The New York Mets took two of three at Pittsburgh last weekend, and the Pirates hope to return the favor when they travel to the Big Apple for a three-game series starting Friday. Both teams sit six games below .500 entering the weekend set.



The Mets had won three straight before dropping the final two games of their four-game set against Milwaukee this week. New York managed only four hits - two from Lucas Duda - in Thursday’s 2-1 loss with a Wilmer Flores home run providing the only offense. Pittsburgh dropped two of three to visiting Arizona earlier this week, including a 6-5 defeat in 14 innings in Wednesday’s finale. Friday will mark the Citi Field debut for Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole, who is 1-2 with a 4.84 ERA in four starts against the Mets including a no-decision last weekend. New York counters with Matt Harvey, who once was dominant at Citi Field but is 4-5 with a 5.40 ERA in 11 home starts over the past two seasons.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), SNY (New York)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (2-5, 3.65 ERA) vs. Mets RH Matt Harvey (4-3, 4.95)

Cole put together eight straight quality starts before struggling in his last two outings. The 26-year-old gave up five runs and 10 hits over 4 2/3 innings in a loss at Atlanta on May 22 and was tagged for four runs and 10 hits in five innings Saturday against the Mets. Cole has surrendered five home runs in his last two starts and 12 this season.

Harvey ended a string of five straight outings without a quality start when he held the Pirates to one run over six innings to earn his second straight win Sunday. The 28-year-old has allowed a total of six runs over his last three starts after giving up 17 in his previous three outings. Harvey is 1-1 with a 4.30 ERA in four career starts against Pittsburgh.



WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates RF Gregory Polanco delivered a pinch-hit RBI single Wednesday in his first action since injuring his ankle Monday and is 12-for-30 during a nine-game hitting streak.

2. Mets RF Jay Bruce is 6-for-20 with two doubles and a homer against Cole.

3. Pittsburgh CF Andrew McCutchen is riding a seven-game hitting streak and is 8-for-21 with two doubles and two homers in five games since moving to the No. 6 spot in the lineup.



PREDICTION: Mets 7, Pirates 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Houston Astros (38-16) at Texas Rangers (26-28)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Houston Astros are coming off a record-setting offensive performance but a marquee pitching matchup will be the focal point in Friday's series opener at the Texas Rangers. The red-hot Astros will vie for their eighth consecutive victory when they send ace left-hander Dallas Keuchel to the mound against Texas' Yu Darvish.

Houston is riding high after setting a franchise record by scoring 40 runs in a three-game sweep at Minnesota, capped by a six-homer barrage in the series finale to boost its record to a major league-best 38-16. "What's not to like?" Astros manager A.J. Hinch said following the destruction of the Twins. "We just did what we do when we're at our best, which is keep coming at you every inning and putting pressure on you." The Rangers will need a big effort from Darvish to cool off Houston's bats and combat Keuchel, who is bidding to become baseball's first nine-game winner. Texas has dropped seven of nine overall and lost three of four at Houston at the beginning of May, giving up 28 runs in the series.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), ROOT Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (8-0, 1.81 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yu Darvish (5-3, 2.97)

Keuchel leads the majors in wins and is second in the American League in ERA, and perhaps the only knock against him is that he has not pitched beyond six innings in his three-start winning streak. Keuchel, who pitched at least seven innings in his first seven turns, has allowed two runs or fewer in nine of his 10 starts. He missed the earlier series against the Rangers but is 5-7 with a 4.24 ERA against them.

Darvish had a six-start unbeaten streak halted last time out in Toronto, giving up a three-run homer in a 3-1 setback. Darvish was 4-0 over his previous six starts, surrendering a total of 11 runs, while permitting five hits or fewer in four of those outings. Darvish owns a 4-4 record and 3.51 ERA in 12 career starts against the Astros, but George Springer is 5-for-12 with a pair of homers against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Springer is 13-for-27 with four homers and seven RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.

2. Rangers SS Elvis Andrus, who has hit safely in seven straight, has four consecutive multiple-hit games and seven RBIs in the last two.

