MLB Betting Info - Tuesday 5/3

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: Chicago Cubs (18-6) at Pittsburgh Pirates (15-11)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania



The Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates’ ace in the opener of the National League Central rivals’ three-game series, and now the Pirates need to return the favor to avoid a third straight loss. The visiting Cubs look to reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta to clinch a series victory in middle contest of the set on Tuesday.


The Cubs have won Arrieta’s last 18 starts – a franchise record – dating to July, and they’ve won his five turns this season by an average of 7.6 runs. Arrieta shut out the Pirates in his last visit to PNC Park for the NL Wild Card game in October. He defeated Pittsburgh ace Gerrit Cole in that one, a feat the Cubs were able to duplicate with a 7-2 victory in Monday’s series opener. Chicago has won 20 of its last 23 road games dating to last season.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WPWR (Chicago), ROOT (Pittsburgh)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (5-0, 1.00 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Jonathon Niese (3-0, 5.08)

Arrieta had a ho-hum outing Thursday, allowing one run and three hits over five innings to beat the Brewers. He walked four and struck out six as the Cubs didn’t give him a long leash coming off a 119-pitch no-hitter at Cincinnati in his previous start. Arrieta has dominated the Pirates, going 6-1 with a 1.68 ERA in nine career meetings.

Niese has been the beneficiary of great run support, as the Pirates have won each of his five starts despite his allowing four or more runs in four of them. The 29-year-old was roughed up for five runs and 10 hits in five innings at Colorado on Wednesday and has surrendered seven homers in 28 1/3 frames. Niese is 3-6 with a 4.76 ERA in 10 career starts against the Cubs.


WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 3B/LF Kris Bryant is 12-for-30 with six walks and two homers during his eight-game hitting streak.

2. Pittsburgh CF Andrew McCutchen’s two-run homer Monday gave the Pirates at least one blast in a season-high seven straight games and a total of 14 over that stretch.

3. Chicago OF Matt Szczur left Monday’s game with tightness in his right hamstring and is considered day-to-day.


PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Pirates 1

 

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: Texas Rangers (15-11) at Toronto Blue Jays (12-15)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario


Just like when the two teams met in the American League Division Series last fall, the first game between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays in 2016 was a tight affair. The Blue Jays will try to even the four-game set at one win apiece when they host the Rangers again on Tuesday.

Jose Bautista drew the ire of the Texas during that ALDS when he bashed a go-ahead home run off Sam Dyson and then flipped his bat before circling the bases but could not make the same magic happen on Monday. Bautista came up with two runners on against Dyson in the eighth inning but lined out to cap an 0-for-4 effort with a pair of strikeouts in a 2-1 loss. The Rangers could have used Nomar Mazara in that series last fall, and the rookie made his presence felt with a go-ahead solo home run in the eighth inning on Monday and an outfield assist in the bottom of the frame. Mazara was named the AL Rookie of the Month for April and is 3-for-9 with a homer and a pair of RBIs so far in May.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Southwest (Texas), Sportsnet One (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (1-2, 4.20 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (1-2, 2.92)

Perez picked up his first win of the season against the New York Yankees on Wednesday, surrendering two runs and six hits in six innings. The Venezuela native allowed three or fewer runs in four of his five starts but received more than three runs of support in only one of those outings. Perez had a chance to close out Toronto in Game 3 of the ALDS but was reached for four runs on six hits and three walks in five innings to suffer the loss.

Estrada worked seven scoreless innings to earn a win in his season debut on April 10, but is 0-2 with eight runs allowed in 17 2/3 innings over his last three outings. The 32-year-old had some trouble staying in the zone with eight walks in his last two starts and was reached for three runs in 6 2/3 innings in a loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. Estrada went up against Perez in Game 3 last fall and earned the win while permitting one run and scattering five hits without a walk in 6 1/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays SS Troy Tulowitzki is 1-for-20 with nine strikeouts in the last six games.

