Friday 9/4/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at SWF

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


Race 3 - Trial - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $2000 Class Rating: 87

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, TWO YEAR OLD I-80 FUTURITY TRIALS; WEIGHT 122LBS. $500 TO ENTER INTO THE TRIALS. FINALS TO BE RUN SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2015 AT THE CENTRAL WYOMING FAIR. FINALS PURSE WILL BE $10,000 ADDED PLUS ALL ADDED MONIES.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 MS ANNIES GAL 5/1


# 2 JESS MY APOLLO 5/1


# 3 TIMELESS HOPE 2/1


MS ANNIES GAL looks to be a strong contender. Has performed soundly recently in short races, posting a nifty 75 avg Equibase speed fig. Recently Lusk has been hot which may give the edge to this filly. Will likely be one of the front-runners of the pack going into the halfway point of the competition. JESS MY APOLLO - She has garnered decent numbers under today's conditions and will probably fare well versus this field. Must be given a shot in here if only for the very good Equibase Speed Figure earned in the last outing. TIMELESS HOPE - She has recorded quite good figs under today's conditions and will probably fare well versus this field. She has a good opportunity for this event as trainer, Garfias, has sharp win clip with horses going this distance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Golden Gate - Race #7 - Post: 4:45pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,400 Class Rating: 74

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 TRYPHENA (ML=6/1)
#2 LUCKY JULIE (ML=9/5)
#4 DECLARED INNOCENTS (ML=7/2)
#6 DOWN THE FAIRWAY (ML=6/1)


TRYPHENA - You always have to be on the watch for profit making jock/handler duos; we have an instance right here. Taking a trip down the class ladder; has the ability to make her presence felt. LUCKY JULIE - I'm counting on this beautiful animal to run a strong race this time around. DECLARED INNOCENTS - Last time around the track at Sacramento this horse finished ahead of today's morning line choice. Potential play if the public follows the M/L odds. The jock/trainer tandem of Frey and Kruljac has a strong return on investment together. This filly's last speed fig is lofty enough to prove victorious here, I'll bet on her right back in today's event. DOWN THE FAIRWAY - I expect this fine animal to shock some handicappers this time.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 ST. SOMEWHERE (ML=4/1), #7 DOWN LOW MAMA (ML=6/1),

ST. SOMEWHERE - The finish of sixth in the last race shows me that this horse may be going off form. Displayed warnings of physical problems in the race on Aug 21st at Ferndale. DOWN LOW MAMA - Hard to play this filly today since the event isn't limited to 3 year olds. The fifth place result in the last event was not the greatest. Garnered a run-of-the-mill speed fig in the last race in an $8,000 Claiming race on June 18th. Not probable to see an improved performance off of that fig.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #3 TRYPHENA to win if you can get at least 9/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Belterra Park - Race #4 - Post: 3:21pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $5,200 Class Rating: 55

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 CLARA'S GROVE (ML=6/1)
#4 TURBULENT (ML=4/1)


CLARA'S GROVE - Was in a $3,200 Claiming race at Fairmont Park in the last race. That affair had a class rating of 63 and she is moving down today. A certain strong challenger. TURBULENT - This mare is in nice physical condition. Finished third on August 21st. This mare is rounding her way back into shape. Should run well today. Already ran against today's M/L favorite on Aug 21st at Belterra Park and finished ahead of that one. Have to believe she can do it again right here in this race. This horse has increased her speed ratings from a fig of 40 to 46 to 48 in succession.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 THE NATIVE BLAZE (ML=5/2), #10 RUPERTACTOFDUTY (ML=7/2), #1 VORTEX (ML=8/1),

THE NATIVE BLAZE - This horse hasn't won in her last ten efforts. She's not worth the value today. Never really did much at all last time around the track on Aug 21st. Hard to play in today's event. RUPERTACTOFDUTY - Difficult to keep chasing this kind of 'bridesmaid' horse. Registered a substandard speed figure in the last race in a $4,000 Claiming race on Aug 21st. Doubtful to see an improved performance off of that number. VORTEX - This horse likes to hit the board, but doesn't usually win. Keep out of the top spot. 8/1 odds isn't enough for this horse when looking at the most recent efforts.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - TURBULENT - When a fine animal takes such a big drop in the class figure department, I always have a look. I like what I see with this one and am betting on her.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #8 CLARA'S GROVE to win. Have to have odds of at least 3/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #4 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 2:36 PM EASTERN POST


The Evan Shipman Stakes

9.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#4 SARATOGA SNACKS
#6 ZIVO
#1 EMPIRE DREAMS
#5 ROYAL POSSE

Run at one mile in its first two editions in 1981 and 1982, the Evan Shipman for New York-breds is named for the late racing columnist of the Morning Telegraph, who died in 1957. A friend of Ernest Hemingway, Shipman was an aspiring poet in Paris in the 1920's, was wounded in the Spanish Civil War and served in a tank battalion during World War II. Upon his return to the United States he began covering thoroughbred and standardbred racing for the Morning Telegraph. His last column appeared on Kentucky Derby in 1957. Here in the 32nd renewal of this satkes test ... #4 SARATOGA SNACKS shares the overall speed honors in this stakes field with the morning line favorite, #6 ZIVO, is the pace profile leader racing at 9.0 furlongs on the dirt, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in five straight, winning twice in this recent streak of racing consistency. Jockey John Velazquez has been in his irons on one previous occasion, posting a win, and is back today here at "The Spa" for his 2nd ride, gunning for back-to-back "Circle Trips."#6 ZIVO has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in five straight, takes a class drop (-8), and has hit the board in three of his last five "adventures," including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in his 4th and 5th races back. "On Paper" .. this is probably a slightly more talented entry than my top pick, however, I downgraded him a "notch" on my multiple entry contenders' list, since he has not raced in nearly a year ... 306 days ago to be more precise.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 9/4 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

4,7/7,8,9/2,3,7/3,6 = $36


LATE PICK 4: 3,5,6,7/1,4,6,8/3,6,9/1 = $36

MEET STATS: 278 - 903 / $1566.20 BEST BETS: 38 - 81 / $126.30

SPOT PLAYS: 11 - 78 / $86.80

Best Bet: SOUTHWIND FRANK (3rd)

Spot Play: LEAN HANOVER (5th)


Race 1

(7) GOOD WILL HANOVER has been lights out to start her career. She faces better here but is likely up to it. (1) HEAVENLY HILL was a sharp OSS Gold winner at Georgian and Menary's barn has been hot this week. She's the one to beat. (6) HEAVENLY BET set a solid pace and kept going for a nice win last time. She can be a threat here.

Race 2

(6) ANDRO MADI couldn't keep up in a wickedly fast mile at Georgian but was still a respectable 4th. She could boss this group from start to finish. (4) LUTETIA SEMALU has been racing well out of town and could trip out in the choice's pocket here. (3) BLAZINHART HANOVER has been tagging along for shares at the B tracks and comes here in sharp form. She should share here.

