Sleepyj
Colorado +131
I'm not sold on Bolsinger here for the Dodgers...I think he will have a tough time here navigating through this Rockies lineup...IMO this is a pitching mismatch here...Dodgers looked great last night when they bopped Atlanta with Wisler on the mound for the Braves....Braves clearly wanted no part of using the bullpen early and Wisler was serving up meatballs for the Dodgers offense last night...I doubt Chatwood for the Rockies does that here tonight...Chatwood has been solid all season...When his ERA comes into play, his ERA get a bump up at home..That's not uncommon being at Coors field..Over the years it's tough to find a Rockies pitcher who's ERA is ever in the 2.99 area..Well Chatwood has that exact ERA and he has been solid on the road this year....In fact Chatwood has not lost a road start this year and is 4-0...He earned a No Dec. in one game, but the Rockies on the road w/ Chatwood are 5-0 this year..Facing Bolsinger tonight gives us a very good chance here...Checks out what Chatwood does when he gets a second look at a team this year...He faced a few teams twice and the 2nd time around he was much better...AZ looked better the 2nd time around..Improvement though shows with Chatwood...Rockies lineup is a tough lineup to deal with and so is the Dodgers if it's hitting well...I think we have a pitching mismatch here tonight and I'll side with Chatwood and the Rockies at a decent dog price.
Atlanta / San Diego Over 7.5
My numbers have this game at 8o20...So 7.5 looks to be of value here..Two pitchers on the mound that I can't trust one bit..Even with the lack of power and bats in these lineups, something just doesn't add up here for me..I'll put a unit on the over here.
Colorado +131
I'm not sold on Bolsinger here for the Dodgers...I think he will have a tough time here navigating through this Rockies lineup...IMO this is a pitching mismatch here...Dodgers looked great last night when they bopped Atlanta with Wisler on the mound for the Braves....Braves clearly wanted no part of using the bullpen early and Wisler was serving up meatballs for the Dodgers offense last night...I doubt Chatwood for the Rockies does that here tonight...Chatwood has been solid all season...When his ERA comes into play, his ERA get a bump up at home..That's not uncommon being at Coors field..Over the years it's tough to find a Rockies pitcher who's ERA is ever in the 2.99 area..Well Chatwood has that exact ERA and he has been solid on the road this year....In fact Chatwood has not lost a road start this year and is 4-0...He earned a No Dec. in one game, but the Rockies on the road w/ Chatwood are 5-0 this year..Facing Bolsinger tonight gives us a very good chance here...Checks out what Chatwood does when he gets a second look at a team this year...He faced a few teams twice and the 2nd time around he was much better...AZ looked better the 2nd time around..Improvement though shows with Chatwood...Rockies lineup is a tough lineup to deal with and so is the Dodgers if it's hitting well...I think we have a pitching mismatch here tonight and I'll side with Chatwood and the Rockies at a decent dog price.
Atlanta / San Diego Over 7.5
My numbers have this game at 8o20...So 7.5 looks to be of value here..Two pitchers on the mound that I can't trust one bit..Even with the lack of power and bats in these lineups, something just doesn't add up here for me..I'll put a unit on the over here.
Will Rogers
Pittsburgh vs. San Jose
Pick: Under
The Pittsburgh Penguins made the most of their home ice advantage in the first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals, but the San Jose Sharks took one game back with a 3-2 overtime victory here at SAP Center Saturday night. Game 4 will likely be even tighter than the previous three contests.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Goaltending - Both these young netminders are at the top of their game, and so far in this series they have rarely been beaten when they can see the puck. Most of the goals in this series have been of the "garbage" variety. Screen shots, deflections etc.
2. Special Teams - The Sharks were a rare 0-for-3 on the man advantage in Saturday's game, while the Pens are 0-for-6 on the power play in the series. The referees have been letting them play, resulting in fewer chances with the power-play.
3. X-Factor - The under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings, and Pittsburgh has gone under in six straight in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Pittsburgh vs. San Jose
Pick: Under
The Pittsburgh Penguins made the most of their home ice advantage in the first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals, but the San Jose Sharks took one game back with a 3-2 overtime victory here at SAP Center Saturday night. Game 4 will likely be even tighter than the previous three contests.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Goaltending - Both these young netminders are at the top of their game, and so far in this series they have rarely been beaten when they can see the puck. Most of the goals in this series have been of the "garbage" variety. Screen shots, deflections etc.
2. Special Teams - The Sharks were a rare 0-for-3 on the man advantage in Saturday's game, while the Pens are 0-for-6 on the power play in the series. The referees have been letting them play, resulting in fewer chances with the power-play.
3. X-Factor - The under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings, and Pittsburgh has gone under in six straight in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Larry Ness
Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Rockies snapped a four-game skid with Sunday's 10-3 win over San Diego, moving to 25-31 on the season. Colorado heads to LA to open a three-game series against the Dodgers, who moved to 31-27 after Sunday's 12-6 victory over the Braves. The Rockies are looking for back-to-back wins for only the second time since the team won FIVE in a row back from May 11 through May 17. As for the Dodgers, they have a chance to win four in a row for the second time this season.
The pitching matchup features Colorados Tyler Chatwood (6-4, 2.99 ERA) and LAs Mike Bolsinger (1-2, 4.20 ERA). Chatwood (from the Los Angeles area) had Tommy John surgery after his fourth start in 2014 and missed all of last season while recovering. He gave up one earned run over his previous two starts combined, before a hiccup Wednesday, when he allowed five runs (four earned) in 5.2 innings of a 7-2 loss to Cincinnati. He also walked a season high-tying three in his shortest start since going a season-low four innings in a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers back on April 23. "He wasn't real crisp," Colorado manager Walt Weiss said. "Location was a little off, especially with the fastball. Got in a lot of tough counts. Wasn't as sharp as we've seen him lately."