3. Astros SS Carlos Correa has three homers and 10 RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak, with multiple hits in six of them.

PREDICTION: Astros 4, Rangers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (33-22) at Milwaukee Brewers (29-25)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Clayton Kershaw just experienced his worst start of the season and the left-hander seeks to rebound when the Los Angeles Dodgers open a three-game series against the host Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. The three-time Cy Young winner lasted a season-low 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday while allowing a season worst-matching four earned runs and tying a career worst of 11 hits.

Kershaw saw his ERA soar to 2.37 - second best in the National League - and he is tied for the NL lead with seven victories despite the dismal outing. He will be looking to help the Dodgers snap a two-game skid that followed a six-game winning streak. Milwaukee allowed two total runs while winning its last two games and has emerged victorious in four of its past six outings. Outfielder Hernan Perez went 3-for-4 with an RBI in Thursday's 2-1 victory over the New York Mets and is 6-for-15 with three RBIs over the past three contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (7-2, 2.37 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Jimmy Nelson (3-3, 3.83)

Kershaw has fared well in five career starts in Milwaukee by going 4-0 with a 1.41 ERA and holding hitters to a .163 batting average. He hasn't performed so well when facing the Brewers in Los Angeles as he is 5-4 with a 3.11 ERA in 11 career overall outings. Kershaw has struck out 78 and issued just 10 bases on balls and walked fewer than two in nine of his 11 turns.

Nelson struck out a season-high 10 and allowed one run on seven hits over seven innings while defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in his last turn. He has won two of his last three outings with 21 strikeouts against just two walks in 18 innings during the span. Nelson is 0-2 with a 1.89 ERA in three career starts against the Dodgers and has served up a homer to Chase Utley (2-for-3).

WALK-OFFS

1. Rookie LF Cody Bellinger went 2-for-17 with six strikeouts as the Dodgers split a four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals to start the week.

2. Milwaukee 1B Eric Thames boasts 14 homers but has gone deep just once in the past 17 games.

3. Los Angeles SS Corey Seager is homerless with one RBI over his past 10 games.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 4, Brewers 0

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Cleveland Indians (28-24) at Kansas City Royals (22-30)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Cleveland Indians are looking more like the defending American League champions that they are as they begin a five-game road trip with three against the Kansas City Royals beginning Friday. The Indians (28-24), who maintained a virtual share of first in the AL Central with an 8-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Thursday afternoon for their fourth victory in five games, and the Royals split six meetings this season after Kansas City won two of three in Cleveland last weekend.

The Royals (22-30) began a 10-game homestand, which also includes four with the red-hot Houston Astros, by losing two of three to Detroit earlier this week. Kansas City's Whit Merrifield went 1-for-3 on Wednesday to extend his hitting streak to 16 games - the longest active streak in the majors, and is batting .400 with three home runs, six RBIs, nine runs scored and five walks during the run. Edwin Encarnacion, who was batting .198 with five home runs and 12 RBIs in his first 37 contests in an Indians uniform, missed his first game of the season Thursday despite hitting .321 with five homers and 10 RBIs in his last 14 contests as manager Terry Francona decided to rest his slugger. Cleveland's Josh Tomlin is coming off a complete-game victory over the Royals and opposes Jason Vargas, who defeated the Indians in his last turn.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Josh Tomlin (3-6, 5.79 ERA) vs. Royals LH Jason Vargas (6-3, 2.39)

Tomlin allowed one run and six hits in Sunday's 10-1 victory over Kansas City for his first complete game since 2015 and is 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA in 16 innings over two starts versus the Royals this season. "It means you did your job," the 32-year-old Texan told reporters about finishing the game. "That's a good feeling to know that.'' Tomlin is 10-4 with a 3.94 ERA in 23 games (19 starts) versus Kansas City, but struggles against Salvador Perez (18-for-35, home run, eight doubles).

