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

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Braves

GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (56-57) at Atlanta Braves (51-63)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 14 - 7:35 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: -123, 114 TOTAL: 7.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks put on an offensive display against Philadelphia this week but just missed out on a chance to climb above .500. The Diamondbacks will try to reach even on Friday when they visit the Atlanta Braves for the start of a three-game series.

Arizona totaled 32 runs in the three-game series but dropped the finale 7-6 to fall a game under .500 at 56-57. All-Stars A.J. Pollock and Paul Goldschmidt were in the middle of the offensive explosion while the Diamondbacks spread things out with contributions from the likes of Aaron Hill, Ender Inciarte and David Peralta in their second straight series win. The Braves are not quite as sharp of late and followed up a three-game winning streak with a three-game slide, capped by back-to-back losses at Tampa Bay in an interleague series this week. Atlanta tries to turn things around behind Julio Teheran, who gets the start Friday opposite Arizona lefty Robbie Ray.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (3-7, 3.13 ERA) vs. Braves RH Julio Teheran (7-6, 4.57)

Ray is winless in his last five starts despite allowing three runs or fewer in three of those turns. The 23-year-old scattered three runs and five hits over six innings while striking out eight against Cincinnati on Saturday but came away with the loss in a 4-1 final. Ray is making his first appearance against Atlanta and is 3-3 with a 2.18 ERA in seven road starts.

Teheran posted his second straight quality start last Friday against Miami, surrendering three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings without factoring in the decision. The Colombia native has allowed three runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts. Teheran is 2-1 with a 2.35 ERA in four career starts against Arizona, and is seeing the Diamondbacks for the first time in 2015.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman (oblique) began a rehab assignment with the team’s Florida Gulf Coast League affiliate on Thursday.

2. Diamondbacks OFs Yasmany Tomas (calf) and Peralta (quad) are day-to-day after sitting out Wednesday.

3. Atlanta CF Michael Bourn is 1-for-15 since being acquired from the Cleveland Indians.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Braves 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Mets

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (66-46) at New York Mets (63-52)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 14 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: 110, -119 TOTAL: 8

The New York Mets find themselves 11 games over .500 for the first time in five years, and their scintillating play at Citi Field certainly has played a significant role in their winning ways. The National League East-leading Mets vie for their eighth consecutive home victory on Friday when they open a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

New York improved to 42-18 in Queens this season by recording its 11th win in 13 contests overall with a convincing 12-3 triumph over Colorado on Thursday afternoon. The Mets collected 15 extra-base hits and outscored the Rockies by a 23-5 margin during the four-game sweep, but they were manhandled to the tune of 21-4 en route to getting brushed aside at Pittsburgh on May 22-24. Winners of five of their last seven, the Pirates posted a 10-5 victory over St. Louis to salvage the finale of their three-game series on Thursday. Pedro Alvarez, who is 7-for-14 with two homers and three RBIs in his last four games, went deep to highlight a seven-run first inning on Thursday.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH J.A. Happ (4-7, 4.78 ERA) vs. Mets RH Bartolo Colon (10-11, 4.76)

After having his last start skipped in the rotation, Happ will make take the mound on nine days' rest. The 32-year-old yielded four runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings in a loss to the Chicago Cubs in his Pittsburgh debut on Aug. 4. Yoenis Cespedes recorded three hits and had two RBIs and two runs scored in his last three games overall, but is just 3-for-19 with five strikeouts in his career versus Happ.

Colon suffered his seventh loss in eight decisions on Sunday after allowing four runs on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings of a 4-3 setback to Tampa Bay. The 42-year-old Dominican dominated Pittsburgh in his career, posting a 4-2 mark with a slim 1.97 ERA while limiting the club to a .217 batting average. Colon, however, was blasted in his last meeting with the Pirates, permitting five runs in six innings to take the loss.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York OF Curtis Granderson belted a two-run shot on Thursday to reach the 20-homer plateau for the eighth time in his career.

2. Pittsburgh CF Andrew McCutchen, who had an RBI double to ignite a seven-run first inning on Thursday, is 12-for-28 with three homers, 11 RBIs and 19 runs scored in his last eight contests.

