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

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Stephen Nover

Angels vs Rays

Bonus Play Tampa Bay Rays

Matt Moore is healthy and pitching well again. Tampa Bay is a favorable spot, too, catching the West Coast Angels traveling for this early start. Moore is off his best start - seven scoreless innings against Boston this past Wednesday. The southpaw draws the Angels at low ebb, winners of just two of their last 13 games. Moore is 3-0 in four lifetime starts versus the Angels with a 1.52 ERA in 23 2/3 innings. The Angels are 9-14 against lefties.
The Angels have lost during the past eight times they've opened a series.
NickTropeano is a fringe starter getting a call up from the minors to make his first big league start since May 29. Tropeano had been dealing with a shoulder injury.
The Rays have had a cluster injury problem in the outfield, but have Steven Souza back and Desmond Jennings could return today.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Spreitzer

Angels vs Rays

Bonus Play Tampa Bay Rays

I'm backing the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. Two struggling teams meet up on Monday but the edge in this matchup has to go to Matt Moore and the Tampa Bay Rays. Moore pitched seven shutout innings against Boston his last start and in his last 26 1/3 innings, Moore has 27 strikeouts and just six walks. Also, the left-hander is 4-0 with a 2.93 ERA in day games this season. Nick Tropeano last pitched on May 29 and allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Rays earlier this season. The Angels have lost 12 of their last 15 versus losing teams on the road and went back to their losing ways yesterday after an uncharacteristic 21-2 win on Saturday. We'll back the Rays on Monday. Thanks & GL and have a safe and winning 4th! Scott Spreitzer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marc Lawrence

Yankees vs White Sox

Play - NY Yankees w/Sabathia vs Shields

Edges - Yankees: CC Sabathia 2.98 ERA with 1.21 WHIP last seven overall starts; and 3-0 versus A.L. Central foes and 3-0 as a favorite this season. White Sox: James Shields 2-12 as a dog and 0-4 in day games this season. With Shields in lousy KW form with 12 BB’s and 11 K’s his last three starts, and sporting an 11.48 ERA with a 2.38 WHIP in his last seven efforts, we recommend a 1* play on the NY Yankees. Thank you and good luck as always.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp MLB Pick, Monday, July 04, 2016 4:05 PM

(907) ATLANTA BRAVES VS (908) PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Take: UNDER

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Monday, July 4, 2016 is in the MLB scheduled contest between the Atlanta Braves and the Phillies in Philadelphia. The Braves' offense is the worst in MLB and the Under is 8-3 in Braves last 11 vs. the National League East. Joel De La Cruz threw well in his only start, allowing 3 runs and 1 walk in 6 innings against Cleveland. The under is 9-4-2 when the Braves face a team with a losing record. Philadelphia can't hit either, but starter Jerad Eickhoff (3.38 ERA) has been very good. Eickhoff allowed two runs on seven hits and three walks with six strikeouts over five innings in a no-decision Tuesday against Arizona, a 4-3 win. Eickhoff has a sharp 132:37 K:BB and a 3.12 ERA. The team is 7-1 under the total when he starts. And the Under is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings. Play Atlanta/Philadelphia Under the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Red Dog Sports

FC Inter Turku vs VPS Vaasa

Bonus Play Draw +215

VPS Vaasa and Inter Turku play on July 4th. We won our Bonus Play Saturday in the Italy/Germany game as it ended 1-1 in regulation.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

ORIOLES (Gallardo) @ DODGERS (Urias) 9:10 PM

Take: DODGERS -1 (-148 ML, +145 RL)

I’ll go the -1 route today with the Dodgers. This can be accomplished easily for those without access to actual -1 lines, by splitting the bet between the money line and the runs line.

The Orioles head to Los Angeles off a rough weekend at Safeco, as Baltimore got swept in a four-game set by the Mariners. The Birds have now lost five straight, and their pitching staff got mauled by the hot hitting Seattle team.