Race 3

(1) SOUTHWIND FRANK's only loss came when he broke stride. He has been dominant otherwise and is tough to go against here. (3) MARION MARAUDER was ridiculously overbet off a 5-week break last time in a race he obviously needed. He should go much better here. (9) BROOKLYN HILL has finished 2nd to the choice in the past two but it's worth trying to beat him out of the exacta starting from out there.

Race 4

(4) TABOO SEELSTER hasn't been embarrassed in conditioned races the past three starts now drops back into claimers where she was doing well in July; top call. (7) DAZZLING ROCKETTE has unsuccessfully tried the front in both starts for Moreau. Expect a different trip and better result here. (1) A LOT OF SENSE is always a late-closing threat in this class; using.

Race 5

(8) LEAN HANOVER was closing well late last time but the pedestrian early fractions killed his chances. He should get a quicker early pace to chase here; top call. (7) DEEP IMPACT has been excellent in all three starts and is the one to beat here. (9) DEWEYLOVERNLEAVER has won three straight $70 K Gold dashes and is a must-use on early pick 4 tickets. (3) DOMINION BEACH has repeatedly faced the top rookie trotting colt on the continent and shouldn't be sold short either in this competitive Champlain Stakes division.

Race 6

(7) GRACIES PARADE was ready to pounce off excess cover late last time but the slowish third 1/4 hurt her chances. A quicker early pace here would likely see her vaulting past late. (2) ARTIAWITCHTOYOU was a sharp winner but that was off a perfect trip which would be hard to predict happening here. (3) RIDE AWAY SHARK faced much better last time and wasn't far back. She could beat these off a decent trip.

Race 7

(3) DANIELLE HALL has had all kinds of issues this year but last week she looked like her old self again when 2nd to the best sophomore trotting filly around. We'll give her a slight nod over the white-hot (6) ELEGANT SERENITY, who has really turned into the filly she was bred to be. (4) SPEAK TO ME was a late third behind the choice last time and should share here, too.

Race 8

(7) ROLLTIDEROLL has hit her best stride again and seems to have little opposition for the front signed on here; coast-to-coast. (6) I GOT TO BOOGIE was an unlucky loser last time in the final stride and should be right there vs. these. (5) SHADYS M THREE almost got there last week against a very sharp winner and isn't without a shot in here.

Race 9

(6) ETRUSCAN HANOVER raced extremely well two back when 2nd in the Vincennes and is capable of producing some wicked speed when flat. He should be a good price here; call to upset. (1) MASTER OF LAW closed with a furious rush to win in this class when last here in July. He will be coming late, obviously. (4) MARKET SHARE is undoubtedly the class of the field but isn't having the most productive season and is likely to be a big chalk here; playing against in the win pool.

Race 10

(3) LIGHTS GO OUT may be able to beat a couple of these off the gate starting from the inside which would help with her late assault. She's sharp but needs to get rolling earlier to get the job done here. (9) MILEYS BIG WORLD is unbeaten for Moreau since the claim but might face more pressure here and isn't going to win forever. (6) ACT NOW tried it first up and was repelled by the one above last time. She could turn the tables if she can fish out some cover.

Race 11

(1) WITCH DALI was flying late last time, signaling a return to her best form; top call. (5) AMERICAN IN PARIS chased the very tough Lady Shadow around the track last week and held her own. She's dangerous here. (6) MAJOR DANCER isn't having the most productive year but has faced some tough mares and could factor here.

Race 12

(7) BRESCIA SEELSTER almost held on in a swift mile at Georgian last time and was facing better prior to that; top call in the finale. (8) RIVER RISING should be closing for a good piece of this. (2) HOLLYROCKER switches to the Coleman barn and comes in off a good qualifier. (3) OCEANVIEW BINDI has had gait issues recently but also comes in off a good qualifier. (4) JUSTABIT MEAN almost always grabs a check and should here, too.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 9/4 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 167 - 795 / $1,166.50 BEST BETS: 18 - 67 / $87.60

Best Bet: CINAMONY (6th)

Spot Play: HICKORY ICON (4th)


Race 1

(2) ROYAL RECEPTION Sharp in victory last out; he moves up in class but based on his nice performance, two straight is not out of the question. (6) SLAM DUNK HANOVER comes by way of Pocono and is very consistent; gelding is a big threat for top prize. (1) WORLD PEACE returns to Yonkers where he got the job done at this level; not out of this.

Race 2

(6) MODEST PRINCE Gelding is knocking at the door; last three were impressive for trainer Toscano; all systems go for win honors. (1) NEW YORK MUSCLE Trotter gets post relief and that should help his chances from the fence; player. (5) LORENZO DREAM was sitting in the pocket but could not get to the winner last out; could factor in here.

Race 3

(4) MAGIC MANNY seems to have a fondness for the $20k ranks with a second and a victory recently; can boss this group at his best. (6) TONY CHEESECAKE just held on against the top pick recently; post hurts but is very capable of double score; maybe. (2) ART DEGREE put in a rally for the fourth spot last time out; could make some noise late on the scene.

Race 4

(8) HICKORY ICON closed strongly to nail down the placing at Philly last time around; should handle the 8-hole if given a favorable trip; worth a shot. (4) GOOD DAY MATE This should be a better spot for this pacer to get back into the swing of things and Brennan is back in the sulky. (1) GAVINS DESIGNER should fare quite well from the fence.

Race 5

(4) LUCKY MCTRUCKY The last we saw this pacer locally was on February 8; was sharp in victory at Northfield last time around and could be back in solid form; we shall see. (5) CAPITAL ACCOUNT flashed good speed at The Meadows to get the job done on August 2; big threat against these. (3) GALLANT SEELSTER could make some noise in the stretch drive; maybe.

Race 6

(7) CINAMONY got back to her winning ways at Pocono last time out in a solid 1:49 3/5; clearly will be the one to deny. (6) RADAR CONTACT closed well in the Artiscape at Vernon last out for the place spot; main danger. (8) VENUS DELIGHT pocket rocket victory in the Artiscape recently; stays in the 8-hole and she is not out of this by far.

Race 7

Let’s see if (4) INTREPID HALL could put it all together; had no shot from the eight slot last week but with a inside draw tonight, he could best these with a fine-timed drive from Holland. (1) ALED HANOVER was sent down the road last out for all the glory; dangerous. (2) ROETHBLISSBERGER has wheeled off two straight victories; moves up in class but could be a exotics factor.

Race 8

(1) JUSTIFIED gets the luck of the draw; gelding can rate and score from the fence. (4) HERE WE GO AGAIN was second best in his last trip to the post but could not get to the winner; main danger. (7) BIG BOY DREAMS Sharp qualifier at Pocono puts this guy right in the mix.

Race 9

(6) SAND BENELLI might be rounding back to form based on his recent outing; has every right to take these to task for all the cash. (1) AMERICAN FLIGHT moves down in class and was a very game second against better last out; threat. (2) DONAU gets post relief and that should help his cause; beware.

