Friday 7/1/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (51-29) at Twins (25-53)

Game: 1
Venue: Target Field
Date: July 01, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

It has been a long time since the Texas Rangers endured a three-game losing streak, something they will try to avoid Friday night in the opener of a three-game series against the Twins in Minnesota.

In fact, before losing their past two games, Texas (51-29) hadn't dropped back-to-back games since their past three-game skid, a May 16-18 three-game sweep at Oakland.

The Rangers fell to the New York Yankees on Wednesday and Thursday to split a four-game set. On Thursday, Texas lost in a particularly painful fashion: on a passed ball.

Chase Headley scampered home after a 1-1 pitch with two outs in the ninth skated under catcher Robinson Chirinos' glove to the backstop, giving the Yankees a 2-1 walk-off win. Shin-Soo Choo's leadoff homer to open the game provided the Rangers with their only run.

The Rangers are no strangers to walk-off losses -- they have a league-leading nine this season.

On the whole, things are looking up for Texas. The Rangers have an 8 1/2 game lead atop the American League West after going 20-7 in June, one win shy of matching a single-month franchise record, and their 51 wins are tied for the most in the majors with the Chicago Cubs.

The same can't be said for Minnesota, which also enters the series on a two-game skid -- but the Twins' problems go much deeper.

Minnesota (25-53) dropped two of three against the Chicago White Sox, including a 6-5 setback Thursday. The league-worst Twins went 10-17 in June and have settled comfortably into last place in the American League Central.

"We're giving up too many runs early in the ballgame," Minnesota second baseman Brian Dozier said. "We're still making some mistakes on the bases that (go) unseen but that (would) create more runs to get over the hump."

A pair of hot pitchers will toe the rubber Friday as Rangers left-hander Martin Perez (7-4, 3.44 ERA) opposes Twins righty Ervin Santana (2-7, 4.64 ERA).

Perez has won six consecutive decisions, matching his career-best stretch from 2013. He has a 3.40 ERA in his past seven starts.

Last time out, Perez held a powerful Boston Red Sox offense to one run on six hits and two walks over six innings in a 6-2 victory.

"Just keep going and continue to do my job," Perez told MLB.com. "I don't want to stop. I just want to win and help the team."

Perez has faced the Twins only once in his career, surrendering four runs over six innings in a 5-1 loss on July 6, 2012. Joe Mauer is 1-for-2 with two RBIs against Perez, although he has hit .234 against the Rangers in his career -- his second-lowest mark against an AL opponent.

Santana has allowed just three earned runs in his past two starts, including a five-inning no-decision against the Yankees last Saturday in which he allowed a run on six hits.

However, the former Los Angeles Angels pitcher hasn't had much career success against Texas, going 13-11 with a 5.67 ERA in 30 starts against the Rangers.

Adrian Beltre (.250, 15-for-60) has hammered Santana, smashing five home runs and driving in 15 runs against him. Prince Fielder (.389, 7-for-18) has hit three homers off Perez, and both he and Mitch Moreland (.320, 8-for-25) have driven in seven runs against him.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (35-43) at Cardinals (40-38)

Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: July 01, 2016 8:15 PM EDT

ST. LOUIS -- While the Milwaukee Brewers are negotiating one of their toughest stretches of the season, the St. Louis Cardinals are seeking any kind of traction in a place that has suddenly turned cruel.

When the teams start a three-game weekend series Friday night in Busch Stadium, Milwaukee will try to reverse its recent trend of losing to St. Louis while the Cardinals will attempt to reverse a stunning streak of futility.

Thursday night's 4-2 loss to Kansas City marked St. Louis' seventh straight home defeat, its longest streak of that kind since Aug. 2-15 of 1983, and dropped its record to 15-23 at home. Last year, the Cardinals didn't lose their 23rd home game until Sept. 7.

A major factor in St. Louis' inability to win when wearing white uniforms has been its defense, or the lack of it. The Cardinals made three errors in each of their two losses to the Royals and have been charged with an major-league-high 62 errors, leading to 28 unearned runs.

By contrast, last year's 100-win team that captured the NL Central title committed only 96 errors and gave up just 47 unearned runs.

"It's a surprise to all of us," outfielder/first baseman Brandon Moss said. "We've got a lot of guys who are all defensively sound. It's just one of those things that happens.

"You want to play well in front of your home fans. You want to give them a reason to get excited. For some reason, we're not playing our best games here. I think over the course of the season, it will even out."

Based on past history, St. Louis (40-38) may have an ideal foil to help make a course correction. The Brewers (35-43) are only 13-23 on the road and have lost 10 of 15, including an 8-1 decision Thursday to the Los Angeles Dodgers that wrapped up a 3-3 homestand.

Milwaukee kicks off a six-game road trip with this series and is in the middle of a stretch where it plays 26 of 28 games against teams with winning records.

"We've been in this stretch against these teams that are at the top of the league," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "We're battling."

Milwaukee turns to veteran right-hander Matt Garza (1-0, 2.81) to start the trip. Garza is 4-4 with a 4.07 earned run average in 12 career starts against the Cardinals, and is coming off a win Saturday against Washington.

Garza will have to be cognizant of St. Louis third baseman Jhonny Peralta, who is 17-of-37 in his career against the right-hander with two homers and five RBIs.

The Cardinals will counter with left-hander Jaime Garcia (5-6, 4.09). Garcia, who had a no-decision in Sunday's11-6 win at Seattle, is 10-5 in 19 career outings against the Brewers, tied for his most wins against any opponent.

St. Louis will start Adam Wainwright (6-5, 5.04) opposite Jimmy Nelson (5-6, 3.60) on Saturday. Michael Wacha (4-7, 4.42) goes against Milwaukee's Chase Anderson (4-8, 5.45) in Sunday's series finale.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants (50-31) at Diamondbacks (36-45)

Game: 1
Venue: Chase Field
Date: July 01, 2016 9:40 PM EDT

PHOENIX -- The first time San Francisco visited Arizona this season, the National League West was up for grabs.

It is much closer to grabbed now.

One game separated the top four teams in the division when San Francisco touched down at Sky Harbor Airport to begin a four-game series in Arizona on May 12. None was off to a fast start. The Giants and Dodgers were .500 and tied for the lead, and the Diamondbacks and Rockies were two games below .500 and one game back. San Diego was within 2 1/2.

The Giants swept that four-game series and used it as a springboard to a 31-10 run that has given them the second-best record in the NL and a recent eight-game division lead that dropped to six over Los Angeles when Oakland took three of four in the Bay Area series that ended Thursday. Colorado sits 11 1/2 games out while Arizona is 14 and San Diego 16.

Neither the Giants (50-31) nor the Diamondbacks (36-45) have much momentum entering this three-game series that begins Friday in Chase Field, when winter targets Johnny Cueto (11-1) and Shelby Miller (2-7) meet.