I don’t anticipate the Dodgers bombing out the Orioles in similar fashion, as they simply aren’t as explosive with the sticks. But I also don’t see the hosts having to put a bunch on the board here, as I’m banking on teenage sensation Julio Urias to contain the Baltimore bats pretty well.

Urias had a rough time in his first couple of major league starts. He couldn’t get through three innings in his debut against the Mets, and Urias also found the going tough at Wrigley Field in his second start. But things have gone much more smoothly since, and Urias comes into this matchup on a nice little roll.

Urias is being well protected by the Dodgers. He’s not being allowed to work deep into games, and in fact the lefty is supposed to make just a few more starts before being moved to the pen to save innings. That might change now with the Clayton Kershaw injury, but either way, Urias won’t pitch more than five or six innings in any of his remaining starts.

One thing that’s certain is that the hype surrounding Urias is legitimate. This kid has dynamic stuff and as long as he stays healthy physically, he’s about as can’t miss as it gets in terms of his future.

Yovani Gallardo will try to get past the Dodgers with his assortment of pitches, none of which get to the plate with much velocity. Gallardo now relies on his mid-80’s slider more than any other pitch, and he has now arrived at the point of his career where it’s all about location. When he’s got it, Gallardo can still get by. When the command is off, the veteran right becomes very vulnerable.

Give Gallado credit, he’s finding a way to get by. He’s clearly not dominating anymore, but the savvy is still there and Gallardo is certainly capable of putting together a quality start for six or so innings. So while I like Urias better here, it’s not an overwhelming differential on the mound.

What I like more here is that I’m seeing two teams traveling in different directions right now. Baltimore has lost four straight, while the Dodgers are playing pretty good ball and they’ve now won four in a row.

I made this number a bit higher than where it presently stands based on the pitching and team form. However, it’s not so cheap that I’m comfortable playing a full unit on LA money line. I’d rather reduce the liability and therefore, I’m splitting this into a ML/RL split. The Dodgers -1 are the holiday Bonus Play.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Roz Wins

Roz's Monday, July 04, 2016, Free MLB Pick: 9:10 PM

(929) BALTIMORE VS (930) DODGERS

Play OVER the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor's Free Pick for Monday, July 4, 2016 9:10 PM

(929) BALTIMORE VS (930) DODGERS

Play Baltimore.

 

[superbeets]

European Championships We 6Jul 20:00

Portugal

v

Wales

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
ITV		6/5	21/10	3	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
NWNDNDNDND*ND*​ Most recent​	3 - 0	ALNWALNWNWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Portugal have drawn all five matches at Euro 2016 in normal time

EXPERT VERDICT: Six of the last ten European Championship semi-finals have gone to at least extra-time and the draw looks the best value in this tie. Portugal have not been that great to watch at Euro 2016, drawing against Austria, Iceland, Hungary, Croatia and Poland and Wales can hold them even though Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies are suspended.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1


REFEREE: Jonas Eriksson STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play: 20-7 run 4th of July Angels w/ Tropeano+135

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, July 4


Oakland @ Minnesota

Game 921-922
July 4, 2016 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Grveman) 13.065
Minnesota
(Nolasco) 14.679
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-110
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-110); Over

Milwaukee @ Washington

Game 901-902
July 4, 2016 @ 11:05 am

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Guerra) 13.565
Washington
(Scherzer) 15.760
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-245
7
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-245); Over

NY Yankees @ Chicago White Sox

Game 923-924
July 4, 2016 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Sbathia) 15.493
Chicago White Sox
(Shields) 16.350
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-125
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+105); Under

Pittsburgh @ St. Louis

Game 903-904
July 4, 2016 @ 2:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Niese) 16.534
St. Louis
(Mrtinez) 15.459
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-200
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+170); Under

Kansas City @ Toronto

Game 925-926
July 4, 2016 @ 7:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Volquez) 15.529
Toronto
(Sanchez) 17.011
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-180
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-180); Over