Race 10

(1) JIN DANDY seems to do his best running from the rail; fits well in here and with a favorable trip, he could put it all together for win honors. (4) CAUTION SIGNS Wire to wire victory to nail down his second straight score; the one to beat. (2) JDS CALEB MAN was up against open foes and was nailed for the victory last week upstate; watch out.

Race 11

(2) ROCKAROUND SUE was late on the scene to miss by only a length and a quarter; draws much better this time and is very capable of getting the job done over this group. (5) VALENTINA DE VIE beat lesser company for her third straight victory; contender. (4) JUSTHAVENTMETUYET faced open foes upstate last time around and closed well for the show spot; can't be overlooked.

Race 12

(1) MONKEY ON MY WHEEL Two sharp performances for this pacing mare; she has back class and with the rail slot tonight, she clearly will be quite tough to down. (2) SANDBETWEENURTOES This might be a better spot for her to contend; capable; (6) MARTY PARTY moves up the ladder off two nice efforts; exotics factor.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (6th) Surf Cast, 3-1
(8th) Wolf Creek, 5-1


Belterra Park (5th) Spaced Out, 3-1
(6th) My Nisterooy, 6-1


Canterbury Park (1st) Chrys Niki, 8-1
(7th) Sampson County, 7-2


Charles Town (4th) Showbiz or Nobiz, 10-1
(8th) Officer Salvatore, 6-1


Del Mar (2nd) Derby Glass, 6-1
(7th) Xerxes, 5-1


Ellis Park (2nd) Rhythm Park, 9-2
(4th) Cherokee Band, 4-1


Finger Lakes (5th) West Sedona, 3-1
(9th) Can't Stop Believn, 3-1


Golden Gate Fields (4th) Bardy, 4-1
(7th) St. Somewhere, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (5th) Starship Lisa, 3-1
(7th) Mass Approval, 8-1


Hastings Park (2nd) Lady Cash, 4-1
(5th) Cleared to Victory, 3-1


Indiana Grand (1st) Luscious Lucy, 3-1
(2nd) Aurora's Secret, 9-2


Louisiana Downs (2nd) Tricky Cajun, 9-2
(7th) Contrip, 10-1


Monmouth Park (7th) Svindahl, 5-1
(9th) Get Air Lex, 7-2


Penn National (2nd) Perfect Wind, 8-1
(7th) Dancing Sparks, 3-1


Remington Park (3rd) Princess Freebie, 9-2
(4th) Sperling, 8-1


Retama Park (3rd) Witt Knows, 6-1
(4th) Prince Bing, 7-2


Saratoga (6th) Autumn Squall, 6-1
(8th) Sweet Henrietta, 4-1


Thistledown (6th) Striking Lass, 7-2
(7th) Woelf Den, 7-2


Woodbine (3rd) Cherie Damour, 8-1
(4th) Get a Grip, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (65-69) at Cubs (75-57)

Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: September 04, 2015 2:20 PM EDT

After years of rebuilding, the Chicago Cubs signaled their readiness to pursue a playoff berth by signing Jon Lester to a lucrative deal in December.

Lester will try to contribute to the Cubs' stretch run Friday night when he faces Arizona Diamondbacks lineup that likely won't have Paul Goldschmidt.

Lester was given the largest contract in Cubs history at $155 million for six years, and has reinforced that faith more often than not. He's allowed two earned runs or fewer while pitching at least six innings in 15 of his 26 starts.

The left-hander has also had inconsistent results in his past three. Lester (8-10, 3.59 ERA) was tagged for seven runs in 2 2-3 innings in a 15-8 loss to Detroit on Aug. 19 but yielded one run in 8 2-3 innings five days later in a 2-1 win over Cleveland.

Though Lester was denied a fourth win in six starts Saturday when the Dodgers reached him for four seventh-inning runs in a 5-2 loss, he remained upbeat.

"The good thing is, I don't have to go back to the drawing board," Lester said. "My stuff was there. Location was there, stuff was there, velocity was there. Everything was there.

"Now it's a matter of a little bit of luck going my way and maybe the outcome is a little different."

Despite losing six of eight, Chicago (75-57) still holds a sizable lead over San Francisco for the NL's second wild card.

The Cubs will try to maintain that advantage by sending Arizona (65-69) to a ninth defeat in 12 contests. The Diamondbacks, who have won six of their last eight on the road, split the first four of their current seven-game trek after a 9-4 loss Wednesday to Colorado.

Goldschmidt missed that game to be with his wife for the birth of their first child and is not expected to return until Saturday. The first baseman, batting .322 with 27 homers and 97 RBIs, batted .179 in his last seven games before leaving but is a .383 hitter in 22 career games against the Cubs.

"I think this is a great situation where he can get everything off his mind and he can come back fresh," manager Chip Hale told MLB's official website.

Zack Godley, meanwhile, is expected to return to the majors to face the team that drafted him in the 10th round in 2013. The right-hander was acquired by Arizona on Dec. 9 in a deal that sent Miguel Montero to the Cubs.

Godley (4-0, 1.90) joined Chase Anderson as the only two Diamondbacks pitchers to win their first four decisions, pitching 3 2-3 innings of one-run relief Aug. 22 in an 11-7 win over Cincinnati.

Anderson won his first five starts last season.

Godley will face a team that's averaged 6.5 runs in its last 11 home games, but Chicago dropped two of three to last-place Cincinnati to begin a six-game stay at Wrigley Field.

It's unclear if Kyle Schwarber will be available. The rookie was scratched before Wednesday's 7-4 loss because of soreness in his right ribs, one day after going 2 for 3 with a winning two-run homer.

Jorge Soler, 6 for 13 with three doubles in a three-game series in Arizona in May, is on the disabled list with a strained oblique.

Lester gave up two runs in seven innings in a 5-4, 13-inning loss to the Diamondbacks on May 22.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (54-80) at Nationals (68-65)

Game: 2
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: September 04, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Washington Nationals are going to have to do without Stephen Strasburg this weekend, but quality of starting pitching hasn't much mattered against the Atlanta Braves.

Tanner Roark takes the mound Friday night at Nationals Park as Atlanta's Julio Teheran tries to put possibly his worst start of the season behind him and end his club's longest losing streak in nine years.

Strasburg's ongoing health issues are pushing Roark (4-4, 4.54 ERA) into the rotation after being recalled from Double-A Harrisburg following Monday's abbreviated start.

Strasburg (upper back tightness) threw an extended bullpen session Thursday and will likely return next week against the first-place New York Mets.

Roark made two starts in a brief stay in the minors to stretch out after being sent down Aug. 25, surrendering one run and five hits in six innings.

In the majors, he's pitched exclusively out of the bullpen since the beginning of July, and after some initial struggles posted a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings over his last nine outings. The right-hander's time in the rotation ended on a terrible note with eight runs and 12 hits allowed in 3 1-3 innings of an 8-5 loss in Philadelphia on June 28.

