Friday 6/3/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'On the Diamond '

Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox June 3, 7:05 EST

The opening matchup of a three game series is Friday’s baseball betting focus as the Boston Red Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. According to the current betting odds the Red Sox enter this contest as -$1.75 to -$1.80 home favorites, with the run total set at 9.0 across all shops.

Lefthander David Price will toe the rubber for John Farrell’s squad, bringing a 7-1 record to the hill with a 5.11 ERA. Price has enjoyed great success in his career against Toronto posting a 17-2 record over 22 starts with his teams (Bos/Det/TB) 20-2 in those contests. Price will be matching pitches with Toronto’s R.A. Dickey, who has 2-6 record this season with a 4.64 ERA. In contrast, Red Sox have been an obstacle for Dickey. Since arriving in Toronto the knuckelballer is 0-5 vs Boston with Jays 2-7 in his nine starts. Matching that horrid record, the Jays are on a 1-7 skid vs a team with winning record handing the ball to Dickey.

This being the opening game at home is yet another nod towards Boston, since the team has compiled a 12-5 record the past seventeen as home chalk opening a series at Fenway following a road swing. Additionally, Red Sox have made a habit of winning at home of late hosting a division opponent. The last eight as chalk vs a division foes the resulted has been six wins, two losses.

As always, a higher price on a game is cause to ratchet up the tension for a sports handicapper. However, in this case, the numbers add up well enough to conclude Boston is the right choice.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Friday's games

National League games

Diamondbacks @ Cubs
Bradley is 2-0, 6.11 in his three starts (over 3-0); Arizona scored 25 runs for him.

Lackey is 2-1, 2.06 in his last five starts; three of his last four stayed under.

Arizona lost seven of last ten games; 12 of its last 13 games went over the total. Cubs won 13 of last 17 home games; four of their last six games stayed under.

Brewers @ Phillies
Nelson is 1-1, 1.57 in his last four starts (under 3-0-1).

Velasquez is 0-1, 10.38 in his last two starts; four of his last five went over. .

Milwaukee won seven of its last ten games; under is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Philly lost 11 of last 13 games; seven of its last nine home games stayed under.

Mets @ Marlins
Syndergaard is 3-0, 1.11 in his last four starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight starts.

Koehler is 1-2, 4.26 in his last three starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Mets lost four of their last five games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Miami won four of its last five games; four of its last five home tilts stayed under.

Nationals @ Reds
Gonzalez is 0-2, 12.10 in his last two starts; over is 4-0-1 in his last five.

Finnegan is 0-3, 4.50 in his last four starts; over is 6-3-1 in his last eleven.

Washington won seven of its last eight home games. Cincinnati won three of its last four games; over is 12-4-2 in their last 18.

Giants @ Cardinals
Cueto is 4-0, 1.45 in his last four starts; four of his last five stayed under.

Wainwright is 5-0, 5.10 in his last seven starts (over 5-2); Cardinals scored 54 runs in those seven games

Giants won 16 of their last 20 games; four of their last five went over. St Louis is 5-6 in its last 11 games; over is 5-1-1 in their last seven home games.

Braves @ Dodgers
Teheran is 1-2, 2.00 in his last four starts; four of his last five stayed under.

Maeda is 1-2, 5.68 in his last four starts, which all went over.

Atlanta won four of last six games; four of their last five went over. Dodgers won seven of last ten games; their last three games stayed under.

Rockies @ Padres
Rusin is 0-3, 6.48 in his last three starts (under 3-2).

Pomeranz 2-2, 2.48 in his last five starts; five of his last six starts stayed under.

Colorado lost eight of its last 11 games (over 9-2). Padres lost nine of last 11 games; eight of their last nine games went over.


American League games

Bronx @ Orioles
Eovaldi is 6-0, 2.72 in his last seven starts; his last three stayed under. .

Tillman is 6-0, 2.31 in his last seven starts; seven of his last eight stayed under.

Baltimore are 8-5 in last 13 home games; over is 5-1-1 in its last seven games. Bronx is 3-6 in its last nine games; under is 5-1-1 in their last seven.

White Sox @ Tigers
Rodon is 1-0, 3.06 in his last three starts; three of his last four went over.

Zimmerman is 2-2, 5.33 in his last four starts (under 5-4)

Chicago lost seven of its last nine games; over is 13-3 in its last 16 road games. Detroit lost five of its last six games; four of its last five stayed under.

Royals @ Indians
Volquez is 1-1, 5.33 in his last three starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Salazar is 3-1, 2.37 in his last five starts (over 3-1-1).

Royals won 10 of last 13 games; over is 9-0-1 in their last ten. Cleveland is 6-4 in its last ten games; 12 of their last 13 home games went over the total.

Blue Jays @ Red Sox
Dickey is 0-2, 6.00 in his last three starts; six of his last nine stayed under.

Price is 3-0, 2.77 in his last four starts; over is 6-1-1 in his last eight.

Toronto won seven of its last eight games; under is 5-2 in its last seven road games. Red Sox are 13-3 in last 16 home games; over is 16-5-2 in their last 23 games overall.

Rays @ Twins
Odorizzi is 2-1, 2.12 in his last three starts (under 8-3).

Nolasco is 1-3, 8.39 in his last five starts; his last nine starts went over.

Rays lost 11 of last 13 games; over is 12-1-1 in their last 14 road games. Twins lost 11 of their last 17 games; over is 8-2 in their last ten games.

Mariners @ Rangers
Walker is 0-5, 7.36 in his last six starts (under 7-3).