Cincinnati @ Chicago Cubs

Game 905-906
July 4, 2016 @ 2:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Reed) 14.118
Chicago Cubs
(Hndrcks) 17.565
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 3 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-280
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-280); N/A

Detroit @ Cleveland

Game 927-928
July 4, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Norris) 15.818
Cleveland
(Salazar) 14.942
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-175
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+155); Under

Atlanta @ Philadelphia

Game 907-908
July 4, 2016 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(DeLaCruz) 14.579
Philadelphia
(Eickhff) 13.079
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
-155
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+135); Under

Baltimore @ LA Dodgers

Game 929-930
July 4, 2016 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Gallrdo) 13.860
LA Dodgers
(Urias) 16.728
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-150
8
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-150); Under

Colorado @ San Francisco

Game 909-910
July 4, 2016 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Andrson) 14.026
San Francisco
(Peavy) 16,534
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(-145); Under

Miami @ NY Mets

Game 911-912
July 4, 2016 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Koehler) 16.670
NY Mets
(Harvey) 15.293
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-165
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+145); Over

San Diego @ Arizona

Game 913-914
July 4, 2016 @ 9:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Perdomo) 11.760
Arizona
(Bradley) 16.679
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 5
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-160
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-160); Over

LA Angels @ Tampa Bay

Game 915-916
July 4, 2016 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Trpeano) 16.313
Tampa Bay
(Moore) 14.245
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 2
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+110); Under

Texas @ Boston

Game 917-918
July 4, 2016 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Mrtinez) 16.350
Boston
(Prcello) 14.959
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-170
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+150); Over

Seattle @ Houston

Game 919-920
July 4, 2016 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Miley) 14.582
Houston
(McCllers) 16.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-165
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-165); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Monday, July 4

Trend Report

11:05 AM
MILWAUKEE vs. WASHINGTON
Milwaukee is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games on the road
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

1:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. TAMPA BAY
LA Angels are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing LA Angels
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Angels

1:35 PM
TEXAS vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Texas's last 11 games when playing Boston
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 11 games when playing Texas

2:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Oakland's last 11 games
Oakland is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Oakland

2:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. CHI WHITE SOX
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games at home
Chi White Sox are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

2:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Seattle's last 21 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games at home
Houston is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games at home

2:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. ST. LOUIS
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

2:20 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

4:05 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Francisco's last 10 games when playing at home against Colorado
San Francisco is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games

4:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta

4:10 PM
MIAMI vs. NY METS
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Miami's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of NY Mets's last 19 games when playing at home against Miami
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami

7:07 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Kansas City is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Toronto is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Kansas City

7:10 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing Cleveland
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. LA DODGERS
Baltimore is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
LA Dodgers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing Baltimore

9:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Nationals

GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (35-46) at Washington Nationals (50-33)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 11:05 AM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer gets a chance to avenge his only loss in his last six starts when he takes the mound Monday morning in the opener of a three-game series against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers. The Nationals have won seven of their last eight and hold a five-game lead atop the National League East.

Scherzer has registered double-digit strikeouts in each of his last four starts to take over the major-league lead with 148 and remains on pace to eclipse his career-high total of 276 from last season. Washington reached 50 wins on the season with a 12-1 drubbing of Cincinnati on Sunday, hitting a season-high six homers and getting 6 2/3 no-hit innings from Stephen Strasburg. Shortstop Danny Espinosa went 4-for-5 with a pair of homers, including a grand slam, to finish 7-for-18 with five homers and 15 RBIs in the four-game set. The Brewers took two of three from the Nationals last weekend in Milwaukee, but have gone backward since and are mired in a four-game slide.

TV: 11:05 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington)

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

Guerra turned in the best start of his brief major-league career last time out against the Los Angeles Dodgers, blanking them on two hits over a season-high eight innings. The 31-year-old Venezuelan ended a five-start winless drought in his previous turn by tossing seven innings of two-run ball at Oakland. That was the first road victory for Guerra, who is holding the opposition to a .212 batting average.