3. Should Mets 1B Lucas Duda (stiff back) miss his fourth straight game on Friday, manager Terry Collins admitted the team would have to consider sending the slugger to the disabled list.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Pirates 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians at Twins

GAME: Cleveland Indians (53-60) at Minnesota Twins (57-57)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 14 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: -139, 128 TOTAL: 7.5

Despite going 8-17 since the All-Star break, the Minnesota Twins remain contenders in the American League wild card race as they host the Cleveland Indians in a three-game series beginning Friday. Minnesota (57-57) resides three games behind the Los Angeles Angels for the final wild card spot after Thursday's 6-5 loss to Texas at Target Field, but it's a tough hill to climb with Tampa Bay and Baltimore also in front of them.

"It was a winnable game and kind of disappointing when you have a chance to complete a three-game sweep," manager Paul Molitor told reporters Thursday after the Twins blew a 4-0 lead. "... It's a matter of turning the page. It's all you can really do." The series victory over Texas came after a 1-6 road trip and with a 10-game trek to New York, Baltimore and Tampa Bay beginning Monday, the Twins must take care of business against a team out of contention. Cleveland (53-60) is making its presence felt in the pennant race, though, after knocking the Yankees out of first place with a three-game series victory this week and sends 2014 AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber to the mound Friday. Kluber carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning against Minnesota in his last turn and opposes Trevor May, who is expected to be on a pitch count of about 50 as he comes out of the bullpen to start in place of the injured Phil Hughes (back).

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (7-12, 3.46 ERA) vs. Twins RH Trevor May (8-7, 4.09)

Kluber's bid for his first career no-hitter was broken up by Joe Mauer's single but he endured to record his career-high fourth complete game, allowing three hits and striking out 10 in an 8-1 victory Sunday. The 29-year-old Alabama native has alternated complete games and rough outings over his last four turns, permitting five runs in Anaheim on Aug. 3 and six against the Chicago White Sox on July 24. Mauer is 7-for-31 with a home run and nine strikeouts against Kluber, who is 5-2 with a 3.48 ERA in 12 starts against Minnesota - 2-1, 2.70 ERA in three turns this season.

May hasn't started since July 1, when he yielded two runs (one earned) in 6 1/3 innings of a 2-1 loss in Cincinnati. The 25-year-old Washington native is 4-0 with a 2.51 ERA in 13 appearances since, including two scoreless innings and a victory in two contests versus Cleveland last weekend. May was roughed up for six runs and nine hits in four innings of an 8-2 loss in his last start against the Indians on May 10 after allowing one run in six frames of a 4-1 victory versus Cleveland on April 19.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians rookie SS Francisco Lindor went 2-for-3 with two runs scored in Cleveland's 8-6 loss Thursday and is 14-for-31 with 10 runs and four RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.

2. Mauer is hitting .335 in 138 games against Cleveland after going 4-for-12 with a home run in three games last weekend, when the Indians took of three.

3. Cleveland is 29-26 on the road - tied with Kansas City for the second-best record among AL teams - and its 3.30 ERA away home is second only to St. Louis (2.91).

PREDICTION: Indians 3, Twins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays at Rangers

GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (58-56) at Texas Rangers (56-57)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 14 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: 102, -110 TOTAL: 9

The Tampa Bay Rays have climbed back into the American League playoff race by winning four straight and start a Lone Star State trip with the first of three against the Texas Rangers on Friday. Tampa Bay is averaging 5.4 runs over the last 14 games and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera has taken a lead role, recording multiple hits in eight of his last nine contests.

Others are taking turns stepping up for the Rays, who split four against Texas in May, with Kevin Kiermaier registering seven RBIs in his last six starts. The Rangers snapped a three-game slide with a come-from-behind 6-5 victory on Thursday at Minnesota that ended a 2-4 road trip. Texas has a major league-low 23 victories at home, but has won seven of its last eight at Globe Life Park, while Tampa Bay is 6-14 in its last 20 on the road and heads to Houston on Monday. Prince Fielder is 8-for-20 with five RBIs over the last five contests, raising his AL-leading average to .327 for the Rangers.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Nathan Karns (7-5, 3.52 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (1-2, 5.81)

Karns is unbeaten in his last four starts, recording three victories while allowing seven runs over 21 1/3 innings with 22 strikeouts and six walks. The 27-year-old has limited opponents to two or fewer runs in 16 of his 22 starts, but he has yielded six homers in the past five outings. Mike Napoli is 2-for-2 with a double and a walk versus Karns, who gave up two runs in seven innings to beat Texas on May 8.