However, he should be happy to be back out on the road after four of his last five outings came in Colorado. Chatwood is 4-0 with a major league-best 0.53 ERA and hasn't allowed a homer in five starts outside of Coors Field (Rockies are a perfect 5-0). In stark contrast, his ERA is 5.30 in six starts (hes 2-4) at Coors Field! Its still VERY early but the only pitcher to finish a season with a sub-1.00 ERA with at least five starts on the road is St Louis legend Bob Gibson with a 0.81 mark in 1968. The New York Mets' Steven Matz's 1.32 road ERA is the next best behind Chatwood.
Bolsinger has made three starts in two stints with the Dodgers this season. He hasn't thrown more than 85 pitches in any of them and gave up two runs and two hits in five innings of Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs. "First start was a little iffy, but other than that it's actually been feeling pretty good," Bolsinger said. "It's a progression every outing. It seems to be getting better and better. Definitely looking forward to Monday." His lone victory of 2016 came in his only start at Dodger Stadium this year, beating Cincinnati on May 24. He's 5-3 with a 3.26 ERA at Chavez Ravine since joining Los Angeles, including six scoreless innings against the Rockies there on May 17, 2015.
Anyone really think Chatwoods headed for 1968-like Bob Gibson season Heck, does anyone think hes even in the class of the Mets Matz Take the Dodgers.
Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Rockies snapped a four-game skid with Sunday's 10-3 win over San Diego, moving to 25-31 on the season. Colorado heads to LA to open a three-game series against the Dodgers, who moved to 31-27 after Sunday's 12-6 victory over the Braves. The Rockies are looking for back-to-back wins for only the second time since the team won FIVE in a row back from May 11 through May 17. As for the Dodgers, they have a chance to win four in a row for the second time this season.
The pitching matchup features Colorados Tyler Chatwood (6-4, 2.99 ERA) and LAs Mike Bolsinger (1-2, 4.20 ERA). Chatwood (from the Los Angeles area) had Tommy John surgery after his fourth start in 2014 and missed all of last season while recovering. He gave up one earned run over his previous two starts combined, before a hiccup Wednesday, when he allowed five runs (four earned) in 5.2 innings of a 7-2 loss to Cincinnati. He also walked a season high-tying three in his shortest start since going a season-low four innings in a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers back on April 23. "He wasn't real crisp," Colorado manager Walt Weiss said. "Location was a little off, especially with the fastball. Got in a lot of tough counts. Wasn't as sharp as we've seen him lately."
However, he should be happy to be back out on the road after four of his last five outings came in Colorado. Chatwood is 4-0 with a major league-best 0.53 ERA and hasn't allowed a homer in five starts outside of Coors Field (Rockies are a perfect 5-0). In stark contrast, his ERA is 5.30 in six starts (hes 2-4) at Coors Field! Its still VERY early but the only pitcher to finish a season with a sub-1.00 ERA with at least five starts on the road is St Louis legend Bob Gibson with a 0.81 mark in 1968. The New York Mets' Steven Matz's 1.32 road ERA is the next best behind Chatwood.
Bolsinger has made three starts in two stints with the Dodgers this season. He hasn't thrown more than 85 pitches in any of them and gave up two runs and two hits in five innings of Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs. "First start was a little iffy, but other than that it's actually been feeling pretty good," Bolsinger said. "It's a progression every outing. It seems to be getting better and better. Definitely looking forward to Monday." His lone victory of 2016 came in his only start at Dodger Stadium this year, beating Cincinnati on May 24. He's 5-3 with a 3.26 ERA at Chavez Ravine since joining Los Angeles, including six scoreless innings against the Rockies there on May 17, 2015.
Anyone really think Chatwoods headed for 1968-like Bob Gibson season Heck, does anyone think hes even in the class of the Mets Matz Take the Dodgers.
Martin Griffiths
Bolivia vs Panama
Play: Draw +220
Panama face Bolivia in the opening Group D fixture of the Copa America, with the two sides set to fight out a tightly contested match.
Panama are undoubtedly one of the minnow countries competing this year, and have a poor record in recent tournaments. Los Canaleros laboured to third place in the 2015 Gold Cup, drawing five of their six games and rarely threatening other sides. While Hernan Dario Gomez’s squad are capable of mounting a somewhat organised defence, their ageing attack leaves much to be desired. Panama’s two most prolific strikers on the international stage, Blas Perez and Luis Tejeda, have struggled to make much of an impact lately, with just a single win in their past five matches.
Bolivia enter the tournament on a terrible run of form, losing nine of their past ten fixtures, often by significant margins. In preparation for the Copa America, Bolivia faced hosts the United States in a friendly, and were defeated 4-0. However, La Verde have mainly been playing against much-higher ranked teams and demonstrated some general improvement, including scoring twice against Colombia in March. Although they may not be able to secure victory over Panama, the two sides are closely ranked and they should be able to at least manage to earn a point.
Overall, I predict that Panama and Bolivia will both be eager to secure points in a difficult Group D, but that nothing will separate the teams and the match will end in a draw.
Bolivia vs Panama
Play: Draw +220
Panama face Bolivia in the opening Group D fixture of the Copa America, with the two sides set to fight out a tightly contested match.
Panama are undoubtedly one of the minnow countries competing this year, and have a poor record in recent tournaments. Los Canaleros laboured to third place in the 2015 Gold Cup, drawing five of their six games and rarely threatening other sides. While Hernan Dario Gomez’s squad are capable of mounting a somewhat organised defence, their ageing attack leaves much to be desired. Panama’s two most prolific strikers on the international stage, Blas Perez and Luis Tejeda, have struggled to make much of an impact lately, with just a single win in their past five matches.