Scherzer is coming off an overpowering performance against the New York Mets, striking out 10 while allowing two hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings. Scherzer went 4-1 in six starts last month, permitting two runs or fewer in five of the outings while racking up 58 strikeouts in 41 1/3 innings. His only loss in that span, however, came at Milwaukee on June 24, when he was tagged for five runs and two homers in six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals RF Bryce Harper, who hit his 17th homer, has multiple hits in four of his last six games.

2. Brewers LF Ryan Braun has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games, going 23-for-57 to raise his batting average to .328.

3. The Nationals placed RHP Joe Ross on the 15-day disabled list Sunday due to right shoulder inflammation.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Brewers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Rays

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (33-49) at Tampa Bay Rays (33-48)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Two of the most disappointing teams in the American League meet when the Tampa Bay Rays host the Los Angeles Angels on Monday in the opener of a four-game set. The Rays have dropped 16 of their last 18 contests after getting swept in four by Detroit at home over the weekend and Los Angeles is just 2-11 in its past 13 games following Sunday’s 10-5 loss at Boston.

Tampa Bay left-hander Matt Moore has had his way with the Angels in his career, boasting a 3-0 record in four starts, and he goes to the mound Monday against Los Angeles righty Nick Tropeano. The Rays, who swept three in Los Angeles from May 6-8, managed five runs in the last three contests but second baseman Logan Forsythe extended his hitting streak to nine games (15-for-38). The Angels followed up a 21-2 victory Saturday by giving up 16 hits on Sunday, but their top players have been hot with the bat of late. Albert Pujols has hit safely in nine straight games – going 15-for-37 with three homers and 11 RBIs in that span – and Mike Trout is 20-for-39 in his last 10 contests.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Nick Tropeano (3-2, 3.25 ERA) vs. Rays LH Matt Moore (4-5, 4.67)

Tropeano is slated to be recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake and make his first major league start since May 29. The 25-year-old missed time with a shoulder injury after his last outing against Houston and allowed two or fewer runs in seven of 10 starts to open the season. Tropeano gave up three runs – all on homers by Brad Miller and Curt Casali -- and struck out a season-best 10 in 5 1/3 innings of a loss to Tampa Bay on May 8.

Moore limited Boston to three hits over seven scoreless innings last time out and has three quality starts in his last four outings. The 27-year-old Floridian, who has been rumored to be a trade target of several teams, boasts 27 strikeouts and just six walks in that span. Pujols and Trout are each 2-for-8 in their careers with a homer against Moore, who owns an impressive 1.52 ERA versus Los Angeles over 23 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pujols has 1,185 extra-base hits, one shy of Frank Robinson for 10th on the major league’s all-time list.

2. Tampa Bay OF Desmond Jennings has missed three straight games with left hamstring tightness and is considered day-to-day.

3. Los Angeles 3B Yunel Escobar, a former Ray, is 14-for-35 during an eight-game hitting streak after notching a double and three singles Sunday.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Angels 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers at Red Sox

GAME: Texas Rangers (52-31) at Boston Red Sox (44-37)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Boston Red Sox ended a streak of three straight series losses by taking two of three from the bottom team in the American League West. The Red Sox will try to get a leg up on a second consecutive series win when they take a step up in competition and host the AL West-leading Texas Rangers in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

One of those series losses came at Texas from June 24-26, when the Boston staff surrendered a total of 23 runs while dropping two of three. The Red Sox overcame the trauma of a 21-2 loss on Saturday by getting back to what they do best on Sunday – pounding the opposing pitching staff for 10 runs and 16 hits. The Rangers are starting to slide a bit with four losses in the last five games and gave up a total of 22 runs in setbacks on Saturday and Sunday at the AL-worst Minnesota Twins. Texas is 3-4 on its 10-game road trip and will finish out the first half with four straight at home against Minnesota before heading into the All-Star break.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Nick Martinez (1-1, 5.00 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (9-2, 3.78)

Martinez is making his fourth start while Yu Darvish, Derek Holland and Colby Lewis recover from injuries and is seeking his first win of the season in that role. The 25-year-old walked five in as many innings at the New York Yankees on Wednesday but limited the damage to two runs without factoring in the decision. Martinez faced Boston at home on June 24 and was reached for four runs on six hits – two home runs – and three walks in six innings.

