Friday 8/14/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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Game of the day: Argonauts at Blue Bombers

Toronto Argonauts at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+6, 48.5)

Winnipeg begins life without quarterback Drew Willy when it hosts the Toronto Argonauts on Friday, and Blue Bombers coach Mike O'Shea isn't saying who will be his replacement. Willy is expected to be sidelined 6-to-8 weeks after suffering a tibial plateau fracture and partial PCL tear in Winnipeg's 38-8 loss in Hamilton on Sunday - its third setback in the last four games, leaving Brian Brohm or Robert Marve to keep the Blue Bombers afloat until Willy returns.

Brohm hasn't recorded a touchdown pass while throwing five interceptions in 121 attempts covering two seasons, while Marve has thrown 29 passes in two years. Winnipeg also will be without running back Paris Cotton (team-best 268 yards) and slotback Darvin Adams (team-leading 360 receiving yards), who suffered a broken arm and an upper-body injury, respectively, against Hamilton. Toronto has won three of its last four contests and sits in a three-way tie for first place in the East Division following a come-from-behind 30-26 victory over Saskatchewan on Saturday. A big reason for the Argonauts' success has been the play of backup quarterback Trevor Harris, who leads the CFL in all major passing categories but could be back on the bench soon with Ricky Ray's return from offseason shoulder surgery looming.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN3

LINE HISTORY: The lines have yet to shift since opening at WPG +6, 48.5.

INJURY REPORT: Argonauts - LB Cory Greenwood (Ques-Concussion), S Jermaine Gabriel (Ques-Groin), K Swayze Waters (Ques-Quad) Blue Bombers - RB Paris Cotton (Out-Arm), SB Nick Moore (Ques-Lower Body), DT Bryant Turner Jr. (Ques-Hand)

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (4-2 SU, 4-2 ATS, 3-3 O/U): Harris tossed two of his CFL-leading 14 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter last week and also paces the league in completion percentage (75.0) and yards (1,819). Toronto boasts a deep stable of receivers including Diontae Spencer, who caught five passes for 94 yards and a touchdown Saturday in his first CFL contest. The depth will be key because Kevin Elliott (22 catches, 303 yards, three touchdowns) is doubtful to play Friday (ribs) while it appears Chad Owens (26, 284, one) will miss his second straight contest (ankle).

ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (3-4 SU, 3-4 ATS, 2-5 O/U): O'Shea said Da'Rel Scott, a seventh-round draft pick of the New York Giants in 2011 who carried 31 times for 98 yards over three NFL seasons, will make his CFL debut while replacing Cotton. The expected return of Nick Moore (team-best 28 catches, 308 yards), who missed the last two games because of a lower-body injury, could soften the blow of losing Adams. The Blue Bombers' defence allows 30 points per game - second-worst to winless Saskatchewan (32.1) - but could be bolstered by the return of defensive linemen Greg Peach and Bryant Turner.

TRENDS:

*Argonauts are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games.
*Blue Bombers are 1-4-2 ATS in their last 7 home games.
*Under is 8-3 in Argonauts last 11 vs. a team with a losing record.
*Under is 5-0 in Blue Bombers last 5 games overall.

CONSENSUS: 53 percent are taking the Argos with 55 percent on the over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 8 CFL games

Toronto Argonauts 6, 48.5
Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Ottawa RedBlacks
Calgary Stampeders 7.5, 48

British Columbia Lions
Hamilton TigerCats 9, 51

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Pirates @ Mets
Happ is 0-2, 9.30 in his last five starts; six of his last nine went over.

Colon is 1-5, 5.60 in his last six starts; four of his last five went over.

Pittsburgh won five of last seven games (over 5-1-1). Mets won 12 of last 14 games; three of last four stayed under. Pirates won six of last seven games vs New York; six of last nine series games stayed under.

Diamondbacks @ Braves
Ray is 0-3, 5.56 in his last four starts; under is 5-2-1 in his last eight.

Teheran is 1-2, 4.63 in his last five starts (over 2-0-1 in last three).

Arizona won three of last four games with Atlanta; over is 3-1-1 in last five in series. D'backs won three of last four games, with last three going over total. Braves lost last three games; over is 6-2-1 in their last nine.

Phillies @ Brewers
Morgan is 2-1, 4.24 in his last three starts; his last four on road went under.

Peralta is 0-2, 7.84 in his last two starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Road team won last ten Philly-Milwaukee games, with Brewers winning last four; over is 4-0-1 in last five series games. Phillies are 17-7 in last 24 games; six of their last seven went over. Brewers lost five of their last six games.

Marlins @ Cardinals
Koehler is 0-3, 8.27 in his last three starts, all of which went over.

Garcia is 3-3, 1.36 in his last eight starts, seven of which stayed under.

Miami lost its last four games with St Louis; under is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Marlins won last three games, scoring 23 runs; eight of their last ten went over total. Cardinals won six of last eight games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten.

Padres @ Rockies
Ross is 2-1, 3.50 in his last three starts; four of his last six on road went over.

Flande is 1-0, 3.68 in his three starts (over 2-1).

San Diego won its last five games with Colorado, scoring 35 runs; Padres are 2-7 in last nine games overall-- six of their last eight went over. Rockies lost five of their last six games (under 4-2).

Reds @ Dodgers
Lamb is making MLB debut; he was 10-2, 2.67 in 20 AAA starts this year. .

Wood is 1-2, 4.94 in his last five starts; under is 5-3-2 in his last ten.

Cincinnati is 7-4 in its last 11 games with the Dodgers; four of last six went under the total. Reds lost six of last nine games; nine of last 12 stayed under total. Dodgers lost five of last seven games; six of their last eight games went over the total.

Nationals @ Giants
Scherzer is 1-0, 3.32 in his last three starts; three of his last four went over.

Cain is 0-2, 7.80 in his last three starts; over is 4-0-1 in his last five.

Washington won four of last six games with the Giants; seven of last eight in series stayed under total. Nationals lost four of last five games, and scored one run in last two games- their last three stayed under. San Francisco lost five of last seven games; their last four stayed under.