Perez did not receive a decision last time out after permitting three runs (two earned) in six frames of an 11-3 victory at Seattle. The 24-year-old, who allowed one run and two hits over 8 1/3 innings to beat San Francisco on August 2, has not surrendered a homer in 26 1/3 frames this season. Evan Longoria is 3-for-4 with a homer versus Perez, who is 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA in two games (one start) against the Rays.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas 1B Mitch Moreland knocked in four runs Thursday to push his total to a career-high 61, eclipsing his previous high of 60 in 2013.

2. The Rays activated OF Desmond Jennings, who has been out since April with a knee injury, and optioned OF Joey Butler to Triple-A Durham.

3. Rangers OF Josh Hamilton (sore left knee) sat out the last two games and was scheduled to have an MRI on Friday.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Rangers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Royals

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (60-54) at Kansas City Royals (68-46)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 14 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: 115, -125 TOTAL: 8

After erasing a couple of gaudy skids by rallying to a series-opening victory, the Los Angeles Angels look to start a winning streak when they continue their four-game set against the Kansas City Royals on Friday. The Angels overcame a late four-run deficit to post a 7-6 victory on Thursday, ending both a nine-game road losing skid and seven-game winless streak against the Royals.

Kole Calhoun's two-run double in the ninth inning capped the late uprising for Los Angeles, which mustered just 19 runs during its previous nine road contests. While the victory allowed the Angels to breathe easier and move within 1 1/2 games of American League West-leading Houston, Kansas City was left shaking its head after dropping its second straight contest following a seven-game home winning streak. Lorenzo Cain continued his torrid stretch at the plate with an RBI single among his two hits in the series opener, improving to 14-for-29 with seven RBIs and eight runs scored during his seven-game hitting streak. For all of Cain's success, he is just 1-for-6 with five strikeouts in his career versus Friday starter Jered Weaver.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jered Weaver (4-8, 4.69 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (5-5, 4.19)

Weaver fared well in his first start since returning from a hip injury on Sunday, allowing two runs in five innings of a no-decision versus Baltimore. The 32-year-old hasn't tasted victory since May 30, but owns a 7-5 mark with a 2.76 ERA in his career versus Kansas City. Weaver has struggled mightily on the road, posting a 2-6 record with a 5.65 ERA.

Duffy had been the picture of consistency prior to an erratic effort in his last trip to the mound. The 26-year-old had logged at least six innings in seven straight outings before allowing three runs in 3 1/3 frames of a no-decision versus the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. Duffy threw 41 of 74 pitches for strikes against the White Sox after issuing four walks in both of his previous performances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles CF Mike Trout ripped an RBI double in the series opener, but is just 4-for-24 with 10 strikeouts in six road games in August.

2. Kansas City 1B Eric Hosmer had a solo homer and run-scoring single on Thursday to increase his RBI total to 22 in his last 26 contests,

3. Angels 3B Conor Gillaspie has driven in three runs in his last two games after going 0-for-15 in his previous five contests.

PREDICTION: Royals 4, Angels 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Astros

GAME: Detroit Tigers (55-59) at Houston Astros (62-53)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 14 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: 199, -218 TOTAL: 8

In the recent past, a mid-August series between the Houston Astros and the Detroit Tigers marked an opportunity for the Tigers to pad their division lead while the Astros prepared for the next season’s roster. Those roles will be switched somewhat when Detroit visits Houston for the start of a three-game series on Friday.

The Astros are locked in a battle for the American League West while the Tigers sit four games below .500 (55-59) and on their way to missing the postseason for the first time since 2010. Houston, which has not posted a winning record since 2008, snapped a four-game slide with a 2-0 win at San Francisco on Wednesday but has dropped seven of nine to keep things tight in the West with the Los Angeles Angels lurking in the rearview mirror. The Astros managed a total of nine runs in their last five games but is going up against a Detroit pitching staff that has surrendered at least four runs in seven straight. Houston will take its cuts against Alfredo Simon on Friday while the Tigers try their luck against All-Star Dallas Keuchel.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, ROOT (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Alfredo Simon (10-6, 4.74 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (13-6, 2.40)

Simon had a modest two-start winning streak come to an end on Saturday, when he was knocked around for six runs on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings without earning a decision against Boston. The Dominican Republic native has allowed at least four earned runs in eight of his last nine outings to watch his ERA balloon from 2.58 on June 14 to 4.74. Simon yielded a pair of unearned runs and four hits in seven innings to earn a win against Houston on May 22.