Porcello has not lost since May 17 and is coming off a strong start at Tampa Bay on Tuesday in which he struck out eight and yielded one run in six frames. The New Jersey native had to be bailed out by the offense to avoid a loss in his previous start, when he allowed four runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings against the Chicago White Sox on June 23. Porcello missed the Rangers the last time around and is 4-4 with a 5.86 ERA in eight starts against Texas.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers 1B Mitch Moreland (calf tightness) was scratched from Sunday’s lineup and is day-to-day.

2. Boston 1B Hanley Ramirez is 5-for-7 in two games since returning from an oblique strain.

3. Texas RF Shin-Soo Choo homered in three of the last four games.

PREDICTION: Rangers 12, Red Sox 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at White Sox

GAME: New York Yankees (40-41) at Chicago White Sox (42-40)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Despite a horrific six-week swoon in which they won only 10 of 36 games, the Chicago White Sox are in the thick of a tight American League wild card chase entering a three-game series against the visiting New York Yankees on Monday night. The White Sox have won four straight series to move two games over .500 for the first time since June 4.

Chicago owned the best record in the American League at 23-10 before going into a tailspin, which included dropping two of three in New York in mid-May. Chicago has responded by winning nine of its last 13 while the up-and-down Yankees avoided a three-game sweep with a 6-3 victory in San Diego on Sunday behind a pair of homers from Mark Teixeira. New York left-hander CC Sabathia takes a 19-5 overall record versus the White Sox into Monday's start, including a spectacular 10-1 mark with a 3.28 ERA in 17 starts at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox counter with James Shields, who will be looking to win back-to-back starts for the first time this season.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (5-5, 3.17 ERA) vs. White Sox RH James Shields (3-9, 5.85)

After going seven straight appearances with two runs or fewer allowed, Sabathia has been knocked around in his last two appearances. The soon-to-be 36-year-old Sabathia allowed six runs for the second straight start to take the loss versus Texas after garnering a no-decision while pitching a season-low 4 1/3 innings in his previous turn. Melky Cabrera and Brett Lawrie are a combined 8-for-33 with two homers each versus Sabathia.

Shields finally provided some reason for optimism on the south side of Chicago with his best start since his acquisition from the Padres. Shields went 6 2/3 innings and allowed one run on eight hits over 6 2/3 innings against Minnesota for his first victory in five starts with Chicago. Teixeira, who has homered four times in his last seven games, is a dismal 6-for-51 with 18 strikeouts against Shields.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees SS Didi Gregorius has three homers and six RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

2. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu, batting .308 in 13 games versus New York, has hit safely in his last six contests overall.

3. Teixeira hit home runs Nos. 400 and 401 Sunday, becoming the ninth player to reach 400 while playing for the Yankees.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, White Sox 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Astros

GAME: Seattle Mariners (43-39) at Houston Astros (43-39)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Seth Smith and the Seattle Mariners look to continue their unexpected power surge on Monday afternoon, when they visit the Lone Star State to open a three-game series versus the American League West-rival Houston Astros. Smith provided the fireworks with a grand slam to extend his home-run streak to a career-high four contests on Sunday, helping Seattle complete a four-game series sweep of Baltimore with a 9-4 victory.

