Monday 9/26/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Grand River Raceway

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

Race 9 - Post: 9:15 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 74 - Purse:$7600 - HORSES & GELDINGS - N/W $20000. LIFETIME
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 7 TWOMACSONEMACH 9/5
# 5 EMPEROR 5/2
# 2 SIPPEN WHISKY 10/1

TWOMACSONEMACH is the clear stand out wager in the eyes of the brain trust. Could very well be the strongest in the group of animals here, showing competitive markings of late. Average speed is a solid 82. A formidable class horse cannot be ignored. With an average class number of 77 all signs say this is the one to beat. Had one of the most solid speed ratings of the pack in his last race. Must use in your wagers. EMPEROR - Has a clear-cut shot this time, if he can race to his back racing class. Many expert selectors will recognize the amazing speed rating in the last race. Stacks up against any horse in this grouping. SIPPEN WHISKY - McClure will be looking to dominate for this race, has been hot these days. Win clip this last month is a sparkling 28. The wagering panel will always throw in a nice horse from the 2 post here at Grand River Raceway, always worth a look.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Mohawk Racetrack

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

Race 9 - Post: 10:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 86 - Purse:$14000 - CLAIMING HANDICAP $20,000 TO $25,000. ALLOWANCES FOR AGE & SEX. ENTER IN MULTIPLES OF $1,000.
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 4 MR MASSIMO 8/1
# 6 WALTZKING HANOVER 3/1
# 7 PAR INTENDED 7/2

MR MASSIMO has a formidable shot to take this race and is a really strong value bet given the line at 8/1. He has been doing work soundly and the TrackMaster Speed Ratings are among the most competitive in the group of horses. Comes into this competition with very good TrackMaster class figures in relationship to the bunch - could be worth a shot. Macdonald has been on fire over the last 30 days, winning at a nice 19 percent. WALTZKING HANOVER - May be the most compelling in the group here, showing really good figures of late. Average speed is a solid 87. Could more than likely take this field of starters given the 86 speed rating earned in his last contest. PAR INTENDED - When Pereira sends this nice horse out you can bet they'll be in the top three, percentages show them there 100 percent of the time. Achieved a 87 TrackMaster Speed Rating in last race. A duplicate affair here should get the top prize in this contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Presque Isle Downs

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


Race 5 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $17000 Class Rating: 99

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 26 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500, IF FOR $10,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 6 A FUNNY SONG 5/1

# 4 WILDCAT FRIENDSHIP 7/2

# 7 BOSS MAN BOB 10/1

My pick in this race is A FUNNY SONG. Is worth looking at and may be a bet - strong Equibase speed figs (84 average) at today's distance and surface lately. Don't let this gelding slip past you. Could prove victorious at a big price. WILDCAT FRIENDSHIP - With Morales getting the mount, watch out for this animal. Could best this group of horses in this race based on the Equibase Speed Figure - 87 - of his last race. BOSS MAN BOB - Garnered a respectable Equibase Speed Fig last time out. Ought to be considered a contender on earnings per start at the distance/surface alone.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing

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


Race 2 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $40000 Class Rating: 63

FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 119 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $40,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 1 INTERROGATOR 2/1

# 1A GAME BREAKER 2/1

# 4 IRISH ROCKET 7/2

I've got to go with INTERROGATOR. Strong average Equibase Speed Figs in dirt sprint races make this equine a solid choice. This colt could improve with second time Lasix. With a nice Equibase class rating average of 80, has one of the top class advantages in this field. GAME BREAKER - Ought to compete very well in the early speed contest which bodes well with this group of animals. The speed rating of 52 from his last contest looks very good in here. IRISH ROCKET - Rivera has an excellent ROI over the past month (+22) which should help investors with this selection. Expect a much improved attempt with the drop.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Mountaineer Park - Race #1 - Post: 7:00pm - Claiming - 4.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $9,100 Class Rating: 89

Rating:

#1 BEAR'S CONDUCTOR (ML=6/1)
#2 LUCKY LITTLE LIME (ML=8/1)
#6 POPPY'S WATCHING (ML=4/1)


BEAR'S CONDUCTOR - In this race here, this thoroughbred has clearly shown signs that he likes the grass. His speed figures are the highest in the field for this distance-surface. This trainer brings horses to the turf conditioned properly and ready to go, winning over 20 pct of the time under similar conditions. Finished out of the money last out at Presque Isle Downs, but was within five lengths of the winner. Opening at 6/1 makes me think he's got a chance. LUCKY LITTLE LIME - This is this gelding's first try on the grass. Ran well finishing fourth on September 14th. The track was slow that day, so I think this horse will take to the turf. I think that a sprinter coming off a layoff will usually run his best in the 3rd or 4th start back. Last ran at Charles Town and finished fourth. Reviewing his Past Performances, I see he was close at the finish, within five of the winner. POPPY'S WATCHING - A winning percent like 38 is fantastic for any jockey/conditioner twosome. Clouston is strong in turf sprints. This horse should have no alibis if he doesn't win. I really like it when a horse's last morning work is at the same distance or longer than today's effort like this one's is.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 BUDDY BE GOOD (ML=7/5), #7 WINNING WORTH (ML=8/1), #4 GUDERIAN (ML=8/1),

BUDDY BE GOOD - Hasn't raced or had any workouts since Aug 17th. Not much value on this morning-line favorite. WINNING WORTH - Pace makes the race. Hard for this early speedball to be able to manage the suicidal fractions from the rest of this group. Will be tough for this animal to beat this bunch off of that last speed fig. Unlikely to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's Equibase class figure, so put him on the vulnerable competitors list. GUDERIAN - Pace is so significant, and this speed merchant is going to have an early battle on his hands.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Put your money on #1 BEAR'S CONDUCTOR on the nose if you can get odds of 5/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:

1 with [2,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Box [1,2,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

[1,2,6] with [1,2,6] with [1,2,6,7,8] with [1,2,6,7,8] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Thistledown - Race #7 - Post: 4:40pm - Optional Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $34,700 Class Rating: 88

Rating:

#2B CHAIN YANKER (ML=4/1)
#1A PUT UP WITH IT (ML=3/1)


CHAIN YANKER - I like a campaigner that manages to be there at the wire as often as this filly. Almost always in the money so don't leave her out of your exotic bets. Sneaky speed on this one. She'll probably be stalking thoroughbreds on the back side, then demolish them down the stretch. PUT UP WITH IT - This campaigner coming off a good contest in the last thirty days is a serious competitor in my humble opinion. This filly is very reliable, frequently finishing in the money. This filly might as well call Thistledown home. Don't overlook how she races well over this track.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 FLORAL SKY (ML=3/1), #5 PREACHINTOTHECHOIR (ML=7/2), #2 JEZABEL'S CHARM (ML=4/1),

FLORAL SKY - This pony gave a lackluster effort last time out finishing third. No reason to expect any betterment in today's event. PREACHINTOTHECHOIR - This filly raced better than average on September 4th placing second, but hasn't even visited the track since then. Not really a good sign. Won't be easy for this thoroughbred to beat this group off of that last speed rating. Not likely to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's Equibase class figure, so put her on the vulnerable competitors list. JEZABEL'S CHARM - A bit of a lackluster performance when this filly finished fifth.

GUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - CHAIN YANKER - After a layoff, has had a few races and today she enters a sprint race. Should be back in form, so I expect this horse to perform well in today's race.
*


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Bet on #2 Entry to win if we can get at least 2/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [1,2]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Monday 9/26 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 2/2,4,5/2,10/2,4,6,9/1,3,4,9 = $19.20

EARLY PICK 4: 2,4,6,9/1,3,4,9/9/1,2,7,9 = $64

LATE PICK 4: 1,2,7,9/1,2,4,5/5,6,7/6 = $48

MEET STATS: 364 - 1091 / $1890.70 BEST BETS: 59 - 100 / $185.90

SPOT PLAYS: 22 - 100 / $140.00

Best Bet: WHO SAID NOT TO (1st)

Spot Play: RESITA (3rd)


Race 1

(2) WHO SAID NOT TO - a $140K Lexington buy - is a full to Lost For Words and a 1/2 to good local mare Lindwood Beach Girl. If this colt - who is staked to everything - is anywhere as good as the connections seem to think he is, he should beat this group fairly easily. (4) ARDEEN had a useful opener now he picks up Drury; consider for exotics. (6) TREMENDOUS PLAY faces easier here and he will likely be put into action early this time. (8) MANY FACETS is worth a look based on the driver change alone.

Race 2

(2) GIVE EM HECK drops back down a level here which should bring a better result; slight nod. (4) NEW YORK NIGHTMARE also drops one level and he should be much more aggressively handled this time. (5) VELOCITY HEADLIGHT is another that should be tough racing at this level in what shapes up as a contentious race despite the short field. (6) SPORTS VISION will be camped at the back early but he can pass some of these in the back 1/2.

Race 3

(2) RESITA has been in races where the final 1/4 was one of the fastest and she still managed to close ground. This race does not appear to involve that same scenario and she can break out here - even racing against sophomores. (10) CORE FUSION can build off a solid debut and contend here if he can beat at least a couple of rivals off the gate. (9) WEVE HAD ENOUGH is hard to take on top, but, he can take a share here. (8) NORTHERN MAJOR was closest with Jamieson driving two starts back; consider.

Race 4

(6) SMALLTOWN TERROR paced home in 55 flat last week now gets McNair who will likely get more aggressive with him; top call. (2) BLUE CHIP SUNSHINE showed little from the outer post last time on Flamboro's 1/2-miler but check how he was racing there from inside posts; using. (4) ST LADS FLIRT is another that will benefit from post relief here; using. (9) MONSTER IN LAW could surprise here if he is sent hard off the gate by Henry which isn't out of the question.

Race 5

(3) WINDSONG LIGHTNING tracked some rapid splits closely then prevailed late last week. A similar trip could easily develop here. (4) MAC RAIDER drops, should be looking for the front early and is a big threat to pop here. (1) NEEDLECREST should benefit from the move inside and he could trip out again; consider. (9) SUNNY BEACH DAY is worth a look making his second start off a break. He could crash the exotics at a big price here.

Race 6

(9) SHOOT THE THRILL comes up tagged and gets a ton of early speed to track here. Expect him to pounce at the head of the lane, if not earlier. (5) TAURUS DU PARC goes first time for Laroque here and he will likely be dangerous on the lead. (7) TOY IS OURS stays in claimers despite coming off two solid wins. His gait issues could resurface at any time. (3) ICE O LATE should be passing many of these late based on the probable pace scenario.

Race 7

(2) ROCKABELLA has a weak win record but he gets to face many here that also are not regular winners this year and he should get a solid pace to chase; slight nod. (7) WEATHERLY can build off his win vs. easier at Kawartha and contend here. (9) JIMMYS SECRET raced tough on the rim in this class last week; using. (1) DALTON DID IT has faced the same tough winner in three straight at Flamboro. He fits here and should offer a great price.

Race 8

(4) THIS IS MY SONG made two moves last week and just missed. He may offer a good price here facing horses that raced in the Metro. I give him the edge based on recency. (2) ROCK THIS WAY and (1) BOBCAT BOUND should hold a class edge on most of these, but the time off is concerning. (5) TUXEDO BAY was hard-used last time now switches to a driver that is great at getting horses to close sharply down the lane. A switch in tactics here should bring a better result.

Race 9

(6) WALTZKING HANOVER was on good cover last week but the rapid fractions benefitted the one he provided cover to more. He can turn the tables here. (7) PAR INTENDED's current form is hard to fault. Toss him on your late Pick 4 tickets. (5) LISVINNIE is erratic, but he is fast and can endure some tough and long trips; using. (2) HIGHLAND TARTAN was used up on the pace last week. A more patient approach is likely here with the driver switch.

Race 10

(6) YOURE MY HERO should go much better here dropped into a claimer and he stands a very good chance of controlling things throughout. (5) LUMIERE was claimed back by Laroque and he does the best with him. Expect immediate results (7) PANEDICTINE is in his best form and keeps changing hands every week. He should be close here again. (8) LIGHT FOOT ROAD caught fire down the lane last week when claimed. He is another that merits Late Pick 4 consideration here. (9) STIMULUS SPENDING is one that can close from far back for a slice here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Delaware Park (1st) Regal Treasure, 3-1
(7th) Comic Bird, 4-1


Finger Lakes (6th) Girlloveschocolate, 5-1
(8th) Bee Noteworthy, 3-1


Mountaineer (3rd) Aqua Solis, 5-1
(6th) Ambrosini, 4-1


Parx Racing (4th) Sierra Ancha, 5-1
(7th) Rydell, 6-1


Presque Isle Downs (6th) Pray With Faith, 3-1
(8th) Garava, 6-1


Thistledown (3rd) Visual Mission, 3-1
(6th) Laughs N Kisses, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 9/26 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF

MEET STATS: 332 - 966 / $1,797.80

BEST BETS: 43 - 80 / $144.90

Best Bet: FASHION DELIGHT (12th)

Spot Play: STATION THREEOHSIX (7th)


Race 1

(2) THE SMIDGE arrives from Pocono and draws well in a suspect field; leading driver Bartlett gets in the bike. (5) BANK SEA returns locally off some live efforts. (1) WHITE BLISS is pretty to look at but he hasn't proven his worth on the racetrack yet.

Race 2

(3) MATTAMERICAN has shown good speed here in the past and he should be heading to the front from this spot. (1) AMERICAN RAGE changes barns and has always represented himself well from inside posts. (4) SOHO JACKMAN A gets some needed class relief.