While the Giants salvaged the final contest of the four-game home-and-home set against the A's, Arizona lost three straight at home to Philadelphia, taking some of the luster off a franchise record-tying 7-3 road trip leading into the Phillies series.

The Diamondbacks also might have lost-righter Zack Greinke in the process. Greinke left Tuesday's start against Philadlephia with soreness in his left oblique muscle. The D-backs believe they removed Greinke before the injury worsened, but they do not know if he can make his next start Monday. They are expected to make a decision Friday.

The Giants swept the May 12-15 series without using Madison Bumgarner, and the D-backs will miss Bumgarner again this time around. Bumgarner beat the A's 12-6 on Thursday and he was 1-for-4 with a double that ignited a six-run third inning. Bumgarner hit for himself in the game played in Oakland, the first time a pitcher intentionally was used instead of a DH since left-hander Ken Brett batted for the White Sox in 1976.

The Diamondbacks have underachieved at the halfway point, and a lot of it can be traced to their play at home, where they are 13-28. Only Atlanta (12-32) has a worse record.

"Obviously I think if you asked everybody that question, we're pretty disappointed on how the first 81 games have gone," Arizona setup man Daniel Hudson said. "There's a lot of baseball left to be played. Hopefully we can get it turned around quick and put some pressure on some other teams."

The Giants are 26-15 on the road, the best record in the league, but will be without three regulars this weekend. Hunter Pence (hamstring) has been on the disabled list since June 2 is not expected back until late in the season. Matt Duffy (Achilles) and Joe Panik (concussion) recently went on the DL.

While the NL is rich in third basemen, Arizona's Jake Lamb is making a push for All-Star consideration. Lamb has 17 homers and 55 RBIs and is leading the team in both categories. He had nine homers in June, second-most in franchise history behind Luis Gonzalez (12 in 2001).

Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford is 21-for-64 with 20 RBIs in his last 18 games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (38-41) at Athletics (35-44)

Game: 1
Venue: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Date: July 01, 2016 10:05 PM EDT

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Sonny Gray still remembers the first time he faced the Pittsburgh Pirates as if it happened yesterday, not three seasons ago when he was a rookie.

The Oakland A's right-hander made his major league debut at PNC Park on July 10, 2013, and he pitched two scoreless innings out of the bullpen in a 5-0 loss to the Pirates. He struck out three and allowed one hit.

Gray will face Pittsburgh again on Friday, only this time he will start for the A's in the opener of a three-game interleague series at the Oakland Coliseum. He is bound to have flashbacks to his big league debut.

"I've got pretty cool memories, small memories I guess with the Pirates," Gray said Thursday before the Athletics' 12-6 loss to the San Francisco Giants. "That was a fun day."

In terms of wins and losses, this season hasn't been much fun for Gray, who is 3-6 with 5.03 ERA. He will take a five-game losing streak into his start Friday, and he hasn't had a victory since April 22 at Toronto.

Since being reinstated from the disabled list on June 5 after missing two weeks with a strained right trapezius, Gray has pitched well but has nothing to show for it. He is 0-1 with a 3.23 ERA in his past five starts.

"I still feel good ever since coming off the DL," said Gray, who went 33-20 with a 2.88 ERA in his first three seasons with the A's. "I still think it was the right choice to make. I didn't necessarily have to go on the DL, but that's the route we decided to go. Looking back at it, I think it was still the right call."

Gray and the A's will face a red-hot Pirates pitcher, Jeff Locke. In his past two starts, the left-hander is 2-0 with a 0.66 ERA, six strikeouts and zero walks. He outdueled Madison Bumgarner in a 1-0 victory against the Giants on June 20. Five days later, he pitched the Pirates to a 6-1 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Kenta Maeda.

Before winning back-to-back games, Locke went 0-2 with an 18.69 ERA in losses to the Colorado Rockies and the New York Mets, who combined to hit .455 against him. Somehow, he was able to bounce back.

"The guy's pitching, and he's confident out there, even going through that rough patch, those back-to-back games you wouldn't really wish on anybody at this level," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said after Locke's victory against the Dodgers. "He's handled it like a pro and just pitched through it."

Locke (7-5, 5.12 ERA) said a key to his turnaround was to stop being a perfectionist.

"Trying to make better pitches instead of perfect pitches," Locke said. "If it's a fastball away, just get it away."

Locke has faced the A's one time, on June 13, 2013, at PNC Park. He is 0-1 with a 2.57 ERA against Oakland.

The Pirates, who had an off day Thursday, have won four of their past six games. they snapped a six-game road losing streak Wednesday with an 8-1 victory against the Seattle Mariners.

The A's are 6-2 over their past eight games and have won back-to-back series, taking three of four from both the Los Angeles Angels and the Giants.

"We've definitely been playing well as of the last 10 games or so," Gray said.

The A's scored 34 runs in the four-game series against the Giants.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies (37-41) at Dodgers (44-37)

Game: 1
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: July 01, 2016 10:10 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles confronts the National League's most potent offense without the major leagues' best pitcher Friday night when the Dodgers begin a three-game series at home against the Colorado Rockies.

Left-hander Clayton Kershaw, scheduled to start Friday, instead went on the disabled list with a herniated disk. Kershaw, who lost his last start Sunday in Pittsburgh, complained of back stiffness after the game. The Dodgers on Wednesday flew him back to Los Angeles, where he received an epidural Thursday after consulting with a back specialist.

Kershaw was making a serious case for his fourth Cy Young Award in six years. Kershaw led the majors with a 1.79 ERA, ranked second with 145 strikeouts, allowed opponents to bat .185 against him and conceded only six home runs and nine walks in 121 innings.

"To lose Clayton for any length of time is a big blow, but I think our guys have made a point that we're going to move forward and we're going to go out there and keep winning baseball games,' manager Dave Roberts said. "We did that (Thursday, an 8-1 victory in Milwaukee) and that's our goal tomorrow."

The Dodgers filled Kershaw's spot in the rotation by acquiring right-hander Bud Norris from the Atlanta Braves for two minor leaguers in a five-player trade Thursday. He will start Friday night. Norris is 3-7 with a 4.22 ERA this season but in his past 29 1/3 innings, the eight-year veteran amassed 29 strikeouts while conceding only seven runs and eight walks.

"Obviously, where we're at with starting pitching and Bud's been pitching well -- I had him in San Diego for a bit -- he's really thrown well,' Roberts said. "For them to give us a guy that can go deep into a game, can eat innings and get guys out, was huge. We're excited about it."

Said Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal: "Obviously, it takes a toll when you lose your No. 1 guy, especially a guy like Kershaw who's a presence not only in the clubhouse, but out on the field I felt like Bud Norris did a pretty good job against us this year when he pitched against us.