2. Texas DH Prince Fielder has hit safely in four straight games and six of seven to raise his batting average to .208.

3. Toronto CF Kevin Pillar is 6-for-11 in the last three games and recorded multiple hits in five of the last nine.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Rangers 4

 

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (12-15) at Miami Marlins (12-12)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida


A three-city, 10-game road trip likely would be reason enough for a club to welcome its nine-game homestand with open arms. The Miami Marlins haven't fared well in front of their fans, however, and take a less-than-desirable 2-7 home mark into the opener of a three-game series versus the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Former Diamondback Martin Prado hasn't missed a beat since returning from paternity leave, going 17-for-32 during his seven-game hitting streak to raise his batting average to a major league-best .410. The 32-year-old Venezuelan's fourth three-hit performance in five games came during a 14-5 setback to Milwaukee on Sunday, ending Miami's seven-game winning streak in the finale of its 10-game road trip. Life away from home is a desired location for Arizona, which begins a nine-game trek with an impressive 7-3 mark on the road - vastly better than its 5-12 record at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks concluded a disastrous 10-game homestand with a 3-7 mark and were outscored 20-5 during a three-game sweep by National League West-rival Colorado over the weekend.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (1-3, 4.88 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Justin Nicolino (1-0, 0.00)

Corbin was shelled for seven runs on as many hits in 5 2/3 innings on Wednesday to suffer his second straight loss with an 11-4 setback to St. Louis. The 26-year-old allowed five walks to drive up his pitch count against the Cardinals, but a more troubling concern is that he was taken deep for the seventh time this season. Corbin owns a 1-0 career mark against the Marlins, however, his last start versus the club was nearly three years ago (June 17, 2013).

Nicolino hit the ground running in his first start this season and 13th in the majors, answering his recall from Triple-A New Orleans by permitting two hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings in a 2-0 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 24-year-old is receiving an extended look while fellow hurler Jarred Cosart works out his troubles in the minors. Jean Segura is the lone Diamondback to have faced Nicolino in his major-league career, going 4-for-7.

WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona rookie LF Brandon Drury is enjoying quite the power surge with four homers, six RBIs and six runs scored in his last five contests.

2. Miami OF Giancarlo Stanton is riding a seven-game hitting streak (10-for-26) following an 0-for-12 stretch in his previous three contests.

3. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt is mired in a 3-for-19 slump with seven strikeouts over his last seven games.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 4, Marlins 3

 

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: Atlanta Braves (6-19) at New York Mets (16-8)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York


The New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves are in two very different spots on the competition cycle, and their meetings so far this season have illustrated that fact. The Mets will try to move to 5-0 against their National League East rivals when they host the Braves in the second of a three-game series on Tuesday.

New York won the NL pennant last season and is firmly in win-now mode, though its young pitching staff suggests a team that could be challenging for the World Series for the next several years. The Braves tore apart the roster over the last year and a half and are in full rebuild mode as they prepare to move into their new stadium in 2017. The Mets swept a three-game series at Atlanta last month and opened up the current series with an easy 4-1 victory on Monday behind eight strong innings from ageless wonder Bartolo Colon and home runs from David Wright, Yoenis Cespedes and Lucas Duda. The Braves are last in the NL in runs scored (80) and own the worst record in the majors at 6-19.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Matt Wisler (0-2, 4.26 ERA) vs. Mets RH Matt Harvey (2-3, 4.76)

Wisler is part of Atlanta’s push for the future and is trying to establish himself in his first full major-league season. The 23-year-old did not allow an earned run in 6 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 21, but was lit up for five runs on as many hits and three walks in five innings against Boston in his last outing. Wisler missed last month’s series against New York but is 2-1 with a 2.14 ERA in three career starts against the Mets.

Harvey got off to a slow start with losses in each of his first three turns but is beginning to turn things around. The Connecticut native struck out a season-high seven and allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings to beat Cincinnati on Wednesday. Harvey went five innings at Atlanta on April 22, allowing two runs in a win, and is 2-2 with a 2.92 ERA in four career starts against the Braves.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Braves made several roster moves prior to the series opener on Monday, including recalling INF Reid Brignac, 3B Matt Tuiasosopo and UTL Chase d’Arnaud.

2. Wright is 5-for-10 with a home run, three runs scored, two RBIs and four walks in the last three games.

3. Colon’s win was the 220 of his career, pushing him past Pedro Martinez (219) for second among Dominican-born pitchers (Juan Marichal, 243).