Race 3

(1) E Z NOAH has been a good second in his last two off of uncovered trips; assuming he behaves himself he should take charge here. (2) MACINTOSH N was a solid two-move winner last week for Vallee. (6) BORDER CONTROL A saved ground for a minor sharp last out; hard to ignore anything from this remarkable trainer.

Race 4

(7) RED HOT HILL clearly needed last week's race and despite drawing outside again she may be more interested tonight. (2) THIS DAY FORWARD raced pretty well in her local debut. (1) ROBOCALL HANOVER ships in for Burke with Brennan driving, has speed and the best draw.

Race 5

(1) SELFIE shows a win at this level, which not many others can say, plus the filly draws best; MacDonald should work out a live trip. (4) ARROW HANOVER just missed last out and is a clear threat. (6) NEVER ANY DOUBT was a solid winner last week versus cheaper for Allard and she may have more to offer.

Race 6

(2) HOT LEMONADE was a good second last out to a monster and she has a post edge here on her main rivals. (6) ALBANY GIRL returns locally for Team Milici off an odds-on score at Philly. (8) MAJOR MILLIE has clear ability but the worst post.

Race 7

(4) STATION THREEOHSIX was a good second when last at this level and he lures Stratton off a Schnittker trainee; worth a try in this wide-open event. (2) WICK N tired chasing a runaway last out and we won't see a pace like that in this race. (3) DRUNKEN DESIRE A does fit with these types and can be considered for a share.

Race 8

(6) ROCK ON MOE tries Holland in the bike tonight and always gives a 100% effort; veteran usually offers value as well. (4) VALIDUS DEO was a nice winner versus one notch lesser two back. (1) BAKERSFIELD draws best and is good enough for a board spot.

Race 9

(1) SOMELUCKSOMEROCK draws best for the aggressive Stalbaum and faces a field with some question marks. (2) GRAND THEFT didn't race badly last out and draws well enough. (7) BRUNELLO N was a winner at odds-on versus these in last but wasn't overly impressive and now he's stuck outside.

Race 10

(2) HURRIKANE ALI was very sharp from the pocket in just his third start of the year; Dube will be able to step out over the rail horse early and sit another winning trip. (3) STONEBRIDGE BEACH was collared by the top choice and it could very well happen again. (4) SILVER BULLET ships in from Philly with some nice-looking form; threat.

Race 11

(4) BOSTON RED ROCKS was supposed to be one of the top 3-year-olds coming into this season but that obviously didn't work out, however he's paying the bills with almost $270K banked. He deserves top billing but may be overbet. (5) SIPPIN ON SUDS was very game to hold second after a tough trip in his local debut. (3) LONE SURVIVOR was all out and not gaining late last week but he gets post relief tonight.

Race 12

(7) FASHION DELIGHT hasn't shown speed from outside posts recently but that was against better; would anyone really be surprised if he fires to the top at all costs and forgets to stop? (5) SAPPHIRE CITY just missed to a Team Milici good thing last week; veteran always has to be considered. (3) SHADES OF BAY faces tougher here and needs a live trip for his best chance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

September Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

Much like our waistlines after a tasty Labor Day barbeque, MLB rosters have expanded to accommodate September, the final month of the season. And as College Football and the NFL crash onto the scene, MLB pitchers take the final spotlight in hopes of leading their teams on to the playoff trail.

The question is which ones can we count on and which ones figure to be candidates for offseason Weight Watchers meetings?

Check it out.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team starts the last three seasons during the month of September. On the flip side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in September team starts, winning 33% percent or less of their efforts.

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each September over the last three years.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s September’s list.

Enjoy the games.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 12-2 (8-1 H)

For nearly two full seasons, Arrieta has been as good as it gets in baseball as a starting pitcher. While strikeouts have been down a bit and walks are up of late, at this time it hard to find fault with a hurler who has opposing batters hitting below .200 against him and has a 2.84 ERA to start the month.

Cole, Gerrit - 14-3 (6-0 H)

The Pittsburgh ace has frankly had a mediocre injury-plagued season and on August 27th had an MRI on his elbow, which revealed no damage. If Pirates the are going to snare a third consecutive Wild Card bid, they will need the Cole of the past two years. Note: Cole’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of September.

*Grenike, Zack - 13-3 (7-1 H)

Greinke's ERA is higher than past year's but pitching in thinner air of Arizona has contributed to this. While the Diamondbacks have little too play for, expect Grienke to be tough as nails like usual.

Hamels, Cole - 12-5 (6-2 H)

Need a big game pitched in September? It’s hard to go wrong with Hamels, whose ERA of 2.91 is well below career mark of 3.26. Still owns lively fastball and changeup is knee-buckling. A true professional.

*Jimenez, Ubaldo - 12-1 (6-0 H)

Still toeing the rubber every five days or for Baltimore in spite of mid-sixes ERA. Baltimore has few options and Jimenez is not trustworthy in the bullpen either. Orioles need big month from their big man to reach the playoffs and this is his best month.

*Kershaw, Clayton - 12-3 (6-1 A)

Kershaw threw in simulated game on August 30 and later said "feeling really good" and if all goes well, the Dodgers hope Kershaw can pitch in September and beyond in some role, which only makes the Dodgers a bigger threat. Best pitcher in baseball.

Kluber, Corey - 10-3 (5-1 A)

Has been back to Cy Young form since the All-Star break with an ERA under 2.00 and Cleveland has won his last six outings. When he commands both sides of dish with fastball, for whatever reason, his curveball has more break. A true established ace for the Tribe trying to win the division.

Koehler, Tom - 10-5 (5-1 A)

Been very effective in a quiet way nationally, but has been extremely dependable for two months leading to this month for Miami, supplying six to seven solid innings per start. If he's throwing strikes inside to batters, he’s tough to hit. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of September.

Peavy, Jake - 11-3 (5-1 H)

Went on DL in late August with lower back strain. Had been working out of bullpen most of August and future status with San Francisco is as cloudy as the weather in the Bay.

*Price, David - 12-5 (7-2 H)

After a largely below season in Boston, Price has been much sharper in latter stages of August, which is what the Red Sox need. What has changed is Price became more effective in keeping the ball lower and is getting more fly ball outs as a power pitcher, which are genuinely more routine.

*Scherzer, Max - 11-4 (6-3 H)

After a somewhat slow start, Scherzer has been getting better and better and base hits allowed are well below innings pitched (128 vs. 190), yet walking few batters (45), especially compared to strikeouts (238). Back to pacing around mound like the king of the jungle.

*Shields, James - 13-4 (8-0 A)

It has been a wild ride for Shields this season, with numerous hideous outings blended in with several sharp ones. At this stage, hard to think the 34-year righty can duplicate the past seasons.