Darvish allowed one run in five IP (81 PT) in his first '16 start.

Seattle is 15-5 in its last 20 road games; its last nine games went over. Rangers won 10 of last 13 games; over is 5-1-1 in their last seven.

A's @ Astros
Hahn is 2-2, 4.45 in his five starts; his last three starts went over. .

Fister is 3-0, 3.32 in his last six starts; under is 5-2-1 in his last eight. .

Oakland won its last five games; over is 11-3 in their last 14 road games. Astros won eight of their last ten games; over is 5-2 in their last seven games


Interleague

Angels @ Pirates
Weaver is 1-3, 6.75 in his last four starts (over 5-5).

Liriano is 1-3, 6.17 in his last four starts; four of his last six stayed under.

Angels are 12-7 in their last 19 games; six of their last nine games stayed under total. Pirates lost five of last six games; five of their last six road games stayed under.


Teams won-lost records when this pitcher starts:

Az-Chi-- Bradley 3-0; Lackey 6-4
Mil-Phil-- Nelson 7-4; Velasquez 6-4
NY-Mia-- Syndergaard 6-4; Koehler 3-7
Wsh-Cin-- Gonzalez 5-5; Finnegan 2-9
SF-StL-- Cueto 10-1; Wainwright 8-3
Atl-LA-- Teheran 2-9; Maeda 5-5
Col-SD-- Rusin 2-3; Pomeranz 4-6

NY-Balt-- Eovaldi 7-3; Tillman 9-2
Chi-Det-- Rodon 3-7; Zimmerman 7-2
KC-Cle-- Volquez 7-4; Salazar 5-5
Tor-Bos-- Dickey 2-9; Price 8-3
Sea-Tex-- Walker 4-6; Darvish 1-0
A's-Hst-- Hahn 3-2; Fister 7-3
TB-Min-- Odorizzi 5-6; Nolasco 4-6

LAA-Pitt-- Weaver 4-6; Liriano 6-4


Starting pitchers allowing 1+ runs in first inning:

Az-Chi-- Bradley 1-3; Lackey 3-10
Mil-Phil-- Nelson 3-11; Velasquez 3-10
NY-Mia-- Syndergaard 2-10; Koehler 4-10
Wsh-Cin-- Gonzalez 0-10; Finnegan 3-11
SF-StL-- Cueto 3-10; Wainwright 3-11
Atl-LA-- Teheran 2-11; Maeda 0-10
Col-SD-- Rusin 1-5; Pomeranz 1-10

NY-Balt-- Eovaldi 2-10; Tillman 2-11
Chi-Det-- Rodon 3-10; Zimmerman 1-9
KC-Cle-- Volquez 2-11; Salazar 1-10
Tor-Bos-- Dickey 3-11; Price 3-11
Sea-Tex-- Walker 1-10; Darvish 0-1
A's-Hst-- Hahn 0-5; Fister 3-10
TB-Min-- Odorizzi 2-11; Nolasco 6-10

LAA-Pitt-- Weaver 3-10; Liriano 2-10

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's six-pack

How the divisional races in major league baseball are shaping up..........

NL East-- Washington leads Mets by three games, Miami by four.

NL Central-- Cubs are jogging, lead sliding Pittsburgh by 8.5 games.

NL West-- Giants lead underachieving Dodgers by 5.5 games; other three are awful.

AL East-- Red Sox lead Orioles by a game, Toronto by 3.5 games.

AL Central-- Royals now lead Cleveland, fading White Sox by 1.5 games.

AL West-- Texas/Seattle are tied for first; they meet this weekend in Arlington.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Friday

BREWERS (Nelson) @ PHILLIES (Velasquez) 7:05 PM

Take: BREWERS +105

Vincent Velasquez is an impressive young pitcher, and I’m one who’s very bullish on the Phillies righty. But like many of the Phils, he’s struggling right now and I’ll be trying to beat him tonight.

The early season euphoria in the City of Brotherly Love has given way to cruel reality lately. The Phillies will enter tonight’s clash with the Brewers having dropped seven straight games. I think there’s a very good chance the slump gets extended to eight consecutive defeats.

The problem for this team right now is a serious lack of offense. The Phils have been held to two or fewer runs in six of the losses, and the one game where they scratched out three runs was also a defeat. This is not a go with team at the present time, and Velasquez is also mired in a slump of his own.

Milwaukee is actually kind of an under the radar success story right now. The Brewers have been playing some good baseball recently and they’ve got a good form guy on the hill tonight in Jimmy Nelson.

This is one of those games where the betting line is about where it should be, but it isn’t as well. I realize that sounds contradictory. Basically, what I’m saying is that based on the full body of work for both the teams and the two starting pitchers, the Phillies and Velasquez are properly priced at somewhere right around 6:5. But off the current form for both the two teams and the starting pitchers, I see Nelson and the Brewers as being a worthwhile take at any underdog price. Thus, Milwaukee with a plus sign is a play for me tonight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play: FRI: Brewers +110 w/Nelson

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Cubs


Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (24-32) at Chicago Cubs (37-15)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A




The friendly confines of Wrigley Field have become a nightmare for visiting teams, and the Chicago Cubs hope to keep it that way when they welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks for a three-game series starting Friday. The Cubs belted four home runs in Thursday’s 7-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, improving to 6-1 on their current 10-game homestand and 20-7 overall at Wrigley.