American League
A's @ Orioles
Mills is making first '15 start; he is 4-4, 8.15 in 13 MLB starts, spread out over six different seasons. He is 4-11, 4.45 in 22 AAA starts this year.

Jimenez is 2-1, 3.66 in his last thee starts.

Oakland lost last three games, scorng seven runs- four of their last six games stayed under. A's split last ten games with Baltimore- eight of last ten went over total. Orioles lost three of their last four games overall.

Bronx @ Blue Jays
Nova is 3-1, 3.63 in his last four starts; four of his last five stayed under.

Price is 2-0, 0.60 in two starts for Toronto; five of his last six stayed under.

Bronx lost six of last eight games; six of eight stayed under. Toronto won its last 11 games; four of last five stayed under- they've won five of their last six games with New York, with last four staying under the total.

Mariners @ Red Sox
Montgomery is 0-2, 6.82 in his last six starts (over 3-2-1).

Kelly is 2-2, 7.48 in his last six starts; Boston scored 26 runs in his last three- over is 3-1-1 in his last five. He failed to finish 6th inning in his last six starts.

Seattle won five of last seven games with Boston; last four games in series stayed under total. Mariners won three of last four games overall (under 3-1). Red Sox lost three of their last four games (over 4-0).

Rays @ Rangers
Karns is 3-0, 2.95 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Perez is 1-0, 2.51 in his last two starts; three of his last four went over.

Tampa Bay won four of last six games with Texas (over 4-1-1); Rays are 7-2 in last nine games- seven of last eight went over. Rangers lost three of last four games; four of their last six went over the total.

Indians @ Twins
Kluber is 2-1, 2.66 in his last three starts; four of his last five went over.

May is 0-4, 4.94 in his last five starts; five of his last six stayed under.

Cleveland won three of last four games with Minnesota; last seven series tilts went over the total. Indians won four of last five games; five of their last six went over. Twins lost eight of last 11 games; over is 7-1 in their last eight.

Angels @ Royals
Weaver is 0-4, 6.39 in his last five starts; four of his last six went over.

Duffy is 1-1, 4.96 in his last three starts; seven of his last eight stayed under.

Royals won seven of last eight games with the Angels; four of last five went over the total. KC won five of its last seven games overall; four of last six got over the total. Halos lost four of last six overall (under 5-4 in last nine).

Tigers @ Astros
Simon is 3-3, 8.68 in his last nine starts; eight of his last ten went over.

Keuchel is 1-2, 4.43 in his last three starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight.

Tigers are 3-5 in last eight games with Houston; over is 3-1-1 in last five in series. Detroit lost three of last four games; over is 4-2-1 in their last seven. Astros lost seven of last nine games; four of last five stayed under.

Interleague
Cubs @ White Sox
Hendricks is 2-0, 2.92 in his last two starts; three of his last four went over.

Former Cub Samardzija is 1-2, 10.38 in his last three starts; his last four starts all went over the total.

Cubs lost five of last seven games with the White Sox (under 4-2-1) but they won 12 of its last 13 games overall; six of last eight went over total. Pale Hose won last three games, allowing four runs; over is 7-3 in their last ten.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Pitt-NY-- Happ 7-14, 0-1; Colon 10-12 (1-8 last 9)
Az-Atl-- Ray 4-9; Teheran 13-10
Phil-Mil-- Morgan 5-3; Peralta 4-8
Mia-StL-- Koehler 10-11 (1-5 last 6); Garcia 5-5
SD-Colo- Ross 12-12; Flande 2-1
Cin-LA-- Lamb 0-0; Wood 8-15, 0-2
Wsh-SF-- Scherzer 13-10; Cain 3-4

A's-Balt-- Mills 0-0; Jimenez 11-11
NY-Tor-- Nova 4-4; Price 17-6, 2-0
Sea-Bos-- Montgomery 4-9 (0-6 last 6); Kelly 7-11
TB-Tex-- Karns 11-11 (4-0 last 4); Perez 3-2
Clev-Minn-- Kluber 8-16; May 6-9 (0-5 last 5)
LA-KC-- Weaver 7-9; Duffy 11-6
Det-Hst-- Simon 13-8; Keuchel 15-8

Chi-Chi-- Hendricks 12-10; Samardzija 11-12

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Pitt-NY-- Happ 9-21; Colon 6-22
Az-Atl-- Ray 2-13; Teheran 8-23
Phil-Mil-- Morgan 1-8; Peralta 4-12
Mia-StL-- Koehler 5-21; Garcia 2-10
SD-Colo-- Ross 7-24; Flande 1-3
Cin-LA-- Lamb 0-0; Wood 6-23
Wsh-SF-- Scherzer 4-23; Cain 3-7

A's-Balt-- Mills 0-0; Jimenez 6-22
NY-Tor-- Nova 1-8; Price 4-23
Sea-Bos-- Montgomery 2-13; Kelly 8-18
TB-Tex-- Karns 9-22; Perez 0-5
Clev-Minn-- Kluber 10-24; May 5-15
LA-KC-- Weaver 5-16; Duffy 3-17
Det-Hst-- Simon 3-21; Keuchel 4-23

Chi-Chi-- Hendricks 4-22; Samardzija 11-23

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Hoosier Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 8 - Post: 7:35 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 91 - Purse:$24000 - **THE OXFORD, INDIANA** HORSES THAT HAVE STARTED FOR BASE CLAIMING PRICE OF $35,000 OR LESS IN THEIR LAST PM START UP TO & INC. 8/5/15 AE: CLAIMING $35,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 RAJI'S BLUE LINE 8/1