Strasburg, Stephen- 9-4 (5-1 A)

Starts the month on the DL after some very ugly starts last month. If Washington is to do anything in the postseason, Strasburg needs to regain early season form, which features moving fastball and big breaking curve.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 11-4 (6-2 A)

If rehab assignments go well, September 10th is target date for return. Zimmermann has not been very effective for quite some time and easy to forget he had ERA of 2.45 in mid-May, compared to current 4.44.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Hellickson, Jeremy - 2-10 (1-5 H)

All things considered, Hellickson has not had a bad year in Philadelphia. However, upon closer inspection, most of his numbers are now near career norms and if that ends being the same this month, real bet against potential.

Leake, Mike - 5-10 (1-7 A)

The Cardinals right-hander has been a lot like his teams, when Leake has been good, he and St. Louis have generally won, when not they have too often lost badly. Cards are hoping not to see a repeat performance from the veteran.

Ross, Tyson - 3-11 (1-6 A)

Started on Opening Day and has not been seen since for San Diego with bum shoulder. Still trying to work way bad through rehab. Probably best to forget 2016.

*Sale, Chris - 2-12 (0-8 A)

It is almost unimaginable Sale could have a record like this in September, yet he does. Part of it is the White Sox offense is too unreliable and Sale's miscues end up being quite costly. Let's see what the final month brings for the big lefty.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Dodgers walk off with NL West title
By The Sports Xchange

LOS ANGELES -- Charlie Culberson hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Los Angeles Dodgers the National League West championship with a 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday at Dodger Stadium.
Reliever Joe Blanton earned the victory that gave the Dodgers their fourth successive division title.
With two out in the bottom of the 10th, Culberson hit a 91 mph fastball from Boone Logan into the stands down the left field line for his first home run of the season and the sixth career.
The game not only marked the end of the Dodgers' regular-season home schedule, it culminated a weekend of festivities honoring Vin Scully. The Hall of Fame broadcaster called his final game at Dodger Stadium. Scully said he would not broadcast any of the team's postseason games.

Padres 4, Giants 3
SAN DIEGO -- Wil Myers' RBI single in the seventh inning lifted San Diego past San Francisco.
Myers drove in Manuel Margot, who was on base after his third hit of the game, a triple into the right-center gap. Myers tomahawked a grounder just inside the first base line to score Margot, who finished a homer shy of the second cycle in Padres history.
Brandon Morrow pitched to three batters, retiring two, for the win. Brad Hand recorded his first save after getting the final five outs.

Red Sox 3, Rays 2 (10 innings)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Veteran designated hitter David Ortiz went 3-for-5 with a double in his final game at Tropicana Field, lifting Boston over Tampa Bay for its 11th straight win.
The Red Sox completed the three-game sweep of the Rays to inch closer to an AL East title. The Red Sox are 5 1/2 games ahead of the second-place Toronto Blue Jays.
Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez had 13 strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings in a no decision. The Rays struck out 11 consecutive times against Rodriguez and reliever Heath Hembree to set a major league record. The Rays struck out 23 times to set a franchise record.

Blue Jays 4, Yankees 3
TORONTO -- Edwin Encarnacion hit an infield single to second base to score the winning run as Toronto came back with two runs in the bottom of the ninth to defeat New York.
Jose Bautista homered for the Blue Jays. Didi Gregorius homered for the Yankees.
Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda did not factor in the decision after allowing three hits, three walks and one run in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out seven. Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada also did not figure in the decision after allowing one run, four hits and two walks while striking out seven over seven innings.

White Sox 3, Indians 0
CLEVELAND -- Carlos Rodon pitched eight innings, allowed two hits, striking out 11, as Chicago beat Cleveland at Progressive Field.
Rodon walked three and threw 108 pitches as the White Sox ruined Cleveland's chance to clinch the Central Division title at home. The Indians' magic number for clinching the division is at one.
David Robertson pitched the ninth to earn his 36th save. Rodon and Robertson struck out eight of the last nine Indians hitters to end the game.

Royals 12, Tigers 9
DETROIT -- Salvador Perez, Cheslor Cuthbert, Raul Mondesi and Alex Gordon each hit a home run and Kansas City pounded out 19 hits in a victory over Detroit.
Kansas City hit for the cycle four batters into the game and when Paulo Orlando singled, it drove starter Matt Boyd from the game without retiring a batter.
The Tigers made it interesting as the game wound down, rallying for two runs off Kevin Herrera in the eighth inning.
Victor Martinez hit a grand slam in the third inning.

Mets 17, Phillies 0
NEW YORK -- Rookie Robert Gsellman threw a career-high seven scoreless innings to lead New York to a rout of Philadelphia at Citi Field.
The National League wild-card leading Mets capped their final homestand of the regular season with the most lopsided shutout win in the franchise's 55-season history. The previous biggest shutout was a 14-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on April 19, 1998.
New York took three of four from the Phillies, who jumped out to a 10-0 lead Saturday before being outscored 25-0 the remainder of the series.

Nationals 10, Pirates 7
PITTSBURGH -- Jayson Werth smacked a pinch-hit, two-run homer to highlight a five-run eighth inning as Washington pulled out a win over Pittsburgh at PNC Park.
The four-hour game featured a combined 21 hits, four ties, 45 players used (tied the National League record), 17 pitchers (one shy of the major league record), a benches-clearing incident, two ejections and an injury to a star player.
Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper started and left in the third inning with an apparent left thumb injury. There was no immediate word on the exact nature of the injury or a prognosis.

Reds 4, Brewers 2
MILWAUKEE -- Brandon Finnegan threw five shutout innings and Scott Schebler had two hits with a pair of RBIs as Cincinnati beat Milwaukee at Miller Park.
Finnegan closed the book on his first full big league season on a high note. He struck out four batters and scattered three hits without walking a batter, picking up his tenth victory of the season.

Astros 4, Angels 1
HOUSTON -- Joe Musgrove worked seven strong innings and Houston belted three solo home runs to offer support in a win over Los Angeles at Minute Maid Park.
Musgrove allowed one run on seven hits while recording four strikeouts. He did not walk a batter for the first time in six starts and capped a strong stretch of home appearances with a 1.75 ERA over six games (five starts) at Minute Maid Park.
Evan Gattis and Tony Kemp launched leadoff home runs in the second and fifth innings. Tyler White added his eighth home run with one out in the seventh inning.

Mariners 4, Twins 3
MINNEAPOLIS -- Nelson Cruz hit two solo home runs and Jesus Sucre continued his hot hitting since his recall from Triple-A with a two-run homer as Seattle held on for a win over Minnesota, which lost its 100th game and will finish with the league's worst record and the top pick in next year's draft.
Cruz had four homers in the series, including one in each game for the Marlins, who kept pace in the American League wild-card race. The Mariners remained 2 1/2 games behind Baltimore for the second wild card.
Taijuan Walker pitched 5 1/3 innings for the Mariners, allowing three runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out seven. Edwin Diaz finished with his 17th save in 19 chances.