"I feel like he can be another addition, not only as a starter, but maybe once we get all the guys back, he can help us out in the pen, too. I feel like he's going to fit really good in this staff and on this team. But, it's always hard to lose your No. 1 guy."

Kershaw or no Kershaw, Los Angeles must defuse the Rockies' volatile offense. Colorado leads the National League with a .276 team batting average, a .469 on-base percentage, 418 runs and 402 RBIs. The Rockies also hold third in the NL with 104 home runs.

Those exploits helped move Colorado within four games of the New York Mets, who hold the second wild-card spot, and within 5 1/2 of the second-place Dodgers in the National League West.

Right fielder Carlos Gonzalez, who leads the Rockies with a .329 average, views the six-game road trip starting Friday night as pivotal in narrowing the distance between themselves and both the Dodgers and the first-place San Francisco Giants.

"This road trip is going to be huge for us," Gonzalez said. "We're going to play the two teams ahead of us. We've got to gain ground, and we all understand that we're going to be facing some tough pitchers. We've just got to continue to put some runs on the board, and expect better outings from the pitchers to give us an opportunity to win."

Gonzalez ranks fourth in the National League in batting average, with second baseman DJ LeMahieu three points behind him in fifth place, and third with 98 hits. Third baseman Nolan Arenado has driven in a league-leading 65 runs while hitting 21 home runs.

Rookie shortstop Trevor Story provides stability after the Rockies traded All-Star Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto last year. Story's 19 homers and 50 RBIs lead all major league rookies.

Story and LeMahieu missed two of the past three games because of a bruised right finger and a bruised left knee, respectively. After Thursday's off day, both are expected to be in the Rockies' lineup Friday night.

The Dodgers also have serious injury problems outside of Kershaw, whose absence further depletes a staff that has five other starting pitchers on the disabled list. An inflamed left rib cage put utilityman Enrique Hernandez on the disabled list Thursday. Outfielder Joc Pederson, an All-Star last year, could join them after injuring the AC joint in his right shoulder by crashing into the outfield wall at Milwaukee's Miller Park on Tuesday. Pederson's 13 home runs rank second on the club.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (47-31) at Mariners (40-39)

Game: 2
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: July 01, 2016 10:10 PM EDT

SEATTLE -- Which pitcher has the longest scoreless innings streak in baseball?

Clayton Kershaw? Jake Arrieta? Madison Bumgarner? Try Wade LeBlanc.

The improbable and obscure owner of that distinction takes the mound for the Seattle Mariners on Friday night as the 31-year-old left-hander brings a 23 2/3-innings scoreless streak into his start against the Baltimore Orioles.

LeBlanc's scoreless streak, which only applies to major league games, extends all the way back to Sept. 2, 2014, when he was pitching out of the Los Angeles Angels' bullpen. He finished off that season with seven consecutive scoreless outings -- five as a reliever -- and spent the 2015 season pitching in Japan.

He was in the Toronto Blue Jays' minor league system this year when the pitching-desperate Mariners acquired him to start a game June 24. LeBlanc took the mound two days after being dealt from Toronto and threw six scoreless innings to help the Mariners snap a six-game losing streak in what was originally expected to be a spot start.

LeBlanc used an 88-mile-per-hour fastball, drawing numerous comparisons to former Mariners star Jamie Moyer, to help beat the St. Louis Cardinals and the Mariners are curious to see if he can continue to grind out more zeroes.

Baltimore's offense was on a tear in June with a major league record 56 home runs, but the Orioles (47-40) couldn't get much going against Seattle's Taijuan Walker in Thursday's series opener.

After that game, which saw Baltimore's seven-game winning streak come to an end, Orioles manager Buck Showalter was able to see the bright side.

"Three winning months, and that's the kind of consistency we'll have to have" to stay atop the American League East, Showalter said after Baltimore finished June 19-9. "... We're going to have to continue to do that to stay where we are."

Seattle's month went much worse as the Mariners fell from the top of the American League West to third place with a 10-18 record in June. The series-opening win over the Orioles had Seattle feeling optimistic as the Mariners head into Friday night's game.

"We needed a win," closer Steve Cishek said after getting the final four outs to earn his 19th save of the season Thursday. "It's almost the All-Star Break, and we're trying to get something going before the break."

The Mariners are hoping that LeBlanc can keep the momentum going, while Baltimore hands the ball to Kevin Gausman (1-5, 3.93 ERA). The 25-year-old right-hander is coming off his best start of the season, having thrown 7 2/3 shutout innings to beat Tampa Bay and earn his first victory of 2016.

The Orioles have lost three of four games played against Seattle (40-39) this season. They still hold a five-game lead over the Boston Red Sox, who open a three-game series versus the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (39-39) at Padres (33-46)

Game: 1
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: July 01, 2016 10:40 PM EDT

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Padres right-hander Colin Rea needs to make the most of his start against the visiting New York Yankees as the teams open a three-game interleague series Friday night.

Rea (4-3, 5.05 ERA) has won once in his last eight starts, but that victory came in his most recent outing when beating the Reds after allowing four runs (three earned) in five innings.

Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (6-5, 5.19) goes for the Yankees, who are coming off of two straight walk-off victories over the Texas Rangers. Eovaldi has struggled of late, allowing at least five runs in four of his past five starts. He'll be looking to snap a three-game losing streak and that includes falling to the Twins on Sunday, when was charged with five runs over six innings.

Rea is required to shine for a couple reasons. His opportunities could be dwindling in the second half as the Padres get healthy and they aim to keep Rea fit, too.

"The thought process would be to push him to the back of the rotation coming off the All-Star break so he gets a longer period of time off," Padres manager Andy Green said. "Just to control his innings."

If the Padres can tap the brakes on Rea, they said it will serve him better in the long run. The most innings he's collected in a season is 139 and he did that in Class-A ball in 2014.

Also, the Padres' rotation could get crowded, making Rea's showing against the Yankees -- and in one more start before the All-Star Game -- critical.

Right-hander Andrew Cashner is set to come off the disabled list because of a strained neck and could start in Sunday's series finale against the Yankees.

Tyson Ross, another right-hander and the team's opening day starter, is gaining ground on his sore throwing shoulder. He hasn't pitched since his first start but it appears he could rejoin the rotation soon after the All-Star Game.

So that puts pressure on Rea, 25, to shine while he has the chance.

"It's all about command with him," Green said. "He's got the stuff to compete, but sometimes he picks at the corners and falls behind hitters."

That's what happened in Rea's latest start in Cincinnati. His biggest downfall was matching a career high with four walks. But like Green said, Rea has "stuff." His seven strikeouts against the Reds were a career-best.

Among Rea's biggest challenges Friday will be containing Yankees outfielder Carlos Beltran -- if he plays with his sore right hamstring.