# 2 ROLL ON 7/2


# 6 EL SHOOTER 8/1

Look no further than RAJI'S BLUE LINE as the wager for this race and is a really good value play given the line. The handicapping group has Gingras on its list of drivers who are tearing it up lately. Last 30 days win clip is terrific. Not many folks know, but the 4 hole here at Hoosier Park has been fantastic for a much better than average win statistic. ROLL ON - Smart handicappers at Hoosier Park will notice this nice horse's pace numbers are among the best in the field of starters. Win percentage for this driver-trainer is a sparkling 28 percent - super chance. EL SHOOTER - If effort in the last gathering is representative, this standardbred will have a very very good shot in this race. High last race TrackMaster speed fig. This solid standardbred may have some hidden form, a win would be a pleasant surprise.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Northfield Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 9 - Post: 8:40 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 90 - Purse:$20000 - FILLIES & MARES OPEN HANDICAP DRAW 1-5: DRAW 6-7: POST POSITION 8 ASSIGNED NORTHFIELD TRAINER CHANGES HN 4 B.LANGLEY TO M.DOWDALL HN 6 J.T.KING,JR. TO J.LOONEY-KING


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 PURRFECT BAGS 7/5


# 2 UP FRONT KELLIE JO 10/1


# 4 VELOCITY SONJA 7/1

The selection here is PURRFECT BAGS. Is a very compelling choice given the 94 speed rating from her most recent race. Very compelling driver/conditioner statistics make this harness racer a sharp choice. Quite possibly will be putting cash down for this one. With one of the best drivers in terms of crossing the wire first, don't count this filly out of the race. UP FRONT KELLIE JO - Can't ignore this race horse, especially in exotics. Pace rankings put her in the mix today. Very strong driver-handler ratings make this entrant a very compelling choice. Quite possibly will be putting cash down in this one. VELOCITY SONJA - Have to make Merriman the bet here if only for the last thirty days win percent. Big likelihood for the triumph. When the trainer Dowdall puts Merriman up for the drive really good things happen. All you need to do is look at the 35 win percent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Valuline at Ruidoso Downs

Today's Most Likely Winner Is at:
Ruidoso Downs, Race 3 (Friday August 14, 2015)

MALIBU RAIN

RUI-3 5f DIRT Six Horses
"A" CLM 5,000 3YUP $7,600
P# ex p3 p4 t s ML WP TVL

1 MALIBU RAIN 9/5 45% 6/5 Strong Favorite icon
5 SOUTHERN DOME 5/2 20% 4/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Del Mar

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 1 - Claiming - 8.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $22000 Class Rating: 96

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000, IF FOR $14,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 WARREN'S WESLEY 5/2


# 4 DOYOUKNOWSOMETHING 7/2


# 2 PEFIOLO (ARG) 2/1


I think WARREN'S WESLEY is a respectable choice. The speed figure of 96 from his most recent race looks formidable in here. His 88 average has this gelding with among the strongest speed figures in this competition. DOYOUKNOWSOMETHING - Looks respectable against this field and ought to be one of the early speedsters. Ought to be considered based on the very strong speed figure earned in the last contest. PEFIOLO (ARG) - He ought to be given a chance given the very strong speed figures. When Baltas uses Bejarano there's a good chance for nice earnings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Hastings Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 8.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $11000 Class Rating: 67

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 117 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500, IF FOR $11,000, ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 RIOJANA 3/1


# 4 SHAYLA'S ROSE 2/1


# 1 ANASAZI LASS 5/2


RIOJANA is my choice. Is difficult not to examine based on Speed Figures which have been formidable - 52 avg - of late. Recently Heads has provided wagerers with a competitive winning percentage with horses running in dirt route races. Recorded a decent speed figure last time out. SHAYLA'S ROSE - Could beat this field given the 54 Equibase Speed Figure garnered in her last outing. With a sound 67 average speed figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's contest. ANASAZI LASS - She has a good opportunity in this competition as trainer, Forster, has sharp win clip with horses going this distance. Should be given consideration in this race if only for the very good speed figure recorded in the last contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Arlington - Race #7 - Post: 6:21pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $11,250 Class Rating: 81

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 SOL D'ORO (ML=7/2)
#3 SWEEP E PRADO (ML=3/1)
#1 CHAS TOM (ML=4/1)


SOL D'ORO - I think the shorter trip will help this gelding stay the distance. Dropping in class figure points from his July 5th race at Arlington. Based on that info, I will give this animal the advantage. SWEEP E PRADO - This gelding has the top turf number in his last race. It doesn't take a college grad like The Brain to figure this here entrant has a good chance. I usually like playing sprinters who are 3-4 races into a return to racing. Earnings per start (EPS) is something that I feel can be a vital selection factor. This thoroughbred is ranked the highest in this bunch. CHAS TOM - I think that a sprinter coming off a layoff will usually run his best in the 3rd or 4th start back. Personally, I wouldn't worry about where he finished in his last race (fourth). Should improve in this race, with some respectable odds.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 BOOM BOX (ML=9/2), #2 GRAY MENSCH (ML=5/1), #4 SMOKEY'S BANDIT (ML=8/1),

BOOM BOX - A pony that breaks his maiden in a Maiden Claimer is usually recognized as a poor risk next out. GRAY MENSCH - That was just not a very good showing in the last affair. This vulnerable equine ran a run-of-the-mill fig in the last race. He shouldn't run much better and will likely suffer defeat today running that fig. SMOKEY'S BANDIT - The sixth place result in the last race was not the best.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Turf Man - SOL D'ORO - Investing on this steed is a smart move. He possesses the best speed figure in grass sprints.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 SOL D'ORO is going to be the play if we are getting 7/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Evangeline - Race #2 - Post: 6:17pm - Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,500 Class Rating: 76

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 BENDING AIR (ML=4/1)


BENDING AIR - This animal ran out of the money at Delta Downs in the last race on a muddy track. He should improve in this event on a fast track. Should do well in this field. Weight shift of -5 from March 5th race at Delta Downs.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 PASSING SIMON (ML=2/1), #2 TWO THIRD BIRD (ML=3/1), #6 MISTER TOM TOM (ML=5/1),

PASSING SIMON - Not a perfect 'spot' in this event. TWO THIRD BIRD - Hasn't been doing anything at all lately. MISTER TOM TOM - 5/1 odds isn't enough for this participant when checking the most recent showings. Finished fifth in his most recent performance with a quite unimpressive speed fig. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to win after that in this group.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - BENDING AIR - I expect this gelding to run well despite an extended layoff. All signs point to yes.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #3 BENDING AIR to win. Have to have odds of at least 1/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #9 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 5:18 PM EASTERN POST