Teheran (9-7, 4.62) can relate. The right-hander gave up eight runs and nine hits with three home runs in 4 1-3 innings of Sunday's 20-6 home loss to the New York Yankees. The 24-year-old had gone 3-0 with a 2.73 ERA in his first five August starts, but the majority of that success came at home.

Away, Teheran is 2-5 with a 6.32 ERA in 13 outings, including one in Washington with six runs allowed in five innings of an 8-6 walk-off loss May 9. He is 2-1 with a 4.65 ERA in five starts at Nationals Park.

Bryce Harper is 9 for 21 with two home runs and three doubles when facing Teheran, and catcher Jose Lobaton (7 for 13 with two home runs) could also be in the lineup, though Wilson Ramos is on an 11-game hitting streak.

Roark is 3-0 with a 1.90 ERA in five starts and five relief efforts against the Braves. Jace Peterson (0 for 8), Andrelton Simmons (1 for 12) and Nick Markakis (1 for 6) have struggled in the matchup, but Freddie Freeman is 7 for 17.

Washington (68-65), six games back of New York, opened the series with Thursday's 15-1 win for its second-highest hit (18) and run totals of the year. Harper walked four times and scored four runs without swinging his bat, giving him nine walks and a .688 on-base percentage in the last four games.

It's benefited cleanup hitter Ryan Zimmerman, who's batting .405 with seven home runs, 23 RBIs and a 1.428 OPS in his last 11.

"That's why Bryce didn't swing at a pitch and scored four runs," manager Matt Williams said. "There's your proof in the pudding right there."

The Braves (54-80), having their worst season since 1990, have lost nine straight and 16 of 17. They last lost 10 in a row in 2006, and they're also in danger of dropping 11 straight on the road for the first time since 1977. The next stop might be last place in baseball's worst division with Philadelphia one game back.

Over a 3-20 span in which it hasn't won consecutive games, Atlanta is averaging 2.6 runs with a 6.64 ERA while giving up 15 or more runs three times in the last seven games.

"These guys are professional, they're major leaguers," Freeman said of Atlanta's staff. "Some of these guys have a lot of years playing in the minor leagues, and for them to get hit around like that is not really acceptable."

The Braves have lost seven straight in Washington.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians (64-68) at Tigers (61-72)

Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 04, 2015 7:08 PM EDT

The progress the Cleveland Indians made on a six-game winning streak has been diminished with consecutive losses, and while it might seem they've got the right guy on the mound against spiraling Detroit, the heart of the Tigers lineup has hit Corey Kluber extremely well.

The reigning AL Cy Young winner will try to get the fringe wild-card contenders back on track Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Comerica Park.

Cleveland (64-68) dropped the last two of a three-game set in Toronto, and Wednesday's 5-1 defeat dropped it six games back of Texas for the second wild card after getting within four on Monday.

The lineup went quiet with four hits, but the bullpen is keeping the Indians in games with a 1.19 ERA in 22 2-3 innings over the last seven.

Relievers could again be relied upon against Detroit (61-72) with Cleveland starters posting a 6.86 ERA in 12 meetings this season. The Indians are 3-9, and the rotation has stomached eight of the losses.

Kluber is 0-1 with a 4.12 ERA in his last three starts while striking out 26 in 19 2-3 innings. He gave up three runs in six innings of Saturday's 8-3 home win over the Los Angeles Angels.

"I don't think that it was my best outing tonight," Kluber (8-13, 3.41 ERA) told MLB's official website. "But I found a way to kind of battle through it and keep the team in it and give the team a chance to win."

Most of the right-hander's struggles have come in his 15 away starts with a 3-7 record and 3.95 ERA. One of the losses came in Detroit, dropping him to 2-6 with a 4.72 ERA in 11 starts and one relief appearance against the Tigers.

Miguel Cabrera is 20 for 35 with five home runs off Kluber, and his .571 average is higher than any active or retired hitter with at least 10 at-bats against him. Victor Martinez (9 for 25 with three home runs), J.D. Martinez (5 for 14 with a home run) and Nick Castellanos (5 for 15) have also hit him well.

It might help that Detroit's staff has been far worse lately. The Tigers lost 15-7 at Kansas City on Thursday for their 11th defeat in 13 games, and the last five have come with an 11.63 ERA and .390 opponent average. After a 1-5 road trip, they're more than 10 games under .500 for the first time since finishing 2008 at 74-88.

"You better learn from it," manager Brad Ausmus said. "You better try to get better `cause if it gets any worse, I don't know what we'll do. This was a very tough road trip for the pitching staff."

Detroit is switching things up with Kyle Lobstein, who hasn't started since May 23 when he landed on the disabled list with shoulder soreness. Lobstein (3-5, 4.34) dropped his final three starts with a 7.36 ERA, but his first two wins of the season came against the Indians.

The left-hander allowed six runs in 12 innings of the April wins, though his 2-0 record in four starts against Cleveland comes with a 4.84 ERA. Ryan Raburn (4 for 8) and Carlos Santana (4 for 9 with a home run) have hit him well.

The 26-year-old spent nearly a month rehabbing in the minors, making six starts with an 0-3 record and a 5.68 ERA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (66-67) at Yankees (74-58)

Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: September 04, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The New York Yankees are about to start a homestand that features more difficult opposition than the two lowly teams they just pounded on the road.

They'll begin a 10-game stretch in the Bronx against AL East foes when they face the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.

New York (74-58) completed a 5-1 trip through Atlanta and Boston with Wednesday's 13-8 win over the Red Sox. The Yankees scored 57 runs and hit 12 homers in the six games.

Now they face Tampa Bay (66-67), Baltimore and first-place Toronto in succession. The Yankees are 1 1/2 games behind the Blue Jays.

"We just played the Red Sox now we're playing the other three (East) teams," manager Joe Girardi said. "They're important games."

Stephen Drew was among five Yankees to go deep Wednesday with a three-run homer. He is 9 for 12 with two home runs and nine RBIs in his last four games, while Didi Gregorius also homered and has gone 16 for 28 with 12 RBIs in his past seven.

'It's good anytime we can do that,' Drew said. 'Didi's swinging the bat well, obviously, and myself, so it was a good day overall for everybody.'

Rookie Greg Bird hit his third homer as he continues to start at first base for the injured Mark Teixeira. Carlos Beltran is batting .357 in his last 16 contests and has an 18-game hitting streak at home.

The Rays are 4 1/2 behind Texas for the second wild card and missed a chance at a three-game sweep in Baltimore on Wednesday. Closer Brad Boxberger failed to protect a two-run lead in the ninth of a 7-6, 11-inning loss.

'You want a sweep when you can, especially in our situation,' Boxberger said. 'For me, not being able to hold that kind of lead is not expected. So, it's just one of those it's tough.'