"It's probably easier to manage if he was DHing but we're going to San Diego," Yankees skipper Joe Girardi told mlb.com. "So that is a concern."

San Diego's Wil Myers, who earned his stripes in the American League, has hit .304 in 102 at-bats against the Yankees. The first baseman continues his push for an All-Star roster spot with a sizzling June.

He had 21 extra-base hits in June, tying the franchise mark for most in a month. Myers' 33 RBIs are the tops for any Padre in June.

A rejuvenated Padres' offense has scored at least five runs in seven straight home games, the first time that's ever been done by the local nine at Petco Park.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's Diamond Notes
By Tony Mejia

Hottest team: Indians (13-0 last last 13)
The Tribe takes the field for a Canada Day matinee against the Blue Jays, looking to set a new franchise record for consecutive wins at 14. Standing in the way is a Toronto squad that has a 4-0 record on the holiday under manager John Gibbons, winning three straight in this his second tenure. The Jays will wear special red uniforms and should be energized by a sellout crowd, so this one could have a postseason feel in a game where the home team has been installed as a slight favorite despite Cleveland’s hot streak. Staff ace Marcus Stroman has won just once in his last six starts and his ERA has ballooned from 3.89 to 5.33 since May 22, so he’ll be looking to start hitting his stride against a Indians squad against whom he has a career 27.00 ERA against, getting rocked four earned runs in 1.1 innings in his rookie season of 2014. Josh Tomlin will look to try and help Cleveland make more history by improving to 10-1, which would tie likely All-Star Danny Salazar for the team lead in wins. The Indians are 12-2 in Tomlin’s starts this season. They’ve outscored teams 80-26 during their current run of victories.

Coldest team: Angels (0-3 last 3, 1-9 last 10)
After being swept at home by Houston by a combined margin of 21-7, the Angels held a closed-door meeting before heading East for a 10-game road trip. Mike Scioscia’s team is on pace for the worst record in franchise history after an 8-19 June record that their worst in the month since 1980. That team lost 95 games, one less than this current team is on pace for. Yunel Escobar has missed the last few games with a knee injury and hopes to return here to provide some help for Mike Trout, who went 18-for-30 with three homers despite their 1-6 homestand. Friday’s starter, Jhoulys Chacin, has failed to get out of the sixth in any of his last five starts, surrendering nine earned runs while walking nine and striking out a single batter over his last 6.2 innings. The Red Sox will turn to Steven Wright, who leads the team with a 2.18 ERA and 12 quality starts. The knuckleballer went 3-1 with a 1.62 ERA in June despite struggling in his last outing at Texas, lasting just 4.2 innings. Trout and Albert Pujols have each homered despite just five career at-bats against him. These teams will close July with a four-game set in Anaheim.

Hottest pitcher: Michael Fulmer (7-2, 2.40 ERA)
Detroit’s 23-year-old rookie went 3.1 with a remarkable 0.61 ERA in June, giving up just two earned runs and one homer in 29.2 innings. He lasted just 4.1 innings on June 22 against the Mariners, leaving after a wild stretch that the Tigers chalked up to arm fatigue. With extra rest under his belt, he’ll look to bounce back against a Rays offense he held to just one run over seven innings in Detroit on May 21, striking out a career-high 11. Considering his teammates completed an epic comeback from a 7-2 ninth-inning defict by scoring eight runs, it’s no surprise the Tigers have been bet up to a heavier favorite over host Tampa Bay, which turns to lefty Drew Smyly.

Coldest pitcher: Nathan Eovaldi (6-5, 5.19 ERA)
“Nasty” Nate opened the season 6-2 and was arguably New York’s most consistent starter over the first two months, but the bottom fell out in June. The Yankees won just one of his five starts, needing to score 13 runs to do so. In all, Eovaldi completed six innings only once, closing the month with an 8.65 ERA and surrendering a home run each time out, giving up 10 in all. For the season, he’s already given up 17, a career-high despite having worked just 86.2 innings, barely half his expected workload if he stays healthy. The Padres will look to tee off on Eovaldi, who in turn hopes the turning of the page on the calendar can get him back on track.

Biggest UNDER run: Mets (8-3 last 11)
The Mets benefited from a Javier Baez throwing error to pull off a 4-3 win in the series opener against the Cubs, snapping a four-game losing streak in the first meeting with Chicago since last season’s NLCS. Chicago had runners reach second and third against closer Jeurys Familia in the top of the 9th on Thursday, but Kris Bryant and Willson Contreras struck out while Baez popped up to end it. Chicago hasn’t beaten New York since last July 2, losing its last six in this series. The Mets have scored more than four runs in a single game just once in their last 13 and turn to Jacob deGrom (3-4, 2.67) against Jason Hammel (7-4, 2.58) in what might set up a pitcher’s duel. Oddsmakers have set the total at 7.

Biggest OVER run: Twins (17-4-2 last 23)
Despite the worst record in baseball, the Twins have been involved in an astounding amount of high-scoring games since May 23. In a 35-game stretch, either Minnesota or its opponent has scored at least five runs in 30 of them, leading to the ‘over’ going 26-7-2. The ‘under’ came in three straight times from June 25-28, but each of the last two meetings in Chicago produced double-digit runs. The Twins will face the Rangers seven times between now and the All-Star break, which could lead to plenty of fireworks since Texas had scored at least six runs in seven consecutive games before losing 2-1 in the Bronx on Thursday. Lefty Martin Perez (7-4, 3.44) will pitch for the Rangers against Minnesota’s Ervin Santana (2-7, 4.64). The total has been set a 9.5.

Matchup to watch: White Sox at Astros
After a rough stretch that saw a White Sox (40-39) team that had the second-best record in baseball on May 9 slip under .500 by June 8, Chicago looks to be righting its ship entering a critical stretch before the All-Star break. Since being swept by Cleveland to fall to a season-worst 33-36, the White Sox have won seven of 10 and are right back in the Wild Card mix. The Astros (42-37) are in that mix too thanks to victories in 10 of the last 11. Houston has outscored opponents 75-37 in that span and begin a 10-game homestand here. You get the feeling that the entire season can swing for both of these teams based on how they fare over the first part of July, setting up an intriguing series. Miguel Gonzalez (1-3, 5.17) will start the opener for Chicago, who won five of six meetings between these teams last season. Mike Fiers (5-3, 4.41) will go for Houston.