The 33-year-old Smith has gone 8-for-17 with 11 RBIs in his last four contests for the Mariners, who erupted for 31 runs and 47 hits - including 23 for extra bases - in the series. Smith hopes the hot streak carries over as the veteran is just 4-for-21 in seven encounters with Houston this season and 0-for-6 with three strikeouts versus Monday starter Lance McCullers. The Astros had won 11 of 12 before dropping back-to-back contests to the Chicago White Sox, with George Springer's third leadoff homer of the season accounting for the lone run in Sunday's 4-1 setback. Jose Altuve was hitless for the second time in three contests but is a blistering 10-for-15 lifetime against Monday starter Wade Miley.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle, Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Wade Miley (6-4, 5.58 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lance McCullers (3-2, 3.91)

A stint on the disabled list did nothing to alter the fortunes of Miley, who returned from shoulder impingement to surrender five runs in four innings en route to an 8-1 setback to Pittsburgh on Wednesday. The 29-year-old has posted a 7.63 ERA over his last six outings, although he pitched significantly better in his lone appearance versus Houston this season. Miley allowed two runs and five hits in six innings of a no-decision at Minute Maid Park on May 5.

McCullers is ready to take the ball after a blister on his right index finger caused him to miss his last start. The 22-year-old followed a three-game winning streak by allowing seven runs and walking 10 over his last three outings (18 1/3 innings), posting an 0-1 record in the process. McCullers improved to 2-1 in three career starts versus Seattle after permitting two runs and four hits while striking out seven in his last encounter.

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston RHP Will Harris has logged a franchise-record 35 consecutive appearances without yielding an extra-base hit.

2. Seattle DH Nelson Cruz has homered three times and driven in eight runs while hitting safely in seven of his last eight contests.

3. Springer has gone deep on two occasions during his four-game hitting streak and has recorded six hits in seven meetings with the Mariners this season.

PREDICTION: Mariners 4, Astros 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Twins

GAME: Oakland Athletics (35-47) at Minnesota Twins (27-54)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Oakland Athletics saw their pitchers taken to task as the club concluded its homestand on a sour note. The Athletics look to dust themselves off on Monday afternoon, when they attempt to snap a four-game skid in the opener of a three-game series versus the host Minnesota Twins.

The Athletics have surrendered 29 runs during their losing streak - including 17 at the hands of Pittsburgh during a three-game sweep over the weekend. Billy Butler recorded an RBI double and scored in Sunday's 6-3 setback to the Pirates and is 5-for-15 lifetime against Monday starter Ricky Nolasco. Coco Crisp is riding high on a 10-game hitting streak but went just 2-for-12 as Oakland recorded a three-game sweep versus Minnesota from May 30-June 1. The Twins mustered just seven runs in that series but erupted for 24 in taking two of three versus American League West-leading Texas over the weekend.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Kendall Graveman (3-6, 4.84 ERA) vs. Twins RH Ricky Nolasco (3-6, 5.31)

Graveman matched the total from his three previous starts by allowing four runs in a no-decision against San Francisco on Tuesday. The 25-year-old sinkerballer looks to get back on track versus Minnesota, against which he permitted two runs and six hits in as many innings of a 3-2 triumph on May 30. Graveman, who has yielded two runs or fewer in six of his last eight starts, has struggled on the road this season - with a bloated 6.39 ERA accompanying a .343 batting average against.

Nolasco suffered his second straight loss and fell to 1-3 in his last six outings after getting shredded for seven runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings of Wednesday's 9-6 road setback against the Chicago White Sox. The 33-year-old was taken deep three times in that loss after surrendering four homers over his previous eight outings. Nolasco has kept the ball in the park in all three career meetings with Oakland, posting a 2-0 record with one shutout.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota C Kurt Suzuki has collected 16 hits in his last 11 contests and went 2-for-4 against his former team on May 31.

2. Both teams have struggled in day games, with the Athletics posting a 12-19 mark while the Twins are 13-22.

3. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer is just 1-for-20 in his last six contests.

PREDICTION: Athletics 4, Twins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Cardinals

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (41-41) at St. Louis Cardinals (43-38)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 2:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


With the first-place Chicago Cubs slumping, the door is open for someone to slip back into the National League Central race, and the two top candidates to do so go head to head for four games starting Monday. The second-place St. Louis Cardinals host the surging Pittsburgh Pirates as both hope to make a charge at the Cubs when they square off this week.