Evan Longoria homered three times in the series. Logan Forsythe has 11 hits in his last 14 at-bats and Brandon Guyer is 9 for 20 in his last four games for the Rays, winners of five of seven on the road.

Tampa Bay will get its first look at Yankees rookie right-hander Luis Severino (2-2, 2.17 ERA), who is trying to win his third straight start after pitching six scoreless innings in Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Braves.

"It doesn't seem to overwhelm him, the situation here," Girardi said.

Severino has limited opponents to a .128 average in two home starts.

He'll be opposed by Jake Odorizzi (6-7, 3.18), who is 0-1 with a 4.33 ERA in his last six starts. He gave up four runs in 4 2-3 innings of Saturday's 6-3 defeat to Kansas City.

The right-hander has gone 2-3 with a 5.29 ERA in six starts against the Yankees, including 0-2 with a 5.11 mark in two in April.

Odorizzi, who suffers from one of the worst run-support averages in the majors at 3.25, can't explain why Brian McCann is 10 for 16 with two homers and three doubles against him.

"Some guys we see that are high-caliber players, you have good results against," Odorizzi told MLB's official website. "You can't really explain why you do. Or why you don't."

New York leads the season series 8-5.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (64-69) at Blue Jays (76-57)

Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: September 04, 2015 7:07 PM EDT

AL East opponents Baltimore and Toronto have been on virtually opposite paths as the season starts to wind down.

The Orioles' chances at a third postseason appearance in four years have all but slipped away, while the Blue Jays look poised to end baseball's longest active playoff drought.

Baltimore opens a pivotal stretch that figures to decide the fate of its season Friday night when it starts a three-game series at Toronto.

The Orioles (64-69) have plummeted out of the division race, dropping 12 of 14 to fall 12 games back of the first-place Blue Jays (76-57). They've hit .217 in that span with 85 strikeouts in the last eight, and a wild-card berth looks increasingly unattainable as well with a 6 1/2-game deficit separating them from Texas.

Adam Jones has hit .121 with 13 strikeouts in his last nine games, while Chris Davis has struck out 22 times in his past 11.

"How do you get of it? That's the beauty of this game," Jones said. "The way you do it is you collectively come together and go out there and beat ... somebody else instead of getting your tails handed to you.'

After this series, Baltimore's nine-game stretch against the AL's top three teams continues with three-game sets versus New York and Kansas City. The Orioles stopped a six-game skid with a 7-3 victory over Tampa Bay on Wednesday, which came after they had scored fewer than four runs in 12 of 13.

Ubaldo Jimenez's freefall has mirrored the Orioles' collapse. Jimenez (9-9, 4.34 ERA) is 2-5 with a 7.50 ERA in his last nine outings, surrendering 10 homers in 48 innings. He had given up eight over the previous 99 1-3 while posting a 2.81 ERA - which would have been the lowest mark of his career over a full season.

He allowed four runs and eight hits while needing 92 pitches to get through 5 2-3 innings of Saturday's 4-3 loss at Texas.

Jimenez performed like a completely different pitcher in three meetings with Toronto in April and May, going 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA while striking out 23 in 19 innings. He's 5-4 with a 4.10 ERA in 12 career matchups - 11 starts.

A number of Blue Jays have struggled against the right-hander with Jose Bautista going 2 for 29 and Josh Donaldson 2 for 15.

Donaldson has batted .404 with 24 RBIs and 13 extra-base hits in his last 14 games for Toronto, winner of 26 of 32. The Blue Jays, who own a 1 1/2-game edge over the Yankees as they seek their first playoff appearance since 1993, are averaging 8.0 runs during a 10-2 stretch.

They're hoping Drew Hutchison (13-2, 4.87 ERA) continues his night-and-day contrast at home and on the road, at least for his sixth straight start at Rogers Centre. The disparity between his home (2.46) and road (9.00) ERAs is the largest for a pitcher with at least 10 starts both at home and on the road going back to at least 1914.

He improved to 11-1 in Toronto with Saturday's 15-1 win over Detroit, limiting the Tigers to one run over seven innings.

Manny Machado hasn't been quite as cold as other Orioles, though he's hitting .243 with four extra-base hits in his last 17 games. He's batted .500 with three homers, six doubles and 10 RBIs in his last eight games against the Blue Jays, however.

These teams haven't met since June 19-21 when Baltimore took two of three in Toronto, though the Blue Jays lead the series 7-5.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (74-59) at Marlins (55-79)

Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: September 04, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Last month was the New York Mets' winningest of the season, and much of that success came on the road.

The Mets kick off what they hope is another fruitful trip - this time a season-high 10-gamer - when they face a team they swept on the road in August. They'll also start Jacob deGrom, who will seek to add to his dominance over the Miami Marlins on Friday night.

New York (74-59) enters its lengthy trek with a sizable lead over Washington in the NL East thanks in part to its 20-8 record in August. The Mets, who begin next week with three matchups in the nation's capital, won 12 of 15 away from home last month after previously being 17-32.

They went 8-1 on their most recent trip Aug. 18-27 behind Yoenis Cespedes' six homers and 15 RBIs. They begin this one looking to duplicate a three-game sweep in Miami from Aug. 3-5, when they battered Marlins pitchers for 25 runs and 39 hits.

Another successful trek could go a long way toward the first playoff berth since 2006 for New York, which has endured six straight losing seasons since suffering late-season collapses in 2007 and 2008.

"There's still a long time to go. I know as well as anybody that nothing is safe. Until it happens, anything can happen," captain David Wright said. "I mean, you probably ask the majority of guys in here, they probably have no idea about that. So I don't think about it. I've learned from it, but I don't think about it."

DeGrom (12-7, 2.32 ERA) facing the Marlins (55-79) is perhaps the closest thing to a safe bet as he's 3-0 with a 1.32 ERA in five lifetime matchups. In the only one this season, he pitched seven scoreless innings, walked none and fanned eight in a 5-4 win April 18.

The right-hander gave up two runs in six innings and struck out 10 in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Boston. New York had won each of his previous eight starts.

The one-run output was uncharacteristic for the Mets, who have plated an MLB-best 103 since Aug. 21 while batting .315 in 13 games. Cespedes hit his second homer in as many days and 10th in 30 games with New York in Wednesday's 9-4 win over Philadelphia.

Like Cespedes, leadoff man Curtis Granderson has keyed the turnaround away from Citi Field with a .352 average and 23 runs in 20 road games since the All-Star break.

The Mets, 9-4 against Miami this season, now get another chance to feast on Tom Koehler (8-13, 4.12). The right-hander is 0-2 with a 14.73 ERA in three games against the Mets this season, most recently getting charged with seven runs in 4 1-3 innings in a 12-1 loss Aug. 3.

Koehler has lost a team-record seven consecutive starts with a 6.81 ERA after allowing five runs in six innings Saturday in a 5-1 loss in Washington.

"I don't know if the results are kind of equal to how I'm throwing right now," he said. "The calendar's going to turn to a new month, which I'm definitely looking forward to."