The Cubs own the best record in the majors and are off to their best start since 1907, and they took three of four from the Diamondbacks in early April. Arizona snapped a three-game skid with a 3-0 win at Houston on Thursday but has dropped seven of its last 10. Veteran right-hander John Lackey looks to continue the trend of outstanding starting pitching for the Cubs, whose starters are 6-0 with a 1.12 ERA over the past seven games. Like the Cubs, Lackey has been excellent at home this season, going 3-1 with a 1.96 ERA in five starts at Wrigley Field.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, CSN Chicago



PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Archie Bradley (2-0, 6.11 ERA) vs. Cubs RH John Lackey (5-2, 3.16)

Bradley has dominated Triple-A hitters over parts of the past two seasons but has not yet proved he can consistently retire major-league batters. The 23-year-old is in his third stint with Arizona this season, though, and his last start was promising, as he struck out nine and limited San Diego to three runs and four hits over 7 1/3 innings. Bradley has never faced the Cubs.

Lackey had a terrific month of May, going 2-1 with a 2.09 ERA in six outings – all quality starts. The 37-year-old shut down Philadelphia on Sunday, allowing one run and four hits over seven innings with six strikeouts and four walks. Lackey is 3-0 with a 3.46 ERA in four career starts against the Diamondbacks, but he gave up six runs over six innings in a slugfest win earlier this season in Arizona.



WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs are 35-0 when leading after eight innings.

2. Arizona RH Brad Ziegler has converted 38 consecutive saves – the longest active streak in the majors and tied for the 12th-longest all-time.

3. Chicago 3B Kris Bryant has homered in consecutive games for the fourth time this season, but he has never hit home runs in three straight contests.



PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Diamondbacks 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Pirates


Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (24-29) at Pittsburgh Pirates (29-24)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


A visit to a National League park will bring about veteran Albert Pujols' return to playing first base. The Angels hope Pujols' presence in the field will alter their fortunes as they begin a seven-game road trip with the opener of a three-game interleague series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"I think he's shown that he has the stamina to go out and play first base more than maybe might have been anticipated in spring," manager Mike Scioscia told the Orange County Register of Pujols, who has batted .295 while playing at first base as opposed to .203 as the team's designated hitter. While Los Angeles has dropped five of its last eight, Pittsburgh suffered more than just its third straight loss on Thursday. The Pirates saw star Andrew McCutchen (right thumb), Francisco Cervelli (right foot) and David Freese (right hand) exit Thursday's 4-3 setback in 12 innings to Miami. A sputtering offense hasn't done Pittsburgh any favors as it has mustered just six runs and struck out 35 times in the last three contests.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jered Weaver (4-4, 5.40 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (4-4, 4.63)

Weaver fell to 1-4 in his last six trips to the mound on Friday after allowing four runs and three walks in six innings of a 4-2 setback to Houston. The 33-year-old has been taken deep eight times in his last five outings and permitted two homers and four runs total in his lone career appearance in a losing effort versus Pittsburgh. Weaver has struggled when the lights are on this season, going 1-4 with a bloated 7.15 ERA while allowing opponents to bat a generous .354 against him in night games.

Liriano suffered his third loss in four outings in disastrous fashion as he allowed five runs and four walks in six innings of a 6-2 setback to Texas on Sunday. The 32-year-old Dominican has issued 15 free passes to go along with six homers in his last four contests. Liriano has pitched significantly better at home, posting a 3-1 mark and limiting the opposition to a .187 batting average while his 1.42 ERA is over three runs better than his season total.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels 3B Yunel Escobar (wrist) is expected to return from a three-game absence on Friday, Scioscia told the Los Angeles Times.

2. Pittsburgh LF Starling Marte is 1-for-13 (.077) with seven strikeouts in his last three contests.

3. Both teams have struggled in interleague play this season, with the Angels posting a 4-8 mark while the Pirates have won just two of seven encounters.

PREDICTION: Angels 5, Pirates 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at Orioles


Current Conditions - Baltimore


CLOUDY 69 °F
Wind: N 3
5-Day Forecast GAME: New York Yankees (25-28) at Baltimore Orioles (30-22)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The New York Yankees finally showed signs of breaking out of their offensive slumber, and the timing couldn't be better as they visit the Baltimore Orioles on Friday for the opener of their three-game series. It's the final stop on a 10-game road trip for New York, which snapped its three-game losing streak with a 5-4 victory at Detroit on Thursday.

Recent callup Rob Refsnyder collected a pair of hits with an RBI and two runs scored as the Yankees matched their run total from their previous four games combined. They may need the offense to keep up with the Orioles, who salvaged a split of a four-game series with American East-leading Boston by scoring 25 runs over the last two contests to close within one game of the Red Sox. Mark Trumbo blasted a pair of homers Thursday to earn a share of the major-league lead with 17 while Adam Jones added a pair of shots and is 6-for-15 over his last three games. New York's Nathan Eovaldi looks to win his sixth straight start as he opposes Chris Tillman, who hasn't lost since April 14.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Nathan Eovaldi (6-2, 3.71 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Chris Tillman (7-1, 2.92)

Eovaldi ran his winning streak to five in somewhat miraculous fashion last time out, allowing one run over six innings and earning the victory despite the Yankees managing only one hit. The 26-year-old has permitted a total of seven runs during his winning streak, although he has failed to go beyond six frames in each of his last four turns. Eovaldi has made three career starts against the Orioles, logging a 1-0 record and 3.86 ERA.

Tillman stretched his unbeaten streak to eight starts after allowing four runs and four hits - three homers - over six innings at Cleveland on Sunday. It marked the first time Tillman yielded more than three earned runs since his lone defeat in mid-April and the fifth time in six turns that he has walked at last three batters. He pitched seven innings of one-run ball versus the Yankees on May 3 to improve to 7-6 with a 4.68 ERA against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles SS Manny Machado has recorded five RBIs in the last two games and has hit safely in nine of his last 10 contests.

2. Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury drove in three runs Thursday to end his eight-game RBI drought.

3. Baltimore sent RHP Mike Wright to Triple-A Norfolk and promoted LHP Brian Duensing.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Yankees 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Phillies


Current Conditions - Philadelphia


CLOUDY 72 °F
Wind: NNW 3
5-Day Forecast GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (25-29) at Philadelphia Phillies (26-28)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Milwaukee Brewers are in the midst of one of their best sustained stretches of the season as they continue a four-game road trip against the sliding Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night. Milwaukee eased to a 4-1 victory over punchless Philadelphia in the series opener to improve to 7-3 over its last 10 games.

Ex-Phillies prospect Jonathan Villar capped his fifth multiple-hit game in the last nine with a two-run blast Thursday while Chris Carter ended a 10-game drought with his 14th homer. Philadelphia's offense continues to hit a new low on an almost nightly basis, producing a scant total of 12 runs during its seven-game losing streak. Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco homered among two hits to improve to 9-for-17 with four homers and 10 RBIs in four games versus the Brewers this season. A pair of five-game winners, Milwaukee's Jimmy Nelson and Philadelphia's Vince Velásquez, will be on the mound Friday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), WCAU (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jimmy Nelson (5-3, 2.88 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Vince Velásquez (5-2, 3.63)

Nelson put an end to a four-start winless drought with a solid effort versus Cincinnati on Sunday, giving up two runs on six hits over 7 1/3 innings. It marked the fourth consecutive strong start for Nelson, who has yielded a total of five runs over 28 2/3 innings in that span. Nelson surrendered five home runs over his first three starts this season, but has curtailed that number by giving up only three over his last seven turns.

Velásquez failed to register a quality start for the fifth consecutive outing after he was lit up for seven runs on nine hits over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to the Chicago Cubs. Velásquez has been victimized by the long ball in his last two starts, surrendering five homers after allowing three in his previous eight turns. Velásquez, who will turn 24 on Tuesday, has been outstanding in four starts at home, posting a 3-1 record and minuscule 0.74 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Franco is 13-for-36 in eight career games versus Philadelphia.

2. Brewers C Jonathan Lucroy is 11-for-21 with 11 RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.

3. The Phillies activated Cody Asche from the 15-day disabled list and designated fellow OF David Lough for assignment.

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Phillies 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Reds


Current Conditions - Cincinnati


M/SUNNY 69 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast GAME: Washington Nationals (33-21) at Cincinnati Reds (19-35)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Cincinnati Reds haven't been shy about scoring runs in a bid to distance themselves from a season-high 11-game losing streak during which they crossed the plate a paltry 12 times. After erupting for 44 runs en route to winning four of their last six contests, the Reds look to continue their good fortune on Friday as they begin a nine-game homestand with the opener of a three-game series versus the Washington Nationals.

Jay Bruce, who drove in a pair of runs in Thursday's 11-4 rout of Colorado, is a blistering 10-for-26 (.385) with three homers and seven RBIs in his last six games. The 29-year-old's torrid display at the plate traditionally hasn't been evident when he faces Friday starter Gio Gonzalez, against whom he is 2-for-12 with five strikeouts. While Cincinnati still has plenty of work to do to dig itself out of the National League Central cellar, Washington has won four in a row to build a three-game lead atop the NL East. Daniel Murphy, who was named the NL Player of the Month for May, has recorded three homers, seven RBIs and as many runs scored during his 11-game hitting streak and is batting .342 in 29 career contests versus the Reds.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (3-3, 3.57 ERA) vs. Reds LH Brandon Finnegan (1-4, 4.14)

Gonzalez enters Friday's contest on the heels of back-to-back rough outings in which he allowed a total of 13 runs and 16 hits - four homers - in setbacks to the New York Mets and St. Louis. The 30-year-old looks to bounce back versus Cincinnati, against which he owns a 2-1 career record and a 1.83 ERA while limiting the Reds to just a .168 batting average. Gonzalez also has fared much better on the road, going 2-0 while registering an ERA a full run lower (2.52) than his season mark.

Finnegan dropped his second straight start and fell to 0-4 with a 4.96 ERA in his last eight turns after allowing four runs in 6 1/3 innings of a 5-4 setback to Milwaukee on Sunday. A lack of control continues to be an issue for the 23-year-old, who has walked four batters in consecutive outings and 13 in his last four. Finnegan has seen a positive in one respect, as he has allowed just one homer in his last four starts after being taken deep on six occasions in his previous four.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington OF Bryce Harper could return to the lineup on Friday after missing two games with a bruised right knee.

2. Cincinnati SS Zack Cozart is 8-for-18 (.444) with two homers, four RBIs and five runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.

3. Nationals 1B Ryan Zimmerman is 9-for-20 (.450) with two homers, five RBIs and four runs scored during his five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Reds 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Marlins


Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: New York Mets (29-23) at Miami Marlins (29-25)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


A series of injuries have hampered the New York Mets from finding any semblance of consistency at the plate. After mustering just nine runs en route to losing four of their last five, the injury-riddled Mets look to get it together on Friday when they begin a 10-game road trip with the opener of a three-game series versus the Miami Marlins.