Betcha didn’t know: Bud Norris (3-7, 4.22) takes Clayton Kershaw’s place in the Dodgers rotation after being acquired from Atlanta for a pair of minor leaguers Thursday once L.A.’s lefty ace went on the disabled list. Ironically, his resurgence started against the Dodgers on June 4 after he was reinserted in the Braves rotation due to injuries following a demotion to the bullpen for all of May. In Norris’ first five starts, he went 1-4 with an 8.74 ERA. After being given a second chance, he allowed just seven earned runs over 29.1 innings, highlighted by his most recent outing where he blanked the Mets on four hits over seven frames, striking out eight batters while making just 88 pitches. L.A. is banking on him bringing that form with him from Atlanta as he joins his fifth major league team. Norris, a Bay Area native who attended Cal Poly, has had just two winning seasons in his eight years in the bigs, is 0-2 in six career appearances at Dodger Stadium, compiling a 3.10 ERA. He’s 2-1 in 10 career appearances against the Rockies, who he hasn't faced yet this season.

Biggest public favorite: Giants (-160) at Diamondbacks

Biggest public underdog: Orioles (+105) at Mariners

Biggest line move: A's (-140 to -157) vs. Pirates

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five to Follow MLB Betting: Friday, July 1, 2016, Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

I've been previewing the starts of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw all season. He was scheduled to start Friday at home against Colorado but now won't. Kershaw (11-2, 1.79) wasn't sharp in his last outing, allowing four runs and nine hits over six innings in a loss in Pittsburgh. Afterward, it was revealed that Kershaw was having lower-back stiffness. The Dodgers apparently are going to place him on the disabled list after Kershaw was checked out by doctors on Wednesday. Smart move as you simply can't mess around with your most valuable asset. Los Angeles is 14-2 when Kershaw starts and, entering Thursday, 29-35 when he doesn't. It surely means Kershaw won't be available for the All-Star Game. Also monitor the status of Dodgers outfielders Yasiel Puig and Joc Pederson for Friday's game. Both are day-to-day with minor injuries. Pederson (shoulder) sat Wednesday and Puig (knee) was pulled from that game.


Indians at Blue Jays (-125, 9)

Friday is Canada Day north of the border, so it's a 1:07 p.m. ET start for this game. If the Indians win the series opener in Toronto on Thursday, and they appeared to have the starting pitching edge, then they will go for a franchise-record 14th straight win in this game. The Tribe start the underrated Josh Tomlin (9-1, 3.32). He's working on a string of five straight quality starts since his lone loss on May 30 vs. Texas. Last time out, Tomlin allowed three runs over eight innings vs. the Tigers. Tomlin is 1-0 with a 5.19 ERA in three career starts against the Blue Jays. Michael Saunders is 2-for-7 off him with a double. Josh Donaldson is 2-for-3 with an RBI. Toronto's Marcus Stroman (6-4, 5.33) continues to struggle. He lost at the White Sox last time out, allowing four runs and seven hits in five innings. He has allowed at least four runs in six of the past eight and lasted more than six innings twice. Mike Napoli has seen him more than any Indians batter, going 0-for-6. Rajai Davis is 2-for-4.

Key trends: The Indians are 10-1 in Tomlin's past 11 on the road. The Jays are 1-4 in Stroman's past five vs. teams with a winning record. The "over/under" is 4-1-1 in Tomlin's past six on the road. The over is 5-1 in Stroman's past six.

Early lean: Blue Jays -- it's an important day in the country so they will be jacked up -- and over. I love Toronto even more if the Indians lose Thursday as they will be really flat.

Royals at Phillies (+103, 8)

Kansas City will lose the designated hitter -- usually Kendrys Morales -- for this interleague game. The Royals have also lost 2015 AL MVP finalist and outfielder Lorenzo Cain to the 15-day disabled list. He injured his hamstring Tuesday vs. the Cardinals. Cain is batting .290 with eight home runs and 39 RBIs. Kansas City starts Ian Kennedy (6-6, 3.96). He comes off one of his best starts of the year, allowing one run and three hits while striking out 11 over seven innings against Houston. Kennedy hasn't won back-to-back starts since early May. The Phillies' Ryan Howard (if he actually plays) is 3-for-19 career off Kennedy. Carlos Ruiz is 2-for-10 with a double. Philadelphia's Jeremy Hellickson (5-6, 4.23) won for the first time since May 18 on Saturday, allowing one earned over six innings against the Giants. Hellickson tweaked his back while batting but is apparently fine. Alex Gordon is 8-for-16 career off him with three RBIs. Eric Hosmer is 3-for-15 with five strikeouts.

Key trends: The Royals are 1-4 in Kennedy's past five on the road. The Phillies are 0-4 in Hellickson's past four at home. The under is 7-3 in Hellickson's past 10.

Early lean: Royals and under.

Tigers at Rays (-109, 8)

Tampa Bay apparently only needed to face Boston to end its losing ways as the Rays took an 11-game losing streak into this week and then promptly won two of three against the struggling Sox. The Rays have lost closer Alex Colome, however. He has landed on the DL with biceps tendinitis. Colome was 19-for-19 in save chances this year with a 1.76 ERA. Manager Kevin Cash likely will use a committee of Xavier Cedeno, Matt Andriese and Erasmo Ramirez (although he's rumored to be traded to the Dodgers) to take his spot. Tampa starts former Tiger Drew Smyly here -- he came over in the David Price deal in July 2014. That trade is really working out for the Rays as one of their top position player prospects (Willy Adames) also came from the Tigers. Smyly (2-8, 5.32) is way better than his numbers show. He was torched last time out in Baltimore, allowing eight runs and 10 hits over five innings. Smyly lost in Detroit on May 21, allowing three runs in 6.1 innings. Miguel Cabrera is 0-for-5 career against him. James McCann is 4-for-5 with two homers. Detroit counters with rookie sensation Michael Fulmer (7-2, 2.40). His 33.1-inning scoreless streak ended two starts ago. He lasted only 4.1 innings in his most recent start vs. Seattle despite allowing one run and three hits. Fulmer dominated the Rays on May 21, allowing one run with 11 strikeouts in seven innings in a win.

Key trends: The Tigers are 5-1 in Fulmer's past six on the road. The Rays are 5-2 in Smyly's past seven at home vs. teams with a winning record. The over is 8-1-1 in Smyly's past 10.

Early lean: Tigers and under.

Cubs at Mets (Mets -119, 7.5)

To no surprise, this game is nationally televised for a second straight night by the MLB Network and will feature live betting at sportsbooks. The Cubs start Jason Hammel (7-4, 2.58). He lost in Miami last time out, allowing two runs in six innings. Hammel hasn't won since June 4. He's 0-3 with a 4.91 ERA in five career starts vs. the Mets. That doesn't include the clinching Game 4 of last year's NLCS, in which the Mets tagged him for five runs in 1.1 innings to complete the sweep. In regular-season play, James Loney is a career .317 hitter off Hammel with three homers and nine RBIs in 41 at-bats. New York starts Jacob deGrom (3-4, 2.67), pushed back an extra day. He threw eight shutout innings in his last start in Atlanta but still didn't get his first win since the end of April. In a rather amazing statistic, the Mets have gone 21 consecutive innings without scoring a run while deGrom has been in the game. DeGrom beat the Cubs in Game 3 of the NLCS, allowing two runs in seven innings. Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant both have regular-season homers off him.