The Marlins hoped to get Giancarlo Stanton off the disabled list this weekend, but his status is unclear after the slugger experienced discomfort during a rehab assignment. Stanton has been out since June 26 because of a broken bone in his right wrist.

Daniel Murphy's status is unknown because of a quad injury suffered Wednesday.

Fellow Mets infielder Ruben Tejada homered and drove in four runs, and he's 10 for 20 in his past six against Miami. Cespedes is batting .367 in six career matchups after going 6 for 15 with five RBIs in last month's series. Tejada and Cespedes are a combined 5 for 7 with four doubles off Koehler this year.

Dee Gordon is batting .457 during an 11-game hitting streak versus the Mets and is 3 for 3 this season against deGrom.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (58-75) at Reds (55-77)

Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: September 04, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Because the award hasn't been given to a player on a last-place team in 28 years, Joey Votto might not be given enough serious consideration to win the NL MVP.

Nevertheless, Votto looks to continue arguably MLB's best second-half performance Friday night when the Cincinnati Reds try to deny the visiting Milwaukee Brewers a fifth straight win.

Votto, a four-time All-Star, probably won't be the first player from a bottom-feeding club to win the NL MVP since Chicago's Andre Dawson in 1987. Washington's Bryce Harper and Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt are among the top candidates.

But since the All-Star break, Votto leads the majors with a .399 average, 59 walks and a .576 on-base percentage while ranking among MLB's best in runs (39) and slugging percentage (.748).

The first baseman hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 7-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs that gave the Reds their first series win since July 28-30. It also capped a six-game trip in which he homered three times and reached base in 18 of 27 plate appearances.

"I'm starting to play up to a standard I've set for myself," Votto told MLB's official website. "Hopefully, you get an opportunity to help the team win and do your part to feel like you're supporting every win."

Votto went 6 for 10 with a homer as Cincinnati dropped two of three at Miller Park last week. He's batting .306 with four home runs versus Milwaukee (58-75) this season but is 3 for 22 at home.

Votto went 2 for 3 off scheduled starter Matt Garza (6-14, 5.56 ERA) before homering in the ninth inning of Saturday's 12-9 win. Garza had been 3-0 with a 1.26 ERA in his previous four starts versus Cincinnati (55-77) before allowing seven runs over 3 2-3 innings.

The right-hander will try to avoid becoming the first 15-game loser in the majors.

"I don't think I can get any further down," he said. "This is already bottom. I just have to keep fighting and keep going. The worst thing I can do is quit and mentally check out."

Jay Bruce is batting .367 with three home runs in 30 at-bats versus Garza, while Todd Frazier is hitting .316 with three homers in 19. Jason Bourgeois is 3 for 3 off him this season.

The Reds, who begin a 10-game homestand, have hit .218 while dropping 11 of 12 at Great American Ball Park. They haven't won two in a row at any venue since Aug. 12-13.

Milwaukee, 2 1/2 games ahead of last-place Cincinnati, seeks its first five-game winning streak since an eight-game run from June 28-July 5. Hernan Perez had three hits and Domingo Santana hit his fourth home run in Thursday's 5-3 home win over Pittsburgh.

Jonathan Lucroy singled to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 11 games.

The Brewers have batted .343 while averaging 6.8 runs over their past five games. They'll try to keep it going against Keyvius Sampson, who is 0-1 with an 11.45 ERA in his last three starts.

The rookie right-hander hopes to fare better than Saturday when he gave up six runs over 3 2-3 innings. Scooter Gennett had three hits off Sampson (2-2, 6.43).

Adam Lind is batting .457 with four home runs in his last 10 games versus Milwaukee.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (53-81) at Red Sox (61-72)

Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: September 04, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

One of the worst stretches of Joe Kelly's career spurred a demotion to the minor leagues.

The right-hander pieced things together after being called back up, though, and turned in a historic month for Boston.

He seeks his seventh straight victory Friday night against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies.

Kelly (8-6, 4.94) has finally found himself at the tail end of his first season in Boston, posting a 1.69 ERA over his last five starts. Opponents are 0 for 26 with runners in scoring position in that span after batting .322 in those situations previously.

He became the first Boston pitcher to go 6-0 in a month since Pedro Martinez in May 1999 with Saturday's 3-1 victory against the New York Mets.

Kelly went 2-5 with a 5.67 ERA through his first 14 starts, prompting the Red Sox to send him to Triple-A Pawtucket for nearly a month. He credited a better mix of pitches for his improvement. His opponents' .268 BABIP against his change-up is the lowest for any of his four pitches.

"Earlier in the year, I was throwing all fastball and obviously that didn't work out," he told MLB's official website. "It's just something we've been trying to make a point of emphasis early on in the game. Mix in some offspeed pitches and try to get the hitters off the fastball."

Philadelphia is one of two teams Kelly has yet to face along with the Los Angeles Angels.

The Red Sox (61-72) had a streak of 30 straight starts of at least five innings snapped in Wednesday's 13-8 loss to the New York Yankees as rookie Henry Owens surrendered seven runs over 1 2-3. New York put together an eight-run second inning, though Boston chipped away with at least one run in each inning from the fifth onward.

"We fall down 10 runs and we didn't quit," interim manager Torey Lovullo said. "We kept coming. Despite that moment where the game got away from us, everybody did their job to pick up Henry, and I was proud of that."

Boston has won 26 of its last 38 meetings with Philadelphia and allowed only 14 hits while taking two of three April 6-9.

David Ortiz remains five home runs shy of becoming the 27th player to join the 500 club. He has hit .526 with five homers in his last six interleague contests.

The Phillies (53-81) posted a 6.46 ERA during a 3-7 stretch with the bullpen pitching especially poorly. Relievers have allowed 31 earned runs over 36 2-3 innings in that span.

Rookie Adam Morgan (5-4, 4.03 ERA) was solid his last time out, though, limiting San Diego to two unearned runs and four hits over six innings in a 4-3 home victory Saturday. The left-hander was hammered for four homers in his previous start against the Mets.

"I want to stick here and by having outings like the one (against New York) you're going to get out of here real quick," he said.

Boston's Xander Bogaerts is hitting .356 in his last 23 games and .377 for the season against lefties. He also has 13 RBIs in his last 14 interleague games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (62-70) at Royals (82-51)

Game: 1
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: September 04, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Kris Medlen has cashed in on his chance in the Kansas City Royals' starting rotation, while John Danks can't buy a win for the Chicago White Sox.

Kansas City looks to ride its red-hot offense to a sixth straight victory over the visiting White Sox in Friday night's series opener.

Medlen (3-0, 3.51 ERA) has filled in for the ineffective Jeremy Guthrie to pick up wins in his first two starts since 2013. He missed all of 2014 after undergoing surgery on his throwing elbow and returned to the big leagues this year to make seven appearances out of the Royals' bullpen.