"I don't think there's any question that's a big part of it," manager Terry Collins told the New York Post of the team's injuries, which include Travis d'Arnaud (right rotator cuff), Lucas Duda (back) and David Wright (herniated disk in neck). "But in baseball, you've got to pick each other up. You've got to have somebody step up - and somebody else hasn't." Miami has stepped it up of late, winning the final three contests of a four-game series versus Pittsburgh to move within one game of the second-place Mets in the National League East. Christian Yelich had an RBI double to plate the winning run in a 4-3 victory in 12 innings on Thursday and went 5-for-12 with two runs scored as Miami took two of three from New York on April 11-13.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (5-2, 1.84 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Tom Koehler (3-5, 4.50)

Syndergaard is making his first start since Saturday, when he exited in the third inning after throwing behind Los Angeles Dodgers veteran Chase Utley. The 23-year-old struck out two in one inning of relief three nights later and will look to reel in the Marlins for the second time this season. Syndergaard struck out a campaign-best 12 and allowed one run in seven innings of a no-decision versus Miami on April 12.

Koehler posted his first win since April 26 on Sunday as he overcame a five-walk performance for the fourth straight outing to pitch seven innings in a 7-3 triumph over Atlanta. The 29-year-old Bronx native has struggled against New York, recording a 2-5 mark with a 4.14 ERA - although he emerged victorious in his last encounter despite allowing four walks in six innings. While free passes have been an issue, home runs have not for Koehler, who has only been taken deep on three occasions in 10 starts (54 innings) as opposed to 22 times in 32 appearances (187 1/3 innings) last year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami 2B Derek Dietrich sat out Thursday's tilt with a left wrist injury.

2. New York 2B Neil Walker has hit safely in four straight games and 10 of his last 11.

3. Marlins RF Giancarlo Stanton is 1-for-6 with three strikeouts since returning from a seven-game absence due to soreness in his right side.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Marlins 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Red Sox


Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (29-26) at Boston Red Sox (32-22)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Boston Red Sox are in need of a solid showing from ace David Price as they begin a three-game series with the surging Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on Friday. The Red Sox gave up 25 runs while dropping the final two contests of a seven-game road trip (3-4), serving up seven home runs - tied for a franchise record - in Thursday's 12-7 loss to Baltimore.

The timing could not be worse entering a weekend set with the high-powered Blue Jays, who have put a slow start behind them with wins in seven of their last eight games. The one loss in that stretch came against Price earlier in the week at Toronto, where the former Cy Young Award winner was solid through 6 1/3 innings to lead the Red Sox to their only win in the three-game set at Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays recovered from that setback to claim three straight over the New York Yankees by a 15-3 margin and pull into Boston 3 1/2 games out of first place. Xander Bogaerts will be looking to extend a 26-game hitting streak, which is tied for the second-longest among shortstops in Red Sox history.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (2-6, 4.64 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH David Price (7-1, 5.11)

Dickey allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision opposite Price and the Red Sox on Monday, his shortest start since he lasted 4 2/3 frames at Fenway Park on April 15. He is 6-8 with a 4.50 ERA in 25 games (19 starts) in his career versus Boston. Bogaerts (13-for-36) and right fielder Mookie Betts (10-for-31) have enjoyed their encounters with the knuckleballer.

After giving up six runs in each of his first two starts in May, Price finished the month going 3-0 with a 2.63 ERA over a span of four outings. The most recent came in that appearance at Toronto, when the 30-year-old limited the Blue Jays to five hits but also tied a season low with three strikeouts. The five-time All-Star is 17-2 with a 2.43 ERA in his career against the Blue Jays but will be mindful of slugger Jose Bautista, who is batting .345 with six homers against the lefty.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox DH David Ortiz slugged his 519th career home run Thursday and is two shy of Ted Williams, Willie McCovey and Frank Thomas, who are tied for 19th on the all-time list.

2. Bautista has 22 homers in 60 career games at Fenway Park.

3. Blue Jays SS Darwin Barney is 9-for-17 during a five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Blue Jays 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Tigers


Current Conditions - Detroit


P/SUNNY 68 °F
Wind: W 5
5-Day Forecast GAME: Chicago White Sox (29-25) at Detroit Tigers (25-28)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


After stumbling through much of the month of May, the Chicago White Sox will go for their third consecutive victory when they open a three-game series at the Detroit Tigers on Friday. Chicago lost seven straight games and 15 of 19 before winning two straight against the New York Mets to halt a string of six consecutive series losses.

Chicago's Todd Frazier is batting only .220, but he homered in each of the last two wins to boost his season total to a major league-leading 17 through Wednesday's games. The Tigers opened their seven-game homestand with a 5-4 loss to the New York Yankees on Thursday in a makeup game from April to fall to 1-5 in their last six contests. Miguel Cabrera went 3-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to four games for Detroit. Chicago will send Carlos Rodon to the mound to face Jordan Zimmermann in the series opener.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (2-4, 4.24 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (7-2, 2.52)

Rodon worked five solid innings at Kansas City last time out but had to settle for a no-decision despite permitting one run and six hits. The 23-year-old Rodon beat the Royals in his previous turn with 6 2/3 frames of two-run ball, which marked his only victory over his last eight outings. Rodon, who gave up two-run homers to Ian Kinsler and J.D. Martinez in his lone career turn versus Detroit, is 1-2 with a 3.69 ERA in five road starts.

Zimmermann was forced to skip his last turn after leaving a start due to a groin strain on May 22, when he permitted two runs over 5 2/3 innings versus Tampa Bay. He managed to win his previous outing against Minnesota despite getting rocked for eight runs and 11 hits while recording nine strikeouts - all season highs. The 30-year-old Zimmermann is 1-0 in a pair of starts versus Chicago while he was with Washington, yielding two runs over 14 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The White Sox lead the majors by allowing fewer than two runs in 18 games.