Athletics 7, Rangers 1
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Rookie right-hander Jharel Cotton gave Athletics fans a reason to believe in a brighter future in the home finale, limiting Texas to one run in seven innings in a victory over the American League West champions.
Ryon Healy smacked a two-run home run among three hits, and Stephen Vogt ignited a seven-run second inning with a three-run double, helping the A's finish with a win at home after they'd begun the six-game homestand with five consecutive losses.
Meanwhile, the Rangers fell into a tie with the Boston Red Sox for the best record in the AL heading into the final week of the regular season. The Cleveland Indians are also still in the chase for the home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs.

Orioles 2, Diamondbacks 1
Hyun Soo Kim hit an early two-run homer and Baltimore finished a three-game sweep of Arizona.
The victory let the Orioles hold on to the second wild-card spot. Baltimore came into this game with a half-game lead over Detroit for that No. 2 wild card.
Baltimore starter Dylan Bundy gave up one run in five innings. Bundy allowed that only run in the fourth inning before the Orioles went to the bullpen in the sixth.

Cubs 3, Cardinals 1
CHICAGO -- Jon Lester allowed three hits in 6 2/3 innings, and Chicago set a franchise record for single-season victories by beating St. Louis.
Lester earned his league-leading 19th victory, and David Ross, who is retiring after the season, homered as the National League Central champions reached 99 victories, which they last accomplished in 1935. They took two of three against the Cardinals, who trail the Giants by a half-game for the second NL wild card.
Lester (19-4) struck out seven while lowering his ERA to 2.28, second lowest in the majors behind his teammate Kyle Hendricks (2.06), another candidate for the NL Cy Young Award. Lester hasn't allowed more than two runs in a start since July 24 against the Brewers.

Braves-Marlins (cancelled)
Miami ace Jose Fernandez, an All-Star starting pitcher who escaped Cuba to become one of the best young arms in baseball, was killed in a boating accident early Sunday morning at the age of 24.
The Marlins canceled their scheduled game against Atlanta as a result.
Fernandez was one of three people killed in the boat crash near Miami Beach. The Coast Guard discovered an overturned boat around 3:30 a.m. Fernandez was on a 32-foot vessel that had a "severe impact" with a jetty, according to authorities. Fernandez was killed as a result of the impact of the crash and did not drown.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (64-91) at Nationals (91-64)

Game: 1
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: September 26, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

WASHINGTON -- The Washington Nationals return home to play Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks following a three- city road trip to Atlanta, Miami and Pittsburgh.

The Nationals were 4-5 during the trip and clinched the National League East title on Saturday night with a 6-1 win in Pittsburgh.

Washington (91-64) can now turn its attention to holding down the second-best record in the National League. That would assure the Nationals of hosting Games 1 and 2 of the National League Division Series on Oct. 7 and 8 at Nationals Park.

It appears likely the Nationals will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the playoffs.

"That is important. We have to finish up strong. These games are all meaningful and we have to approach it like that," left fielder Jayson Werth told Mid-Atlantic Sports Network after Sunday's 10-7 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The starting pitchers Monday will be Washington right-hander Tanner Roark (15-9, 2.70) against Arizona right-hander Archie Bradley (7-9, 5.02). Roark is going for a career-high 16th win after he won 15 games in his first year as a starter in 2014.

"We will be back to work tomorrow," said Werth, who tied the game Sunday with a homer in the eighth.

Roark was the hard-luck loser on Tuesday when he gave up one run and three hits in seven innings in a 1-0 loss at Miami.

Bradley allowed eight runs (seven earned) in 3 1/3 innings in a loss to Washington on Aug. 1. But he has given up three runs or fewer in five of his last six starts and is 3-1 with a 4.94 ERA during that run.

The Nationals may get a break in the series as Arizona right-hander Zack Greinke (shoulder soreness) may not make a start anymore this year.

"If he doesn't start Tuesday, there's probably a good chance he doesn't start again," Arizona manager Chip Hale said Sunday. "That's my opinion right now, but we'll have to get some input from the doctors."

Greinke is 13-7 with a 4.37 ERA in 26 starts this year.

"I know we were happy with the MRI results. It's just more swelling in there. You can't really go full speed until the swelling goes down, so it's hard to say he's going to be able to start," Hale added.

Washington will try to get healthy in the last week of the season.

Daniel Murphy, an MVP candidate, has missed several games recently with a strained buttocks.

Right fielder Bryce Harper hurt his left thumb Sunday in Pittsburgh when he slid into third in the third inning with a triple. Harper stayed in the game and scored a run but was replaced in right by Chris Heisey in the bottom of the third.

The benches later emptied when Washington pitcher A.J. Cole threw a pitch behind Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang, who did a fake tag on the Harper triple.

"His hand is sore. We are going to take care of it. It is day-to-day," Washington manager Dusty Baker told reporters in Pittsburgh. Baker, who was not pleased with the fake tag, said Harper hurt his thumb and may get an X-ray Monday.

Hale, meanwhile, feels like his team is battling against playoff-bound foes.

"They were fighting their hearts out like some of the teams we've been playing and our guys matched in," Hale said after a 2-1 loss Sunday in Baltimore.

The series with the last-place Diamondbacks (64-91) will feature the return of Matt Williams, who was the manager of the Nationals for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Williams was on the coaching staff of the Diamondbacks before he became the Washington manager and he is back with Arizona as a third base coach under Hale.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB notebook: Marlins ace Fernandez dies in boating accident
By The Sports Xchange

Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez, an All-Star starting pitcher who escaped Cuba to become one of the best young arms in baseball, was killed in a boating accident early Sunday morning at the age of 24.
The Marlins canceled their scheduled game Sunday afternoon against the Atlanta Braves.
Fernandez was one of three people killed in the boat crash near Miami Beach, police said early Sunday. The Coast Guard discovered an overturned boat around 3:30 a.m. Fernandez was on a 32-foot vessel that had a "severe impact" with a jetty, according to authorities. Fernandez was killed as a result of the impact of the crash and did not drown.
The boat carrying Fernandez and two others was traveling at a significant speed when it struck rocks, authorities said.
--Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper left Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with an apparent left thumb injury.
The 2015 National League MVP was injured while sliding into third base on a triple in the third inning. He remained in the game and later scored before he was replaced by Chris Heisey.
Harper was one of the few Washington regulars in the starting lineup a day after the Nationals clinched their third NL East title in five years.
--Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully will call three more games this season, the Dodgers' final series in San Francisco, before retiring. Scully said previously he will not call any of the Dodgers' postseason games.
--Colorado 2B D.J. LeMahieu seeks to become the third member of the team to win a batting championship in the past four seasons, following OF Michael Cuddyer in 2013 and 1B Justin Morneau in 2014.
--Giants RHP Johnny Cueto (groin) was unable to make his Sunday start and was replaced by rookie Ty Blanch. SS Brandon Crawford (finger) returned to the lineup after missing four games.
--A's manager Bob Melvin announced before the game that RHP Sonny Gray (elbow inflammation) will start Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels. Gray, who hasn't made a start since Aug. 6, is expected to pitch no more than two innings before LHP Ross Detwiler replaces him.
--Rays CF Kevin Kiermaier was hit on the hand by an Eduardo Rodriguez fastball in the bottom of the third inning and left the game. He is considered day-to-day with a bruised left wrist.
--Cincinnati manager Bryan Price said chances were slim that RHP Homer Bailey will pitch again this season. The veteran returned from Tommy John surgery on July 31 but made just six starts before he was sidelined with tightness in his right biceps. Because of that, Bailey hasn't pitched in nearly a month.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs (99-56) at Pirates (77-78)

Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: September 26, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PITTSBURGH -- Neal Huntington was asked on his weekly radio show Sunday whether the Pittsburgh Pirates might want to scale their hopes back this season from making the playoffs to simply finishing with a winning record.

The team's general manager hedged big-time, declining to buy into such a change in scope, although he did begin to talk about the offseason in a way that suggested the Pirates might not be able to claw their way into a National League wild-card spot.

Realistically, finishing over .500 is probably the better target, but hardly an easy one, especially considering that the Chicago Cubs come to PNC Park to start a four-game series Monday, followed by a trip by Pittsburgh to St. Louis next weekend to close the regular season.

Pittsburgh has lost two games in a row to sit one game under .500 at 77-78. It is 4 1/2 games out of the second NL wild-card playoff spot, same as Miami, and would also have to pass St. Louis, with just those seven games remaining.

Chicago, of course, leads the major leagues with 99 wins after a 3-1 victory over St. Louis Sunday night. The Cubs have won five of their past six and -- in case the Pirates have their eyes on pulling off a sweep to bolster their dwindling playoff hopes -- they have not lost more than two games in a row since early July.

In addition, Pittsburgh is a disappointing 37-40 at PNC Park -- "We'd like to get back to being dominant at home," Huntington said -- while the Cubs are 43-32 on the road.

The Cubs are scheduled to start Kyle Hendricks (15-8, 2.06 ERA) in Monday's series opener. He leads the major leagues in ERA and is 11-2 with a 1.37 ERA over his past 17 outings, including 16 starts. He has beaten Pittsburgh twice this season, allowing one earned run in 13 innings, with both games coming at Wrigley Field.

Teammate Jon Lester, who started the Cubs game Sunday, told the Chicago Tribune last week that Hendricks should win the NL Cy Young Award.

"If I had a vote, (Hendricks) would be my vote," Lester told the Tribune. "I get to see him every day. I see what he does, how he goes about it, how he prepares, how he goes out and executes. He's my guy. He's who I'd vote for right now, tomorrow, the next day, whenever."

After Hendricks, it doesn't get any easier for Pittsburgh. The projected Cubs starters the remainder of the series are John Lackey (10-8), Jake Arrieta (18-7) and rookie Rob Zastryzny (1-0).

The Pirates are expected to give rookie Chad Kuhl (5-3, 3.73 ERA) the start Monday. He has won his past two starts, allowing a total of three earned runs while pitching six innings in each of the two wins.

Pittsburgh has won nine of the 12 games he has started.

He, like so many pitchers, has struggled against the Cubs, going 0-1 in two starts with an 8.59 ERA. One of those losses was a 3-0 game against Hendricks Aug. 30.

Pittsburgh's probable starters the rest of the series are Ryan Vogelsong (3-6), rookie Jameson Taillon (4-4) and Ivan Nova (12-8).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (79-76) at Blue Jays (86-69)

Game: 4
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: September 26, 2016 7:07 PM EDT

TORONTO -- The New York Yankees ended one streak, now they must find a way to end another streak on Monday in the finale of a four-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays.

They are on an eight-game losing streak at Rogers Centre.

New York did score, at least, in the 4-3 loss to the Blue Jays Sunday.

When Didi Gregorius led off the seventh inning with his 19th homer of the season, it ended the Yankees' string of run-less innings at 33, a span that included being shut out in each of their three previous games.

They avoided the embarrassment of becoming the first American League team to be blanked in four consecutive games since the introduction of the designated hitter in 1973. The Washington Senators were the last AL team to be shut out in four straight games and that was Sept. 1-5, 1964.

The Yankees also looked as if they would win the game Sunday when they scored twice to go ahead 3-2 in the ninth only to have the Blue Jays score the tying run on a safety squeeze and the winning run on a two-out infield single to earn their third straight victory.

The Blue Jays remain in the first wild-card spot by 1 1/2 games over the Baltimore Orioles, who start a three-game series in Toronto on Tuesday.

The Yankees have lost four games in a row -- and 11 of their past 14 -- and are 5 1/2 games removed from a wild-card spot.

They have lost eight games in a row at Rogers Centre.

There have been few of those losses tougher to take than the one on Sunday.

"It's tough, it's really tough," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

The loss took the Yankees one step closer to elimination from a chance to participate in the postseason.

"It stinks," Girardi said. "We've been fighting and fighting. You think about some of these games we've lost, they've been really tough. We've gotten good pitching performances, we've lost in a number of different ways. It's just been tough."

The Blue Jays seem to be righting themselves. They lost nine of their first 12 games in September and now are 10-12 for the month.

Marco Estrada, who did not factor in the decision Sunday despite allowing only one run in seven innings, feels the revival of the Blue Jays goes beyond the three straight wins to open the final seven-game home stand of the season.

"I don't think it's the last three games, I think it goes back even further," he said, referring to the series in Seattle where throngs of Canadian fans cheered the Blue Jays on to win two of three games from the Mariners. "Going to Seattle and just seeing that atmosphere, seeing the fans, all the support we're getting on the road, it means a lot to us. It definitely pumps us up a bit.

"And then coming home and seeing sold-out crowds. It's a great feeling to be a part of this team right now. We're obviously very excited to be home and this atmosphere, you just can't beat it right now.

"So it definitely gives us a lot of energy and it pumps us up a lot. And we're playing really good baseball right now. Our pitching has been really good, especially this series. It's a tough lineup over there on the other side and we're able to pitch pretty well against them.

"I'm glad our pitching is back to what it has been all year basically and obviously our hitting has been tremendous and we were able to score a few runs at the end."

The Blue Jays will have their 20-game winner, J.A. Happ, going for them on Monday against the Yankees. Happ will go for his fourth win in a row. He is 3-0 with a 2.65 earned-run average in his past three starts. The left-hander is 3-0 with a 2.39 ERA in four starts against the Yankees this season and is 6-2 with a 4.02 ERA in 13 career starts against them.