The right-hander was plugged into the rotation last week and held Baltimore and Tampa Bay to six runs and nine hits over 11 1-3 innings while walking two and striking out 11.

Medlen benefited from a 10.32 run support average in his two starts, which could keep climbing based on Kansas City's offensive production this week.

Kansas City (82-51) totaled 44 hits and 32 runs in taking two of three against Detroit, winning 15-7 on Thursday behind a season-high 20 hits. Ben Zobrist and Kendrys Morales each finished with four hits, while Lorenzo Cain and Paulo Orlando homered.

The Royals' 20 hits and 15 runs were their most since pounding out 21 hits in a 16-8 victory at Colorado on July 3, 2011.

'It was definitely a long game,' Cain said, 'but we'll take that kind of win.'

Morales is batting .441 with four homers and 13 RBIs in his last nine games, while Cain is hitting .395 with 10 RBIs during an 11-game hit streak.

The White Sox (62-70) are 3-10 against the Royals this year and have six wins in their last 27 meetings with their division rivals. Chicago has lost seven straight in Kansas City and has been swept twice there this season.

Danks (6-12, 4.82) is 0-4 in his last five turns, and three scoreless outings in five July starts is a distant memory.

He limited Seattle to two runs and seven hits over six innings last Friday, but was a tough-luck 2-0 loser. Danks is 1-4 with a 5.23 ERA since shutting out the Royals and St. Louis over 12 1-3 innings in back-to-back July starts. He is 2-8 with a 6.48 ERA on the road this season.

'It's a team game - everybody's got to do their job,' Danks said. 'There's been plenty of times I didn't hold up my end of the bargain... It's frustrating.'

Danks is 9-2 with a 2.69 ERA in 20 career starts against the Royals. He went 4-0 with a 1.73 in his first 10 starts at Kauffman Stadium before losing his two outings there this season.

He's fared very well against Cain (.217), Morales (.207), Salvador Perez (.160) and Zobrist (.130), but Eric Hosmer (.290) and newcomer Jonny Gomes (6 for 19 with a homer and two doubles) have had success.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (69-64) at Astros (73-61)

Game: 1
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: September 04, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

As Collin McHugh looks to carry over his success from last month, the Houston Astros right-hander should expect to see ailing rookie Miguel Sano in the Minnesota Twins lineup.

McHugh will try to help the Astros avoid losing three straight home games for the first time in almost four months in Friday night's series opener.

Though McHugh went 2-2 in five August starts, he posted a 1.89 ERA. He's also enjoyed some extended rest since allowing two runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 6-2 victory at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 26.

"I've always taken a lot of pride in preparing my body well and to try to prepare mentally to be better at the end (of the season) than I was at the beginning," McHugh (14-7, 3.92 ERA) told MLB's official website. "I don't know whether it's willing yourself to do it a little bit better or not."

Making his first appearance against Minnesota (69-64) this year, McHugh yielded one run over seven innings in each of his three home starts last month. However, Houston (73-61) didn't score with him on the mound in the last two.

The Astros dropped two straight to Seattle for their first losing home series since May 29-31. They haven't lost three in a row there since a four-game slide May 4-12.

"We did have our own opportunities and a chance to win the series," manager A.J. Hinch said after Wednesday's 8-3 defeat.

Holding a two-game lead over Texas in the AL West, the Astros face a Minnesota club that took two of three from them last weekend.

Sano's only hit in five at-bats in that series was a two-run homer. Plagued by a sore hamstring, the talented slugger homered in three straight games before being limited to a pinch-hitting role in Thursday's 6-4 loss to the White Sox.

With the Twins 1 1/2 games back of the Rangers for the second wild-card spot, Sano should be back in the lineup.

"I don't imagine - unless things get significantly worse - that we're going to take him out for a week or whatever," manager Paul Molitor said of Sano, who has hit eight of his 15 home runs and recorded 17 RBIs in his last 15 games.

"We're just going to try to monitor it and rest it a little bit when we can and try to find a way to get as many at-bats as we can from here on out."

While Sano appears healthy enough to contribute, closer Glen Perkins won't make the trip to Houston because of back spasms. Kevin Jepsen is expected to continue closing games for Perkins, who is second in the AL with 32 saves.

'We've got enough people out there," Molitor said.

Following their third defeat in 13 games, the Twins turn to Mike Pelfrey (6-8, 3.85). The right-hander hopes for a better performance after he allowed four runs, seven hits and walked two in 3 2-3 innings of Saturday's 4-1 loss to Houston.

There might be a chance Pelfrey faces George Springer, who has been on the disabled list since July 2 with a wrist injury but could return in this series. Springer has 13 homers and 29 RBIs in 75 games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (79-53) at Cardinals (86-47)

Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: September 04, 2015 8:15 PM EDT

History and time are not on the side of the Pittsburgh Pirates as they try to chase down the St. Louis Cardinals.

Pittsburgh's best chance to reel in the NL Central leaders starts with Friday night's series opener at Busch Stadium, a ballpark kind to the Cardinals and not so much to the Pirates this year.

Losers of four straight and 6 1/2 games back with a month to play, the Pirates (79-53) badly need a series win, something they haven't done in St. Louis since April 26-28, 2013.

Pittsburgh is 4-18 at Busch Stadium since then, including a 1-5 mark this season.

The Pirates still hold a four-game lead over the Chicago Cubs for the top wild-card spot despite losing three straight in Milwaukee, including Thursday's 5-3 loss.

'Our focus needs to be on playing better," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We got outpitched, outhit and out-defended three straight games."

The Pirates will have one of their hottest pitcher's on the mound Friday.

J.A. Happ (3-1, 1.98 ERA) has flipped around his season since coming to the Pirates via a trade with Seattle on July 31.

He struggled to a 4-6 record and 4.68 ERA in 20 starts with the Mariners, but he has won each of his last three starts with the Pirates with an ERA of 0.51 in victories over Arizona, Miami and Colorado.

The bad news is Happ's 1-8 record and 6.79 ERA in 10 starts against the Cardinals, though he hasn't faced them since 2012. He's especially bad in St. Louis, going 0-3 with a 12.34 ERA in three career starts there.

Brandon Moss (6 for 8) and Yadier Molina (6 for 15) have hit Happ hard, but Mark Reynolds is 0 for 16 with eight strikeouts against him. Jon Jay is 5 for 11 against Happ and is expected to be activated off the 15-day DL before the series opener.

Jay, out since July 1 with a stress reaction in his left wrist, is one of several key contributors the Cardinals expect back in September, joining outfielders Matt Holliday (right quad strain) and Randal Grichuk (right elbow strain), and first baseman Matt Adams (right quad strain).

"That's a pretty good boost when you start talking about the guys who we could potentially be bringing back here," manager Mike Matheny told MLB's official website. "We're talking about some of the key components of our club."

Pittsburgh is expected to reinstate Andrew McCutchen to the lineup after he sat out Thursday with what Hurdle called left knee soreness.