2. Tigers CF Cameron Maybin has recorded multiple hits in half of his 16 games and is batting .414.

3. Chicago CF Austin Jackson sat out the series versus the Mets due to a case of turf toe.

PREDICTION: Tigers 4, White Sox 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Indians


Current Conditions - Cleveland


M/SUNNY 68 °F
Wind: SW 5
5-Day Forecast GAME: Kansas City Royals (30-23) at Cleveland Indians (28-24)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A




The Cleveland Indians have shown a recent penchant for the dramatic with back-to-back walk-off wins, and they’ll try to carry that momentum into the second of a four-game series with the visiting Kansas City Royals on Friday. The Indians scored two runs in the ninth inning Thursday for a 5-4 win that snapped Kansas City’s six-game winning streak and pulled Cleveland within 1 1/2 games of the Royals in the American League Central.



Cleveland has won three of four meetings with the defending World Series champions this season. The Indians hope they can duplicate the success they enjoyed against right-hander Edinson Volquez on May 8, when they tagged him for five runs – including a pair of homers – in 4 1/3 innings and held on for a 5-4 win. Cleveland also beat the Royals two days earlier behind 7 2/3 shutout innings from Danny Salazar, who hopes to repeat that performance Friday. Royals stars Eric Hosmer (8-for-23, two homers) and Lorenzo Cain (8-for-20) have enjoyed success against Salazar.

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



PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Edinson Volquez (5-4, 3.74 ERA) vs. Indians RH Danny Salazar (5-3, 2.39)

Volquez has recorded quality starts in two straight outings and three of his last four. The 32-year-old Dominican held the Chicago White Sox to three runs and seven hits over six innings Sunday but didn’t factor in the decision. Volquez has struggled to a 2-5 record and 8.31 ERA in eight starts against Cleveland.

Salazar is holding opponents to a .190 average, but they have squared him up for 14 hits in his last two outings. The 26-year-old Dominican has allowed more than two runs only twice in 10 starts and was solid Saturday against Baltimore, allowing two runs and six hits over six innings to earn the win. Salazar is 5-5 with a 4.05 ERA in 10 career starts against the Royals.



WALK-OFFS

1. Kansas City 3B Whit Merrifield received a day off Thursday despite batting .381 during a nine-game hitting streak.

2. The Indians are 15-7 against the AL Central and 13-17 against non-division opponents.

3. The Royals had scored at least five runs in nine straight games, winning eight of them, before Thursday’s 5-4 defeat.



PREDICTION: Indians 6, Royals 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Rangers


Current Conditions - Arlington


SUNNY 75 °F
Wind: WNW 5
5-Day Forecast GAME: Seattle Mariners (31-22) at Texas Rangers (31-22)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Yu Darvish passed the test in his first start since returning from Tommy John surgery and strives to follow up with another solid outing as the Texas Rangers open a three-game series against the visiting Seattle Mariners on Friday. Darvish allowed one run in five innings in his season debut while beating the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday when he tossed 81 pitches.

Darvish missed all of last season with the elbow injury and he will be on a 95-pitch limit against the Mariners. "Right now, I don't know if I want to push him to 100," manager Jeff Banister told reporters. "That 85 to 95 (limit), and a lot of that is dependent on how he gets to that." The Rangers and Mariners are tied for first place in the American League West after Seattle overcame a 12-2 deficit to record the largest comeback victory in franchise history with a 16-13 decision over the San Diego Padres on Thursday. Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager went 3-for-5 with five RBIs in the comeback win and went 11-for-16 with two homers, 11 RBIs and eight runs scored in the four-game home-and-home series.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Taijuan Walker (2-5, 3.31 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yu Darvish (1-0, 1.80)

Walker has lost five consecutive decisions and has pitched five or fewer innings in four of them. He was roughed up by Minnesota in his last turn when he served up three homers while allowing five runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings. Walker is 1-1 with a 3.47 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against Texas and received a no-decision on April 13 when he gave up one run and five hits in six innings.

Darvish struck out seven and gave up just three hits in his season debut and he says he is fine with the possibility of being on a pitch count throughout the month of June. "It’s better to have a pitch count than they push you and you overpitch," Darvish told reporters. Darvish is 3-3 with a 4.47 ERA in eight career starts against Seattle and has struggled against Seager, who is 7-for-22 with four doubles and seven RBIs against Darvish.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 1B Dae-Ho Lee went 7-for-12 with two homers and seven RBIs in the series against San Diego.

2. Texas RF Nomar Mazara had seven homers and 17 RBIs in May and was named American League Rookie of the Month for the second straight time.

3. Seattle 2B Robinson Cano went 2-of-4 with three runs scored Thursday and has reached base in 31 consecutive games.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Astros


Current Conditions - Houston


CLOUDS AND SUN 73 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast GAME: Oakland Athletics (25-29) at Houston Astros (25-30)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Two teams that have been racking up victories lately attempt to cool off the other when the Oakland Athletics visit the Houston Astros in Friday's opener of a three-game series. The Athletics have recorded five consecutive victories while the Astros had a five-game winning streak halted on Thursday when they lost for just the second time in 10 games.