PREDICTION: Mets 6, Braves 2

 

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: San Francisco Giants (14-13) at Cincinnati Reds (10-16)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio


The Cincinnati Reds figured to go through some growing pains with their young starting pitchers, but it is the bullpen that has been the biggest problem. The Reds will try to stay away from that relief corps when they host the San Francisco Giants in the second of a three-game series on Tuesday.

Cincinnati’s bullpen allowed a 6-3 lead to slip away in a 9-6 loss on Monday, marking the 20th straight game in which the relievers have allowed at least one run. Brandon Crawford’s go-ahead, three-run homer off Drew Hayes in the seventh inning marked the major league-leading 22nd allowed by the Reds bullpen. San Francisco has won seven of its last 10 games to crawl above .500 at 14-13 and scored at least five runs in six of those seven victories. Crawford ended up with four RBIs on Monday while Brandon Belt went 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (3-1, 3.86 ERA) vs. Reds RH Jon Moscot (0-2, 4.02)

Samardzija endured his worst start since joining the Giants in the offseason last time out, when he was reached for five runs on five hits and a pair of walks in 5 2/3 innings against San Diego. The Notre Dame product, who surrendered three or fewer runs in each of his first four starts, was bailed out by the offense and ended up with the win in that turn. Samardzija is just 1-5 with a 4.30 ERA in 24 career games – 10 starts – against the Reds despite holding Joey Votto to 6-for-31 with no home runs.

Moscot is looking for his first win and has yet to complete six innings after three starts this season. The rookie went five innings at the New York Mets on Wednesday and was charged with three runs – one earned – on four hits and four walks. Moscot has issued nine walks while striking out just six in 15 2/3 total innings and is facing San Francisco for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants RF Hunter Pence was named National League Player of the Week on Monday after driving in 10 runs last week.

2. Cincinnati C Devin Mesoraco was placed on the 15-day DL on Monday with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

3. San Francisco OF Angel Pagan had an MRI reveal a Grade 1 hamstring strain and is expected to miss four or five days.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Reds 2

 

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (13-13) at Tampa Bay Rays (11-13)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida


The Los Angeles Dodgers attempt to get their struggling offense in gear as they begin a five-game interleague road trip against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. Los Angeles, which later visits Toronto, managed three hits while snapping a six-game slide with Sunday’s 1-0 victory over San Diego behind Clayton Kershaw and produced just 12 runs total in the last seven contests.

“I don’t know how it happened, but we got one,” Kershaw, who had 14 strikeouts as the Dodgers evened their record at 13-13, told the Los Angeles Times. “That’s good. We get that monkey off our back.” The Dodgers are 8-5 away from home and send former Rays left-hander Scott Kazmir to the mound in search of his 100th career victory as he faces southpaw Matt Moore. Tampa Bay has lost three of four and is having its own offensive troubles, standing last in the league in runs (77) and batting average (.221), but Evan Longoria has homered in back-to-back games. “I’m hitting mistakes a little better,” Longoria told reporters. “But I’d like them to come with runners in scoring position. It’s all about timely hitting, and I haven’t been doing a good job of that. Overall, we need to get better at that as a team.”

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet LA (Los Angeles), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Scott Kazmir (1-2, 5.76 ERA) vs. Rays LH Matt Moore (1-2, 3.66)

Kazmir has gone winless in his last four starts since a dazzling Dodgers debut on April 6 when he shut out San Diego on one hit over six innings. The 32-year-old, who won 55 games with Tampa Bay from 2004-2009, is also five strikeouts shy of 1,500 in his career. Longoria is 4-for-13 with a homer and four RBIs versus Kazmir, who has not fared well in five games against his former team (1-4, 5.13 ERA).

Moore had a solid April despite his record, allowing three or fewer runs in four of five starts while striking out 35 and walking just seven in 32 innings. The 26-year-old lost his last two starts, including last Wednesday when he permitted three runs on three hits in seven innings against Baltimore. Moore, who will face the Dodgers for the first time, has contained Adrian Gonzalez (1-for-7, three strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay 2B Logan Forsythe is 9-for-17 with three doubles, a homer and two RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.