Key trends: The Cubs are 1-4 in Hammel's past five on the road. The Mets are 4-1 in deGrom's past five on Friday. The under is 5-0 in his past five.

Early lean: Mets and under.

Yankees at Padres (+126, 8)

New York DH Alex Rodriguez will take a seat for this interleague game. San Diego has lost one of its best hitters and a potential trade chip in outfielder Jon Jay. He has a broken forearm and likely to miss at least a month. So he won't be back until right after the trade deadline, which all but kills his value. Jay is hitting .296 on the season and plays solid center-field defense. The Yankees are expected to start Nathan Eovaldi (6-5, 5.19). He has been lousy for five starts in a row; his ERA was 3.71 before that stretch. The Padres' Melvin Upton is 4-for-20 career off him with six strikeouts. Alexei Ramirez is 1-for-3. The Friars' Colin Rea (4-3, 5.05) won for the first time in about seven weeks last Friday in Cincinnati, allowing three earned in five innings. Rea has never faced a member of the Yankees.

Key trends: The Yankees are 1-4 in Eovaldi's past five. The Padres are 4-1 in Rea's past five at home vs. teams with a losing record. The over is 9-4 in Eovaldi's past 13 on the road.

Early lean: Padres and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Red-Hot Indians look to extend streak'

Cleveland Indians at Toronto Blue Jays July 1, 1:05 EST

Cleveland and Toronto get ready to duel again after the Red-Hot Indians held on for a 4-1 victory last night. The Indians winning thirteen straight games will look to Josh Tomlin to keep the streak alive. Tomlin manufacturing five straight quality starts in June carries a 9-1 record, 3.32 ERA to the hill with a 12-2 team start record over 14 starts. The Indians will face Jays Marcus Stroman off back-2-back losses giving the hurler a 6-4 record, 5.33 ERA over 16 starts this season (8-8 TSR).

Indians are currently +$1.02 to +$1.13 moneyline underdogs depending on local with the total at 9.0 runs across all shops.

Going back to the well is something that Cleveland backers will have no problem doing. That's because Indians are 10-1 in Tomlin's last eleven starts in an opposing park, 17-3 in his last twenty handed starting duties, 13-3 in his subsequent appearance on the mound after a quality start.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Friday's games

National League games

Reds @ Nationals
DeSclafani is 2-0, 1.20 in his last two starts (over 2-2).

Roark is 3-1, 2.31 in his last four starts (under 10-5 in last 15). .

Washington won its last five games; nine of Nationals' last 13 home games went over. Cincinnati lost ten of last 12 games; eight of Reds' last ten games went over. Over is 9-4 in last 13 Washington home games.

Cubs @ Mets
Hammel is 0-3, 3.70 in his last four starts; four of his last six stayed under.

deGrom is 0-3, 2.77 in his last four starts; Mets scored total of three runs in his last five starts, all of which stayed under.

Cubs won three of last four games; five of last six Chicago games went over. Mets lost four of last five games; under is 10-2-1 in last 13 New York games.

Marlins @ Braves
Nicolino is 0-4, 6.17 in his last eight starts; his last four starts went over.

Teheran is 2-1, 1.41 in his last four start; nine of his last ten stayed under.

Marlins lost six of last eight road games; over is 12-2 in last 14 Marlin road games. Atlanta lost five of last seven games; under is 9-4 in Braves' last 13 games.

Brewers @ Cardinals
Garza is 1-0, 2.81 in three starts this year (under 2-1).

Garcia is 1-1, 6.17 in his last four starts; under is 5-1-1 in his home starts.

Brewers lost eight of last ten road games, are 4-8 in road series openers. Over is 7-4-1 in their last 12 road games. St Louis lost its last seven road games, is 4-9 in road series openers. Six of Cardinals' last seven home games stayed under.

Giants @ Diamondbacks
Cueto is 7-0, 2.23 in his last nine starts, last three of which went over.

Miller is 1-4, 6.43 in his last five starts; five of his last seven stayed under.

Giants lost three of last four games, are 7-6 in road series openers. Four of last five Giant games went over total. Arizona lost its last five games, is 3-10 in home series openers. Five of last seven Diamondback games went over.

Rockies @ Dodgers
De la Rosa is 3-0, 2.12 in his last three starts; four of his last five went over.

Norris makes his Dodger debut; he was 2-0, 2.22 in his last four starts for Atlanta; four of his last five starts stayed under.

Rockies are 5-8 in last 13 games, 8-5 in road series openers. Eight of their last nine games went over total. Los Angeles won its last six home games, is 5-7 in home series openers. Under is 11-3 in last 14 Dodger home games.


American League games

Indians @ Blue Jays
Tomlin is 2-0, 2.86 in his last five starts; over is 9-2-1 in his last 12 starts. .

Stroman is 1-3, 7.76 in his last five starts; seven of his last nine went over.

Indians won their last 13 games; five of their last eight road games went over. Toronto is 10-5 in last 15 home games; under is 9-4 in their last thirteen home games.

Tigers @ Rays
Fulmer is 5-1, 0.61 in his last seven starts; four of his last six stayed under.

Smyly is 0-4, 7.65 in his last seven starts; nine of his last ten went over.

Tigers won seven of last ten games; six of their last eight road games went over. Tampa Bay lost 13 of last 15 games; five of Rays' last six games went over the total.

Angels @ Red Sox
Chacin is 1-3, 10.06 in his last four starts; four of his last five went over.

Wright is 5-1, 3.81 in his last seven starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Angels lost nine of last ten games, are 6-6 in road series openers. Five of their last six road games stayed under. Boston lost seven of last ten games- they're 6-7 in road series openers. Six of their last eight games went over the total.

White Sox @ Astros
Gonzalez is 0-2, 9.39 in his last three starts (over 6-4).

Fiers is 2-0, 2.65 in his last three starts; over is 7-3-1 in his last eleven.

Chicago is 7-3 in its last ten games, 7-5 in road series openers; five of last eight White Sox games went over. Astros won 10 of last 11 games, are 7-5 in home series openers. Five of last seven Houston home games stayed under.

Rangers @ Twins
Perez is 6-0, 3.40 in his last seven starts; under is 8-5 in his last 13.

Santana is 1-5, 6.25 in his last seven starts; four of his last five went over.

Rangers won 14 of last 18 games, are 7-5 in road series openers. Over is 12-4-1 in their last 17 road games. Minnesota lost five of its last seven games, is 6-7 in home series openers. Over is 17-3 in last 20 games at Target Field.