Vargas yielded two runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 5-2 victory in Cleveland on May 27 to snap a two-game losing streak. The 34-year-old Californian, who is 3-1 with a 2.05 ERA in five home starts this season, permitted nine runs over 10 innings in losing consecutive starts to the New York Yankees. Vargas is 7-3 with a 4.25 ERA in 15 starts versus the Indians with Daniel Robertson (4-for-7, three walks, two doubles) and Jason Kipnis (10-for-29) giving him the most trouble.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland LF Michael Brantley, who had a 14-game hitting streak snapped Wednesday, went 1-for-3 with two RBIs on Thursday.

2. Kansas City is 7-17 versus the Central Division this season after going 46-30 in 2016.

3. Cleveland reserve 2B Erik Gonzalez recorded his second career three-hit game Thursday. He has nine hits in 30 at-bats over 27 career contests.

PREDICTION: Royals 3, Indians 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Washington Nationals (33-19) at Oakland Athletics (23-30)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The first-place Washington Nationals continue their nine-game trek through California when they meet the Oakland Athletics on Friday in the first contest of a three-game set, but do so without their superstar right fielder. Bryce Harper is eligible to return Sunday after he serves a three-game suspension for charging the mound Monday in San Francisco, but Washington did fine without him when it completed a three-game sweep of the Giants with a 3-1 victory Wednesday.

The Nationals (33-19), who lead the National League East by 10 games over the New York Mets, own the second-most road wins in the NL (17-10) and have won their last four away from home as part of an 8-2 overall stretch. Oakland (23-30) completed a 2-5 road trip with a 8-0 loss to Cleveland on Thursday and comes home for six games, including three against the surging Toronto Blue Jays. The Athletics continue to struggle defensively as they committed three errors Thursday, bringing their major league-leading total to 55. Washington's Stephen Strasburg makes his first start against Oakland after striking out a career-high 15 in his last outing and opposes Andrew Triggs, who is 2-4 with a 3.79 ERA since beginning the season by winning his first three turns and not allowing an earned run over 17 2/3 innings.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Washington), NBCSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (6-1, 2.94 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Andrew Triggs (5-4, 2.64)

Strasburg allowed three hits and one walk in seven innings of his dominating 3-0 victory over San Diego on Saturday and has 26 strikeouts in his last two starts. "It's pretty cool, but there's another game five, six days from now," the 28-year-old Californian, who is 4-0 with a 2.70 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and .203 batting average against in five road starts this season, told reporters after his epic performance. "Maybe I'll enjoy it tonight, but back to work tomorrow." Strasburg struggled against Khris Davis (4-for-6, two home runs) when the left fielder played with Milwaukee.

Triggs yielded six runs (one earned) and six hits in six innings of a 9-5 loss at Yankee Stadium on May 28. The 28-year-old Tennessee native permitted six runs (five earned) and eight hits while striking out seven in 5 1/3 innings of a 12-3 setback to Boston on May 21 in his previous outing. Triggs, who has never faced Washington, holds left-handed batters to a .157 average but righties are hitting .283 against him this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman (15 home runs, 44 RBIs) leads the majors with a .368 batting average.

2. Oakland leadoff hitters are batting a major league-worst .157 with 21 walks, a hit by pitch and a sacrifice, giving them an on-base percentage of .233.

3. Washington 2B Daniel Murphy (.325) is 6-for-13 in his last three games since missing two and only pinch hitting in another because of illness.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Athletics 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Minnesota Twins (27-23) at Los Angeles Angels (28-29)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 10:07 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Albert Pujols watch resumes Friday as the slugger continues his search for his 600th career home run when the Los Angeles Angels host the Minnesota Twins for the second contest of their four-game series. Pujols failed to go deep in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Twins, remaining one shy of becoming the ninth player in major-league history to reach 600.