2. Gonzalez is 0-for-20 over the last seven games and OF Yasiel Puig is 1-for-20 in his past five contests for the Dodgers.

3. The Dodgers swept a three-game series against the Rays at Los Angeles in 2013 and are making their first visit to Tampa Bay since 2007.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Dodgers 1

 

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (12-14) at Milwaukee Brewers (10-15)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin


The Milwaukee Brewers vie for their third straight victory as they continue their seven-game homestand with the middle contest of a three-game interleague set against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. Milwaukee dropped the first three contests of its stretch at home before routing Miami on Sunday and posting back-to-back four-run innings in an 8-5 triumph in Monday's series opener.

Ryan Braun, who reportedly has restructured his no-trade clause, appears to be locked in at the plate as the slugger has posted two straight three-hit performances and recorded four RBIs in his last three contests. Los Angeles fell to 1-3 on its six-game road trip despite a four-hit, three-RBI effort from Mike Trout on Monday. The 24-year-old former American League MVP has registered four of his six home runs and 12 of his 18 RBIs on the season over his last nine contests. Albert Pujols also has been swinging the bat well, recording a hit in seven of his last eight games while belting four of his six home runs in that span.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Nick Tropeano (1-0, 2.11 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Junior Guerra (2015: 0-0, 6.75)

Tropeano has pitched extremely well over his first four starts, allowing a total of five runs in 21 1/3 innings, but has issued 10 walks and has yet to last six frames. The 25-year-old from West Islip, New York has settled for a no-decision in each of his last three outings, including a 5 1/3-inning performance against Kansas City on Wednesday in which he yielded two runs and eight hits. Tropeano, who has yet to face Milwaukee in his career, has given up one run over 10 2/3 frames in two turns on the road this year.

Guerra will be recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs to replace the recently demoted Taylor Jungmann in the rotation. The 31-year-old Guerra will be making his first major-league start after appearing in three games in relief for the Chicago White Sox last season. The Venezuelan went 0-2 with a 4.63 ERA in four starts for the Sky Sox this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Angels are expected to be one of nearly 20 teams on hand to watch free-agent RHP Tim Lincecum throw in front of scouts on Friday in Arizona.

2. Milwaukee has received only six quality starts in 25 games this season, with RHP Jimmy Nelson recording four - including one on Monday.

3. Los Angeles OF Daniel Nava (knee) began a rehab assignment with Single-A Inland Empire on Monday.

PREDICTION: Angels 7, Brewers 3

 

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: Boston Red Sox (15-10) at Chicago White Sox (18-8)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois


The Chicago White Sox finally enjoyed a moment to exhale after an exhausting stretch of 19 games in as many days. With a night to catch their breath, the American League-leading White Sox (18-8) return to action Tuesday when they open a three-game series against the visiting Boston Red Sox.

Brett Lawrie highlighted a 6-for-14 surge over the last four contests by belting a homer for a career-high third straight day in Sunday's 7-1 triumph over Baltimore. "I'm just being myself, coming here every day with a good, positive attitude, putting music on, getting the boys rolling and having fun," Lawrie told the Chicago Tribune of the care-free White Sox, who won 13 of 19 during their pronounced stretch. East-leading Boston has done just fine its own right, winning seven of its last eight while scoring 20 of its AL-best 134 runs during a three-game sweep of the rival New York Yankees. Dustin Pedroia recorded his eighth multi-hit performance in 11 contests with three singles in Sunday's 8-7 victory over the Yankees, but is 1-for-9 in his career versus Tuesday starter Jose Quintana.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Steven Wright (2-2, 1.37 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Jose Quintana (3-1, 1.47)

Wright has yielded two earned runs or fewer in seven consecutive starts - including all four this season. The 31-year-old knuckleballer continued his stellar stretch Wednesday as he allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits in seven innings of a 9-4 triumph versus Atlanta. Wright has won two straight overall and emerged victorious in his lone career outing against Chicago on July 30 after he permitted two runs in seven frames and struck out eight.