Keuchel could not get any help from his offense at Oakland last Friday and absorbed the loss despite allowing three runs in 7 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old notched just three strikeouts against the Athletics, marking his lowest total since fanning three at Baltimore on May 25. Keuchel missed Detroit last time around and is 1-1 with a 5.09 ERA in three career games – two starts – against the Tigers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera (calf) could come off the disabled list and play Friday for the first time since July 3.

2. Houston CF Carlos Gomez (right knee) did not start on Wednesday and is day-to-day.

3. Houston DH Evan Gattis is 2-for-25 over his last seven games.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Tigers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Cardinals

GAME: Miami Marlins (46-68) at St. Louis Cardinals (73-41)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 14 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: 183, -200 TOTAL: 7

The St. Louis Cardinals look to bounce back from their second defeat in the past eight games when they open a three-game set against the visiting Miami Marlins on Friday. St. Louis suffered a 10-5 loss to Pittsburgh on Thursday but still possesses a six-game lead over the Pirates in the National League Central.

The Cardinals own the best record (73-41) in the majors and also have a stellar 42-17 home mark - tops in the big leagues. St. Louis allowed three or fewer runs in eight of nine games before Pittsburgh put up seven runs in the first inning of Thursday's contest. Miami has a modest three-game winning streak and erupted for 17 hits in Wednesday's 14-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Rookie catcher J.T. Realmuto slammed his first career grand slam and drove in a season-high six runs in the easy victory.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Tom Koehler (8-9, 3.75 ERA) vs. Cardinals LH Jaime Garcia (4-4, 1.77)

Koehler has lost three consecutive starts and five of his past six outings. He has allowed 20 hits and walked six while posting a 7.71 ERA during his three-start skid. Koehler is 1-1 with an 11.17 ERA in two career starts against St. Louis and Cardinals first baseman Mark Reynolds has two homers in three at-bats against him.

Garcia is coming off a stellar outing against Milwaukee in which he tossed seven shutout innings of two-hit ball. He is 3-1 with a 1.15 ERA over his last six starts and has allowed one or fewer runs in five of them. Garcia is 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA in three career starts against Miami and defeated the Marlins on June 24 when he gave up one run and five hits in seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals CF Peter Bourjos is 0-for-14 over his last 15 appearances with his last hit coming on July 19.

2. Miami LF Christian Yelich (knee) hopes to return after a two-game absence and is 8-for-18 in his last four games.

3. St. Louis C Yadier Molina had five RBIs in the three-game set against Pittsburgh after having none over his previous 15 contests.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Marlins 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Brewers

GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (46-69) at Milwaukee Brewers (48-68)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 14 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: 147, -160 TOTAL: 8.5


The last time the Milwaukee Brewers saw the Philadelphia Phillies, they were playing their best ball of the season. The tables have turned as the Phillies head to Milwaukee for a three-game series beginning Friday.



The Brewers have dropped 16 of their last 22 games and haven’t looked at all like the team that won eight straight from June 28-July 5, including a four-game sweep at Philadelphia. The Phillies have gone 17-7 since the All-Star break but lost two of three at Arizona earlier this week while being outscored 32-11. Rookie left-hander Adam Morgan will try to reverse that trend against a Milwaukee lineup that has managed only 12 runs while dropping five of its last six contests. Brewers right-hander Wily Peralta opposes Morgan and hopes for better results than his last clash with the Phillies, who tagged him for nine runs in 4 1/3 innings July 8, 2014.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH Adam Morgan (3-3, 4.06 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Wily Peralta (2-7, 4.48)

Morgan has been inconsistent in his first stint in the majors, but has posted four quality starts in his first eight big-league outings. The 25-year-old is coming off one of his best outings yet after holding San Diego to two runs (one earned) over six innings to earn his second straight road win. Keeping the ball in the park has been a bit of an issue for Morgan, who has surrendered seven homers, including at least one in five of his eight starts.

Peralta has endured a rough season following last year’s breakout campaign. The 26-year-old’s numbers have been inflated by a handful of disastrous outings, but he bounced back with a solid showing in his last turn, holding St. Louis to three runs over seven innings in a 3-0 defeat. The Phillies have not been a friendly foe for Peralta, who is 1-2 with an 8.82 ERA in three career meetings.



WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies 3B Maikel Franco missed Wednesday’s game after being hit by a pitch on his left wrist Tuesday and is day-to-day.

2. Brewers RF Ryan Braun, who is 6-for-8 over the past two games, is a career .396 hitter against the Phillies with 17 homers in 52 games.