The 37-year-old Pujols also is on the verge of other milestones as he needs one hit to tie Mel Ott (2,876) for 43rd place on the all-time list and two to match Omar Vizquel for 42nd after extending his hitting streak to eight games with a single Thursday. The Angels welcomed back Yunel Escobar, who was activated from the disabled list and went 2-for-4 in the series opener after missing nearly three weeks with a strained hamstring. While Los Angeles fell to 2-2 on its seven-game homestand, Minnesota began its 10-game road trip by halting a four-game slide during which it surrendered 48 runs. Third baseman Miguel Sano returned to the lineup and instantly contributed, going 2-for-4 with his team-leading 13th homer while beginning the Twins' first triple play since May 7, 2006.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (1-4, 7.85 ERA) vs. Angels RH JC Ramirez (5-3, 3.38)

Gibson has allowed fewer than four runs in only half of his eight starts this year, including a no-decision against Tampa Bay on Sunday in which he gave up three - two earned - on five hits and four walks over a season high-tying 5 1/3 innings. The 29-year-old native of Indiana picked up his only win of 2017 in his previous outing despite being tagged for six runs on seven hits and four walks over five frames at Baltimore. Gibson has yet to defeat the Angels in his career, going 0-2 with a 6.21 ERA in six starts.

Ramirez is coming off his second victory in as many turns, a triumph at Miami on Saturday in which he allowed an unearned run over seven innings. The 28-year-old Nicaraguan, who has worked seven frames in four of his nine outings since joining the rotation, has given up only four earned runs in 20 2/3 innings over his last three starts. Ramirez, who never has faced Minnesota, is 0-1 in his four starts at home despite yielding fewer than three runs on three occasions.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Angels are without two-thirds of their starting outfield as Cameron Maybin joined Mike Trout on the disabled list with a left oblique contusion.

2. Minnesota restructured its bullpen Thursday, recalling LHP Randy Rosario from Double-A Chattanooga and purchasing the contract of RHP Alex Wimmers from Triple-A Rochester while optioning RHP Ryan Pressly to the same team and designating LHP Jason Wheeler for assignment.

3. Los Angeles optioned Mike Morin to Triple-A Salt Lake and activated fellow RHP Alex Meyer, who started Thursday's game and allowed one run over six innings.

PREDICTION: Angels 7, Twins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (29-27) at Seattle Mariners (25-30)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Seattle Mariners figure to be without two of their top offensive weapons when they open a three-game series against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. Designated hitter Nelson Cruz (left hand) and shortstop Jean Segura (right ankle) both were injured on Thursday and will undergo further exams before a timetable for their returns are determined.

Cruz was plunked by a pitch from Colorado's Kyle Freeland during the Mariners' 6-3 loss while Segura was injured when sliding into second base. "With Cruz, we're hopeful it's not a broken bone or anything, but we don't know on that yet," Seattle manager Scott Servais told reporters. "Segura twisted his ankle and he's getting other tests done and we'll know more (Friday). I'm hopeful the guys aren't out for an extended period of time." Cruz entered the game leading the American League with 42 RBIs while Segura's .341 batting average is tied for best in the AL with Tampa Bay's Corey Dickerson. The Rays have won six of their last eight contests while Steven Souza Jr. is 13-for-32 with five homers and 10 RBIs during that stretch.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Jake Odorizzi (3-2, 3.14 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Christian Bergman (2-2, 4.67)

Odorizzi issued a season-high four walks while allowing two runs and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings of a no-decision against Minnesota in his last turn. The 27-year-old was just 2-1 in six starts last month despite posting solid numbers that included a 2.78 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and a .219 batting average against. Odorizzi is 1-1 with a 2.35 ERA in four career starts against Seattle and has experienced issues with Kyle Seager (3-for-9, one homer).

Bergman has won two of his last three starts, working at least seven scoreless innings in each triumph. The 29-year-old was hammered in the other outing as he served up four homers while surrendering 10 runs and 14 hits in four frames at Washington. Bergman has mesmerized left-handed hitters, holding them to a .162 batting average and .243 slugging percentage.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays 1B Logan Morrison, a former Mariner, slugged 10 home runs in May and already has belted more in two months this season (15) than all of last year (14).