Like Wright, Quintana has won two in a row - and has done so in spectacular fashion by scattering a combined four hits in 13 innings en route to 5-0 and 4-0 victories. The 27-year-old Colombian handcuffed Toronto in his last outing Wednesday, striking out a season-high 10 in six innings - although his three walks were a cause for concern. Quintana has also won both career decisions versus Boston while keeping the big bats of David Ortiz (2-for-12) and Hanley Ramirez (1-for-9) under wraps.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 1B Jose Abreu is 11-for-26 during a six-game hitting streak.

2. Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts has hit safely in four straight games (7-for-16) and 10 of his last 11.

3. Red Sox RHP Carson Smith (strained right flexor muscle) will be activated prior to Tuesday's game.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, White Sox 2

 

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: Minnesota Twins (8-18) at Houston Astros (8-18)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas


The Minnesota Twins recorded a rare road victory in the series opener and look to add another to their tally when they visit the Houston Astros on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Minnesota roughed up defending American League Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel en route to a 6-2 victory that improved its road record to 2-10.

The Twins snapped a four-game losing streak on Monday and received a strong contribution from the slumping Brian Dozier, who went 3-for-5 and scored twice after going hitless in 16 at-bats over his previous four games. Dozier, an All-Star last season as he set career highs for homers (28) and RBIs (77), is batting just .204 with three blasts this season. The Astros have been huge disappointments after making the playoffs last season, with Monday's defeat being their 10th in their last 13 games. Keuchel had won 17 consecutive home decisions before a shaky outing in which he lasted just 4 1/3 innings as Houston failed to win back-to-back games for the eighth consecutive time this season.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Alex Meyer (0-0, 18.00 ERA) vs. Astros RH Collin McHugh (2-3, 6.65)

Meyer is making his first major-league start after three career relief appearances. He was moved into the rotation to replace ineffective left-hander Tommy Milone, who was demoted to the bullpen. Meyer was touched for two runs, five hits and a walk in one inning of relief on Friday against Detroit and has a 17.18 ERA and 3.55 WHIP in 3 2/3 career frames.

McHugh ended a two-start losing streak by beating Seattle in his last turn, when he gave up two runs and five hits in five innings. He has been hit hard this season, allowing 36 hits in 21 2/3 frames as opposing hitters have a collective .367 batting average. McHugh is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA in three career starts against the Twins and has shut down Dozier (0-for-8) while struggling against Joe Mauer (3-for-6).

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros LF Colby Rasmus struck out in all four at-bats on Monday and is 1-for-14 over his last four contests.

2. Minnesota 3B Trevor Plouffe (intercostal strain) joined the team in Houston and is slated to be activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday.

3. Houston CF Carlos Gomez (ribcage) has missed three straight games but could be available before the series concludes.

PREDICTION: Astros 9, Twins 6

 

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: Washington Nationals (18-7) at Kansas City Royals (13-12)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri


Bryce Harper was named the National League Player of the Month for April, but the Washington Nationals star is experiencing a dry spell entering the middle contest of a three-game series with the host Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. Harper is just 2-for-21 over his last six games and has gone seven contests without a homer after recording a single in four at-bats during Monday's 2-0 series-opening victory.

Harper recorded nine homers and 24 RBIs while posting a .714 slugging percentage in his standout first month as he begins a run at his second consecutive NL MVP award. "Winning ball games is all that matters," Harper told reporters prior to Washington's fourth consecutive victory. "I think having a good approach, the right mindset when you walk into the clubhouse every single day and the (batter's) box, and enjoying the game. That’s what we're doing as a team, and that's what I'm doing as well." Defending world champion Kansas City has dropped six of its last seven games and been shut out in three of its last four contests. The Royals will try to break out of their offensive slump against Tanner Roark, who aims for his third consecutive stellar effort - he has allowed two hits over seven scoreless innings in each of his last two starts and struck out a career-best 15 in one of them.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (2-2, 2.03 ERA) vs. Royals RH Chris Young (1-4, 6.12)

Roark has struck out 21 in his last two starts after fanning just nine over 17 innings in his first three outings. He has gone seven frames without allowing a run three times this season, the other coming when he gave up four hits against Atlanta on April 13. Roark beat the Royals in his lone appearance against them as he yielded one hit in 4 2/3 scoreless innings of relief on Aug. 23, 2013.