The Pirates have won four straight and seven of their last nine following a three-game sweep at Oakland over the weekend, while St. Louis is coming off its first home sweep of the season after taking three from Milwaukee. The Cardinals hope to continue their success against left-hander Jonathon Niese, who is 0-1 with a 10.45 ERA in two meetings this season, having allowing 13 runs (12 earned) over 10 1/3 innings. St. Louis could use a similar performance in support of right-hander Carlos Martinez, as the Cardinals have totaled just eight runs over his last three starts – all losses. The Cardinals have won 11 straight against NL Central rivals, including a three-game sweep at Pittsburgh from June 10-12, but the Pirates lead the season series 5-4.

TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Jonathon Niese (6-6, 5.07 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (7-5, 2.83)

Niese turned in perhaps his best start of the season June 7 against the New York Mets but has been shelled in four starts since then. The 29-year-old has pitched to an 8.86 ERA while losing four straight starts and gave up five runs (four earned) over 4 2/3 innings in a loss at Seattle last time out. Niese is 4-4 with a 4.31 ERA in 11 starts against the Cardinals.

Martinez has twirled six straight quality starts and has been especially dominant over his last four outings, posting a 0.64 ERA by allowing only two runs in 28 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old has just one win over the last four starts, though, and didn’t factor in the decision Wednesday against Kansas City despite six scoreless innings. Martinez has a mixed record against the Pirates, but he’s 1-1 with a 1.54 ERA in two starts against them this season.



WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals SS Aledmys Diaz is 10-for-24 during a six-game hitting streak and boasts three homers in his past eight games.

2. Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen, who is 4-for-24 with eight strikeouts against Martinez, sat out Sunday with a sore heel.

3. Pittsburgh claimed C Eric Fryer off waivers from St. Louis on Sunday, bolstering their depth chart behind the plate with C Francisco Cervelli on the disabled list and C Chris Stewart a candidate for the DL with knee and ankle injuries.



PREDICTION: Cardinals 8, Pirates 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Cubs

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (30-53) at Chicago Cubs (51-30)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The past couple of weeks have been tough for the Chicago Cubs – with the exception of a three-day stopover in Cincinnati. The Cubs return home and hope a visit from the Reds for three games beginning Monday will help them get back on track after a rocky road trip.



Chicago went 4-7 on its trip to Miami, Cincinnati and New York, concluding with a four-game sweep at the hands of the Mets. The highlight of the journey was the stop in Cincinnati, where the Cubs outscored the Reds 27-12 in the three-game sweep to improve to 9-1 in the season series. Things didn’t improve much for the Reds over the weekend at Washington where they dropped three of four to the Nationals and were pounded 12-1 in Sunday’s series finale, in which they didn’t record a hit until the eighth inning. The Cubs also were on the wrong end of a lopsided sweep in New York where the Mets outscored them 32-11, including a 14-3 rout Sunday.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), WGN (Chicago)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH Cody Reed (0-2, 9.00 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (6-6, 2.76)

Reed’s first stint in the majors hasn’t gone well, as the Reds have lost all three of his starts and he has been tagged with the loss in the last two. The 23-year-old hasn’t lasted more than five innings in his last two outings and allowed seven runs on nine hits over four frames in Wednesday’s loss to the Cubs. Reed has surrendered six home runs in 16 innings, including three against the Cubs last week.

Hendricks hit a bump in his breakout season with back-to-back losses last month, but he has won two straight decisions and the Cubs have won each of his last three starts. The 26-year-old beat Reed and the Reds on Wednesday, allowing two runs and eight hits over 6 2/3 innings to even his record. Hendricks is 2-1 with a 4.04 ERA in six starts against Cincinnati.







WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo, OF Albert Almora Jr. and SS Addison Russell all homered against Reed on Wednesday.

2. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto, who is 8-for-23 with two doubles and three homers over his past six games, is 4-for-6 with two homers against Hendricks.

3. Reds pitchers have allowed 144 home runs – most in the majors – including 24 in 10 games against the Cubs.



PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Reds 4