2. Seager is 9-for-24 with one homer and six RBIs over his last five games.

3. Dickerson is 13-for-36 with five doubles and nine runs scored during his seven-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, Mariners 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Colorado Rockies (34-22) at San Diego Padres (22-33)

DATE/TIME: Friday, June 02 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The San Diego Padres are enjoying their best stretch of the season and seek their eighth victory in 11 games when they host the Colorado Rockies on Friday. San Diego has won a season-high four consecutive contests as it enters a three-game set against the Rockies, who posted a 6-3 win over Seattle on Thursday.

The Padres established a season highlight with a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs, outscoring the reigning world champions 13-5. "We played three all-around solid games against the Cubs," San Diego manager Andy Green told reporters. "Good pitching, timely hitting and some really nice defensive plays." Colorado matched its worst skid of the season at three games before salvaging the finale of a stretch of four contests against Seattle. Slugger Mark Reynolds continued his renaissance with his 14th homer - matching last season's total - and has 46 RBIs, which puts him second in the National League behind teammate Charlie Blackmon (47).

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH German Marquez (4-2, 3.76 ERA) vs. Padres LH Clayton Richard (3-6, 4.33)

Marquez is on a roll, posting a 1.46 ERA while winning each of his last four starts. The 22-year-old has yielded just two runs in three road outings while going 2-0 with a 1.06 ERA. Marquez made his major-league debut against the Padres on Sept. 8, when he allowed three runs, two hits and three walks in 2 1/3 innings of relief.

Richard has lost four of his last five decisions and allowed five or more runs in three of his last seven outings. The 33-year-old gave up one run and five hits while beating Arizona in a complete-game effort on May 21 before giving up three runs and 10 hits in six innings of a loss to Washington in his last turn. Richard is 3-4 with a 4.79 ERA in 15 career appearances (14 starts) versus Colorado and has had success against Carlos Gonzalez (7-for-32, eight strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rockies won two of three at San Diego from May 2-4 in manager Bud Black's first visit to Petco Park since being fired by the Padres in June 2015.

2. San Diego 2B Yangervis Solarte is 12-for-32 with seven walks in nine games since moving into the No. 2 spot in the lineup.

3. Colorado 3B Nolan Arenado homered Thursday to end his nine-game power outage.

PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Padres 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play: 21-6 run FRI: SL Cards w/ Lynn+145

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rob Vinciletti

Pittsburgh vs. New York
Play: New York -109

The Mets Have Harvey going and he pitched well in Pittsburgh on Sunday. in his last 2 starts vs the Pirates he has allowed just 2 runs in 12 innings. Cole for the pirates has lost 7 of his last 8 road starts and has a 4.67 Road Era. The Pirates are 1-7 on the road of the total is 8 to 8.5 and they are 0-4 as a road dog off a home loss and 1-6 in game 1 of a series. the Mets are 4-1 on Fridays and 4-0 of late in game 1 of a series. Even more impressive is their 7-0 record as a home favorite off a home loss where they had 4 or less hits. And now to tie in a database system. Since 2004 Non division home teams that are off a home loss and scored 2 or less runs on 4 or less hits are 5-0 vs an opponent off a home loss like the Pirates that scored 5 or more runs and had 1 or no errors in that loss. This rare system and the powerful angles above have us on the Mets tonight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, June 2

ST LOUIS (26 - 25) at CHICAGO CUBS (25 - 27) - 2:20 PM
LANCE LYNN (R) vs. JOHN LACKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 60-43 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 44-30 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 35-23 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 7-0 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-27 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 350-292 (-78.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 870-798 (-153.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 406-370 (-83.5 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 10-14 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 17-21 (-15.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-3 (-0.3 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
LANCE LYNN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LYNN is 6-6 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.21 and a WHIP of 1.332.
His team's record is 7-8 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-7. (-1.0 units)
JOHN LACKEY vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LACKEY is 3-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.56 and a WHIP of 1.095.
His team's record is 3-4 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-2. (+1.7 units)

ARIZONA (34 - 22) at MIAMI (21 - 31) - 7:10 PM
PAT CORBIN (L) vs. JOSE URENA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 26-17 (+14.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 34-22 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 27-13 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 25-14 (+11.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 21-12 (+8.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 17-9 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 106-71 (+29.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-24 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
URENA is 1-9 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against MIAMI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
PAT CORBIN vs. MIAMI since 1997
CORBIN is 1-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.066.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.6 units)
JOSE URENA vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