Oakland has outscored its opponents 31-12 during its winning streak and journeyman third baseman Danny Valencia has been scorching during the stretch by going 12-for-18 with two homers, three doubles and seven runs scored. "It's nice to have the confidence of the coaching staff, front office and these teammates in here, to want me out there every day," Valencia told reporters. "I'm grateful for it, and I go out there and play hard because I don't want to let them down." Houston's turnaround began when right fielder George Springer was moved into the leadoff spot and he is 19-for-44 with four homers since swapping places with now-No. 2 hitter Jose Altuve in the order. Altuve is 14-for-33 during an eight-game hitting streak for the Astros, who were blanked 3-0 by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), ROOT (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Jesse Hahn (2-2, 4.15 ERA) vs. Astros RH Doug Fister (4-3, 3.86)

Hahn defeated the Detroit Tigers in his last outing when he gave up three runs and five hits in six innings. His only other win this season came when he tossed 6 2/3 innings of three-hit shutout ball against Houston on April 30 to improve to 1-1 with a 2.13 ERA in two career starts against the Astros. Hahn has shut down Altuve (0-for-6) and the only hit he has allowed to Evan Gattis (1-for-8) was a homer.

Fister has won three consecutive decisions and Houston has won each of his past six starts. He received a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels in his last turn when he gave up three runs (one earned) and five hits in six innings. Fister defeated the Athletics on May 1 when he allowed one run and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings and he is 6-6 with a 3.40 ERA in 14 career starts against Oakland.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics held the Astros to six runs while winning two of three games in Oakland April 29-May 1.

2. Oakland 2B Jed Lowrie, who has two hits in each of the past three games, is batting .362 on the road this season.

3. Houston C Jason Castro (illness) is expected back in the lineup after being unavailable the past two games.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Astros 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays at Twins


Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (22-30) at Minnesota Twins (16-37)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Tampa Bay Rays are fading after a promising stretch in mid-May and look to begin turning things around when they visit the Minnesota Twins on Friday in the second of a four-game series. The Rays coughed up two leads and fell 6-4 in the series opener Thursday, dropping to 2-11 since matching their season high with a four-game winning streak.

Tampa Bay has lost a season-most five contests in a row while three-time All-Star Evan Longoria is warming up, going 11-for-23 with nine RBIs during a six-game hitting streak. Minnesota snapped a three-game losing streak with the victory Thursday, but owns the least victories in the American League with 16. Eduardo Nunez has been a bright spot for the Twins this season, recording multiple-hit games in six of his last eight outings to push his batting average to .331. Ricky Nolasco will try to give Minnesota back-to-back wins against Rays’ right-hander Jake Odorizzi, who has pitched much better than his 2-3 record.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Jake Odorizzi (2-3, 3.36 ERA) vs. Twins RH Ricky Nolasco (2-3, 5.28)

Odorizzi pitched six perfect innings last time out against the New York Yankees, but gave up one hit in the seventh – a two-run homer by Starlin Castro to end his mild two-game win streak. The 26-year-old has limited opponents to two or fewer runs in eight of 11 starts this season. Brian Dozier is 2-for-4 with a home run against Odorizzi, who is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two outings versus the Twins.

Nolasco will try to post back-to-back wins for the first time this season after allowing two runs on three hits over six innings to beat Seattle last Sunday. The 33-year-old has given up 63 hits in 58 innings overall, but has a solid strikeout-walk ratio of 53-12. Nolasco is 3-5 with a 7.33 ERA in eight career starts versus Tampa Bay and Longoria has the most experience against him (4-for-16).

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay C Curt Casali is 4-for-6 with a homer and two runs scored in the last two games, raising his average to .183.

2. Minnesota OF Robbie Grossman is 6-for-12 with three doubles in his last three contests.

3. Despite the loss Thursday, the Rays are 16-7 in 23 all-time games at Target Field in Minneapolis.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Twins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Cardinals


Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: San Francisco Giants (34-22) at St. Louis Cardinals (28-26)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


After splitting a four-game set with woeful Atlanta, the San Francisco Giants look to get back in a positive groove when they open a three-game series against the host St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. San Francisco had won 15 of 17 games before stumbling a bit versus the Braves but ended the set on a good note as Madison Bumgarner tossed a gem on Thursday, recording 11 strikeouts while scattering four hits over 7 2/3 scoreless innings and adding a two-run homer en route to his sixth straight victory in a 6-0 triumph.

The outing continued the Giants' run of strong performances from their starting pitchers, who helped the club post a major league-best 2.47 ERA during the month of May. St. Louis is coming off a 3-1 loss at Milwaukee on Wednesday that concluded a 4-3 road trip and denied it a three-game sweep of the Brewers. Aledmys Diaz recorded one of the Cardinals' four hits in the setback to finish 5-for-13 in the series and has hit safely in seven of his last eight contests. Matt Holliday has been even hotter at the plate, collecting 11 hits in 20 at-bats during his five-game hitting streak.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Johnny Cueto (8-1, 2.31 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (5-3, 5.71)

Diaz and Holliday will have their work cut out for them against Cueto, who has won five consecutive decisions and allowed a total of four earned runs over his last five starts. The 30-year-old Dominican worked only six innings in a triumph at Colorado on Sunday due to a stiff back, allowing two runs - one earned - and six hits after yielding one run in back-to-back complete games against San Diego. Cueto has had his problems with St. Louis, going 5-8 with a 4.08 ERA in 20 career starts.

Wainwright also has won his last five decisions, including a victory at Washington on Saturday in which he yielded four runs and six hits over a season-high seven innings. The 34-year-old native of Georgia served up three home runs in the triumph after giving up the same amount over his previous six outings. Wainwright has posted a solid 3.11 ERA in 12 career games - 10 starts - against San Francisco but owns just a 5-5 record.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants RF Hunter Pence landed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday after aggravating his right hamstring injury and was replaced on the roster by OF Mac Williamson, who was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento.