Young is averaging just five innings per start and has worked six frames just once in five starts. He lost to the Los Angeles Angels in his last outing, when he gave up three runs and three hits - two homers - in 5 1/3 innings. Young is 3-2 with a 2.75 ERA in nine career starts against Washington and has experienced trouble retiring Harper (4-for-8, one homer) and Wilson Ramos (2-for-2, two homers).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals have scored only 11 runs in their last seven games.

2. Washington 2B Daniel Murphy recorded his first three-hit performance of the season on Monday - including his 1,000th career hit - to raise his batting average to .382.

3. Kansas City LF Alex Gordon is 2-for-22 with nine strikeouts over his last seven contests.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Royals 2

 

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (15-11) at St. Louis Cardinals (13-13)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri


After halting a four-game slide in the series opener, the St. Louis Cardinals look to make it two wins in a row as they continue their four-game set against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday. St. Louis rallied from an early 3-0 deficit Monday with 10 unanswered runs as starting pitcher Adam Wainwright helped his own cause by going 2-for-2 with a three-run homer.

The Cardinals belted a total of five home runs in the triumph - including one by Randal Grichuk, who ended his 0-for-20 drought with a pinch-hit double in the sixth inning. Monday's setback ended a six-game winning streak for Philadelphia, which kicked off a 10-game road trip while continuing a stretch during which it plays 16 of 19 away from home. Carlos Ruiz enters Tuesday's contest with a six-game hitting streak that has featured a pair of three-hit performances, including one in the series opener. Freddy Galvis has driven in at least one run in each of his last three games, collecting six of his 13 RBIs on the season in that span.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (1-2, 3.55 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (2-1, 3.07)

Nola has bounced back from a rough outing against Washington on April 16, allowing one run over seven innings at Milwaukee on April 22 for his first win of the season before tossing seven scoreless frames against the Nationals on the road in a no-decision on Thursday. The 22-year-old native of Louisiana has worked seven frames in four of his five turns this year while displaying good control with 37 strikeouts and only six walks in 33 frames. Nola, who has yet to face St. Louis in his career, has given up only two runs over 21 innings in three road starts this year.

Wacha is coming off his first loss of 2016, a seven-inning outing at Arizona on Thursday in which he allowed three runs and five hits with a season-high nine strikeouts. The 24-year-old Iowa native served up his first two homers of the year in that contest while throwing a career-high 114 pitches. Wacha has made two career starts against Philadelphia, going 1-1 while surrendering nine runs in 10 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies 3B Maikel Franco had reached base safely in every road game this season prior to Monday.

2. St. Louis leads the major leagues with 40 home runs and is tied for second with 11 triples - one behind San Francisco.

3. Galvis is 11-for-36 (.306) with six RBIs in nine career contests at Busch Stadium.

PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Cardinals 3

 

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: Seattle Mariners (14-11) at Oakland Athletics (13-14)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California


Oakland right-hander Sonny Gray has made 79 career starts and none of them have been shorter than his last outing. Gray will seek to rebound from the poor effort when the Athletics host the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday in the second contest of a three-game slate.

Gray lasted just two innings while losing to the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday when he allowed four runs, walked four and gave up two hits (one a homer). Gray will be trying to cool down Seattle second baseman Robinson Cano and designated hitter Nelson Cruz, who each had three hits in the Mariners' 4-3 series-opening victory Monday. Athletics left fielder Khris Davis had two homers and three RBIs in the loss to raise his season homer total to five — all coming the past 12 games. Oakland has lost seven of its last 10 games while Seattle has won 12 of its past 17 games after losing six of its first eight games.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (0-3, 4.65 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Sonny Gray (3-2, 3.81)

Iwakuma is winless in five starts and owns a 1.42 WHIP — significantly higher than his 1.10 career mark. He lost to the Houston Astros in his last turn when he gave up a season-worst five runs while lasting just five innings. Iwakuma is 5-5 with a 4.09 ERA in 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Oakland and has struggled against right fielder Josh Reddick (7-for-21) while keeping catcher Stephen Vogt (3-for-14) in check.