3. Philadelphia is shopping 2B Chase Utley, who cleared waivers and reportedly has drawn interest from several clubs, including the Giants and Cubs.



PREDICTION: Phillies 6, Brewers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Dodgers

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (51-62) at Los Angeles Dodgers (64-51)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 14 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: 156, -170 N/A TOTAL: N/A

John Lamb makes his major-league debut when the Cincinnati Reds visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday in the second contest of a four-game set. The left-handed Lamb was one of three prospects the Reds acquired when they dealt ace pitcher Johnny Cueto to the Kansas City Royals last month.

The 25-year-old Lamb has impressed the Reds' hierarchy since joining the organization. "He's thrown the ball well for our Triple-A club," Cincinnati manager Bryan Price told reporters. "It's going to be unusual for him I'm sure. There's a newness to our organization, then he goes to Triple-A and makes a few starts and all of a sudden he's in the big leagues with people he doesn't know." Center fielder Billy Hamilton had a career-best four hits — including a homer — and scored four times and shortstop Eugenio Suarez homered and drove in four runs as the Reds rolled to a 10-3 win in Thursday's series opener. Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson homered for the first time since July 25 — only his fourth hit in 38 at-bats during the past 14 games.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH John Lamb (NR) vs. Dodgers LH Alex Wood (7-7, 3.72)

Lamb went 10-2 with a 2.67 ERA in 20 Triple-A starts between Omaha (Royals) and Louisville (Reds). He struck out 21 batters in 17 innings in three turns for Louisville and held hitters to a .222 average. Lamb was a fifth-round selection in 2008 by Kansas City and has made 124 minor-league starts.

Wood is 0-1 with a 5.56 ERA in two starts since the Dodgers acquired him from Atlanta. Counting his time with the Braves, he has won just one of his last six outings. Wood tossed 3 2/3 hitless innings of his relief in his lone appearance against the Reds in 2013.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers OF Andre Ethier is 14-for-37 over the past 11 games.

2. Cincinnati 2B Brandon Phillips had three RBIs in the series opener after having just one over the previous 12 games.

3. Los Angeles C Yasmani Grandal (shoulder) was held out of the opener and could sit again Friday.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 4, Reds 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Rockies

GAME: San Diego Padres (54-61) at Colorado Rockies (47-66)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 14 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: -120, 111 TOTAL: 10.5

Tyson Ross has a dismal record against Colorado and hopes to beat the Rockies for the first time when the visiting Padres open a three-game set at Coors Field on Friday. The right-hander is 0-5 with a 3.35 ERA in nine career appearances (seven starts) against Colorado, including a loss and no-decision this season.

San Diego has dropped out of the National League wild-card race with losses in seven of nine games. The Padres have enjoyed success against Colorado by winning seven of nine matchups. The Rockies scored only five runs while suffering a four-game sweep at the hands of the New York Mets - they lost Thursday's finale 12-3 - and have been defeated in five of their past six games. Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado hit his 28th homer of the season Thursday and has only two RBIs - both on homers - over the past 11 games.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Tyson Ross (8-9, 3.39 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Yohan Flande (2-1, 3.86)

Ross gave up both runs in a 2-1 loss at Colorado on April 23 and received a no-decision in San Diego's 5-4 home win on July 18. He lost to Philadelphia in his last start when he gave up three runs, five hits and struck out eight in seven innings. Ross has given up three or fewer earned runs in 22 of his 24 starts.

Flande is making his fourth season of the season and received a no-decision against Washington on Sunday when he gave up three runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings. He served up three homers against the Nationals and has allowed five overall in 32 2/3 innings. Flande is 0-2 with a 5.23 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against the Padres.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres RF Matt Kemp ended a 17-game homerless drought by slamming a three-run homer in Wednesday's loss to Cincinnati.

2. Colorado RF Carlos Gonzalez was 1-for-14 in the series against the Mets - the hit was a solo homer.

3. San Diego SS Alexi Amarista is 2-of-22 over his last five contests.

PREDICTION: Rockies 8, Padres 6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Giants

GAME: Washington Nationals (58-56) at San Francisco Giants (61-53)
DATE/TIME: Friday, August 14 - 10:15 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: -150, 138 TOTAL: 7

The Washington Nationals aren’t ready to panic, but some concern might be justified heading into Friday’s game against the host San Francisco Giants. The Nationals and their disappearing offense have gone 10-17 since the All-Star break to fall a season-high 4 1/2 games behind the NL East-leading Mets, who show no signs of slowing down.