2. St. Louis has registered 10 pinch-hit home runs through 54 games this year, tying the franchise record set in 1998 and moving within four of the major-league mark established in 2001 by both San Francisco and Arizona.

3. San Francisco C Buster Posey has hit three of his eight homers on the season during the team's 10-game road trip, on which it is 4-3.

PREDICTION: Giants 6, Cardinals 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Dodgers


Current Conditions - Los Angeles


CLEAR 55 °F
Wind: E 5
5-Day Forecast GAME: Atlanta Braves (16-37) at Los Angeles Dodgers (28-27)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Los Angeles Dodgers finished their seven-game road trip with three losses in four games against the Chicago Cubs, but 22-year-old shortstop Corey Seager continues to impress at the plate. Los Angeles opens a three-game home series Friday against the Atlanta Braves as Seager, who hit .301 in May, leads the team in hits (59), homers (nine) and RBIs (28).

Seager hit .345 as Los Angeles lost four of seven on the road swing, including four multi-hit games as the Dodgers return home to try and chip into the San Francisco Giants’ 5 1/2-game lead in the National League West. The Braves come in after a good homestand, taking two of three from Miami before splitting a four-game set with San Francisco. Infielder Chase d’Arnaud finished the Giants’ series with a pair of multi-hit games, including two of Atlanta’s four hits in Thursday’s 6-0 loss, raising his average to .372 in his past 13 games. Rookie outfielder Mallex Smith is tied for the major-league lead in triples (four) in just 127 at-bats – he has 14 extra-base hits for the Braves.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN South (Atlanta), SportsNet Los Angeles

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (1-5, 2.77 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (4-3, 3.00)

Teheran’s record is not reflective of how well he has pitched, given Atlanta has scored two runs or fewer in six of his 11 starts. He gave up three runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings Sunday against Miami, after striking out 12 in a no-decision on May 24 against Milwaukee. Teheran pitched against the Dodgers one time this season, giving up two runs in a no-decision over 5 1/3 innings, but was hammered for six runs on eight hits in Game 3 of the 2013 National League Division Series in Los Angeles.

Atlanta gets its first look at Maeda, who dominated in his first four major-league starts before allowing four earned runs in four of his next five outings. He rebounded with his first victory since April 23 on Saturday, holding the New York Mets to two hits in five shutout innings with two walks and three strikeouts. Maeda has struggled at home, going 1-3 with a 4.08 ERA with four homers allowed in 28 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta placed INF Gordon Beckham on the disabled list Thursday with a strained left hamstring, the same injury that sidelined him for the final two weeks of April.

2. Los Angeles RHP Kenley Jansen is four saves shy of tying Eric Gagne’s career franchise record of 161.

3. Dodgers 1B Adrian Gonzalez is hitting .341 in his past 11 contests, including five multi-hit games.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 4, Braves 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Padres


Current Conditions - San Diego


CLOUDY 61 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast GAME: Colorado Rockies (24-29) at San Diego Padres (21-34)
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 03 - 10:40 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The San Diego Padres are experiencing deep troubles during a lengthy losing stretch and even a 10-run lead midway through the contest is no longer safe. The Padres have lost nine of their last 11 games entering Friday's contest against the Colorado Rockies after collapsing Thursday and suffering a 16-13 loss to the Seattle Mariners.

Executive chairman Ron Fowler sternly chastised his San Diego players by labeling them as "miserable failures" on Wednesday, and letting a 12-2 advantage through five innings evaporate into the largest blown lead in franchise history will surely only increase the frustration level. The Padres' meager bats have gotten moving since Fowler referred to the team as "pathetic" as they posted 27 runs and 39 hits in the past two games against Seattle. The Rockies allowed 33 runs while dropping three of four home games to the lowly Cincinnati Reds and have lost five of their last six games. Colorado right fielder Carlos Gonzalez homered in Thursday's 11-4 loss — his sixth in the past eight games — and is 20-for-44 with 11 RBIs over the past 11 games.

TV: 10:40 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Chris Rusin (1-3, 4.75 ERA) vs. Padres LH Drew Pomeranz (4-5, 2.48)

Rusin has dropped three straight decisions and was roughed up for six runs and 11 hits in five innings while losing to the San Francisco Giants in his last start. The homer he allowed to San Francisco's Denard Span is the only one he has served up in 41 2/3 innings this season. Rusin is 1-1 with a 4.12 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the Padres and has been hit hard by Jon Jay (5-for-6), Derek Norris (4-for-8), Matt Kemp (3-for-6, one homer) and Melvin Upton Jr. (3-for-6).

Pomeranz first reached the majors with the Rockies in 2011 and went 4-14 over parts of three seasons before being traded to Oakland. He defeated Colorado on April 9 when he gave up two runs and four hits and struck out seven in five innings. Pomeranz has lost his last two decisions, including a rough outing against Arizona on Sunday when he gave up six runs and five hits in five innings while striking out nine.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies CF Charlie Blackmon went 0-for-3 with a walk Thursday to stretch his career-best streak of reaching base to 28 consecutive games.

2. Jay had a career-high five hits Thursday and became the fourth player in club history with four or more hits in back-to-back games — Tony Gwynn (1993), Reggie Sanders (1999) and Cameron Maybin (2011) are the others.

3. Colorado 3B Nolan Arenado has three homers over the past three games and is tied for the major-league lead with 17 homers.

PREDICTION: Rockies 9, Padres 7