The Lake Placid Stakes

9.0 FURLONGS TURF GRADE II THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $300,000.00 PURSE

#1 CONSUMER CREDIT
#2 HEATH
#5 STRICT COMPLIANCE
#4 SENTIERO ITALIA

For your information folks ... this turf race for 3-year-old fillies is named after the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, located in the Adirondack mountains about 100 miles north of Saratoga. Originally known as the Nijana Stakes from its inception in 1984 until 1997, the Lake Placid has been run at various distances and has been carded at 1 1/8 miles since 1996. In 1988, 1991, 1992, and 1994 the Lake Placid was run in two divisions. Here in the 32nd running of this stakes test, #1 CONSUMER CREDIT is the overall speed leader in this stakes field racing at, or about, today's distance of 9.0 furlongs on the dirt, and has been a "POWER RUN PERFORMER" in each of her last five outings, hitting the board in four of those efforts, including a pair of "POWER RUN WINS" being found in both her 3rd and 5th races back. Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Chad Brown send her to the post ... they've hit the board with 58% of more than 175 entries saddled as a team to date. Ortiz has been in her irons on 3 previous occasions, hitting the board in each, winning twice, and is back this afternoon for his 4th ride, gunning for a "Hat Trick Win." #2 HEATH, a 6-1 shot, has hit the board in four of her last five outings, winning twice in this recent streak of racing consistency.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 8/14 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

2,7/1,3/4,5,6/1,4,5 = $36


LATE PICK 4: 4/1,3,5,6,7/1/1,4,5 = $12

MEET STATS: 223 - 737 / $1282.30 BEST BETS: 32 - 66 / $107.50

SPOT PLAYS: 8 - 65 / $66.90

Best Bet: I GOT TO BOOGIE (12th)

Spot Play: MACHMETER (5th)


Race 1

(3) NOT DEPRESSED is well-related and starting to come into her own after four starts. She stands a good chance of breaking her maiden vs. this group. (8) MICHELLES HATTRICK is bred to win early and if she isn't too rusty after missing time following her debut she should be competitive here. (4) BAD IN PARADISE was third behind a heavy chalk that just got up late last time. She is improving.

Race 2

(5) ANDRO MADI went right down the road last week and was never seriously threatened. There is very little early speed to contend with here; repeat likely. (9) JET HOT STUFF was closing on the choice late but post 9 seriously hurts her chances of making up the deficit here. (4) LITTLE WHISKEY GAL has 7 thirds from 25 starts including last week when behind the top two choices. She can fill the tri again here.

Race 3

(5) KADABRASNEWRECRUIT has been solid all season and should get back to his winning ways here from a good post. (1) DUH BUBBEES is always right there when leaving from an inside post. Expect him to be prominent throughout. (2) LOOKSLIKEACHPNDALE also figures to get a good trip up close here and isn't without a shot.

Race 4

(7) MYSTERY WRITER was part of a contentious pace in which all of the top four at the 1/2 faltered late last week. She can rebound here. (2) OK HEAVENLY only has one win so far this year but has been racing well, especially last week from the 10-hole; contender. (6) AINSEYNOELLE stopped at Hanover after going first-up but two back she was very good here at Mohawk and can rebound with a better effort.

Race 5

(1) MACHMETER was fried contesting a fast pace last week and can rebound here with a better drive and trip. (3) SOUTHWIND GEISHA almost chased down a tough winner and is sharp; using. (8) SHOW SOME LEG has shown some improvement the past two and could spice up the exotics with at a price here.

Race 6

(6) MUCH ADOO has an excellent late kick and there should be pace to chase here; top call. (4) NORTHERN STARLET got no breathers last week when hounded by one that was hung the mile. She is a big threat here. (5) HAPPY ENDING GAL is the filly that was pressing the one above throughout which ruined both of their chances. She can rebound here.

Race 7

(1) REGAL LUCK showed nothing vs. much better from an outer post last week. A drop-and-pop is very possible with the move inside here. (4) WITCH DALI was close vs. some tough mares in New Jersey last time and is a must-use in the early pick 4. (5) BEACH GAL continues to pick up minor shares but may have a chance at a big rally here as there appears to be a few that will contest the early pace.

Race 8

(4) NINETTE B looked flat last week when asked to go by Henry. She was claimed then and moves into the leading trainer's barn. She should be better here. (9) DAZZLING ROCKETTE was a sharp winner but that was off a great following trip. Things get tougher here from the 9-hole. (5) MARIGOLD BLOOM looked home free then tired abruptly late which cost her the win. She needs more stamina to score.

Race 9

(1) CAST NO SHADOW had a tough first-up trip at Grand River on a day where leaders were winning almost every race. She can rebound here from an inner starting slot. (6) MAPLELEA couldn't get her typical big rally going over a speed-favoring track last time and should be more prominent late here. (5) VICTORIA SEMALU has been on a good roll and will be tough to overtake if allowed any breathers.

Race 10

(1) LOVELY ERIN raced huge in defeat from the 8-hole last time vs. better. She shouldn't have any problem with this Grassroots field. (6) EVAS GIRL wired a Grassroots field easily last time and looks like the only real threat to the choice. (4) AINTSHEASWEETIE set a new life's mark last time when the race basically fell into her lap as the top four all fried each other in the opening 3/4. Minor share predicted here.

Race 11

(4) DUBLIN ROSE hasn't missed the board this year and has been very tough in Grassroots competition; top call. (5) NATIONALIZE took a new life's mark last time when rallying into a back 1/2 that was a second faster than the opening 1/2. She has to be considered a major player here. (1) SHESASTARREPORTER raced three times in 10 days and grabbed a win and two thirds. She's improving and should get a share here, too.