SAN FRANCISCO (22 - 33) at PHILADELPHIA (17 - 34) - 7:05 PM
TY BLACH (L) vs. JERAD EICKHOFF (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 22-33 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 31-39 (-17.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-11 (-9.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 72-77 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-13 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 40-44 (+15.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-34 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 132-144 (-39.3 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 8-22 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
TY BLACH vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.
JERAD EICKHOFF vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

PITTSBURGH (24 - 30) at NY METS (23 - 29) - 7:10 PM
GERRIT COLE (R) vs. MATT HARVEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 1-11 (-10.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 76-94 (-28.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLE is 13-19 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 190-179 (+32.5 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off since 1997.
NY METS are 23-29 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 13-17 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 39-40 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 20-24 (-11.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 11-17 (-10.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
NY METS are 52-49 (-21.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HARVEY is 10-17 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARVEY is 20-29 (-17.6 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 2-1 (+1.1 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)
GERRIT COLE vs. NY METS since 1997
COLE is 1-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.84 and a WHIP of 1.612.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)
MATT HARVEY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HARVEY is 1-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.30 and a WHIP of 1.348.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

ATLANTA (22 - 29) at CINCINNATI (24 - 28) - 7:10 PM
MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ (R) vs. BRONSON ARROYO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARROYO is 52-27 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 49-60 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 39-37 (+23.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 41-41 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 390-358 (-85.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
FOLTYNEWICZ is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.628.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)
BRONSON ARROYO vs. ATLANTA since 1997
ARROYO is 7-4 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.15 and a WHIP of 1.579.
His team's record is 10-7 (+6.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-7. (+2.8 units)

LA DODGERS (33 - 22) at MILWAUKEE (29 - 25) - 8:10 PM
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. JIMMY NELSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 129-99 (-6.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 53-60 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 89-76 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 69-75 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 29-25 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 36-25 (+20.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
KERSHAW is 5-4 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.11 and a WHIP of 1.051.
His team's record is 6-5 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-1.0 units)
JIMMY NELSON vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
NELSON is 0-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.89 and a WHIP of 1.211.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)
COLORADO (34 - 22) at SAN DIEGO (22 - 33) - 10:10 PM

GERMAN MARQUEZ (R) vs. CLAYTON RICHARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 19-15 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 68-82 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
RICHARD is 43-33 (+18.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 34-22 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 16-7 (+9.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
COLORADO is 19-9 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 18-10 (+10.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-3 (+0.9 Units) against COLORADO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)
GERMAN MARQUEZ vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.
CLAYTON RICHARD vs. COLORADO since 1997
RICHARD is 3-4 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.81 and a WHIP of 1.555.
His team's record is 6-8 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-6. (+1.8 units)

NY YANKEES (31 - 20) at TORONTO (26 - 28) - 7:05 PM
MICHAEL PINEDA (R) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 70-69 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 3-9 (-9.3 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 3-1 (+1.7 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.1 Units)
MICHAEL PINEDA vs. TORONTO since 1997
PINEDA is 2-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.11 and a WHIP of 1.155.
His team's record is 4-7 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-7. (-4.1 units)
FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
LIRIANO is 3-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.83 and a WHIP of 1.509.
His team's record is 3-7 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.4 units)

BOSTON (29 - 24) at BALTIMORE (28 - 24) - 7:05 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. ALEC ASHER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 663-598 (-83.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 10-17 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 117-98 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 12-4 (+7.7 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
BALTIMORE is 18-8 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 20-9 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 13-3 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 20-11 (+9.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 22-15 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 83-67 (+14.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 66-50 (+16.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 6-4 (+2.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.7 Units)
RICK PORCELLO vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
PORCELLO is 4-9 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.77 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 6-10 (-6.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-6. (+3.1 units)
ALEC ASHER vs. BOSTON since 1997
ASHER is 0-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 9.31 and a WHIP of 1.758.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