The Yankees did not officially announce a starter for Monday although Girardi said it likely will be right-hander Luis Severino, who has had more success this season as a reliever.

Severino is 3-0 with a 0.39 ERA in 11 relief appearances. He is 0-8 with an 8.58 ERA in nine starts this season with the Yankees. In 13 games (12 starts) at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he was 8-2 with a 3.49 ERA. He pitched three scoreless innings in one relief appearance against the Blue Jays this season. In four career outings against Toronto, including three starts, he is 0-2, 5.71 ERA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (83-73) at Marlins (77-78)

Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: September 26, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

MIAMI -- Jose Fernandez was on the mind of virtually everyone in South Florida on Sunday, especially those who follow the Miami Marlins.

However, the tragic boating-accident death of the 24-year-old All-Star pitcher didn't just impact those in his community.

Fernandez was also respected throughout baseball.

The New York Mets, who will visit the Marlins on Monday to start a three-game series that is sure to be emotional, showed on Sunday that Fernandez was on their minds, too.

Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes, who like Fernandez was born in Cuba, hung up a jersey with his friend's name and his No. 16.

"Our guys are a special group," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "We wanted to honor Jose, so we put up his jersey in our dugout. All our guys walked by and gave it a little tap."

Cespedes said the tribute for Fernandez was the idea of Mets owner Jeff Wilpon, who had the jersey made.

"(Wilpon) came and talked to us in the trainer's room before the game," Cespedes said. "I decided I wanted to be the one to hang it up in the dugout, just to let everyone know how much this loss means to us."

The Mets (83-73) lead the San Francisco Giants (82-74) by one game and the St. Louis Cardinals (81-74) by 1 1/2 games in the battle for two NL wild-card berths. It is likely that two of those three teams will make the playoffs.

Miami (77-78) is tied with the Pittsburgh Pirates (77-78), next in the wild-card standings, both 4 1/2 games back with seven games to play.

The Marlins, though, can still play for pride. They can play to try to get a winning record for the first time since 2009. And they can play to honor Fernandez.

Marlins third baseman Martin Prado said he doesn't know how his team can possibly be ready to play on Monday night.

"We are not robots," Prado said. "We are humans. We feel things. Jose made an impact, in different ways, on every player on this team.

"I know we have to play the games. We are professionals. ... But there is a lot of pain. We miss him."

Marlins manager Don Mattingly wept openly during a Sunday press conference to announce Fernandez's passing.

"I saw such a little boy in Jose," Mattingly said. "He played with the joy of a Little Leaguer."

The Marlins have not announced who will start on Monday -- Fernandez had been scheduled to pitch before his tragic accident.

Left-hander Adam Conley, who had been scheduled to pitch Sunday before that game with the Atlanta Braves was canceled, is the likely candidate to face the Mets.

Conley (8-6, 3.94 ERA) would be making his first start since Aug. 13. He sustained a finger injury on his left hand, and he likely would be on a strict pitch limit.

New York will counter with right-hander Bartolo Colon (14-7, 3.12 ERA).

With four of the five pitchers the Mets were counting on to end this season in their rotation now injured -- Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler -- Colon has clearly been New York's rotation savior.

And even though Colon is 43 years old, he is doing quite the opposite of running out of gas. He went 3-1 with a 2.61 ERA in August and is 2-0 with a 1.75 ERA in September.

Collins said Colon is the perfect pitcher to have on the mound on Monday. Due to his vast experience, he figures to know how to navigate the emotion evening.

The Mets say they will hang up their Fernandez jersey in their dugout on Monday, and the Marlins will no doubt dedicate what remains of their season to their fallen teammate.

Fans, sadly, were robbed of seeing Fernandez at home on Monday in his beloved Marlins Park -- where he had a 29-2 career record and a 1.49 ERA -- battling a Mets team that is fighting hard to make the playoffs.

Collins still expects the Marlins to bring their best.

"I'm sure they are all going to be fired up," Collins said, "not only to beat us but to honor Jose."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians (90-65) at Tigers (83-72)

Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 26, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

DETROIT -- Rubbing out tough defeats has been a trait of the Detroit Tigers all season long.

They will have to rub out two in a row Monday against a Cleveland Indians team eager to clinch the American League Central Division title with just one more win.

"I'm very adept at forgetting the last game," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said the morning after Saturday's tough 7-4 loss to Kansas City, which the Royals accomplished by scoring five times with two out in the ninth. "In my mind it's going to be a dogfight all the way in here.

"The truth is we probably weren't going to win out the rest of the games that we played. It's not a great way to lose a game but at the end of the day it doesn't matter how you lose; you just lost. And you move on, try to win the next game."

Cleveland could have clinched the division title Sunday by winning but it dropped a 2-0 verdict to the visiting Chicago White Sox, getting just two hits in the game.

"The itinerary says go to Detroit," Indians' manager Terry Francona said. "We go where they tell us and play who they tell us. So we'll go there and try to win."

"It's disappointing," said Cleveland starter Josh Tomlin, who pitched well but took a loss. "We'd rather do it here (in Cleveland) than on the road, but we ran into a pretty good pitcher (Carlos Rodon, who struck out 11 and allowed two hits in eight innings) who had all his stuff working. Sometimes you just have tough luck. Now we've got to go on the road and get it done."

The Tigers are a team peopled with veteran players steeped in the ups and downs of the long baseball season and who pass on their even-keel mentality to the youngsters on the team.

Detroit lost Saturday, giving up five runs with two out in the ninth to lose, 7-4, but bounced back on offense with a 17-hit nine-run attack Sunday that also wasn't good enough to avoid a 12-9 loss to Kansas City, which had 19 hits including four home runs.

"We're going to fight the Cleveland Indians (Monday) and hopefully win," Ausmus said. "And maybe somebody helps us on the other end."

Cleveland has lost just twice to Detroit all season but one of those was the last time the two clubs met, a week ago in Cleveland.

The fifth starter spot has been a weakness for Detroit all season and now it turns to youngster Buck Farmer to get back on track a playoff push that is running out of time.

And he will be facing Cleveland's best starter, Cory Kluber (18-9, 3.11 ERA), who is 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA in three starts against Detroit this season.

Kluber used to force-feed fastballs to the Tigers but this year has shown the ability to mix in more soft stuff and it's made his heater that much more effective.

For his career facing the Tigers, Kluber is 5-6 with a 3.74 ERA. He has started 16 times and relieved once.

Kluber is 8-4 with a 2.97 ERA in 15 road starts this year. In 14 starts going back to July 8 he is 10-1 with a 2.32 ERA and .208 opponent's batting average.

Farmer (0-0, 4.07 ERA) has started once in his career against the Indians but his making his second straight start in turn for the Tigers. He threw 2 2/3 scoreless inning at Minnesota, a game that was rained out before he could complete the third.