Orioles @ Mariners
Gausman is 1-2, 5.74 in his last three starts; seven of his last eight stayed under.

LeBlanc threw six shutout innings (87 PT) in his first '16 start. .

Orioles won six of their last seven games; three of last four Baltimore games went over the total. Seattle lost eight of last 12 games; three of last five Mariner games went over the total.


Interleague

Royals @ Phillies
Kennedy is 2-1, 3.57 in his last three starts (under 8-4-3).

Hellickson is 1-4, 5.70 in his last five starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten.

Royals won four of last five games, are 4-9 in road series openers. Four of KC's last five games stayed under. Phillies won five of last seven games, are 2-10 in first game of a home series. Over is 18-8 in their last 26 games.

Pirates @ A's
Locke is 2-0, 0.66 in his last two starts; nine of his last 11 starts went over.

Gray is 0-1, 3.52 in five starts since coming off the DL (over 9-2-1 last 12).

Pirates are 3-12 in last 15 road games, 8-6 in road series openers. Six of their last nine games went over total. Oakland won six of last eight games, is 7-6 in first game of home series. Under is 6-1-1 in last eight games in Oakland Coliseum.

Bronx @ San Diego
Eovaldi is 0-3, 8.65 in his last five starts, four of which went over.

Rea is 1-1, 7.47 in his last six starts; seven of his last nine went over.

Bronx lost three of last four games, is 6-6 in road series openers. Over is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games. San Diego lost its last three games, is 8-6 in home series openers. The last seven games at Petco Park went over the total.


Teams won-lost records when this pitcher starts:

Cin-Wsh-- DeSclafani 3-1; Roark 8-8
Chi-NY-- Hammel 9-6 (0-4 last 4); deGrom 6-7
Mia-Atl-- Nicolino 4-6; Teheran 4-12
Mil-StL-- Garza 1-2; Garcia 8-7
SF-Az-- Cueto 14-2; Miller 4-8
Col-LA-- De la Rosa 5-4; Norris 0-0/

Cle-Tor-- Tomlin 12-2; Stroman 8-8
Det-TB-- Fulmer 9-2; Smyly 6-9
LA-Bos-- Chacin 4-5/2-3; Wright 8-7
Chi-Hst-- Gonzalez 5-5; Fiers 8-6
Tex-Min-- Perez 9-7 (7-0 last 7); Santana 2-12
Blt-Sea-- Gausman 5-8; LeBlanc 1-0

KC-Phil-- Kennedy 9-6; Hellickson 7-9
Pitt-A's-- Locke 7-8; Gray 5-9
NY-SD-- Eovaldi 8-7; Rea 8-6


Starting pitchers allowing 1+ runs in first inning:

Cin-Wsh-- DeSclafani 1-4; Roark 3-16
Chi-NY-- Hammel 3-15; deGrom 2-13
Mia-Atl-- Nicolino 2-10; Teheran 3-16
Mil-StL-- Garza 0-3; Garcia 5-15
SF-Az-- Cueto 5-16; Miller 4-12
Col-LA-- De la Rosa 4-9; Norris 0-0/

Cle-Tor-- Tomlin 7-14; Stroman 4-16
Det-TB-- Fulmer 2-11; Smyly 4-15
LA-Bos-- Chacin 5-14; Wright 5-15
Chi-Hst-- Gonzalez 6-10; Fiers 3-14
Tex-Min-- Perez 5-16; Santana 5-14
Blt-Sea-- Gausman 4-13; LeBlanc 0-1

KC-Phil-- Kennedy 4-15; Hellickson 6-16
Pitt-A's-- Locke 4-15; Gray 3-14
NY-SD-- Eovaldi 3-15; Rea 8-14

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's six-pack

-- Indians won their 13th straight game last night; last time the Tribe won 13 games in a row, the Rochester Royals (now Sacramento Kings) were NBA champions.

-- Clayton Kershaw goes on the DL with a bad back. Dodgers acquired Bud Norris from Atlanta for two low-level minor league relief pitchers. Dodgers are desperate for starting pitching.

-- Marlins acquired closer Fernando Rodney from San Diego.

-- Giants didn't use a DH in Oakland last night; they let Madison Bumgarner hit.

-- Bronx pushed CC Sabathia's next start back to Monday; they don't want him to hit in San Diego this weekend and risk having him run the bases and get hurt.

-- Happy Canada Day to all of our friends north of the border.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Friday, July 1 is:

Philadelphia (Hellickson) +110 over KC Royals (Kennedy).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL DUNKEL

Friday, July 1

BC Lions @ Hamilton

Game 305-306
July 1, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
BC Lions
111.132
Hamilton
119.513
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hamilton
by 8 1/2
45
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hamilton
by 6
50 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Hamilton
(-6); Under

Winnipeg @ Calgary

Game 307-308
July 1, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
107.615
Calgary
114.464
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 7
55
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 10
49
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+10); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL TRENDS

Friday, July 1

7:00 PM
BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. HAMILTON
British Columbia is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Hamilton
British Columbia is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing Hamilton
Hamilton is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Hamilton's last 12 games when playing at home against British Columbia

10:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. CALGARY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Winnipeg is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Calgary's last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Calgary's last 8 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Friday, July 1

Trend Report

1:07 PM
CLEVELAND vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 9 games
Toronto is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home

6:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. WASHINGTON
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Cincinnati's last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 6 games on the road
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Kansas City

7:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 12 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Boston is 2-9 SU in their last 11 games when playing LA Angels

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. NY METS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 8 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games on the road
NY Mets are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets's last 8 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

7:10 PM
DETROIT vs. TAMPA BAY
Detroit is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games

7:35 PM
MIAMI vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Miami's last 13 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 13 games

8:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. HOUSTON
Chi White Sox are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Chi White Sox's last 24 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 8 games when playing Chi White Sox
Houston is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games

8:10 PM
TEXAS vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Texas's last 15 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Texas is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Minnesota's last 17 games when playing Texas
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

8:15 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games at home
St. Louis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

9:40 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games

10:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. OAKLAND
Pittsburgh is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Oakland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

10:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 8 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore

10:10 PM
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
Colorado is 5-14 SU in their last 19 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Colorado

10:40 PM
NY YANKEES vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of NY Yankees's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing NY Yankees
San Diego is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA

Friday, July 1

Trend Report

7:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. INDIANA
San Antonio is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Indiana's last 22 games at home
Indiana is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Antonio

8:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHICAGO
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington

10:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
New York is 2-3-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix's last 13 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians at Blue Jays

GAME: Cleveland Indians (48-30) at Toronto Blue Jays (43-38)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 01 - 1:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

With the city still abuzz in the wake of the Cavaliers capturing the NBA championship, the Cleveland Indians look to add to the feel-good story on Friday afternoon when they attempt to extend their winning streak to a franchise-best 14 straight games against the host Toronto Blue Jays. Cleveland, which also won 13 in a row in both 1942 and 1951, breezed to a 4-1 triumph in the opener of the four-game series on Thursday and has outscored the opposition by an 80-26 margin during the win streak.