The Nationals have been held to one run over their last 28 innings and need more production from the middle of their lineup — Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth and Ian Desmond were a combined 0-for-9 with six strikeouts in Thursday’s 3-1 loss to the Giants — but manager Matt Williams remains patient. “We have to be positive and move on,” he told the Washington Post. “It hasn’t worked out since the break the way we wanted it to, but that doesn’t mean it can’t turn.” They’ll look to get untracked Friday against the Giants, who have moved within 2 1/2 games of the first-place Dodgers in the NL West. The Giants are playing without left fielder Nori Aoki, who was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list prior to Thursday’s game but hopes to return when eligible.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (11-8, 2.44 ERA) vs. Giants RH Matt Cain (2-3, 5.59)

Scherzer received his second straight no-decision Sunday against Colorado as he allowed four runs over six innings — including a season-high three home runs. The 2013 AL Cy Young award winner has cooled since the All-Star break with a 4.50 ERA over his last four starts. Gregor Blanco is 3-for-5 against Scherzer, who is 1-3 with a 5.12 ERA in four career starts against San Francisco.

Cain’s struggles since coming off the disabled list continued Saturday, when he allowed five runs in four-plus innings against the Cubs. “He doesn't look the same as he has in the past. He’s just not quite as sharp with all his pitches,” Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford told MLB.com. Cain is 5-5 with a 3.34 ERA in 14 career starts against Washington, including a 2.34 ERA in seven outings at AT&T Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants recalled 1B/OF Ryan Lollis from Triple-A Sacramento to take Aoki’s roster spot.

2. Werth is 8-for-56 since returning from the disabled list in late July.

3. San Francisco RHP Tim Hudson (right shoulder strain) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Single-A San Jose on Friday.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Giants 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Friday, August 14


Pittsburgh @ NY Mets

Game 901-902
August 14, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Happ) 17.453
NY Mets
(Colon) 15.754
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+100); Over

Arizona @ Atlanta

Game 903-904
August 14, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Ray) 14.511
Atlanta
(Teheran) 16.189
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-130
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+110); Under

Philadelphia @ Milwaukee

Game 905-906
August 14, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Morgan) 14.568
Milwaukee
(Peralta) 16.025
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-160
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-160); Over

Miami @ St. Louis

Game 907-908
August 14, 2015 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Koehler) 14.266
St. Louis
(Garcia) 17.365
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 3
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-215
7
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-215); Under

San Diego @ Colorado

Game 909-910
August 14, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Ross) 16.421
Colorado
(Flande) 15.002
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 1 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-110
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-110); Over

Cincinnati @ LA Dodgers

Game 911-912
August 14, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Lamb) 15.821
LA Dodgers
(Wood) 14.767
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-170
7
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+150); Under

Washington @ San Francisco

Game 913-914
August 14, 2015 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Scherzer) 16.621
San Francisco
(Cain) 13.075
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 3 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-155
7
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-155); Under

Oakland @ Baltimore

Game 915-916
August 14, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Mills) 13.690
Baltimore
(Jimenez) 15.187
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1 1/2
10 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
N/A

NY Yankees @ Toronto

Game 917-918
August 14, 2015 @ 7:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Nova) 14.591
Toronto
(Price) 16.788
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-250
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-250); Over

Seattle @ Boston

Game 919-920
August 14, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Mntgmery) 15.148
Boston
(Kelly) 16.715
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-120
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-120); Over

Tampa Bay @ Texas

Game 921-922
August 14, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Karns) 15.429
Texas
(Perez) 11.806
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 3 1/2
10 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-120
9
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(+100); Over

Cleveland @ Minnesota

Game 923-924
August 14, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Kluber) 14.614
Minnesota
(May) 17.112
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 2 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-160
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+140); Under

LA Angels @ Kansas City

Game 925-926
August 14, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Weaver) 16.357
Kansas City
(Duffy) 12.480
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 4
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-135
8
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+115); Over

Detroit @ Houston

Game 927-928
August 14, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Simon) 15.821
Houston
(Keuchel) 14.709
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-230
8
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+195); Over

Chicago Cubs @ Chicago White Sox

Game 929-930
August 14, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Hendricks) 16.006
Chicago White Sox
(Samrdzija) 12.580
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-115); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAMBLERS DATA

Cubs -110