Gray has been struggling with his control and has walked four in two of his five starts and has issued 15 overall in 28 1/3 innings. He pitched six or more innings in each of his first four starts — winning three of them — and allowed three runs or fewer on each occasion. Gray is 4-1 with a 2.14 ERA in nine career starts against Seattle and has shut down center fielder Leonys Martin (4-for-30, 10 strikeouts) and catcher Chris Iannetta (1-for-15).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Mariners are 20-11 in Oakland since the beginning of the 2013 season — including five straight victories.

2. Vogt had three hits in the opener and is 7-for-20 during a five-game hitting streak.

3. Seattle LF Nori Aoki had two hits Monday for just his third multi-hit outing of the season.

PREDICTION: Athletics 3, Mariners 2

 

[NewYorkKnight]

GAME: Colorado Rockies (12-13) at San Diego Padres (10-16)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 03 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California


Colorado’s Trevor Story is eager to prove he’s more than a one-month wonder. The 23-year-old shortstop, who was named the National League Rookie of the Month after belting 10 home runs in April, aims to build on his stellar start Tuesday as the Rockies continue their three-game series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

Story batted .261 with 20 RBIs and 19 runs scored in April to lead the Rockies, who saw their three-game winning streak come to an end in Monday’s 2-1 loss to the Padres. Story has opened May by going 1-for-8 with three strikeouts while hitting third in the order, one spot ahead of third baseman Nolan Arenado, who is hitting .462 with four home runs in his last six games. The Padres don’t have anyone nearly as hot as Arenado, but first baseman Wil Myers has sparked the offense by hitting .323 over his last 23 games. Third baseman Brett Wallace could make his second consecutive start Tuesday as manager Andy Green looks to get more left-handed bats in the lineup against right-handed starters.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Eddie Butler (0-0, 3.86 ERA) vs. Padres RH Andrew Cashner (1-2, 4.94)

Butler is set to make his first start of the season after throwing 2 1/3 innings of relief against Pittsburgh in his season debut Wednesday. “In the short outing we saw the other day, he was throwing strikes again,” manager Walt Weiss told reporters. “He did that in the minor leagues, and he’s always been a strike thrower.” The 25-year-old was went 3-10 last season in 16 starts, with one of the losses coming at San Diego on May 1, 2015, when he allowed five runs (three earned) over four frames.

Cashner recorded his shortest outing since 2013 on Wednesday, when he yielded six runs (three earned) on four hits and four walks over 2 2/3 innings against San Francisco. “That game was the aberration,” Green told MLB.com. “Look at the two (starts) before that. He threw the ball very well.” DJ LeMahieu is 5-for-12 against Cashner, who is 1-3 with a 6.08 ERA in 11 career games (six starts) against the Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Diego is 18-5 in its last 23 games against the Rockies at Petco Park.

2. The Rockies are 2-7 when they don't hit a home run.

3. The Padres recalled INF/OF Alex Dickerson from Triple-A El Paso and designated LHP Michael Kirkman for assignment.

PREDICTION: Padres 6, Rockies 4

 

[NewYorkKnight]

Only 7 pitchers have won 17 straight decisions in liveball era. Arrieta could make it 8 tonight vs. Pirates.


Cubs have won Arrieta's last 13 reg. season road starts with avg margin of victory 4.85 runs.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

Indians are 11-1 in Josh Tomlin's last 12 starts, have beaten Tigers in 6 of last 7 meetings.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

Marco Estrada Under trends ... 3-0 career vs Rangers, 7-0-1 in last 8 overall, 9-2 in last 11 at home.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

Since joining the Cubs, Jake Arrieta has gone 52-23 (69.3%) with +20.33 units won -- the best mark in baseball.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

Visiting dogs getting less than 50% of money bet on them have won +24.8 units including +9.7 units last 2 days.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

Cubs - Jason Heyward (Wrist) is not in the starting lineup Tuesday (5/3) at Pittsburgh

 

[NewYorkKnight]

Pirates - Starling Marte (Rest) is not in the starting lineup Tuesday (5/3) vs. Chicago Cubs