Race 12

(7) I GOT TO BOOGIE set a new life's mark on North America Cup night then has faced tougher in most of her races with no success. She faces a field she should dust with a reasonable trip. (1) WILDCAT HANNA was hung out to dry in an incredibly-fast mile then given some time off. She should contend here despite the break. (9) RIVER RISING moves out of claimers but is sharp and can close for a piece of this. (6) CARDS THAT COUNT has 11 slices in 26 starts this year and figures for one of the lower rungs of exotic wagers here. (10) P L HURRICANE faces easier here and can also grab a minor share.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 8/14 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 144 - 699 / $1,015.70 BEST BETS: 17 - 59 / $85.50

Best Bet: SIR LEHIGH Z TAM (9th)

Spot Play: JD’S CALEB MAN (11th)


Race 1

(7) JUMP THE SHARK closed very well to grab the place spot last out. Pacing gelding seems to be ready to move forward. (2) SODYS MOONSHINE led most of the way but tired in the stretch drive; contender. (4) JETTY moves down in class and that could help his chances.

Race 2

(1) UVA HANOVER Trotting gelding was a fast closing third last out; ready to boss these from the fence. (6) ZOEY DE VIE faced open foes at The Meadowlands last time around; figures to be in the mix. (3) ROLLS BLUE CHIP put in an even finish recently; could have a say with a favorable trip.

Race 3

(4) HES GOT IT leaves the 8 hole for a better slot; he did but in a belated rally last week; poised to make tonight a winning one. (1) ZACK LEE was in front the entire trip at Monticello last timeout but hit the brakes; might be on the engine. (3) WORLD PEACE is clearly not out of this.

Race 4

(1) PREMIUM STOCK took charge on the backstretch and got the job done for his second straight score; not out of the question for the hat trick. (3) THEREISAPACEFORUS takes a slight drop in class; watch out. (5) CUNDALINI moves down the ladder and that should help his cause; beware.

Race 5

(7) DUKES UP On the engine most of the way and was caught in the final jump for win honors recently; he's knocking at the door ready to best these with Brennan at the helm. (3) FITZS Z TAM Gelding made every pole a winning one; threat again. (2) ART FOR ARTS SAKE was on the rim and the just got up to take down the top pick; don't overlook.

Race 6

(8) CINAMONY is on fire scoring her sixth in a row; keeps on her winning ways from her usual slot. (7) KRISPY APPLE exploded to the front at the half from 6th to hold on for win honors last week; second best. (6) CAROLSIDEAL makes her return to the races off some nice qualifiers at Pocono.

Race 7

(5) DONAU Gelding is very capable of putting it all together with Brennan at the controls; worth a shot. (8) MOONLITEONTHEBEACH gets serious class relief; post hurts but can be a factor in here. (1) REAL NICE should fare well from the fence.

Race 8

(2) DELLA CRUISE Burke trainee might show more speed against these; watch for Brennan to send and maybe he will hang on for win honors. (1) REUBEN BROGDEN N was third best at odds on last time out; could be more dangerous from the rail slot. (4) CLASSIESISTAR N leaves the 8-hole for a winning post; watch out.

Race 9

(3) SIR LEHIGH Z TAM beaten only by three lengths last out; moves to the 3-hole and she has every right to mow these down for all the marbles. (5) CHARISMA HANOVER ships in from Philly off a pocket rocket victory last time around; main danger. (1) MATTIE TERROR GIRL needs to return to her July 24th trip when she a fast closing second; maybe.

Race 10

(4) DUE WEST HANOVER raced evenly in his last start; good to see Brennan with the call and this one could turn things around with a favorable trip. (2) ROLLWITHITHARRY might have moved too soon and tired in the stretch drive recently; threat. (1) DALLENBACH HANOVER sharp in his latest but tired in the stretch drive last time out; figures to be in the mix from the fence.

Race 11

(4) JD'S CALEB MAN did race well on July 10th, 17th & 24th respectably but his last try was a clunker; poised to get back on the winning track with Dube in the bike. (3) CAUTION SIGNS Good qualifier here can put this guy back into the winner's circle; maybe. (7) SANTANNA ONE was second best last time out; don't overlook despite the move to the 7-hole.

Race 12

(6) CHERRY BLISS moves down the ladder; she fits well with this group and could be ready to boss these at her best. (3) DO YOUR JOB was sent down the road against lesser company last out; factor. (1) JUSTHAVENTMETUYET will get class relief and retains the rail; not out of this by far.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (1st) Silky Sami, 9-2
(7th) Gray Mensch, 5-1


Canterbury Park (5th) Samstar, 4-1
(8th) Witch Alert, 7-2


Charles Town (2nd) Jayden's Nightmare, 7-2
(8th) Maks, 8-1


Del Mar (2nd) Brimstoned, 4-1
(6th) Ain't Misbehavin, 6-1


Ellis Park (3rd) Dream Sequence, 9-2
(7th) Harass, 9-2


Emerald Downs (5th) Judo, 6-1
(6th) Parkers Bluff, 8-1


Evangeline Downs (4th) Rockets Revenge, 6-1
(7th) Mystic Smile, 6-1


Finger Lakes (1st) Time for a Party, 3-1
(9th) Tactical Pal, 6-1


Gulfstream Park (1st) Faby My Love, 10-1
(6th) Beautiful Sin, 7-2


Hastings Park (5th) Stormin Angel, 10-1
(7th) Mattythebull, 4-1


Indiana Grand (1st) Aloha Rose, 4-1
(7th) Seeking Treasure, 3-1


Laurel Park (1st) Pennie My Love, 3-1
(3rd) Dixie Harbor, 4-1


Louisiana Downs (4th) Angel Avenger, 3-1
(6th) War Port, 9-2


Monmouth Park (4th) Pacific Image, 8-1
(8th) Cheyenne Nation, 6-1


Penn National (3rd) Our Sweet Legacy, 8-1
(4th) Mary's Mystique, 6-1


Remington Park (3rd) Smart Pioneer, 7-2
(8th) Snappy Girl, 9-2


Saratoga (3rd) Midnight Champagne, 3-1
(10th) Kathy's Humor, 8-1


Woodbine (6th) Phil's Glory, 3-1
(7th) Quiet Country, 6-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs (65-48) at White Sox (54-58)

Game: 1
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: August 14, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

Jeff Samardzija's insistence on hitting the open market this offseason has led to him reportedly tabling talks for an extension with both Chicago clubs in just over a year.