CHI WHITE SOX (24 - 28) at DETROIT (25 - 28) - 7:10 PM
DEREK HOLLAND (L) vs. MICHAEL FULMER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FULMER is 25-11 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FULMER is 14-4 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 381-332 (-70.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 6-3 (+4.1 Units) against DETROIT this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)
DEREK HOLLAND vs. DETROIT since 1997
HOLLAND is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.488.
His team's record is 7-1 (+7.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+3.0 units)
MICHAEL FULMER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
FULMER is 0-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.208.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

HOUSTON (38 - 16) at TEXAS (26 - 28) - 8:05 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. YU DARVISH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 121-98 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 34-18 (+16.7 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 70-40 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 20-8 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 58-43 (+16.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 89-68 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 64-57 (+17.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 46-36 (+14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 38-16 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 12-4 (+8.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
HOUSTON is 18-6 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 27-11 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 30-10 (+18.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 27-11 (+13.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-1 (+1.6 Units) against TEXAS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)
DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. TEXAS since 1997
KEUCHEL is 5-7 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.182.
His team's record is 8-10 (-2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-9. (-2.7 units)
YU DARVISH vs. HOUSTON since 1997
DARVISH is 4-4 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.51 and a WHIP of 1.078.
His team's record is 7-5 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.1 units)

CLEVELAND (28 - 24) at KANSAS CITY (22 - 30) - 8:15 PM
JOSH TOMLIN (R) vs. JASON VARGAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 21-31 (-20.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 15-18 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 209-183 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 65-47 (+17.0 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 118-78 (+28.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 261-274 (+32.8 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 46-28 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 63-41 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
VARGAS is 79-67 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
VARGAS is 35-20 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 23-6 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
TOMLIN is 34-19 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TOMLIN is 18-8 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TOMLIN is 16-5 (+9.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 266-385 (-110.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 7-17 (-9.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-3 (+1.7 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)
JOSH TOMLIN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
TOMLIN is 9-4 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.72 and a WHIP of 1.066.
His team's record is 12-7 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-11. (-5.7 units)
JASON VARGAS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
VARGAS is 7-3 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.25 and a WHIP of 1.299.
His team's record is 8-7 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-7. (+0.6 units)

MINNESOTA (27 - 23) at LA ANGELS (28 - 29) - 10:05 PM
KYLE GIBSON (R) vs. JC RAMIREZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 86-126 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 52-20 (+23.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 16-7 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-4 (+9.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
MINNESOTA is 15-5 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-2 (+7.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 17-7 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 11-3 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 23-19 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
GIBSON is 8-0 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 8-20 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 10-24 (-15.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
KYLE GIBSON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GIBSON is 0-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.48 and a WHIP of 1.380.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)
JC RAMIREZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

TAMPA BAY (29 - 27) at SEATTLE (25 - 30) - 10:10 PM
JAKE ODORIZZI (R) vs. CHRISTIAN BERGMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 97-121 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 61-78 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 245-240 (-51.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
SEATTLE is 21-35 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 606-560 (-97.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
JAKE ODORIZZI vs. SEATTLE since 1997
ODORIZZI is 1-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.35 and a WHIP of 1.174.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)
CHRISTIAN BERGMAN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

WASHINGTON (33 - 19) at OAKLAND (23 - 30) - 10:05 PM
STEPHEN STRASBURG (R) vs. ANDREW TRIGGS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 167-94 (+55.7 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 117-67 (+36.4 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 22-8 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 44-20 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
STRASBURG is 27-7 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 160-217 (-49.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 83-104 (-31.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 20-39 (-18.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 53-70 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 46-76 (-24.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.
ANDREW TRIGGS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

DUNKEL'S HIGHLIGHTED GAME

Arizona at Miami - Friday June 2, 2017
The Marlins look to bounce back from yesterday’s 3-2 loss as they face a Diamondbacks team that is 0-9 in Patrick Corbin’s last 9 road starts. Miami is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Marlins favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-110).

FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017

Washington
@
Oakland
Game 979-980
June 2, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Washington
(Strasburg) 15.914
Oakland
(Triggs) 14.082
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Washington
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Washington
-145
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington
(-145); Over

Tampa Bay
@
Seattle
Game 977-978
June 2, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: Tampa Bay
(Odorizzi) 14.350
Seattle
(Bergman) 17.248
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Seattle
by 3
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Seattle
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle
(-105); Over

Minnesota
@
LA Angels
Game 975-976
June 2, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Minnesota
(Gibson) 15.139
LA Angels
(Ramirez) 13.912
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Minnesota
by 1
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: LA Angels
-140
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota
(+120); Over

Cleveland
@
Kansas City
Game 973-974
June 2, 2017 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating: Cleveland
(Tomlin) 16.467
Kansas City
(Vargas) 14.364
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Cleveland
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Kansas City
-110
9
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland
(-110); Under

Houston
@
Texas
Game 971-972
June 2, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Houston
(Keuchel) 16.599
Texas
(Darvish) 17.684
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Texas
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Houston
-130
8
Dunkel Pick: Texas
(+110); Under

Chicago White Sox
@
Detroit
Game 969-970
June 2, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: Chicago White Sox
(Holland) 14.003
Detroit
(Fulmer) 15.893
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Detroit
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Detroit
-180
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit
(-180); Over

Boston
@
Baltimore
Game 967-968
June 2, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Boston
(Porcello) 16.198
Baltimore
(Asher) 14.394
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Boston
by 2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Boston
-140
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston
(-140); Over

NY Yankees
@
Toronto
Game 965-966
June 2, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: NY Yankees
(Pineda) 14.630
Toronto
(Liriano) 16.804
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Toronto
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: NY Yankees
-135
9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto
(+115); Under

Colorado
@
San Diego
Game 963-964
June 2, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: Colorado
(Marquez) 16.090
San Diego
(Richard) 14.535
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Colorado
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Colorado
-125
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado
(-125); Over

LA Dodgers
@
Milwaukee
Game 961-962
June 2, 2017 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: LA Dodgers
(Kershaw) 16.585
Milwaukee
(Nelson) 15.551
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: LA Dodgers
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: LA Dodgers
-230
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers
(-230); Over

Atlanta
@
Cincinnati
Game 959-960
June 2, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: Atlanta
(Fltynwcz) 15.132
Cincinnati
(Arroyo) 12.353
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Atlanta
by 3
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Cincinnati
-115
10
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta
(-105); Over

Pittsburgh
@
NY Mets
Game 957-958
June 2, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: Pittsburgh
(Cole) 15.951
NY Mets
(Harvey) 12.959
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Pittsburgh
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: NY Mets
-115
8
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh
(-105); Under

San Francisco
@
Philadelphia
Game 955-956
June 2, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: San Francisco
(Blach) 13.904
Philadelphia
(Eickhoff) 12.773
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: San Francisco
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Philadelphia
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco
(-105); Under

Arizona
@
Miami
Game 953-954
June 2, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: Arizona
(Corbin) 14.355
Miami
(Urena) 15.835
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Miami
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Miami
-110
9
Dunkel Pick: Miami
(-110); Over

St. Louis
@
Chicago Cubs
Game 951-952
June 2, 2017 @ 2:20 pm

Dunkel Rating: St. Louis
(Lynn) 13.779
Chicago Cubs
(Lackey) 15.669
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Chicago Cubs
by 2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Chicago Cubs
-155
No Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs
(-155); N/A

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Dunkel

Friday, June 2


Dallas @ New York

Game 661-662
June 2, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
105.854
New York
110.392
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York
by 4 1/2
166
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York
by 2 1/2
161
Dunkel Pick:
New York
(-2 1/2); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Friday, June 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DALLAS (3 - 2) at NEW YORK (2 - 3) - 6/2/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) against Eastern conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 100-66 ATS (+27.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1997.
NEW YORK is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-1 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 3-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons