Monday 7/4/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (52-31) at Red Sox (44-37)

Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: July 04, 2016 1:35 PM EDT

BOSTON -- Offense hasn't been a problem for the Red Sox through 81 games, but Boston's struggles on the mound are threatening to undo all the good the team is doing at the plate.

At the midway point, the Red Sox (44-37) have scored a league-leading 451 runs, a total they added to handsomely Sunday in a 10-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

However, their mediocre pitching -- a 4.49 team ERA that ranks 11th in the AL -- might prove troublesome entering their three-game series with the Texas Rangers that starts Monday.

"While this is a strong offensive team, we still have areas of improvement," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "The key (to the second half of our season) without a doubt will be to stabilize our pitching, particularly in the rotation."

The Rangers (52-31) own the top record in the AL, although they are in the midst of a little funk after dropping two of three games -- including a 5-4 defeat Sunday -- to the major-league-worst Minnesota Twins.

Overall, the Rangers have lost four of their past five.

"We hit some balls hard today," Texas manager Jeff Banister said after his team's eight-hit attack Sunday. "We hit them right at some people, and we hit some line drives into the outfield. Couple feet either way, and it's a different ballgame."

As a unit, the Rangers' offense has held its own, scoring 407 runs, a total that is tied for seventh in the majors.

On Monday, Texas will have to contend with one of Boston's most consistent arms, right-hander Rick Porcello (9-2, 3.78 ERA).

Porcello has pitched well at home this season, going 6-0 with a 3.48 ERA in seven starts at Fenway Park this year.

His numbers against Texas haven't been as encouraging, though. In eight career starts against the Rangers, Porcello is 4-4 with a 5.86 ERA.

Shin-Soo Choo, who hit a solo home run and drove in three runs total Sunday, has hit Porcello well historically, batting .286 (10-for-35) with four RBIs against him.

Adrian Beltre is 8-for-21 with a solo home run off Porcello.

Last time out, Porcello allowed a run on five hits and three walks while striking out eight in a six-inning, 8-2 victory at Tampa Bay on Tuesday.

Nick Martinez (1-1, 5.00 ERA) has the task of containing the Red Sox's high-powered offense in Monday's opener.

The right-hander will be making his fourth start for the Rangers after giving up two runs on three hits and five walks with two strikeouts in a five-inning no-decision Wednesday at the New York Yankees.

Martinez is 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA in two career starts against Boston, including a June 24 start in which he allowed four runs on six hits over six innings in another no-decision.

Mookie Betts is 3-for-7 against him, while Jackie Bradley Jr. is 1-for-3 with a two-run homer. Hanley Ramirez has also teed off on Martinez, going 3-for-5 with two home runs and three RBIs.

Texas took two of three games against Boston when the teams met for a weekend series in Arlington on June 24-26. The Rangers won five of seven meetings with the Red Sox last season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (43-39) at Astros (43-39)

Game: 1
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: July 04, 2016 2:10 PM EDT

HOUSTON -- Their winning streak at Minute Maid Park stalled by two left-handed starters, the Houston Astros will encounter a third in succession when the Seattle Mariners visit Monday to open a key three-game series.

The Astros (43-39) dropped consecutive home games for the first time since late May when White Sox lefties Chris Sale and Jose Quintana posted back-to-back wins on Saturday and Sunday. Houston fell to 9-15 against left-handed starters this season, with Mariners southpaw Wade Miley (6-4, 5.58 ERA) scheduled to start against the Astros next.

Houston had won five consecutive series before dropping the rubber match on Sunday and had claimed 13 of 15 games at home before being bested by Sale in the middle game of the three-game set with Chicago.

"We've got to continue to play our game," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "That's five series before that we won. We lost this series; it's unfortunate. We were in position to win yesterday's game; we were close today until they pulled away. So you've got to give credit to what they did.

"So for us we get a new series, a division opponent that we haven't seen in a few weeks, but they're right there with us. It'll be important for us to create those innings that we've done so well the last two months. Good opponent coming to our stadium (Monday) for a three-game series. One we're really familiar with."

Astros right-hander Lance McCullers (3-2, 3.91) will make his first starts against the Mariners this season. He went 2-1 with a 2.93 ERA in three starts against Seattle as a rookie in 2015.

McCullers missed his previous turn in the rotation because of a blister on his right index finger, but Hinch acknowledged that the club took a measured, cautious approach with McCullers when they skipped him last week in Anaheim.

Miley is 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in five career starts against the Astros. In a 6-3 Mariners win on May 5 at Minute Maid Park, he allowed two runs, five hits and two walks with five strikeouts in six quality innings. He will make his second start since his recall from the 15-day disabled list on June 29 with a sore left shoulder.

The Mariners (43-39) completed a four-game series sweep of the Orioles at home on Sunday with a 9-4 win. After losing six consecutive games between June 18-23 to drop behind the Astros in the American League West standings, Seattle has won seven of nine games to pull even with Houston for second place in the division, 8 1/2 games behind Texas.

"We didn't talk at all about wins and losses. It was just about how we were playing," Mariners manager Scott Servais said of a recent address to the team. "We weren't playing well and we needed to play better. Sometimes you think the wins and losses are in your control -- things happen in this game, you play so many games.

"But you can control how you play and how you prepare and that's what we wanted to see."

Seattle leads the season series 4-3, but the teams haven't played since May 8.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (35-47) at Twins (27-54)

Game: 1
Venue: Target Field
Date: July 04, 2016 2:10 PM EDT

The last time the Minnesota Twins had a successful weekend against a winning team, they stumbled against the Oakland Athletics.

After taking two of three from the American League West-leading Texas Rangers, the Twins will hope to avoid more losses to the Athletics on Monday afternoon when the teams begin a three-game series at Target Field in Minneapolis.

The Twins have seven series victories, and five have been against teams with winning records.

Two of those series victories have preceded meetings with the Athletics.

On May 27-29, the Twins scored 18 times and took three straight in Seattle. The follow-up was scoring seven times during a three-game sweep in Oakland.

Heading into their second series with Oakland, the Twins were more productive. After losing the series opener Friday, Minnesota scored 22 times in getting two victories over Texas.

"We haven't had a lot of highlights here," Twins manager Paul Molitor said to reporters.

One of the recent highlights for Minnesota has been Brian Dozier's performances. Dozier drove in two runs and scored twice during Sunday's 5-4 win and has reached base safely in his 25th straight game, which is the longest active streak in the majors.

Miguel Sano was injured during Minnesota's second loss in Oakland on May 31 but has recovered from missing more than a month with a hamstring injury by driving in three runs and scoring four times against Texas.

Oakland had a 25-29 record after completing its sweep of Minnesota on June 1. Since then, the Athletics have lost 18 of their last 28 games.

The Athletics had a frustrating weekend against the Pittsburgh Pirates by going 3-for-23 with runners in scoring position and stranding 22 runners.

"We got derailed again this series," Oakland manager Bob Melvin said to reporters after watching his team score first and wind up losing four straight games. "It's frustrating, but no more for me than anyone else."

Josh Reddick was on the disabled list during Oakland's sweep over Minnesota but has gone 5-for-20 in five games since returning from a broken thumb.

The pitching matchup will feature pitchers with 3-6 records.

Ricky Nolasco has a 5.31 ERA and will make his 17th start for Minnesota and hopes it goes better than his last appearance. On Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox, he allowed seven runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings in a 9-6 loss.

Nolasco has done well in his limited experience against Oakland, going 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in three starts against the A's. He last faced Oakland on May 7, 2015, in Minnesota when he allowed four runs in five innings.

Kendall Graveman has lowered his ERA to 4.84 by going 2-1 with a 3.98 ERA in his last eight starts. He has given up two home runs in that stretch after allowing 10 in his first seven starts.

Graveman's 3.83 run-support average is among the lowest in the AL, but Tuesday he took a no-decision after allowing four runs and nine hits in five innings at San Francisco, and Oakland posted a 13-11 victory in that game.

Graveman's lone appearance against Minnesota was in a 3-2 win on May 30 when he allowed two runs and six hits in six innings.

Minnesota scored 28 runs and took three of four home meetings with Oakland last season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (40-41) at White Sox (42-40)

Game: 1
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: July 04, 2016 2:10 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- The New York Yankees enjoy putting on a show for the Fourth of July.

A holiday winning streak will be on the line when the Yankees open a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Monday afternoon. The Yankees have won four consecutive games on July 4, and they are 6-1 on Independence Day since 2009.

The days leading up to July 4 have not been as kind to the Yankees (40-41). New York narrowly avoided being swept on the road by the Padres thanks to a 6-3 victory Sunday in San Diego.

Meanwhile, the White Sox (42-40) will return home after winning the last two games of a three-game series against the Astros in Houston. The White Sox have won four consecutive series against the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins and Houston after a miserable stretch in which they lost 26 of 36 games.

"Our guys are pitching well," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "(On offense), you're opportunistic where you're getting some runs. During the rough stretch, we were leaving a lot of guys on third base."

Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia (5-5, 3.17 ERA) will make his 14th start of the season Monday. The 35-year-old southpaw thrived in May and early June but has struggled as of late.

In his past two outings, Sabathia surrendered 11 earned runs and two home runs in 11 1/3 innings. He allowed only 16 earned runs and two home runs in his first 11 starts (65 1/3 innings).

If any opponent can allow Sabathia to forget his recent downturn, it might be the White Sox. Sabathia is 19-5 with a 3.68 ERA in 34 starts against the White Sox during his career. That includes a 10-1 record with a 3.28 ERA in 17 career starts at U.S. Cellular Field.

The White Sox will counter with veteran right-hander James Shields (3-9, 5.85 ERA). Like Sabathia, Shields enjoyed success early in the season, but a four-start tailspin inflated his ERA.

Even so, Shields' past two outings provided a glimpse of hope for the White Sox front office, which acquired the high-priced veteran from the Padres on June 4 in exchange for right-handed pitcher Erik Johnson and teenage infield prospect Fernando Tatis Jr.

In four starts from May 31 to June 18, Shields allowed 31 earned runs in 11 1/3 innings. He recovered June 23 to limit the Red Sox to three earned runs in five innings, and his progress continued when he limited the Twins to one earned run in 6 2/3 innings on Wednesday.

The Yankees have beaten Shields more than any other team in his career. He is 10-16 with a 4.15 ERA in 31 career starts against New York. In those 31 starts, he has allowed 30 home runs.

Yankees left-hander Andrew Miller said plenty of time remains for the team to make a run at the postseason. New York is seven games back of the first-place Baltimore Orioles in the American League East, 3 1/2 games behind the second AL wild-card position.

"We were the team that was in first place all year until whenever the Blue Jays (passed us last season)," Miller told Newsday. "In an ideal world, you're hot at the end of the year. ... If we can finish hot, we'll put ourselves in position to make the playoffs."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (41-41) at Cardinals (43-38)

Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: July 04, 2016 2:15 PM EDT

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates had better sleep quick before they start their four-game series Monday in Busch Stadium.

While St. Louis (43-38) survived a 3-hour, 48-minute ordeal, plus 2 hours and 15 minutes of rain delays Sunday to earn a 9-8 win over Milwaukee, Pittsburgh (41-41) polished off a sweep at Oakland with a 6-3 decision.

The Pirates then got into town late Sunday night, losing two hours to the clock on their flight from the Bay Area. But after extending their winning streak to four games, they're feeling pretty good about making the trip.

"It's huge, especially to come from behind three games in a row on the road," rookie left fielder Adam Frazier said. "It's pretty big. It's huge momentum heading east to St. Louis."

Frazier was a big part of Sunday's win, going 2-for-4. His triple in the sixth inning tied the game at 3 and he later scored the go-ahead run as Pittsburgh swept the Athletics for the first time.

The Pirates will try to gain revenge for the sweep they suffered at the Cardinals' hands last month in PNC Park. St. Louis, which lost five of its first six meetings to Pittsburgh, outscored it by a combined 22-7 in winning all three games of that series.

That included a 5-1 verdict on June 11 that saw Carlos Martinez come within two outs of his first big league complete game. Martinez (7-5, 2.83), who's pitched to an earned run average of 1.06 over his last six starts, takes the ball Monday.

He'll be opposed by left-hander Jonathon Niese (6-6, 5.07), who's 0-1 in two starts against the Cardinals this year. Niese was tagged for all eight runs on June 12 in an 8-3 loss, giving up homers to Matt Holliday and Randal Grichuk.

While both teams are still looking up at the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central, St. Louis made up three games in as many days over the weekend, thanks to the Cubs being swept at the New York Mets. The Cardinals start Monday eight games back, the closest they've been since May 25.

"It's good, but we're taking it day-by-day," St. Louis right fielder Stephen Piscotty said. "There's still plenty of time."

Piscotty was the star of Sunday's win, belting his second grand slam of the year in the sixth inning to highlight a 3-for-4 day. Piscotty has been deadly with the bases loaded during his first season in the big leagues. Dating back to July 22, 2015, he's 8-for-15 with 18 RBI in that spot.

The Pirates are hopeful of getting center fielder Andrew McCutchen back Monday. He sat out Sunday with a heel injury and manager Clint Hurdle said the team wanted to rest McCutchen ahead of this series and a weekend visit from the Cubs.

On Tuesday night, the Cardinals send Mike Leake (5-6, 4.13) to the mound against rookie Jameson Taillon (2-1, 3.86). Lefties Jaime Garcia (6-6, 3.84) and Pittsburgh's Jeff Locke (8-5, 5.13) match up Wednesday night, while St. Louis' Adam Wainwright (7-5, 4.70) meets rookie Chad Kuhl (1-0, 4.09) in Thursday's series finale.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (30-53) at Cubs (51-30)

Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: July 04, 2016 2:20 PM EDT

The Chicago Cubs are relieved to escape New York after a humiliating four-game sweep by the Mets.

"It was terrible, it was bad," said Cubs catcher Miguel Montero following Sunday's 14-3 loss at Citi Field. "They outplayed us. Simple as that. We didn't play good enough. We didn't hit good enough. We didn't pitch good enough. I mean, overall, we were sloppy."

Chicago has not been swept in a four-game series in New York since June 17-20, 1985 at Shea Stadium.

But the Cubs (51-30) now return to friendlier turf for the Fourth of July. They're 25-11 this season at Wrigley Field and face an opponent they've recently beaten up on with Monday's opener of a three-game Wrigley Field series against the Cincinnati Reds (30-53). A Thursday makeup against Atlanta follows.

The Cubs swept three games at Great American Ballpark before running into a Mets buzz saw last weekend.

It's been arguably the season's roughest stretch for a team that sprinted to one of the best starts in franchise history and had the major league's best record most of the way.

But the four-game series that concluded on Sunday featured two one-run games and two Mets blowouts, including rough outings by ace pitchers Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester, named National League pitcher of the month for June just two days earlier.

Lester, who was rocked for eight runs on nine hits in 1 1/3 innings of work on Sunday, insists there's no cause for panic.

"We weren't going to be on that pace that we were on for the entire season," he said. "That's 162 games. It's a long year, six months. There's a lot of things that can happen. And you guys are seeing it now. We're a little banged up, two big key components of our bullpen are not here right now. Dex (Dexter Fowler), which makes the offense go it seems like a lot, is still rehabbing."

Chicago still leads the National League Central by a comfortable eight games over second-place St. Louis and 10 1/2 games in front of third-place Pittsburgh.

The Cubs are 22 games in front of last-place Cincinnati, which has dropped eight of its last 10 including Sunday's 12-1 loss to Washington. That game featured 6 2/3 innings of no-hit baseball from Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg.

"It's tough. It's not fun, at all," Reds outfielder Jay Bruce told reporters on Sunday. "I don't think anyone here is having much fun. We just have to get better. It is a grind."

The Reds send left-hander Cody Reed (0-2, 9.00 ERA) against Cubs righty Kyle Hendricks (6-6, 2.76).

Reed makes his fourth career appearance and second against the Cubs. He took the loss in a 9-2 decision on June 29. On June 18 he became Cincinnati's 26th pitcher and 12th starter this season.

Hendricks is 2-1 with a 4.04 ERA in six all-time starts against the Reds.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (28-54) at Phillies (37-46)

Game: 1
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: July 04, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

PHILADELPHIA -- It's been as if someone flipped the switch to "on" for the Philadelphia Phillies while the Atlanta Braves' dial has been stuck in "off" for the majority of the season.

The bottom two teams in the NL East, the Phillies and Braves open a three-game series in Philadelphia on Monday. They are one week removed from a much-needed All-Star break to regroup... except the Phillies may not want to stop playing anytime soon.

After battling offensive ineptitude for about 75 games, the Phillies' bats have come alive, and it has fueled a 5-1 stretch.

"I don't know exactly what's happened. I just know we had it in us," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said following Sunday's 7-2 win over Kansas City. "I always felt even for the first two months that we were a better hitting team than it showed and it was kind of an enigma as to why we weren't hitting better. It just took a little time."

The individual numbers have really turned around as of late. Maikel Franco has been on a torrid stretch that has seen him record multiple hits in five of his last six games. He has also reached base safely in 11 of the last 12 contests. The third basemen ripped a home run on Sunday to cap off a 3-for-4 day.

Cameron Rupp also hit a home run in that game. He is on an eight-game hitting streak that has been highlighted by his last two outings in which he has gone a combined 5-for-8 with three RBIs and two doubles. Cody Asche also hit a home run in their latest victory. Likewise, Peter Bourjos singled to extend his hit streak to 12 games.

"It helps when you've got a guy like Bourjos, who came out of nowhere up to .270," Mackanin said. "That's an unbelievable story in itself. I think the other players feed off things like that. You know, it's like, 'Well I can do it, too.' I know that's not a scientific answer, but it's the best I can do."

No explanation needed. It's apparent that the Phillies are trending upward as the All-Star break looms.

Meanwhile, the Braves really have yet to get going, which has led to a forgettable first half. They put together a six-game winning streak in the middle of June but came back down to reality by losing six of eight games immediately afterward.

Their problems run the full gamut. The pitching has been unreliable while the hitting has been streaky. The have also had some bad luck.

On Saturday, the Braves tied the Marlins in the ninth inning with a Tyler Flowers home run. In the 12th inning, the game-winning hit was delivered by pinch-hitter Jose Fernandez, the Miami pitcher. Things like that only add salt to the wounds.

"It was eventful," Flowers said, according to MLB.com. "I thought we battled well... I think there were a lot of positives to take away. We just couldn't come up with the big hit at the end."

That could very well sum up the Braves' season: eventful yet left helpless at the end.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies (37-44) at Giants (52-32)

Game: 1
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: July 04, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

SAN FRANCISCO -- Two teams limping to the All-Star break hope to get good news on the injury front Monday when the Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants open a three-game series at AT&T Park.

Rookie shortstop Trevor Story could be back in the starting lineup for the Rockies, while the Giants expect to welcome back reliever Sergio Romo -- and possible other mainstays, too.

The Rockies (37-44, third place in the National League West) are looking forward to the return of Story, who sustained a bruised right middle finger when hit by a pitch last June 26 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The All-Star candidate sat out one day, then returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays and went 0-for-4. He was shelved for the next four days before entering the Sunday game at Dodger Stadium in the seventh inning on a double switch. He eventually struck out in his only at-bat.

"(He's) much, much better," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said before Sunday's game. "He's swinging in the cage and looks really good. It's just a matter of if he gets jammed or hits a ball off the end of the bat, how is it going to affect him."

Story was quite a story when he belted six home runs in his first four games. He finished April with 10 homers, but he added just four in May and five in June.

On the eve of All-Star selections, he still leads NL shortstops with 19 homers. However, Dodgers rookie shortstop Corey Seager has 17 home runs to go with a .303 batting average (Story is at .266), and Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford has passed Story in RBIs (53-50).

And then there is Addison Russell of the Chicago Cubs, who appeared well on his way to getting the fan vote as the starting shortstop in the latest tabulations.

Left-hander Tyler Anderson (0-2, 2.66 ERA) will get the call on the mound Monday for the Rockies, who were swept in their series with the Dodgers that ended Sunday.

Anderson, the Rockies' first-round pick in 2011, has been impressive in his first four big-league starts despite going winless. He has allowed no more than two earned runs in any game, and he has more strikeouts (24) than innings pitched (23 2/3).

He has never faced the Giants.

The Rockies won't have left fielder Gerardo Parra (sprained left ankle) in the series, meaning both teams will be short-handed in the outfield.

The Giants won their series finale at Arizona on Sunday with Jarrett Parker, a corner outfielder, playing center field, and Brandon Belt, a first baseman, manning left field.

They were forced into desperation mode with right fielder Hunter Pence (strained right hamstring) on the disabled list and center fielder Denard Span (sore neck) and super-sub Gregor Blanco (sore left knee) unable to go.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy flew home Sunday night not knowing who would be available in his outfield for Monday's game. His infield, with third baseman Matt Duffy (strained right Achilles) and second baseman Joe Panik (concussion) currently out of action as well, also is hurting.

Bochy was hoping, on the other hand, to have invaluable setup man Romo available.

Romo, who hasn't pitched for the Giants since April 10 because of a strained flexor in his right arm, completed an extensive rehab stint in the minors over the weekend and was told to meet the team in San Francisco for an examination.

The Giants (52-32, first place in NL West) struggled with Romo's usual role -- the eighth inning -- in each of the past two games at Arizona.

Hunter Strickland gave up a lead-losing home run to Welington Castillo in the eighth inning Saturday in a 6-5 loss. The Giants were able to overcome a game-tying shot by Jake Lamb off Cory Gearrin in the eighth Sunday to win 5-4 in 11 innings.

"We've got to tighten it up," Bochy said about his bullpen before Sunday's game. "We're banged up, and (opponents) are finding ways to score runs. We've just got to start holding those leads a little better."

Right-hander Jake Peavy (4-7, 5.33) will get the start for the Giants on Monday. He has a 7-8 record with a 4.17 ERA in 23 career starts against Colorado.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (43-39) at Mets (44-37)

Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: July 04, 2016 4:10 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- The Miami Marlins and New York Mets enjoyed perhaps their most memorable victories of the season Sunday. Now they will to maintain that momentum against each other Monday afternoon in the opener of a three-game series with potential playoff implications.

The Mets remained in second place in the National League wild-card standings with a 14-3 rout of the Chicago Cubs that capped a four-game sweep of the team with baseball's best record. The Marlins, meanwhile, headed to New York fresh off a 5-2 win over the Atlanta Braves in a game played on the grounds of the U.S. Army base in Fort Bragg, N.C.

It was the first time any of the four major North American sports played a regular-season game at a military institution.

"This is the most memorable place I've ever pitched," said Marlins left-hander Adam Conley, who earned the win with six shutout innings. "An absolute honor that (the start) falls on my day and that I get to start here."

A few hours earlier and a few hundred miles up the eastern seaboard, the Mets rode a record-tying performance from third baseman Wilmer Flores -- who went 6-for-6 with two homers and four RBIs -- to a stunningly lopsided win over the Cubs. Flores became only the second Mets player in franchise history to record six hits in a game. Edgardo Alfonzo achieved the feat Aug. 30, 1999.

"Pretty good feeling," Flores said. "Six hits -- I never thought I was going to get six hits ever. It happened. Put some good swings on the ball."

The Mets outscored the Cubs 32-11 during the series even though Chicago sent its top four starters -- John Lackey, Jason Hammel, Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester -- to the mound. New York scored just 30 runs in the 12 games prior to the Thursday opener against Chicago.

"Coming into these four games, I think the guys knew that they had a huge challenge ahead of them, and I think they picked up their game," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "Knew that they had a lot of work to do when you face Lackey, Hammel, Arrieta and Lester. It's not something that's fun to look forward to.

"I think (everyone) said, 'We've got to get it going,' and they did it."

Now the task for the Mets is to remain hot -- or at least to find some consistency -- against the Marlins. New York (44-37) is five games back of the first-place Washington Nationals in the NL East, 1 1/2 games ahead of third-place Miami (43-39).

"We've got the Marlins coming in, who are right on our heels and playing good," Collins said. "So we've got to get ready for (Monday)."

Mets right-hander Matt Harvey is scheduled to oppose Marlins right-hander Tom Koehler. Harvey is 2-3 with a 3.18 ERA in eight career starts against Miami, while Koehler is 2-6 with a 4.16 ERA in 18 appearances (15 starts) against New York.

The Marlins beat Harvey on 1-0 on June 5 in Miami even though he allowed just one run on four hits in seven innings.

Two days earlier, Koehler lost to the Mets. He gave up three runs in six innings as New York won 6-2.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (43-38) at Blue Jays (45-39)

Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: July 04, 2016 7:07 PM EDT

TORONTO -- The rematch of the 2015 American League Championship Series involves two third-place teams.

The Kansas City Royals visit the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game series at the Rogers Centre that begins Monday.

The Royals, who beat the Blue Jays in six games in the ALCS before winning the World Series over the New York Mets in five games, are third in the AL Central with a 43-38 record after losing 7-2 to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.

The Blue Jays are third in the AL East with a 45-39 record after defeating the Cleveland Indians 17-1 on Sunday.

A big problem for the Royals has been their starting rotation.

The Royals entered Sunday ranked 12th in the American League in starters' ERA at 4.97. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, sat third at 3.77.

After the Sunday games, Royals starters had a 27-34 won-lost record and the Blue Jays were 37-20.

"I'm not panicking about any of our starters," Royals manager Ned Yost told the Kansas City Star. "They've kept us in games."

Pitching coach Dave Eiland said, "We cruise along then, boom, we have a three-run inning. It's killing us."

While the Blue Jays' starters have been good, the hitters started slowly and so did the bullpen. The relievers will enter the series against the Royals worn down by a draining series against the Cleveland Indians, a four-game split that included a 2-1 Cleveland win in 19 innings on Friday.

The bullpen should be in slightly better shape by Monday after J.A. Happ provided a seven-inning start with 11 strikeouts on Sunday.

"A crucial game -- we needed a good outing," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "We were pretty banged up in the bullpen if he hadn't done that, that game might have ended up 35-30 or something."

Troy Tulowitzki was among the disappointing early season hitters for the Blue Jays, but he again showed signs Sunday that he is beginning to hit up to his career numbers. The whole offense has perked up of late.

Tulowitzki hit a three-run homer and had four RBIs on Sunday. Since June 19, he is batting .347 (17-for-49) with six home runs.

Tulowitzki said the past two wins against Cleveland were important for the Blue Jays to give them a lift for a push in the final week before the All-Star break. The Blue Jays used a three-run eighth inning on Saturday to end Cleveland's 14-game win streak and then chased Corey Kluber early in the romp on Sunday.

"Real good," Tulowitzki said. "I think if you're looking at it from about the seventh inning on yesterday, you think OK, if (we) lose three here, that's tough. Then you're going against Kluber, possibly get swept -- that's probably going through some people's minds. To respond like we did, finish the series 2-2, and obviously have some big games coming up before the break."

The Blue Jays and Royals played a tense four-game series last July 30-Aug. 2. The Blue Jays took three of the four games that included batters being hit by pitches and bench-clearing incidents in the finale won by Toronto 5-2.

One of the pitchers involved that fourth game will start Monday. Edinson Volquez (7-7, 4.80 ERA) is 0-4 with a 6.46 ERA in six career starts against Toronto but threw six scoreless innings in Game 1 of the ALCS, a 5-0 Royals victory.

The Blue Jays will counter with Aaron Sanchez (8-1, 3.08 ERA), who will be making his first career start against the Royals, although he has faced them as a reliever.

He is 0-0 with a 3.38 ERA in three relief outings covering 2 2/3 innings in his regular-season career against the Royals. During the ALCS, he faced the Royals four times, allowing four hits and no runs in a total of two innings.

Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar, MVP of last year's ALCS, said he was looking forward to the series in Toronto.

"I know the fans will be pretty crazy," he told MLB.com. "But that's OK. We play good when fans are really into it. But it's another series for us that we're going to try to win. We'll come out and play hard just like always. I like to play them. I play good against them."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers (44-38) at Indians (49-32)

Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: July 04, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians open a seven-game homestand Monday night with the first game of a three-game series against Detroit. The Indians are coming off one of their better road trips in recent years, going 8-2 on a 10-game trip to Detroit, Atlanta and Toronto.

It was an eventful trip to say the least, as the Indians ran their franchise-record winning streak to 14 games, but then got clobbered in the last two games of the trip, losing two in Toronto by a combined score of 26-7. That included a 17-1 walloping on Sunday.

The Indians are still reeling from the last win in their winning streak, a 2-1 victory over the Blue Jays in 19 innings on Friday, a game in which manager Terry Francona had to use nine pitchers, including starter Trevor Bauer, who pitched five innings of relief.

That loss left the bullpen in disarray, which contributed to losses the next two days. It got so bad that the final pitcher in Sunday's loss was backup catcher Chris Gimenez.

"We knew there would be repercussions from that game. That's why we wanted to win it so bad," Francona said of the Indians' 19-inning victory.

"You expend so much energy on your club trying to come away with win. The next thing is to protect your bullpen and we tried do the best we could," said Francona, who had to use nine pitchers on Friday, five on Saturday and four more on Sunday, plus a catcher being used as a pitcher.

To bolster their overworked bullpen, it seems likely that the Indians will make one or more roster moves prior to Monday's game with the Tigers.

On the bright side for the Indians, their Monday starter will be Danny Salazar, who is 10-3 and leads the American League with a 2.20 ERA. Salazar, the American League Pitcher of the Month in June, is 6-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his last six starts.

After winning 14 in a row, the Indians have lost their last two, but in Detroit they will be facing an opponent they have dominated this year. The Indians are 9-0 versus Detroit and have outscored the Tigers 60-20 in those two games.

"We haven't played our best against Cleveland," Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler told MLB.com. "That's one team. We still have a lot of games to play. We've been playing really good baseball lately."

In the series opener, the Tigers will start Daniel Norris, who in three appearances (two starts) since being recalled from Triple-A Toledo is 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA. In 11 starts at Toledo prior to his recall he was 4-6 with a 4.68 ERA.

The Tigers come to Cleveland riding a six-game winning streak that has allowed them to climb past Kansas City and into second place in the AL Central, 5 1/2 games behind first-place Cleveland.

The Tigers haven't lost since getting swept by the Indians in a three-game series in Detroit June 24-26. Prior to that series the Tigers won four in a row, and since that Cleveland sweep the Tigers have won six in a row, sweeping a two-game series with Miami and a four-game series with Tampa Bay.

"We have been streaky so far," Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander told MLB.com, "but I think we are starting to find ourselves as a team."

The Indians made a roster move Sunday, optioning pitcher Shawn Morimando to Triple-A Columbus and activating outfielder Abraham Almonte off the restricted list. Almonte is back after receiving an 80-game suspension for performance-enchancing drugs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres (35-47) at Diamondbacks (37-47)

Game: 1
Venue: Chase Field
Date: July 04, 2016 9:10 PM EDT

PHOENIX -- Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb will enter the final week of the pre-All Star break season with a chance to share history with some of the franchise's biggest names.

San Diego first baseman Wil Myers will look to continue his breakout season when the teams meet in the first game of a three-game series at Chase Field on Monday

Arizona right-hander Archie Bradley (3-4) will oppose Padres right-hander Luis Perdomo (2-3), each looking to cool off hot hitters and potential All-Star on the other side.

With his fourth homer in five games Sunday, Lamb has 19 homers and 19 doubles in his 80 games. He is attempting to become the fourth player in franchise history to have 20 of each at the All-Star break. Paul Goldschmidt has done it twice, while Matt Williams and Jay Bell did it in 1999, when Arizona made the playoffs in the second season in franchise history.

Lamb has been used in the cleanup spot behind Goldschmidt most of the last month, and he believes that has something to do with his numbers.

"Guys have to attack him, and that is always going to make you a better hitter when you get more fastballs," Lamb said.

Lamb was the Southern League MVP in 2014 when he had 35 doubles, 14 homers and 79 RBIs at Double-A Mobile. He led the league with a .318 batting average and was given a September recall that year.

His two-run homer Sunday in the eighth inning tied the game at 4, although Arizona lost 5-4 in 11 innings. It was Lamb's 11th homer that either tied the game or gave his team the lead. He was tied at 10 with Atlanta's Freddie Freeman entering the game.

Myers, 1-for-3 with a walk Sunday, is slashing .286/.353/.536 with 18 doubles, 19 homers and 57 RBIs. He leads the Padres in homers, RBIs, runs scored (55), hits (87) and walks (33). He trails only the Cubs' Anthony Rizzo and Milwaukee's Chris Carter (20 apiece) for homers among NL first basemen, and his 57 RBIs trail only Rizzo (60) at the position.

Myers' 3.3 WAR is the highest among major league first basemen, ahead of Rizzo (2.9) and Goldschmidt (2.8), according to Fangraphs.

The Padres (35-47) are the only division team that the D-backs have beaten in a home series this season. Arizona took two of three the first time the teams met May 27-29, but its only other home series victory is against Miami. The D-backs are a major league-low 14-30 at home.

Padres third baseman Yangervis Solarte had five hits, including two homers and two doubles, in the previous series at Chase Field. He also homered Sunday, in a 6-3 loss to the Yankees, preventing the Padres from a sweep.

Bradley, 1-0 with a 2.12 ERA in his last four starts, is coming off a no-decision despite a quality start against Philadelphia on Wednesday. He went a career-high 7 1-3 innings while striking out nine in his only previous career start against the Padrees on May 29. Bradley will pitch on normal rest while taking the place of right-hander Zack Greinke, who was placed on the disabled list with a stained left oblique muscle Sunday.

Perdomo, an injury replacement in the starting rotation, has given up 27 earned runs in his last 29 innings, covering four starts and two relief appearances.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (47-34) at Dodgers (47-37)

Game: 1
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: July 04, 2016 9:10 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES -- One of the American League's best teams will face one of the National League's most intriguing rookie pitchers when the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Dodgers begin a three-game series on Monday night at Dodger Stadium.

The Orioles arrive in California leading the Boston Red Sox by three games in the American League East, despite having the league's third-best record. The Seattle Mariners narrowed Baltimore's divisional advantage with a four-game sweep that gave the Mariners a 6-1 record against the Orioles this year.

"I'm not glad to be done with them, no," Baltimore manager Buck Showalter told MLB.com. "They're a good club. We're a good club. It's got nothing to do with. If we play good, we're in good shape. If we don't play well, it doesn't matter who we are playing."

The Orioles arrive in California with more home runs (128) than any other major-league team. Mark Trumbo, a power-hitting outfielder who is playing for his fourth team in four seasons, has a chance to establish a career high in home runs. Trumbo, who pounded 34 homers for the Los Angeles Angels in 2013, hit his 24th on Sunday.

Trumbo also has driven in 62 runs, third best in the American League. Chris Davis has contributed 21 home runs and 56 RBIs. Manny Machado's .329 average ranks fourth and his .592 slugging percentage is second among the American League's hitters.

Into this powerful lineup will wade left-hander Julio Urias, a 19-year-old from Mexico. MLB.com ranked Urias as the major leagues' best left-handed prospect and the fourth best overall.

Promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City for his second stint in the majors, Urias gained his first major-league victory Tuesday night in Milwaukee. He permitted two runs and two hits, walked six and struck out six in six innings.

"It's one of the best days of my life," Urias told the Orange County Register after his win. "It's beautiful, incredible. What can I say?"

The left-hander will make his fourth start at Dodger Stadium.

While the Orioles have lost four in a row, the Dodgers won four in succession by sweeping the Colorado Rockies, who feature another potent offense. But in their three games, the Rockies managed just two runs and 13 hits while striking out 41 times against three journeymen starters: Bud Norris, Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy, who underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2015.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's Diamond Notes
By Joe Williams

Hottest team: Philles (6-2 past 8)

The Philadelphia Phillies have been surprisingly effective lately, winning seven of their past 10 games overall. They host an Atlanta Braves squad with Jose De La Cruz making his second career start in the bandbox known as Citizens Bank Park. The Braves and Phillies have split six games 3-3 this season, with each team going 1-2 at home in the respective three-game sets. Philly had lost seven in a row at home until handing the Royals a 2-1 series loss in the recently completed series Sunday in interleague play.

Coldest team: Rockies (3-8 past 11)

With the lineup the Rockies roll out every night there is no reason this team should be ice cold, but they managed a total of two runs in their three-game sweep in Los Angeles over the weekend. Things go from bad to worse as they head to San Francisco to face a Giants team which has posted wins in three of the past four. San Francisco and Colorado have split their previous 10 games this season. The Rockies have dropped five straight games, and for those who enjoy betting totals the 'under' is 4-0 in Colorado's past four outings.

Hottest pitcher: Danny Salazar, Indians (10-3, 2.22 ERA)

Salazar has been phenomenal this season, going 10-3 with a 2.2 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 15 starts overall. He has recorded 107 strikeouts over 93 1/3 innings while keeping the opposition down with a .185 opponent batting average. Salazar has quality starts in five of the past six while winning each of his past six outings. The Indians are also 6-1 in their past seven against left-handed starting pitching, and 6-1 in the past seven against the Tigers at home. Cleveland has dominated Detroit lately, winning 14 of the past 16 meetings overall.

Coldest pitcher: Jonathon Niese, Pittsburgh (6-6, 5.07 ERA)

Niese started the season off fine, but he has since fallen on hard times. The southpaw has allowed four or more runs in each of his past four starts, all losses. He looks to get better against the Cardinals Monday. He is 0-1 wth a 10.45 ERA in two starts against St. Louis this season, giving up 13 runs - 12 earned - over 10 1/3 innings with a .356 opponent batting average. Until the veteran left-handed finds a way to contain the St. Louis Cardinals, avoid taking the Bucs with Niese on the bump.

Biggest UNDER run: Astros (5-2 past 7)

The 'under' has cashed in five of the past seven for Houston, and their pitching has been a large part of that success. Houston has allowed 3.0 runs per game during the past six outings, and while the 'under' has hit in five of the past seven overall. Look for the 'under' to continue for the Astros. Houston faces a Seattle team which has seen the under hit in five of their past six road, including 4-0 in their past four road outings against teams with a winning overall record. The under is also 5-0 in Lance McCullers' past five home starts, and 4-1 in his past six home outings against a team with a winning overall record.

Biggest OVER run: Athletics (9-1-1 past 11)

The offense has been flowing for the Oakland Athletics lately, and the 'over' has been a frequent result. The over is 9-1-1 in Oakland's past 11 games overall, and 5-1-1 in their past seven agianst right-handed starting pitching. While the under is 10-4-1 in Kendall Graveman's past 15 against a team with a losing overall record, the 'over' is 4-1 in Graveman's past five outings on the road.

Matchup to watch: Mets vs. Marlins

The Miami Marlins have managed to win just two of their past seven road outings, and they're 0-4 in their past four on the road against temas with a winning home record. The Marlins are also 1-4 in Tommy Koehler's past five road outings against a team with a winning record, while the Mets are 6-0 in their past six home games and 22-4 in their past 26 games played on a Monday, for whatever it's worth.

Betcha didn’t know: The Padres head to the desert looking to vanquish the Diamondbacks. San Diego is just 2-11 in their past 13 road games against a right-handed starter, while going 8-22 in their past 30 vs. RHP. Arizona has dropped seven of eight games in a row. Arizona turns to Archie Bradley to stem the tide. The Diamondbacks have lost seven of their past eight at home, and seven of the past eight overall.

Biggest public favorite: Cubs (-260) vs. Nationals

Biggest public underdog: Orioles (+145) at Dodgers

Biggest line move: Nationals (-225 to -240) vs. Brewers

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Toronto vs Kansas City Series! July 4-6

Toronto and Kansas City square off in a three game series at Rogers Center north of the border. This will be the first meeting of the season between these clubs since since Jays fell short in the American League Championship Series last October. With that October setback, got to think Jays are going to show up and give it their best. Looking at probables for the series and the fact Royals are a brutal 13-25 on the road a series sweep for Jays is not out of the question.

Aaron Sanchez gets the nod for the Blue Jays in the opener. Sanchez off a fantastic outing tossing eight innings of one run ball has won his last seven decisions and will carry an 8-1 record, 3.08 ERA to the hill. Sanchez trades pitches with Edinson Volquez (7-7, 4.80 ERA) who is also off a strong 6 2/3 inning start of shutout ball. Jays ridding a 4-0, 6-2 home streak with Sanchez have the edge over Royals who are 3-4 in an opposing park with Volquez and have lost his last two starts in Toronto.

The second pitching matchup features knuckelballer Dickey vs Chris Young. Toronto handing the ball to Dickey does serve as an alarm, since the Blue Jays are 0-8 in Dickey's home starts this season, 1-10 his last eleven in front of the home audience. Then again, Young hasn't been a peg to hang your hopes on in road games going 0-5 over six starts with Royals 1-5 over those games. Young tagged for a long-ball in twelve of his fourteen starts, 22 total for the campaign Jays should give their fans something to cheer about while providing hard-luck Dickey a rare team win at home.

In the finale, Marcus Stroman gets the call for Toronto after spinning one of his finest outings of the season last time out pitching 6 2/3 innings allowing one run on five hits while striking out six. His counter part, Ian Kennedy is off his seventh loss of the season and of those seven six have been on the road. Look for Jays to make it 3-0 vs Royals with Stroman.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Monday's games

National League games

Brewers @ Nationals
Guerra is 3-0, 3.00 in his last five starts; five of his last seven stayed under.

Scherzer is 4-1, 1.96 in his last six starts; six of his last eight went over. .

Brewers lost 11 of last 13 road games; they're 4-9 in road series openers. Over is 9-6-2 in their last 17 road games. Washington won seven of last eight games; they're 9-3 in home series openers. 10 of Nationals' last 15 home games went over.

Pirates @ Cardinals
Niese is 0-4, 10.13 in his last four starts; five of his last six starts stayed under. .

Martinez is 3-0, 1.06 in his last six starts, five of which stayed under. .

Pirates won their last four games; they're 9-6 in road series openers. Five of their last seven games went over. St Louis won its last three games, is 5-9 in home series openers. Under is 7-2-1 in their last ten home games.

Reds @ Cubs
Reed is 0-2, 9.00 in three MLB starts, which all went over.

Hendricks is 2-0, 3.57 in his last three starts, which all went over.

Reds lost 10 of last 12 games, are 4-9 in road series openers. Over is 15-5 in their last 20 road games. Chicago lost its last four games; they're 10-2 in home series openers. Over is 8-1-1 in Cubs' last ten games.

Braves @ Phillies
De la Cruz allowed three runs in six IP (85 PT) in his first MLB start.

Eickhoff is 3-1, 2.43 in his last five starts; seven of his last eight stayed under.

Braves lost seven of last ten games, are 4-8 in road series openers. Last seven Atlanta road games stayed under. Philly won five of its last six games; they're 3-10 in home series openers. Under is 4-1-1 in last six Philly home games.

Rockies @ Giants
Anderson is 0-2, 3.04 in four MLB starts, three of which stayed under.

Peavy is 3-1, 4.03 in his last four starts; five of his last seven starts stayed under.

Colorado lost seven of last nine road games, is 8-6 in road series openers. Under is 11-4 in rockies' last 15 road games. Giants won three of their last four games; they're 6-7 in home series openers. over is 6-1-1 in their last eight games.

Marlins @ Mets
Koehler is 0-1, 9.00 in his last two starts; five of his last seven starts went over.

Harvey is 0-2, 2.83 in his last five starts; his last six starts stayed under.

Marlins lost five of last seven road games, are 8-5 in road series openers. Over is 14-2 in Marlins' last 16 road games. New York won its last six games, is 10-3 in home series openers. Under is 11-4-1 in their last sixteen games.

Padres @ Diamondbacks
Perdomo is 1-2, 7.61 in his five starts, four of which went over.

Bradley is 1-0, 2.65 in his last three starts; four of his last five went over.

Padres are 8-5 in last 13 games, 8-4 in road series openers. Over is 11-4-1 in their last 16 games. Arizona lost seven of last eight home games; they're 3-11 in home series openers. Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Diamondback games.


American League games

Angels @ Rays
Tropeano 2-0, 2.66 in his last four starts, three of which went over.

Moore is 2-1, 2.36 in his last four starts; four of his last five stayed under.

Angels lost 11 of last 13 games, are 6-7 in road series openers. Seven of their last ten games went over. Tampa Bay lost 16 of its last 18 games; they're 5-9 in home series openers. Six of Rays' last nine games went over the total.

Rangers @ Red Sox
Martinez is 0-0, 5.23 in three starts this year (over 2-1).

Porcello is 2-0, 3.71 in his last three starts; over is 5-1-1 in his last seven.

Rangers lost four of their last five games; they're 8-5 in road series openers. Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Texas road games. Boston won three of its last four home games; they're 7-7 in home series openers. Four of last five Boston home games went over.

Mariners @ Astros
Miley is 0-2, 8.00 in his last two starts; over is 7-0-2 in his last nine.

McCullers is 3-1, 4.08 in his last six starts, last four of which stayed under.

Mariners won seven of last nine games, but lost six in row on road; they're 7-6 in road series openers. Five of last six Seattle road games stayed under. Houston won 13 of last 17 games; they're 8-5 in home series openers. Under is 7-3 in Astros' last ten home tilts.

A's @ Twins
Graveman is 1-0, 3.57 in his last four starts; three of his last four road starts went over.

Nolasco is 0-2, 6.05 in his last three starts; his last five starts went over.

Oakland lost its last four games, is 8-5 in road series openers. Last seven Oakland road games went over. Minnesota won five of its last seven home games; they're 6-8 in home series openers. Over is 19-4 in Twins' lst 23 home games.

Bronx @ White Sox
Sabathia is 0-1, 9.53 in his last two starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven.

Shields is 1-0, 3.09 in his last two starts; all five of his Chicago starts went over.

New York is 5-10 in its last 15 road games, 6-7 in road series openers. Five of last six Bronx road games went over total. White Sox are 9-4 in last 13 games, 7-6 in road series openers. Over is 6-3 in Chicago's last nine home series openers.

Royals @ Blue Jays
Volquez is 2-3, 7.31 in his last six starts (under 4-2).

Sanchez is 4-0, 2.95 in his last six starts (under 11-5).

Royals are 5-13 in last 18 road games, 4-9 in road series openers. Under is 7-1-1 in last nine KC road games. Toronto is 12-6 in last 18 home games, but lost last four home series openers- they're 3-10 in home series openers. Four of Blue Jays' last six home games stayed under the total.

Tigers @ Indians
Norris is 1-0, 4.50 in two starts this season (over 1-1).

Salazar is 6-0, 2.08 in his last six starts; three of his last four went over.

Tigers won their last six games, are 5-9 in road series openers. Five of last seven Detroit games went over the total. Cleveland lost its last two games, after winning 14 in a row before that; Tribe is 8-4 in home series openers. Under is 6-2-1 in Cleveland's last nine home games.


Interleague

Gallardo is 2-0, 4.41 in his last three starts; three of his last four stayed under.

Urias is 1-0, 2.25 in his last three starts; four of his last five stayed under.

Orioles lost last four games, allowing 30 runs; they're 7-6 in road series openers. Five of last seven Baltimore games went over. Los Angeles won its last nine home games; they are 6-7 in home series openers. Last seven games at Dodger Stadium stayed under.


Teams won-lost records when this pitcher starts:

Mil-Wsh-- Guerra 9-2; Scherzer 10-7
Pitt-StL-- Niese 8-8 (0-4 last 4); Martinez 7-8
Cin-Chi-- Reed 0-3; Hendricks 8-7
Atl-Phil-- de la Cruz 0-1; Eickhoff 7-9
Col-SF-- Anderson 1-3; Peavy 8-8
Mia-NY-- Koehler 6-10; Harvey 5-11
SD-Az-- Perdomo 3-2; Bradley 5-4

LA-TB-- Tropeano 5-5; Moore 6-10
Tex-Bos-- Martinez 1-2; Porcello 3-10
Sea-Hst-- Miley 9-5; McCullers 5-3
A's-Min-- Graveman 6-9 (4-0 last 4); Nolasco 6-10
NY-Chi-- Sabathia 7-6; Shields 2-3/2-9
KC-Tor-- Volquez 10-7; Sanchez 10-6
Det-Clev-- Norris 2-0; Salazar 10-5 (6-0 last 6)

Blt-LA-- Gallardo 5-2; Urias 4-3


Starting pitchers allowing 1+ runs in first inning:

Mil-Wsh-- Guerra 2-11; Scherzer 7-17
Pitt-StL-- Niese 3-16; Martinez 1-15
Cin-Chi-- Reed 3-3; Hendricks 4-15
Atl-Phil-- de la Cruz 0-1; Eickhoff 5-16
Col-SF-- Anderson 1-4; Peavy 4-16
Mia-NY-- Koehler 6-10; Harvey 3-16
SD-Az-- Perdomo 3-5; Bradley 3-9

LA-TB-- Tropeano 2-10; Moore 3-16
Tex-Bos-- Martinez 0-3; Porcello 7-13
Sea-Hst-- Miley 6-14; McCullers 3-8
A's-Min-- Graveman 4-15; Nolasco 7-16
NY-Chi-- Sabathia 1-13; Shields 8-16 (4 of last 5)
KC-Tor-- Volquez 4-17; Sanchez 3-16
Det-Clev-- Norris 0-2; Salazar 1-15

Blt-LA-- Gallardo 4-7; Urias 1-7

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's six-pack

-- San Diego Padres signed six of the top 30 international prospects this weekend; Atlanta Braves signed five of the top 30.

-- Danny Espinosa had five HRs against the Reds this weekend, 15 RBI. Wow.

-- Arron Afflalo signed with Sacramento, his sixth team in nine years; he played for Denver two different times.

-- There were rumblings Sunday that Al Horford signed with Boston because he did not want to be on the same team as Dwight Howard in Atlanta.

-- Dodgers took Cuban P Yaisel Sierra off their 40-man roster, after giving him $30M five months ago- they've eaten a ton of money, between Sierra and Carl Crawford.

-- Lakewood Blue Claws, Class A farm team of the Phillies, drew 10,011 fans last night for a game that I assume was followed by a fireworks show.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Alex Smart

MIL vs WAS

Brewers RH Júnior Guerra (5-1, 3.25 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (9-5, 3.30)

Bonus Play UNDER 7

Such an early game should see both teams offenses start slowly this morning . Scherzer is 9-5 with a 2.62 ERA in 18 day games since joining the Nationals. Meanwhile, his Brewers pitching counter part Guerra is coming off his best start of the year, shutting out the Dodgers over eight innings with seven K's on Wednesday, thanks to a cutter thats hard to hit. I am expecting both starters to go deep and for the combined score to stay on the low side of the number.

Under is 4-1 in Brewers last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.Under is 5-1 in Brewers last 6 road games.Under is 7-2 in Guerras last 9 starts overall.Under is 3-1-1 in Scherzers last 5 home starts.Under is 19-7-4 in Nationals last 30 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.

Play on the UNDER 1/2 unit comp selection

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jordan Haimowitz

Brewers vs Nationals

Haimo's Monday Late Morning MLB Dog Of The Day

**2 Star Bonus Play Selection** Play on Milwaukee Brewers at +225 on the money line

Enjoy.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Lundin

Yankees vs White Sox

5* MLB Free Pick New York Yankees

This looks like a reasonable price on the New York Yankees with CC Sabathia on the mound as they travel to Chicago to take on the White Sox for the opener of a three-game series.

Sabathia (5-5, 3.17 ERA) has struggled lately surrendering six runs in each of his last two starts. He does however own a 10-1 record with a 3.28 ERA in 17 career starts at U.S. Cellular Field, and he's 19-5 with a 3.68 ERA in 34 starts against the White Sox during his career. The 35 year old southpaw has a combined .213 BAA versus current White Sox hitters.

Chicago turns to James Shields (3-9, 5.85) who's off a couple of solid outings following a disastrous start to his career with the White Sox. It could all be back to square one today though; Shields is 10-16 with a 4.15 ERA in 31 career starts against New York while surrendering a total of 30 home runs.

Yankees are 12-3 in the last 15 meetings and 6-2 in Sabathia's last eight starts vs. White Sox. Look for the Yankees to bring you some free money here on 4th of July.