It's also part of the reason he's riding out the last season of his contract on the South Side rather than potentially contributing to the Chicago Cubs' resurgence.

Samardzija tries to cool off his former team as the Chicago White Sox host the North Siders in the opener of a three-game series Friday.

Cubs management reportedly offered Samardzija a five-year, $85 million extension that he rejected last year before the right-hander posted a 2.83 ERA in 17 starts. With the Cubs on their way to a last-place finish, they dealt Samardzija and Jason Hammel to Oakland on July 4, 2014, for a package of prospects that included Addison Russell, a regular starting infielder for the Cubs (65-48) since making his debut April 21.

Samardzija (8-7, 4.62 ERA) might be hard-pressed to find an offer better than the Cubs' now. He hasn't discussed an extension with the White Sox (54-58) since they acquired him from the A's during the offseason and hasn't helped his cause by allowing at least four runs in 11 of 23 starts.

He pitched a season-low 4 2-3 innings in each of his last two, allowing nine runs in a loss to the New York Yankees on Aug. 2 and seven in Saturday's defeat at Kansas City.

It's the first time Samardzija has gone fewer than five innings in back-to-back outings since he became a full-time starter with the Cubs in 2012.

"You play two good teams, and if you aren't on your game, it's going to come back to get you," Samardzija said. "You've got five days and you start again."

Samardzija now makes his first start against his former team after spending parts of seven seasons with the Cubs, who have won seven in a row and 13 of 14 to move into the NL's last playoff spot while gaining ground on wild-card leading Pittsburgh.

The last six victories have come with Starlin Castro starting on the bench and Russell shifting from second base to shortstop. Chris Coghlan has moved to second to open a spot in left field for rookie Kyle Schwarber.

Schwarber snapped an 0-for-11 slump by hitting two of the Cubs' five homers and driving in four runs in Thursday's 9-2 win over Milwaukee.

The Cubs haven't won eight straight since a nine-game run May 26-June 3, 2008.

'That's the mindset that we need to have, is we're playing in the playoffs every day,' Schwarber said.

The White Sox dropped eight of their previous 10 before Avisail Garcia's RBI double in the 13th gave them a 3-2 win Wednesday and three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels.

They're attempting to catch the Angels for the second wild card but also have to jump five other teams in a tight race.

"(The Cubs) are playing well, so you want it to be fun and meaningful games," manager Robin Ventura told MLB's official site. "I think we're getting to that point."

The White Sox took two of three at Wrigley Field from July 10-12, including a 1-0 win in the opener. Right-hander Kyle Hendricks (6-5, 3.73) has gone 2-1 with a 4.34 ERA in five starts since tossing seven innings for the Cubs in that contest, and he'll oppose Samardzija in this matchup.

Ventura said designated hitter Adam LaRoche, mired in a 1-for-16 slump, will start after pinch-hitting in the 9th on Wednesday.

The Cubs have won five of seven at U.S. Cellular Field since 2012.

'I know the atmosphere's going to be great,' Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (51-65) at Orioles (57-56)

Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: August 14, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Baltimore lineup and Orioles starter Ubaldo Jimenez are probably eager to get back in action for very different reasons. While Baltimore's batters had to sit through an off day after being no-hit, Jimenez is coming off his best start of the season.

The former can get back on track Friday night against what figures to be the visiting Oakland Athletics' Triple-A call-up as the latter seeks a follow-up gem.

Seattle's Hisashi Iwakuma baffled Baltimore (57-56) in its 3-0 loss Wednesday to send it to a second straight series defeat, and Adam Jones wasn't just brushing it off and looking ahead.

"It's not just a normal loss," Jones said after watching his average dip to .174 in 11 games this month. "We're going down in the history books on the bad side of a no-hitter."

Jimmy Paredes is hitting .077 in his last eight games, and Gerardo Parra is at .196 in 11 contests with the Orioles after batting .328 in Milwaukee. Matt Wieters wasn't in the lineup because of a hamstring strain suffered Tuesday, and he's considered day to day.

Jimenez (9-7, 3.79 ERA) saw his ERA balloon to a season-high 4.04 before the right-hander limited the Los Angeles Angels to two hits in eight innings of Saturday's 5-0 road win.

"I really needed it," Jimenez told MLB's official website. "It's not easy coming to the stadium every day, and know you're not doing what you're supposed to do - especially with the situation we're in, fighting for a playoff spot."

He's had an easier time at home with a 6-2 record and 2.87 ERA in nine starts, and he's gone at least seven innings in seven of those. He came nowhere near that in his last start against the A's, surrendering six runs and two hits with five walks in 2 1-3 innings of an 11-1 home loss on June 8, 2014.

Brett Lawrie (3 for 8), Billy Butler (9 for 28) and Josh Reddick (3 for 10) have all homered against him, but Danny Valencia (1 for 8) and Eric Sogard (0 for 6) have struggled.

Collectively, that group did little in Toronto as the A's (51-65) were swept in three games. They scored seven runs in the series and are batting .214 in the last 14 games.

Butler is hitting .159 in his last 20 contests, but Lawrie broke from a 1-for-18 slump by going 2 for 4. Valencia went hitless for the first time in his seven games with the A's, including hitting into a bases-loaded double play in the first inning. Oakland is batting .198 with runners in scoring position over the last 10.

"That can be a little disheartening," manager Bob Melvin said.

The bigger problem might be keeping runs off the board on the road. Over a 1-7 away span since the All-Star break, Oakland starters have a 6.63 ERA, and that's not being helped by the uncertainty surrounding Sonny Gray. The A's ace was scratched Thursday due to back spasms and he won't start the series opener, which likely leaves Oakland with Brad Mills from Triple-A to make his MLB season debut.

The left-hander is 4-11 with a 4.45 ERA in 22 starts with Nashville. Mills is 4-4 with an 8.15 ERA in 13 starts and seven relief efforts over parts of five seasons with Oakland, Toronto and the Los Angeles Angels, but strangely he's won all three starts against the Orioles with a 1.56 ERA. Jones is 1 for 8 with a home run and three strikeouts against him.

Baltimore won two of three in Oakland from Aug. 3-5, knotting the series at 17-all since 2011.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (62-51) at Blue Jays (64-52)

Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: August 14, 2015 7:07 PM EDT

An electric atmosphere is expected this weekend at Rogers Centre that should bring back memories of the early 1990s - the last time the Toronto Blue Jays were the talk of town.

All three games of this series against the New York Yankees are sold out, and the Blue Jays can establish a franchise record with their 12th straight victory when they send David Price to the mound in Friday night's matchup with first place in the AL East on the line.

Toronto (64-52) leads New York by one-half game after becoming the first team since the 1954 Cleveland Indians to post two win streaks of at least 11 games. Baseball's highest scoring team averages 5.3 runs, with the Yankees second at 4.8.

'Our guys are feeling good,' Toronto manager John Gibbons said. 'We're confident now. We're on a nice little roll and it means something.'

The Blue Jays own baseball's longest postseason drought, having failed to reach the playoffs since winning their second straight title in 1993.

The Yankees (62-51) have already been victimized by them during this streak, getting outscored 10-1 last weekend in a three-game sweep in the Bronx. New York failed to score in the final 26 innings of that series and dropped to 2-7 versus Toronto.

"We didn't play well against them at home, they swept us, and it'll be tough," Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner said. "I know it'll be a big series, and their fans are pretty rowdy up there, I'm sure it'll be a great atmosphere and we're looking forward to the challenge."

Jose Bautista and Josh Donaldson combined for four of Toronto's six homers in that set. The Blue Jays have hit a major league-best 22 in 12 games this month and lead the AL with 157.

Price (11-4, 2.35 ERA) cruised to a 6-0 victory in Saturday's middle game with seven strikeouts over seven innings in his second start with the Blue Jays. He had been pounded for eight runs while failing to pitch past the third inning in his previous two outings versus the Yankees.

Yankees stars Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira haven't fared well against him with averages of .239 and .200, respectively. Gardner's .136 average against Price left him out of last Saturday's lineup while Brian McCann went 0 for 3 versus Price to drop to 9 for 19 with three homers in the matchup.

The left-hander is 8-0 with a 3.53 ERA in 10 starts at Rogers Centre, winning his Toronto debut there Aug. 3 over Minnesota.

Price's mound opponent once again will be Ivan Nova (4-4, 3.52), who was charged with four runs over 5 1-3 innings to drop to 1-2 with a 6.94 ERA in his last five starts versus the Blue Jays.

Edwin Encarnacion is 8 for 24 with a homer against the right-hander and Bautista is 5 for 15 with one home run.

The Blue Jays are hoping Encarnacion returns after missing four games with a jammed left middle finger. Troy Tulowitzki will be back in the lineup after he was rested in Thursday's 4-2 victory over Oakland.

New York ended a five-game slide in which it totaled six runs by winning 8-6 at Cleveland on Thursday. Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 4 after entering in a 0-for-19 slump, Gardner was 3 for 4 with three RBIs and McCann had a three-run homer.

"Obviously to be able to score eight runs and get some guys going was important," manager Joe Girardi said.

Rodriguez is in a 2-for-25 slump and is batting .156 against Toronto. Teixeira is hitting .214 in the season series and Gardner and Beltran are each at .200.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (66-46) at Mets (63-52)

Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: August 14, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Riding the league's most productive offense over the past three weeks to the top of the NL East, the New York Mets are already talking about the playoffs.

A three-game series with a potential postseason opponent could build that confidence.

The red-hot Mets go for an eighth straight home win Friday night in their first meeting with the Pittsburgh Pirates since being swept three months ago.

New York (63-52) has surged past Washington into the division lead behind a 14-4 stretch, during which it's averaging an NL-best 5.6 runs. It averaged 2.8 in its previous 20 games, winning nine.

The increased production compliments a pitching staff that ranks second in the majors with a 3.18 ERA.

"I think we'd be a tough team in the playoffs," said Kelly Johnson, who had a solo homer and a pair of RBI doubles in Thursday's 12-3 win over Colorado.

The Mets outscored the Rockies 23-5 to sweep the four-game set and match St. Louis' major league-leading 42 home victories. They're trying to move 12 games over .500 for the first time since finishing 2008 at 89-73.

The Mets, however, have lost 12 of the past 16 meetings with Pirates (66-46) and were outscored 21-4 while dropping all three in Pittsburgh from May 22-24.

"Looking forward to it. Hopefully we can even that out," said Curtis Granderson, who homered and drove in three runs Thursday.

The Pirates, who hold the NL's first wild-card spot, are looking to build on Thursday's 10-5 win at NL Central-leading St. Louis, ending an eight-game losing streak at Busch Stadium.

"You try not to make things too important, but this was big for us," said second baseman Neil Walker, who came a homer shy of the cycle while adding two RBIs.

Andrew McCutchen is hitting .429 with three homers and 11 RBIs in the last eight games. He's a .338 career hitter against the Mets, going 6 for 10 with two homers, two doubles, four RBIs and as many runs in May.

J.A. Happ, acquired from Seattle at the trade deadline, gets the ball after his last turn was skipped due to off days. He surrendered four runs in 4 1-3 innings of a 5-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs in his Pirates debut Aug. 4.

The left-hander, who hasn't faced the Mets since 2012, is 2-1 with a 2.93 ERA in five starts on six or more days of rest over the past two seasons.

New York is turning to Bartolo Colon (10-11, 4.76 ERA), who is 1-7 with a 5.30 ERA over his last nine starts. He allowed four runs and nine hits in 6 2-3 innings of Sunday's 4-3 loss at Tampa Bay.

The right-hander gave up five runs in six innings of a loss at Pittsburgh on June 29, 2014 - in his last matchup - after winning the two previous meetings by allowing one run in 14 1-3 innings.

A stiff back could land Lucas Duda on disabled list if he's out for a fourth straight game. He didn't feel up to playing Thursday after taking medication.

"There's a concern," Terry Collins said. "The level's 5. Defcon 5."

Duda is hitting .375 with nine homers and 12 RBIs in his past nine home games. He's 4 for 12 with three homers and four RBIs in the last four home meetings with Pittsburgh.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Blue Jays post 11th straight win
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

TORONTO -- Ryan Goins hit a three-run homer, Mark Buehrle pitched into the eighth inning and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Oakland Athletics 4-2 on Thursday to extend their winning streak to 11 games.

The three-game sweep allowed the Blue Jays to equal the club record for most wins in a row, most recently accomplished June 2-14.

Dioner Navarro, Justin Smoak and Kevin Pillar hit successive one-out singles in the second inning to produce one run. Goins, who played shortstop with Troy Tulowitzki getting the day off, hit his fourth homer of the season to score three more for a 4-0 lead.

Buehrle allowed seven hits and two walks and struck out two for his fourth win in a row.

Cubs 9, Brewers 2

CHICAGO -- Chicago slammed three home runs in an inning for the first time since 2008 en route to a second straight series sweep.

Dexter Fowler, Kyle Schwarber and Anthony Rizzo each homered as part of the four-run outburst in the fifth inning. Schwarber, who went 3-for-4 with two runs and four RBIs, gave the Cubs a 7-2 lead with a two-run shot in the seventh for his second career multi-homer game. The victory was the seventh straight and 13th in 14 games for Chicago.

The Cubs jumped ahead in the fifth when Fowler homered to right. Schwarber then launched a 2-2 pitch for his seventh home run of the season and a 4-1 lead. Rizzo hit a two-out homer for a 5-1 lead -- the first time the Cubs had three homers in an inning at Wrigley Field since June 21, 2008, against the Chicago White Sox.

Pirates 10, Cardinals 5

ST. LOUIS -- Scoring seven runs in the first inning and three in the ninth, Pittsburgh avoided a sweep by St. Louis.

Francisco Liriano struggled through six innings to pick up the win. In cutting St. Louis' National League Central lead to six games, the Pirates snapped an eight-game losing streak in Busch Stadium dating to July 10, 2014.

Lance Lynn didn't make it out of the first inning for the first time in 119 career starts for the Cardinals. Aided by unusually shoddy St. Louis defense, Pittsburgh battered Lynn for six hits and seven runs in the first, knocking him out after a two-out RBI single by Gregory Polanco made it 6-0. Pedro Alvarez hit a two-run homer and Neil Walker started the outburst with a triple and ended it with a first-pitch RBI single off reliever Tyler Lyons.

Yankees 8, Indians 6

CLEVELAND -- Brian McCann and Stephen Drew homered to help New York generate some runs against Cleveland.

The eight runs were two more than the Yankees scored during a five-game losing streak. McCann's three-run homer in the first inning and Drew's solo homer in the second gave the Yankees a 4-0 lead in a game in which they never trailed.

Mets 12, Rockies 3

NEW YORK -- Kelly Johnson had two RBI doubles and a homer as New York collected nine extra-base hits in completing a four-game sweep of Colorado.

The National League East-leading Mets moved a season-high 11 games above .500. The Rockies have lost 10 of their last 14 games.

Johnson delivered run-scoring doubles in the first and third inning and homered in the fifth. Curtis Granderson hit a two-run homer, scored twice and drove in three. Juan Lagares hit a pinch-three-run homer in the eighth.

Rangers 6, Twins 5

MINNEAPOLIS -- A sacrifice fly by Elvis Andrus in the top of the eighth inning scored the winning run as Texas defeated Minnesota.

The victory salvaged the final game of the three-game series for the Rangers, who moved back to within a half game of the Twins in the American League wild-card standings.

Mitch Moreland chipped in with a career-high four hits, including a two-run homer, and knocked in four runs. Adrian Beltre had three hits and scored three times.

Keone Kela got the win, pitching 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Shawn Tolleson worked a spotless ninth for his 21st save of the season.

Angels 7, Royals 6

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- C.J. Cron and Kole Calhoun hit two-run doubles in the ninth inning, and the Los Angeles Angels snapped a nine-game road losing skid with a victory over Kansas City.

Kansas City's usually dependable bullpen was unreliable with Wade Davis and Greg Holland unable to hold a four-run lead after seven innings.

Mike Trout contributed a RBI double and scored on David Murphy's ground out in the eighth for the Angels. Eric Hosmer's 13th homer in the ninth came off Huston Street, who still logged his 27th save.

Giants 3, Nationals 1

SAN FRANCISCO -- Ryan Vogelsong rebounded from a leadoff home run by Yunel Escobar to limit Washington to one run in five innings as San Francisco won to open a four-game series.

Vogelsong and Hunter Strickland, Sergio Romo and Sergio Casilla combined to hold the Nationals to five hits.

Matt Duffy and Buster Posey had RBI hits in a two-run first inning, and Brandon Belt, promoted to third in the batting order, plated Gregor Blanco with an insurance run in the seventh inning to account for the Giants' scoring.

Reds 10, Dodgers 3

LOS ANGELES -- Eugenio Suarez and Billy Hamilton homered and Brandon Phillips drove in three runs as Cincinnati pounded the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

Suarez, who went 3-for-5 and drove in four runs, hit a three-run blast to spark a four-run surge in the sixth inning that blew the game open. Hamilton, who recorded a career-high four hits, went deep in the eighth to help Cincinnati capture only its third win in nine games.

Cincinnati rookie Keyvius Sampson allowed two runs on five hits with three strikeouts and three walks in five innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Twins place RHP Hughes on DL
The Sports Xchange

The Minnesota Twins placed right-hander Phil Hughes on the 15-day disabled list with a sore lower back on Thursday.

Hughes tried to throw his regular bullpen session on Tuesday, but his back was too stiff and he threw just a few pitches. An MRI revealed severe inflammation, and Hughes was given a pain-killing shot Thursday.

Hughes is 10-8 with a 4.49 ERA in 23 outings this season.

Right-hander Trevor May is expected to replace Hughes in the rotation.

May is 8-7 with a 4.09 ERA; he has made his last 13 appearances out of the bullpen, not allowing a run over the last eight games. He will start Friday against the Cleveland Indians, but he will be limited to 50 pitches.