While the Pirates have fallen back, St. Louis (86-47) is making a push for its third straight division title with nine wins in 11 games.

The Cardinals, who are a major league-best 48-20 at home, will send Carlos Martinez to the mound to try and rebound from Wednesday's 4-3 loss to Washington that snapped a four-game win streak.

After pounding Martinez (13-6, 2.91) for seven runs over 5 1-3 innings in a 7-5 win on May 9, Pittsburgh didn't do much against him in losses of 4-1 on July 9 and 4-3 on Aug. 11.

Martinez - pitching on eight days' rest due to back tightness he experienced in a 5-3 win over Arizona on Aug. 27 - held the Pirates to three runs in 15 1-3 innings between the two wins.

Gregory Polanco has eight hits in 11 at-bats against Martinez, going 5 for 8 with two doubles and a triple this season.

St. Louis rookie Stephen Piscotty is hitting .419 with 11 RBIs during his career-best 10-game hitting streak.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants (69-65) at Rockies (55-78)

Game: 2
Venue: Coors Field
Date: September 04, 2015 8:40 PM EDT

Struggling to beat the top teams in the NL is one thing. Being blown out by one of the worst should only raise the level of concern for the San Francisco Giants.

Fresh off a lopsided defeat to the Colorado Rockies, the reeling Giants try to avoid a seventh consecutive loss Friday night at Coors Field.

Prior to this series, San Francisco (69-65) endured a 5-11 stretch against St. Louis, Pittsburgh, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants, though, had reason to believe they could turn things around starting Thursday in the first of 22 straight games against clubs with losing records.

However, Colorado (55-78) scored four times in the first and Carlos Gonzalez recorded his second straight two-homer game to hand San Francisco an 11-3 loss.

Falling farther back in the NL West and wild-card races, the Giants are mired in their third skid of at least six games. They've dropped six straight and 13 of 15 on the road.

"It's uphill time," manager Bruce Bochy told MLB's official website. "We know what's ahead of us. You don't back into the postseason from where we are."

Following three consecutive one-run losses at Dodger Stadium, San Francisco yielded 19 hits and committed two errors Thursday. Loser Ryan Vogelsong hit a two-run homer for the Giants, who have totaled 14 runs in the last six.

San Francisco has lost the last four starts by Chris Heston (11-8, 3.56 ERA), who struggled in his return from a week-long stay at Triple-A Sacramento during which he never pitched. The right-hander gave up five runs and nine hits in 3 2-3 innings of Sunday's 7-5 loss to the Cardinals to fall to 0-3 with a 5.79 ERA in five August starts.

He hasn't fared any better while going 1-1 with a 9.82 ERA at Coors Field this season.

Gonzalez is 1 for 6 against Heston but has recorded back-to-back two-homer games for the second time this year while going deep a career-high and NL-leading 35 times.

'We've seen stuff like this from him before. I don't know about at this level,' manager Walt Weiss said. 'It's pretty impressive right now what he's done, especially recently. We know all about the talent. When he gets rolling it's something to see.'

DJ LeMahieu is 6 for 9 when facing Heston and Charlie Blackmon is 5 for 9 with two home runs. Blackmon is batting .404 during a 14-game home hitting streak.

Jorge De La Rosa (8-6, 4.40) tries to help Colorado win three straight for the first time since a four-game run July 9-12. The left-hander struck out seven in six-plus innings before being ejected for arguing with home plate umpire Jeff Nelson in Sunday's 5-0 victory at Pittsburgh.

'I've seen this guy pitch for years and he challenges your discipline," Pirates manager and former Rockies skipper Clint Hurdle said about De La Rosa, who went 2-2 with a 2.87 ERA in six starts last month. "Added and subtracted velocity and spin. It's what he does."

De La Rosa yielded two runs and struck out seven in five innings of a 5-4, 11-inning home loss to San Francisco on April 25.

A lifetime .300 hitter against De La Rosa, Buster Posey is batting .483 in his last seven games.

Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford could miss a fourth straight game with a sore calf.

Concussion symptoms and a cervical neck strain have kept Colorado's Justin Morneau out since May 13, but he could return in this series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (70-62) at Angels (67-66)

Game: 1
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: September 04, 2015 10:05 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Angels have a terrific opportunity to gain ground on the Texas Rangers this weekend, and Garrett Richards gives them the perfect chance to start this three-game set Friday night on a winning note.

Richards has captured six straight starts against the Rangers for the Angels, who seek to avoid their first five-game home slide in two years.

Time is running out for Los Angeles (67-66) to get into playoff position. The Angels trail the Rangers (70-62) by 3 1/2 games for the AL's second wild card while Texas is hoping to overcome a two-game deficit in the West and catch Houston.

"We're right where we wanna be, we've just got to continue to take care of our business, not worry about anything else," Texas first baseman Mitch Moreland said.

The Angels are 8-4 versus the Rangers, with Richards (12-10, 3.80 ERA) beating them twice to run his record to 6-0 with a 1.98 ERA in six outings against them since the start of 2014. He is 7-1 with a 2.84 ERA in 12 starts against Texas, including 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA in seven at home.

Prince Fielder is 5 for 10 over the last two years against the right-hander, but Rougned Odor is 1 for 13 in that span.

Richards yielded three runs with nine strikeouts in seven innings Saturday and did not get a decision in an 8-3 loss at Cleveland. Los Angeles is 4-0 in his home starts against AL West foes.

Moreland will be back at first base Friday after he was forced to the bench for an interleague series this week in which Prince Fielder played the position. Texas took two of three in San Diego, with Moreland doubling home the go-ahead run in the 10th inning in Wednesday's 4-3 win.

The Rangers have won 15 out of 20.

'It's been a good stretch and we've got a ways to go,' manager Jeff Banister said. 'We've got to continue to play well and be on top of our game.'

Josh Hamilton returned as a pinch-hitter Wednesday after being out since Aug. 15 due to left knee inflammation. He was loudly booed during his return to Anaheim from July 24-26.

The Rangers will start Martin Perez (2-3, 5.15), who has gone 2-1 with a 3.13 ERA in his last five starts. The left-hander is 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA in two against the Angels from 2013.

Shane Victorino is expected to be in the Angels lineup since he is 3 for 3 off Perez and batting .266 off lefties compared to .197 versus righties.

The Angels last dropped five in a row at home from Aug. 4-16, 2013, and are opening a nine-game homestand after capturing a three-game set with Oakland with Wednesday's 9-4 victory.

Albert Pujols went deep to became one of four players with 10 35-homer seasons in their first 15 years.

'I've been blessed my whole career,' said Pujols, who has 555 homers and will pass Manny Ramirez for 14th all-time with his next one. 'I was born to play this game and to hit.'

Pujols has 35 homers - two more than Mike Trout, who has gone a career-worst 25 games without going deep. Trout is hitting .432 with four homers and 11 RBIs in the season series.