Jason Kipnis homered for the third time in seven outings to extend his hitting streak to 12 games, during which he has collected 12 RBIs. While the Indians improved to 7-0 on their 10-game road trip, Toronto began its 11-game homestand with its seventh loss in 11 outings heading into Canada Day on Friday. Josh Donaldson continued his torrid stretch by launching a solo homer for the second time in as many days to improve to 15-for-35 during his nine-game hitting streak. The reigning American League MVP has enjoyed success versus Cleveland, batting .321 (34-for-106) in 28 career encounters and is 2-for-3 in a small sample size versus Friday starter Josh Tomlin.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Josh Tomlin (9-1, 3.32 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (6-4, 5.33)

Tomlin is hoping that his run of good luck in June extends into July after recording a quality start in all five of his outings last month. The 31-year-old improved to 2-0 in that stretch after yielding three runs - all a result of solo homers - in eight innings of Sunday's 9-3 triumph over Detroit. Tomlin's 18 homers allowed in 14 starts in 2016 has matched his season totals in 2012 and 2014 and are just six shy of the career-high 24 he surrendered in 2011 - made over 26 appearances.

Stroman has lost steam as the temperature has heated up as the 25-year-old turned in his fifth sub-par outing in his last six turns on Sunday. Stroman has permitted 30 runs and 51 hits in that span to record a 1-3 mark, with his latest trip to the mound resulting in four runs and four walks in five innings of a 5-2 setback to the Chicago White Sox. Stroman's lone career meeting with Cleveland came in 2014, when he was blitzed for five runs on as many hits in 1 1/3 innings of relief.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto 2B Devon Travis is 12-for-30 with two homers, five RBIs and six runs scored during his seven-game hitting streak.

2. Cleveland 3B Jose Ramirez has four RBIs and scored two runs during his five-game hitting streak.

3. Blue Jays OF Michael Saunders struck out three times in the series opener and fanned 14 times in the last 11 games.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Blue Jays 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Nationals

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (29-51) at Washington Nationals (48-32)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 01 - 6:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Washington Nationals have regained their footing following a season-high seven-game skid while the Cincinnati Reds have stumbled their way to a comfortable spot in the basement of the National League Central. The host Nationals will vie for their sixth consecutive victory on Friday when they play the second contest of a four-game series versus the reeling Reds.

Danny Espinosa brought the fireworks with a grand slam and a three-run homer to drive in a career-high seven runs in Thursday's 13-4 rout for Washington, which saw batters Nos. 6-8 in the lineup combine to go 6-for-13 with 12 RBIs and six runs scored. Ryan Zimmerman added a three-run shot of his own and former Red Chris Heisey had a two-run single for the Nationals, who have belted a NL-best 107 homers. While Washington matched a season high for runs in a game, Cincinnati has dropped 10 of 12 and has been blitzed for 80 runs in its last 10 setbacks - including 40 in its last four contests. Joey Votto went deep for the third time in four games, improving to 5-for-15 with four RBIs and as many runs scored in that stretch.

TV: 6:05 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (2-0, 1.52 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (7-5, 2.96)

DeSclafani has hit the ground running since returning from an oblique strain suffered in spring training, with his latest outing resulting in just five hits over eight dominant innings in Sunday's 3-0 victory over San Diego. The 26-year-old, who has allowed just four earned runs in 23 2/3 frames, has issued one walk in his last two outings after struggling with his control in his initial two. DeSclafani won his lone career decision versus Washington, but yielded four free passes in his last outing to drive up his pitch count.

Roark improved to 4-1 in his last six outings after scattering seven hits over as many innings in Sunday's 3-2 victory over Milwaukee. The 29-year-old has pitched well in the nation's capital, posting a 2.25 ERA to go along with his 3-3 mark while limiting the opposition to a .224 batting average. Roark was fortunate to walk away with a no-decision in his last encounter with Cincinnati on June 5, despite yielding five runs on seven hits in three innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati 2B Brandon Phillips has four hits and two runs scored in his last three games after going 1-for-12 in his previous three.

2. Washington CF Michael Taylor is mired in a 1-for-13 stretch.

3. Reds SS Zack Cozart is 1-for-20 with five strikeouts in his last six games.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Reds 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Phillies

GAME: Kansas City Royals (42-36) at Philadelphia Phillies (35-45)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 01 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Manager Pete Mackanin was incredulous after seeing his Philadelphia Phillies win three in a row and five of seven to finish a successful nine-game road trip. Mackanin hopes the Phillies' run of good fortune continues on Friday as they begin a six-game homestand with the opener of a three-game series versus the Kansas City Royals.

"I don't know what happened. When we left Philly, we became a different team," Mackanin told reporters after the Phillies completed a three-game sweep of Arizona on Wednesday. Philadelphia was downright brutal during its most recent stint at Citizens Bank Park, as it was outscored 42-9 en route to dropping all six contests as part of its season-high nine-game losing streak. Kansas City claimed its fourth win in five games with a 4-2 triumph over "Show Me State" rival St. Louis on Thursday, raising its woeful road record to just 15-25. Kendrys Morales went deep among his three hits and improved to 16-for-24 with three homers, seven RBIs and six runs scored during his six-game hitting streak, but he is 0-for-4 in his career against Friday starter Jeremy Hellickson.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Ian Kennedy (6-6, 3.96 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (5-6, 4.23)

Kennedy will attempt to record back-to-back wins for the third time this season after allowing one run and three hits while striking out a season-high 11 over seven innings in Sunday's 6-1 victory over Houston. The lone run permitted came on a solo shot, marking the 31-year-old's 16th homer surrendered in his last nine turns. Kennedy has yielded just three runs and seven hits over his last two outings after allowing 16 and 22 in his previous three.

Hellickson posted his first win since May 18 on Saturday after permitting one earned run and five hits in six innings of a 3-2 triumph over San Francisco. The 29-year-old kept the ball in the park after yielding seven homers in his previous five outings. Hellickson owns a 1-2 career record versus Kansas City while allowing the club to bat a generous .326 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies 3B/LF Cody Asche went 12-for-30 with six doubles and as many RBIs during the team's recent road trip.

2. Royals C Salvador Perez is 1-for-10 with three strikeouts in his last two games overall and 1-for-14 lifetime versus the Phillies.

3. Philadelphia RF Peter Bourjos is riding high with a nine-game hitting streak and is 24-for-51 (.471) since June 12.

PREDICTION: Royals 6, Phillies 2