Bolivia enter the tournament on a terrible run of form, losing nine of their past ten fixtures, often by significant margins. In preparation for the Copa America, Bolivia faced hosts the United States in a friendly, and were defeated 4-0. However, La Verde have mainly been playing against much-higher ranked teams and demonstrated some general improvement, including scoring twice against Colombia in March. Although they may not be able to secure victory over Panama, the two sides are closely ranked and they should be able to at least manage to earn a point.
Overall, I predict that Panama and Bolivia will both be eager to secure points in a difficult Group D, but that nothing will separate the teams and the match will end in a draw.
Power Sports
Houston vs. Texas
Pick: Houston
These AL West rivals are both coming off impressive weekend performances. Houston swept Oakland while Texas did the same to Seattle. Speaking of sweeps, the Rangers have already done that twice to the Astros this season. But Monday's opener looks like a great spot for the Astros to get revenge, at least from where I sit.
For a second straight year, the oddsmakers appear to be greatly undervaluing the Rangers. They led all of baseball in net units last year (+30.7) and are doing the same again here in 2016 (+16.9). The public certainly appears to love them here (82% of tickets written), but curiously the line is moving in the other direction. That tells me that there's definitely some "sharp" money on the road team here. It's probably time to "sell high" on Texas, who has lost only three times in its last 15 games. Despite the YTD performance at the betting window, I'm not convinced that the Rangers are this good.
Houston is also a hot club right now, having won 11 of their last 13 games. They've been one of the bigger disappointments so far, but there's still a lot of time to turn things around. Starting tonight will be Michael Fiers, who has allowed 2 ER or less in five of his last seven starts. He was a bit of a hard-luck loser in the last series w/ Texas as he allowed just two runs in 7 IP w/ a 6-0 KW ratio. But it was a 2-1 final. I like Fiers better than Texas' starter Colby Lewis, who allowed 6 ER in his last home start. It's time for the Rangers to cool off, plain and simple.
Houston vs. Texas
Pick: Houston
These AL West rivals are both coming off impressive weekend performances. Houston swept Oakland while Texas did the same to Seattle. Speaking of sweeps, the Rangers have already done that twice to the Astros this season. But Monday's opener looks like a great spot for the Astros to get revenge, at least from where I sit.
For a second straight year, the oddsmakers appear to be greatly undervaluing the Rangers. They led all of baseball in net units last year (+30.7) and are doing the same again here in 2016 (+16.9). The public certainly appears to love them here (82% of tickets written), but curiously the line is moving in the other direction. That tells me that there's definitely some "sharp" money on the road team here. It's probably time to "sell high" on Texas, who has lost only three times in its last 15 games. Despite the YTD performance at the betting window, I'm not convinced that the Rangers are this good.
Houston is also a hot club right now, having won 11 of their last 13 games. They've been one of the bigger disappointments so far, but there's still a lot of time to turn things around. Starting tonight will be Michael Fiers, who has allowed 2 ER or less in five of his last seven starts. He was a bit of a hard-luck loser in the last series w/ Texas as he allowed just two runs in 7 IP w/ a 6-0 KW ratio. But it was a 2-1 final. I like Fiers better than Texas' starter Colby Lewis, who allowed 6 ER in his last home start. It's time for the Rangers to cool off, plain and simple.
Preview: Royals at Orioles
Current Conditions - Baltimore
CLOUDY 69 °F
Wind: N 3
5-Day Forecast GAME: Kansas City Royals (30-26) at Baltimore Orioles (32-23)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Baltimore Orioles and the visiting Kansas City Royals are both battling for supremacy in their respective division as they take the fight to each other Monday to open a three-game series. Kansas City squandered the top spot in the American League Central while dropping four straight at Cleveland over the weekend to begin its 10-game road trip.
The Royals went into Cleveland on Sunday with a 2 1/2-game lead over the Indians in the division but left on Sunday 1 1/2 back after being outscored 25-6 in the sweep. Kansas City managed three hits in Sunday’s 7-0 loss and fell to 11-19 on the road with six games left on a trek that also includes three contests against the Chicago White Sox. The Orioles had their own problems on offense Sunday until a rain delay helped the team find its form. Baltimore trailed 1-0 before the delay but pounded out three runs in the eighth against Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman to earn a 3-1 victory over the New York Yankees and move back into a virtual tie for first place in the AL East with the Boston Red Sox.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (1-0, 3.44 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Mike Wright (2-3, 5.88)
Duffy is making his fifth straight start since returning to the rotation and is trying to pick up back-to-back wins. The 27-year-old allowed three runs and seven hits over six innings to pick up a win over Tampa Bay on Wednesday in his longest outing of the campaign. Duffy, who is 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA in six career games (four starts) against Baltimore, has 40 strikeouts and seven walks in 36 2/3 total innings.
Wright was bumped from the rotation and sent to Triple-A Norfolk after getting rocked for six runs on seven hits – four home runs – in 2 2/3 innings at Boston on Wednesday but found himself back on the Orioles roster when Darren O’Day went on the disabled list with a hamstring injury the next day. Wright is likely just keeping the rotation spot warm until Yovani Gallardo (shoulder), who is making a minor-league rehab start on Tuesday, is able to rejoin the rotation. Wright was ripped for five runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings to suffer a loss at Kansas City on April 24.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles C Matt Wieters recorded seven RBIs in his last four games.
2. Kansas City DH Kendrys Morales is 1-for-15 with four strikeouts in the last four games, dropping his batting average to .191.
3. Baltimore C Francisco Pena is 4-for-7 with a home run and three runs scored in his first two games this season.
PREDICTION: Royals 8, Orioles 4
Current Conditions - Baltimore
CLOUDY 69 °F
Wind: N 3
5-Day Forecast GAME: Kansas City Royals (30-26) at Baltimore Orioles (32-23)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Baltimore Orioles and the visiting Kansas City Royals are both battling for supremacy in their respective division as they take the fight to each other Monday to open a three-game series. Kansas City squandered the top spot in the American League Central while dropping four straight at Cleveland over the weekend to begin its 10-game road trip.
The Royals went into Cleveland on Sunday with a 2 1/2-game lead over the Indians in the division but left on Sunday 1 1/2 back after being outscored 25-6 in the sweep. Kansas City managed three hits in Sunday’s 7-0 loss and fell to 11-19 on the road with six games left on a trek that also includes three contests against the Chicago White Sox. The Orioles had their own problems on offense Sunday until a rain delay helped the team find its form. Baltimore trailed 1-0 before the delay but pounded out three runs in the eighth against Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman to earn a 3-1 victory over the New York Yankees and move back into a virtual tie for first place in the AL East with the Boston Red Sox.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (1-0, 3.44 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Mike Wright (2-3, 5.88)
Duffy is making his fifth straight start since returning to the rotation and is trying to pick up back-to-back wins. The 27-year-old allowed three runs and seven hits over six innings to pick up a win over Tampa Bay on Wednesday in his longest outing of the campaign. Duffy, who is 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA in six career games (four starts) against Baltimore, has 40 strikeouts and seven walks in 36 2/3 total innings.
Wright was bumped from the rotation and sent to Triple-A Norfolk after getting rocked for six runs on seven hits – four home runs – in 2 2/3 innings at Boston on Wednesday but found himself back on the Orioles roster when Darren O’Day went on the disabled list with a hamstring injury the next day. Wright is likely just keeping the rotation spot warm until Yovani Gallardo (shoulder), who is making a minor-league rehab start on Tuesday, is able to rejoin the rotation. Wright was ripped for five runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings to suffer a loss at Kansas City on April 24.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles C Matt Wieters recorded seven RBIs in his last four games.
2. Kansas City DH Kendrys Morales is 1-for-15 with four strikeouts in the last four games, dropping his batting average to .191.
3. Baltimore C Francisco Pena is 4-for-7 with a home run and three runs scored in his first two games this season.
PREDICTION: Royals 8, Orioles 4
Preview: Angels at Yankees
Current Conditions - Bronx
CLOUDY 72 °F
Wind: SW 5
5-Day Forecast GAME: Los Angeles Angels (26-30) at New York Yankees (26-30)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Yankees have every reason to throw their suitcases toward the back of their closets following a grueling stretch of road contests. Losers of five of their last seven to conclude a run of 17-of-20 away from home, the Yankees will look to bounce back and continue their dominating run against the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Monday when the clubs open a four-game series.
Alex Rodriguez had an RBI single among his two hits in Sunday's 3-1 setback to Baltimore and is 8-for-21 with three runs driven in during his last five games. While the veteran looks to continue his torrid stretch, New York would like to do the same versus Los Angeles as it has won 12 of the last 17 encounters - including a sweep at Yankee Stadium in 2015. Former Yankee Gregorio Petit had an RBI double to help the Angels overcome a three-run deficit and record their fourth win in six outings with a 5-4 victory over Pittsburgh on Sunday. The 31-year-old Venezuelan, who played 20 games with New York last season, is 5-for-17 with two RBIs and two runs scored in his last five contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (3-6, 5.50 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (3-1, 2.78)
Shoemaker recorded his third consecutive strong start on Wednesday but found himself on the wrong end of a decision after allowing two runs in seven innings of a 3-0 setback to Detroit. The 29-year-old fanned eight batters versus the Tigers and has struck out a franchise-record 33 since issuing his last walk. Shoemaker suffered the loss in his lone career encounter with the Yankees despite permitting just two runs in 5 2/3 innings.
Tanaka turned in his third straight solid outing on Wednesday, but he yielded two runs in six innings to suffer his first loss of the season in a 7-0 setback at Toronto. The 27-year-old Japanese star struck out just two versus the Blue Jays but fanned 11 in 6 1/3 frames in his lone career appearance against the Angels. Tanaka has kept the ball in the park in each of his last three outings after serving up four homers in his previous two.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles 1B/DH Albert Pujols has hit safely in eight of his last nine games, with three homers and eight RBIs included in that stretch.
2. New York RHP Dellin Betances has permitted at least one run in each of his last four appearances.
3. Angels SS Andrelton Simmons, who has been sidelined since May 9 with a thumb injury, is expected to start a rehab assignment Monday for Single-A Inland Empire.
PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Angels 1
Current Conditions - Bronx
CLOUDY 72 °F
Wind: SW 5
5-Day Forecast GAME: Los Angeles Angels (26-30) at New York Yankees (26-30)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Yankees have every reason to throw their suitcases toward the back of their closets following a grueling stretch of road contests. Losers of five of their last seven to conclude a run of 17-of-20 away from home, the Yankees will look to bounce back and continue their dominating run against the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Monday when the clubs open a four-game series.
Alex Rodriguez had an RBI single among his two hits in Sunday's 3-1 setback to Baltimore and is 8-for-21 with three runs driven in during his last five games. While the veteran looks to continue his torrid stretch, New York would like to do the same versus Los Angeles as it has won 12 of the last 17 encounters - including a sweep at Yankee Stadium in 2015. Former Yankee Gregorio Petit had an RBI double to help the Angels overcome a three-run deficit and record their fourth win in six outings with a 5-4 victory over Pittsburgh on Sunday. The 31-year-old Venezuelan, who played 20 games with New York last season, is 5-for-17 with two RBIs and two runs scored in his last five contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (3-6, 5.50 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (3-1, 2.78)
Shoemaker recorded his third consecutive strong start on Wednesday but found himself on the wrong end of a decision after allowing two runs in seven innings of a 3-0 setback to Detroit. The 29-year-old fanned eight batters versus the Tigers and has struck out a franchise-record 33 since issuing his last walk. Shoemaker suffered the loss in his lone career encounter with the Yankees despite permitting just two runs in 5 2/3 innings.
Tanaka turned in his third straight solid outing on Wednesday, but he yielded two runs in six innings to suffer his first loss of the season in a 7-0 setback at Toronto. The 27-year-old Japanese star struck out just two versus the Blue Jays but fanned 11 in 6 1/3 frames in his lone career appearance against the Angels. Tanaka has kept the ball in the park in each of his last three outings after serving up four homers in his previous two.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles 1B/DH Albert Pujols has hit safely in eight of his last nine games, with three homers and eight RBIs included in that stretch.
2. New York RHP Dellin Betances has permitted at least one run in each of his last four appearances.
3. Angels SS Andrelton Simmons, who has been sidelined since May 9 with a thumb injury, is expected to start a rehab assignment Monday for Single-A Inland Empire.
PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Angels 1
Preview: Cubs at Phillies
Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Chicago Cubs (39-16) at Philadelphia Phillies (28-29)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago Cubs haven't done much wrong this season en route to posting the second-best 55-game start in franchise history, although they have come up short in each of Jake Arrieta's last two outings. Jon Lester attempts to pick up the Cubs for the second straight time after a loss in a game started by their ace Monday, when they begin a nine-game road trip with the first of three against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Since falling to 29-14 at the end of a three-game skid on May 23, Chicago (39-16) is 0-2 in games started by Arrieta and unbeaten in its other 10 contests. Lester has recorded two wins in that stretch, including a 6-2 triumph over the Phillies on May 27 and a four-hit complete game in a 2-1 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. The loss to Lester sent Philadelphia into a season-worst seven-game tailspin during which it totaled 12 runs, but the Phillies showed signs of getting their offense back on track with a 6-3 home triumph over Milwaukee on Friday and an 8-1 rout of the Brewers to earn a split of their four-game set. At the center of Philadelphia's offensive resurgence was rookie Tommy Joseph, who went 7-for-16 in the Milwaukee series, and Cameron Rupp, who homered and finished with two hits in each of the wins.
TV: 7 p.m. ET; ESPN2, CSN Chicago, CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (6-3, 2.29 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Adam Morgan (1-4, 7.07)
Lester began June in dominating fashion Wednesday, fanning 10 en route to his first complete game of the season in the victory over the Dodgers. In addition to holding the opposition to fewer than two earned runs for the eighth time this season, the three-time All-Star notched his 28th career 10-strikeout performance - and third of 2016. Lester gave up two runs (one earned) in a win versus the Phillies in his previous outing, improving to 5-0 with a 1.71 ERA in seven starts against them.
Morgan's hold on a rotation spot grew even more tenuous following Wednesday's 7-2 home setback to Washington in which he surrendered six runs over as many innings. The outing marked the third time in the last four - all losses - that the 26-year-old Alabama product has yielded at least six runs after earning his only win at Atlanta on May 10. One of those poor turns came in his previous start against Lester and the Cubs on May 27, when he surrendered six runs - including three homers - in four innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago is a major league-best 17-8 on the road but has dropped five of its last nine away from Wrigley Field.
2. Phillies MGR Pete Mackanin told reporters 1B Ryan Howard will return from his brief sabbatical during this series as Joseph has started the last five games in place of the three-time All-Star, who is batting .151.
3. Cubs RF Jason Heyward and 1B Anthony Rizzo are expected to return to the lineup after getting Sunday off.
PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Phillies 2
Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Chicago Cubs (39-16) at Philadelphia Phillies (28-29)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago Cubs haven't done much wrong this season en route to posting the second-best 55-game start in franchise history, although they have come up short in each of Jake Arrieta's last two outings. Jon Lester attempts to pick up the Cubs for the second straight time after a loss in a game started by their ace Monday, when they begin a nine-game road trip with the first of three against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Since falling to 29-14 at the end of a three-game skid on May 23, Chicago (39-16) is 0-2 in games started by Arrieta and unbeaten in its other 10 contests. Lester has recorded two wins in that stretch, including a 6-2 triumph over the Phillies on May 27 and a four-hit complete game in a 2-1 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. The loss to Lester sent Philadelphia into a season-worst seven-game tailspin during which it totaled 12 runs, but the Phillies showed signs of getting their offense back on track with a 6-3 home triumph over Milwaukee on Friday and an 8-1 rout of the Brewers to earn a split of their four-game set. At the center of Philadelphia's offensive resurgence was rookie Tommy Joseph, who went 7-for-16 in the Milwaukee series, and Cameron Rupp, who homered and finished with two hits in each of the wins.
TV: 7 p.m. ET; ESPN2, CSN Chicago, CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (6-3, 2.29 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Adam Morgan (1-4, 7.07)
Lester began June in dominating fashion Wednesday, fanning 10 en route to his first complete game of the season in the victory over the Dodgers. In addition to holding the opposition to fewer than two earned runs for the eighth time this season, the three-time All-Star notched his 28th career 10-strikeout performance - and third of 2016. Lester gave up two runs (one earned) in a win versus the Phillies in his previous outing, improving to 5-0 with a 1.71 ERA in seven starts against them.
Morgan's hold on a rotation spot grew even more tenuous following Wednesday's 7-2 home setback to Washington in which he surrendered six runs over as many innings. The outing marked the third time in the last four - all losses - that the 26-year-old Alabama product has yielded at least six runs after earning his only win at Atlanta on May 10. One of those poor turns came in his previous start against Lester and the Cubs on May 27, when he surrendered six runs - including three homers - in four innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago is a major league-best 17-8 on the road but has dropped five of its last nine away from Wrigley Field.
2. Phillies MGR Pete Mackanin told reporters 1B Ryan Howard will return from his brief sabbatical during this series as Joseph has started the last five games in place of the three-time All-Star, who is batting .151.
3. Cubs RF Jason Heyward and 1B Anthony Rizzo are expected to return to the lineup after getting Sunday off.
PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Phillies 2
Preview: Mets at Pirates
Current Conditions - Pittsburgh
SUNNY 66 °F
Wind: S 7
5-Day Forecast
GAME: New York Mets (31-24) at Pittsburgh Pirates (30-26)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets are both sitting in second place in their respective National League divisions and looking to move up, though neither of them appears to be at the top of their game. The Pirates will be looking to win for only the second time in seven contests when they host the Mets in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.
Pittsburgh was on the verge of a series win over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday before squandering a three-run lead and absorbing a 5-4 loss. The Mets are coming off their own one-run defeat – 1-0 at Miami – and are losers of five of their past eight to fall two games behind the Washington Nationals in the NL East. New York is averaging just 2.6 runs in the past eight games while scoring just eight times in the five losses over that span. The Pirates aren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard but did show some signs of breaking out with a total of 12 runs on Saturday and Sunday, and Jung Ho Kang is 6-for-16 with two home runs, three doubles and four RBIs in four games this month to lead the Pittsburgh attack.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (7-1, 2.60 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Jonathon Niese (5-2, 4.36)
Matz had a streak of seven straight winning starts come to an end when he was reached for three runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings without factoring in the decision against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. The 25-year-old walked two batters in that start, matching his total from the previous four outings. Matz is enjoying a 1.51 ERA over his last eight starts and will be making his first career appearance against Pittsburgh.
Niese was drafted by New York in 2005 and stayed with the organization until being shipped to the Pirates over the winter in the deal that landed second baseman Neil Walker with the Mets. Niese got off to a rough start but is settling in nicely with his new team and allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last four outings. The 29-year-old was held out of the decision at Miami on Wednesday, when he was charged with two runs on six hits and three walks in five innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Walker is batting .279 with 13 home runs for the Mets and is operating out of the cleanup spot in the order with Lucas Duda and David Wright on the disabled list.
2. Pirates LF Starling Marte is 7-for-12 with three runs scored, a homer and two RBIs in the last three games.
3. New York OF Yoenis Cespedes (hip) was limited to pinch-hitting duty on Sunday and is day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Mets 5, Pirates 1
Current Conditions - Pittsburgh
SUNNY 66 °F
Wind: S 7
5-Day Forecast
GAME: New York Mets (31-24) at Pittsburgh Pirates (30-26)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets are both sitting in second place in their respective National League divisions and looking to move up, though neither of them appears to be at the top of their game. The Pirates will be looking to win for only the second time in seven contests when they host the Mets in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.
Pittsburgh was on the verge of a series win over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday before squandering a three-run lead and absorbing a 5-4 loss. The Mets are coming off their own one-run defeat – 1-0 at Miami – and are losers of five of their past eight to fall two games behind the Washington Nationals in the NL East. New York is averaging just 2.6 runs in the past eight games while scoring just eight times in the five losses over that span. The Pirates aren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard but did show some signs of breaking out with a total of 12 runs on Saturday and Sunday, and Jung Ho Kang is 6-for-16 with two home runs, three doubles and four RBIs in four games this month to lead the Pittsburgh attack.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (7-1, 2.60 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Jonathon Niese (5-2, 4.36)
Matz had a streak of seven straight winning starts come to an end when he was reached for three runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings without factoring in the decision against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. The 25-year-old walked two batters in that start, matching his total from the previous four outings. Matz is enjoying a 1.51 ERA over his last eight starts and will be making his first career appearance against Pittsburgh.
Niese was drafted by New York in 2005 and stayed with the organization until being shipped to the Pirates over the winter in the deal that landed second baseman Neil Walker with the Mets. Niese got off to a rough start but is settling in nicely with his new team and allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last four outings. The 29-year-old was held out of the decision at Miami on Wednesday, when he was charged with two runs on six hits and three walks in five innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Walker is batting .279 with 13 home runs for the Mets and is operating out of the cleanup spot in the order with Lucas Duda and David Wright on the disabled list.
2. Pirates LF Starling Marte is 7-for-12 with three runs scored, a homer and two RBIs in the last three games.
3. New York OF Yoenis Cespedes (hip) was limited to pinch-hitting duty on Sunday and is day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Mets 5, Pirates 1
Preview: Blue Jays at Tigers
Current Conditions - Detroit
P/SUNNY 68 °F
Wind: W 5
5-Day Forecast GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (31-27) at Detroit Tigers (28-28)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays are taking aim at the top spot in the American League East and have won five of six on the strength of their solid starting pitching. The Detroit Tigers, who host the Blue Jays in the opener of a three-game series on Monday, are making their way up the standings as well and swept a three-game series over the weekend to reach .500.
Toronto took two of three in Boston over the weekend, holding the best offense in baseball to a total of 12 runs in the series and watching Marco Estrada take a no-hitter into the eighth inning on Sunday before settling for a 5-4 win. The Blue Jays have not lost back-to-back games since May 17 and 18 and are 12-4 over the last 16 contests. The Tigers began making their move in the AL Central by sweeping past the Chicago White Sox and have the type of offense that can give the Toronto staff some trouble. The White Sox entered the weekend leading the AL in team ERA but were pounded for 22 runs in the three games against Detroit, which got at least one hit from everyone in the starting lineup in Sunday’s 5-2 triumph.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (6-2, 3.06 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (5-1, 3.24)
Happ recorded a quality start in all but one of his 11 outings this season and is coming off a pair of strong starts against the New York Yankees. The 33-year-old allowed a total of two runs and seven hits in 13 innings as Toronto won both games. Happ made a pair of starts against Detroit last season and did not earn a decision while surrendering a total of seven runs in 11 innings.
Fulmer is on a roll with three straight wins and a total of one run allowed in 22 1/3 innings over that span. The rookie from Oklahoma scattered five hits in his last two outings and owns 44 strikeouts in a 41 2/3 frames since being recalled. Fulmer is making his second start at home and limited Tampa Bay to one run in seven innings while striking out 11 in his only other Comerica Park outing.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays 3B Josh Donaldson (thumb) was limited to DH duties on Sunday and is day-to-day.
2. Detroit CF Cameron Maybin went 5-for-12 with five runs scored in the last three games.
3. Toronto 1B Edwin Encarnacion recorded 14 RBIs in the last 11 games.
PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Blue Jays 3
Current Conditions - Detroit
P/SUNNY 68 °F
Wind: W 5
5-Day Forecast GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (31-27) at Detroit Tigers (28-28)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays are taking aim at the top spot in the American League East and have won five of six on the strength of their solid starting pitching. The Detroit Tigers, who host the Blue Jays in the opener of a three-game series on Monday, are making their way up the standings as well and swept a three-game series over the weekend to reach .500.
Toronto took two of three in Boston over the weekend, holding the best offense in baseball to a total of 12 runs in the series and watching Marco Estrada take a no-hitter into the eighth inning on Sunday before settling for a 5-4 win. The Blue Jays have not lost back-to-back games since May 17 and 18 and are 12-4 over the last 16 contests. The Tigers began making their move in the AL Central by sweeping past the Chicago White Sox and have the type of offense that can give the Toronto staff some trouble. The White Sox entered the weekend leading the AL in team ERA but were pounded for 22 runs in the three games against Detroit, which got at least one hit from everyone in the starting lineup in Sunday’s 5-2 triumph.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (6-2, 3.06 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (5-1, 3.24)
Happ recorded a quality start in all but one of his 11 outings this season and is coming off a pair of strong starts against the New York Yankees. The 33-year-old allowed a total of two runs and seven hits in 13 innings as Toronto won both games. Happ made a pair of starts against Detroit last season and did not earn a decision while surrendering a total of seven runs in 11 innings.
Fulmer is on a roll with three straight wins and a total of one run allowed in 22 1/3 innings over that span. The rookie from Oklahoma scattered five hits in his last two outings and owns 44 strikeouts in a 41 2/3 frames since being recalled. Fulmer is making his second start at home and limited Tampa Bay to one run in seven innings while striking out 11 in his only other Comerica Park outing.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays 3B Josh Donaldson (thumb) was limited to DH duties on Sunday and is day-to-day.
2. Detroit CF Cameron Maybin went 5-for-12 with five runs scored in the last three games.
3. Toronto 1B Edwin Encarnacion recorded 14 RBIs in the last 11 games.
PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Blue Jays 3
Preview: Astros at Rangers
Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Houston Astros (28-30) at Texas Rangers (34-22)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Colby Lewis has been on a roll of late and has dominated the Houston Astros for much of the last six seasons. The 36-year-old looks to extend both impressive streaks on Monday as the Texas Rangers attempt to win their eighth straight contest against their visiting Lone Star State rival this season in the opener of a four-game series.
Lewis has emerged victorious in each of his last three outings overall and 10 of his last 11 decisions versus the Astros while posting a 2.50 ERA in his past 13 starts against the club. Texas, which has won 12 of its last 15 contests, outscored Seattle by a 20-9 margin to complete a three-game sweep over the weekend. Houston also is riding high off a sweep and has won eight of its last nine games to remain within shouting distance of the American League West-leading Rangers. Evan Gattis went deep in all three contests versus the Mariners over the weekend and is 7-for-22 (.318) with four homers and nine RBIs in his last five games.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Mike Fiers (3-3, 4.84 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Colby Lewis (5-0, 3.09)
Fiers saw his winless stretch reach four outings on Wednesday despite allowing just one run and four hits in six innings of a no-decision against Arizona. The 30-year-old also pitched well in his first career start versus Texas on May 21, permitting two runs in seven frames of a hard-luck 2-1 loss. Adrian Beltre looks to rebound from an 0-for-8 performance with three strikeouts over his last two games versus Fiers, against whom he is 3-for-6 this season.
Lewis scattered two hits over six scoreless innings in Tuesday's 7-3 triumph against Cleveland to improve to 3-0 with a pair of dominating outings in his last three starts. The veteran hurler overcame a six-run performance to emerge victorious in his last home contest on May 25 and improve to 2-0 at Globe Life Park this season. Lewis' secret to success of late has been his ability to keep the ball in the park, having done so in each of his last three starts after surrendering eight homers in his previous six outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Texas 2B Jurickson Profar, who is 16-for-41 (.390), has hit safely in all nine games he's played this season.
2. Houston 2B Jose Altuve is riding an 11-game hitting streak but is just 4-for-22 (.182) versus the Rangers in 2016.
3. Texas already has swept the Astros on two occasions this season, outscoring them by a 29-14 margin.
PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Astros 3
Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Houston Astros (28-30) at Texas Rangers (34-22)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Colby Lewis has been on a roll of late and has dominated the Houston Astros for much of the last six seasons. The 36-year-old looks to extend both impressive streaks on Monday as the Texas Rangers attempt to win their eighth straight contest against their visiting Lone Star State rival this season in the opener of a four-game series.
Lewis has emerged victorious in each of his last three outings overall and 10 of his last 11 decisions versus the Astros while posting a 2.50 ERA in his past 13 starts against the club. Texas, which has won 12 of its last 15 contests, outscored Seattle by a 20-9 margin to complete a three-game sweep over the weekend. Houston also is riding high off a sweep and has won eight of its last nine games to remain within shouting distance of the American League West-leading Rangers. Evan Gattis went deep in all three contests versus the Mariners over the weekend and is 7-for-22 (.318) with four homers and nine RBIs in his last five games.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Mike Fiers (3-3, 4.84 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Colby Lewis (5-0, 3.09)
Fiers saw his winless stretch reach four outings on Wednesday despite allowing just one run and four hits in six innings of a no-decision against Arizona. The 30-year-old also pitched well in his first career start versus Texas on May 21, permitting two runs in seven frames of a hard-luck 2-1 loss. Adrian Beltre looks to rebound from an 0-for-8 performance with three strikeouts over his last two games versus Fiers, against whom he is 3-for-6 this season.
Lewis scattered two hits over six scoreless innings in Tuesday's 7-3 triumph against Cleveland to improve to 3-0 with a pair of dominating outings in his last three starts. The veteran hurler overcame a six-run performance to emerge victorious in his last home contest on May 25 and improve to 2-0 at Globe Life Park this season. Lewis' secret to success of late has been his ability to keep the ball in the park, having done so in each of his last three starts after surrendering eight homers in his previous six outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Texas 2B Jurickson Profar, who is 16-for-41 (.390), has hit safely in all nine games he's played this season.
2. Houston 2B Jose Altuve is riding an 11-game hitting streak but is just 4-for-22 (.182) versus the Rangers in 2016.
3. Texas already has swept the Astros on two occasions this season, outscoring them by a 29-14 margin.
PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Astros 3
Preview: Rays at Diamondbacks
Current Conditions - Phoenix
CLEAR 63 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (25-30) at Arizona Diamondbacks (25-34)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Evan Longoria and Logan Morrison unleashed a blistering power display to alter the fortunes of the reeling Tampa Bay Rays. After belting nine of its team's 11 homers to take three of four from Minnesota, the duo looks to continue its torrid hot streak on Monday as the Rays finish their 10-game road trip with the opener of a three-game interleague series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Longoria launched a franchise-record five homers in the four-game series and Morrison went deep four times versus the Twins as Tampa Bay has won three in a row after losing 11 of its previous 13. Both players have scored eight runs during their respective nine-game hitting streaks, although Longoria has driven in 14 runs to boot. Arizona will need to keep those two in check after salvaging the finale of its series versus the Chicago Cubs on Sunday for just its fourth win in 13 contests. The Diamondbacks will begin a nine-game homestand on Monday, although Chase Field hasn't been too friendly to the hosts this season (9-20).
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (3-7, 4.75 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2-4, 4.74)
Archer has experienced a night-and-day difference during contests at and away from Tropicana Field. The 27-year-old's struggles on the road continued on Wednesday, as he dropped his third straight overall start after yielding five runs and eight hits in six innings of a 6-3 setback against Kansas City. Archer owns a 2-4 record with a bloated 7.13 ERA and .322 batting average against in seven starts away from home, as opposed to a tidy 2.03 ERA at The Trop.
Ray suffered a pair of losses before walking away with a no-decision on Wednesday as he allowed three runs in five innings at Houston. The 24-year-old hasn't helped himself during those three outings, serving up four homers and issuing eight walks in that stretch. Ray, who has yet to face Tampa Bay in his young career, hasn't been giving the Chase Field faithful much to celebrate as he's just 1-2 with a gaudy 6.93 ERA at home while allowing the opposition to bat .321 against him.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arizona LF Yasmany Tomas has rebounded from an 0-for-15 stretch as he carries a five-game hitting streak into Monday's contest.
2. Tampa Bay RF Steven Souza Jr. has recorded three RBIs and three runs scored during his three-game hitting streak.
3. Diamondbacks OF David Peralta (right wrist inflammation) is in line to rejoin the team on Monday after being placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 15.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, Diamondbacks 2
Current Conditions - Phoenix
CLEAR 63 °F
Wind: CLM 0
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (25-30) at Arizona Diamondbacks (25-34)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 06 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Evan Longoria and Logan Morrison unleashed a blistering power display to alter the fortunes of the reeling Tampa Bay Rays. After belting nine of its team's 11 homers to take three of four from Minnesota, the duo looks to continue its torrid hot streak on Monday as the Rays finish their 10-game road trip with the opener of a three-game interleague series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Longoria launched a franchise-record five homers in the four-game series and Morrison went deep four times versus the Twins as Tampa Bay has won three in a row after losing 11 of its previous 13. Both players have scored eight runs during their respective nine-game hitting streaks, although Longoria has driven in 14 runs to boot. Arizona will need to keep those two in check after salvaging the finale of its series versus the Chicago Cubs on Sunday for just its fourth win in 13 contests. The Diamondbacks will begin a nine-game homestand on Monday, although Chase Field hasn't been too friendly to the hosts this season (9-20).
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (3-7, 4.75 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2-4, 4.74)
Archer has experienced a night-and-day difference during contests at and away from Tropicana Field. The 27-year-old's struggles on the road continued on Wednesday, as he dropped his third straight overall start after yielding five runs and eight hits in six innings of a 6-3 setback against Kansas City. Archer owns a 2-4 record with a bloated 7.13 ERA and .322 batting average against in seven starts away from home, as opposed to a tidy 2.03 ERA at The Trop.
Ray suffered a pair of losses before walking away with a no-decision on Wednesday as he allowed three runs in five innings at Houston. The 24-year-old hasn't helped himself during those three outings, serving up four homers and issuing eight walks in that stretch. Ray, who has yet to face Tampa Bay in his young career, hasn't been giving the Chase Field faithful much to celebrate as he's just 1-2 with a gaudy 6.93 ERA at home while allowing the opposition to bat .321 against him.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arizona LF Yasmany Tomas has rebounded from an 0-for-15 stretch as he carries a five-game hitting streak into Monday's contest.
2. Tampa Bay RF Steven Souza Jr. has recorded three RBIs and three runs scored during his three-game hitting streak.
3. Diamondbacks OF David Peralta (right wrist inflammation) is in line to rejoin the team on Monday after being placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 15.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, Diamondbacks 2