He is 0-1 lifetime with a 7.20 ERA in three appearances against Cleveland.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (70-86) at Rangers (92-64)

Game: 1
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: September 26, 2016 8:05 PM EDT

MILWAUKEE -- As he left the home clubhouse at Miller Park for possibly the last time, Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun took a moment to reflect on what his team accomplished this season; the first in a massive rebuilding effort for the franchise.

"To this point, we've played at least as well if not better than anybody expected," Braun said. "We have more wins (70) than we did a year ago (69) and that's after trading away our set-up guy, our closer, our All-Star catcher and our third baseman."

Braun and the Brewers will be reunited with two of those players -- catcher Jonathan Lucroy and right-handed reliever Jeremy Jeffress -- Monday when they open a three-game series against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park.

Lucroy has been a key cog for the Rangers, who locked down the AL West championship last week. Bouncing back from an abysmal 2015 campaign, at least by his standards, Lucroy was batting .299 with 13 home runs and 50 RBIs when he and Jeffress were shipped to Texas just before the non-waiver trade deadline.

With the Rangers, Lucroy has kept on hitting, posting a .278 average with 10 homers and 28 RBIs. He's also thrown out 42 of 109 runners attempting to steal this season, the third-best mark in baseball.

But Braun was hardly impressed by that statistic.

"Lots of easy stolen bases this week with Luc," joked Braun, who needs four more stolen bases to hit 20 for the fifth time in his career.

Jokes aside, Braun was happy to watch friends clinch their divisional crown.

"It's great to see them ultimately in a position they want to be in," Braun said. "It's a lot of fun to watch them clinch from afar; I'm just glad it happened before we got there."

Jeffress, meanwhile, has had a rockier transition. He had a 2.22 ERA and 27 saves at the time of the trade but struggled in nine outings with Texas then, in late August, was arrested for a DUI and placed on the restricted list.

Texas reinstated Jeffress over the weekend, but it's still unclear how or if the Rangers will use him down the stretch or during the postseason.

"I just want to move forward from this," Jeffress said. "I'm still a sick man, I'm still working on my treatment. Coming from the program I was just in made me a better person, a wiser person."

The Brewers will also be reacquainted with outfielder Carlos Gomez, who signed with Texas in late August after he was designated for assignment by the Astros.

Milwaukee shipped Gomez to Houston last year in a deadline deal but the lively outfielder struggled en route to the postseason, batting just .242 in 41 games. Things got even worse this season; Gomez was hitting .210 with just five home runs and 29 RBIs when he was released Aug. 19.

Since joining the Rangers, Gomez appears to be back on track. He's hit six homers, driven in 16 runs and has four stolen bases in 27 games.

"I think he's added energy at the top of the lineup for us. He added some on-base and power. The strikeouts (are) still there," manager Jeff Banister said last week. "However, he has calmed the approach down, which is more conducive to leading off an inning. I like the look of what he has provided us from that leadoff spot."

At 92-64, the Rangers begin the day tied with Boston for the best record in the American League. They'll send left-hander Martin Perez to the mound hoping he can extend his streak of four consecutive quality starts.

Perez took a no-decision his last time out, scattering four hits without a walk over seven innings against the Angels.

Milwaukee will counter with right-hander Matt Garza, who spent the second half of the 2013 season with Texas before signing a four-year, $50 million contract with Milwaukee.

He is 0-2 with a 4.20 ERA in his last three starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (82-73) at Astros (82-74)

Game: 1
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: September 26, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

HOUSTON -- Both the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners spent the afternoon on Sunday discussing math, doing so in the context of the American League wild card and their respective odds of qualifying for the playoffs with a week left in the regular season.

With Toronto (86-69), Baltimore (85-71) and Seattle (82-73) all ahead of them in the standings and all winning on Sunday, the Astros (82-74) merely kept pace by snapping their three-game skid with a 4-1 victory over the Angels. Houston entered that four-game series just one game out of the second AL wild card slot but picked an inopportune time to stub its collective toes.

In the finale against the Angels the Astros received critical contributions from a trio of rookies. Right-hander Joe Musgrove worked seven strong innings while left fielder Tony Kemp and designated hitter Tyler White clubbed solo home runs. For Kemp it was the first of his career; White went deep for the first time since May 17.

The Astros have relied on rookies to varying extents this season, with 13 different players making their big league debuts. Over their final six games they will need more of the same if they are to overcome the daunting math and make the playoffs.

"These guys are getting their first taste of important baseball in September and hopefully October," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "A lot of our other guys who were around last year know what playoff baseball is like. We've been playing this type of wild card atmosphere for about a month now so these guys, as they get their taste and they go up and know they're going to get a good pitch, feel good about themselves when they contribute."

Right-hander Collin McHugh (12-10, 4.61 ERA) will start the series opener for the Astros. McHugh has excelled against the Mariners throughout his career, posting a 9-3 record and 3.96 ERA over 12 career appearances (seven starts). He has been particularly effective this season with a 4-0 record and 1.08 ERA over four starts.

The Mariners will counter with right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma (16-12, 4.04 ERA), who is 5-6 with a 3.87 ERA over 13 career starts against the Astros. Iwakuma has faced the Astros twice this season, losing his first two starts before twirling seven shutout innings in a 1-0 win on July 16 to improve to 1-2 with a 4.24 ERA in 2016.

While the Mariners have a half-game lead over Houston and the benefit of a seventh game left of the schedule to squeeze into the playoffs, the odds aren't great. But Seattle last qualified for the postseason in 2001, and while the aim is to keep playing deep into October, contesting meaningful games late is an accomplishment.

"This is what we talked about way back in February: Can we play some meaningful games right down the stretch, right to the end, and find out a lot about our team?" Mariners manager Scott Servais told MLB.com. "Our players are finding out a lot about themselves. Some of these guys have never been through this before. So it's exciting. They need to enjoy it and have fun. I've said that from Day 1."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (65-90) at White Sox (74-81)

Game: 1
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: September 26, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- Left-hander Drew Smyly will try to extend his unbeaten streak to 12 starts when the Tampa Bay Rays go on the road to open a four-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.

Smyly, 27, owns the Rays' longest streak without a loss since right-hander Alex Cobb had an 11-start stretch in 2014. Smyly (7-11, 4.86 ERA) is 5-0 with a 3.60 ERA in 11 starts since July 23. During that span, he has walked 19 and struck out 51 in 65 innings.

Individual achievements are the most relevant storylines remaining as the Rays (65-90) and White Sox (74-81) prepare for a long offseason with no hope of reaching the playoffs.

The White Sox won back-to-back games over the Indians on Saturday and Sunday in Cleveland after losing their previous six games in a row.

Chicago has enjoyed success at home this season. Manager Robin Ventura's club is 41-33 at home and just 33-48 on the road.

Ventura said he has no problem with his players chasing statistical milestones as the season neared its end. Todd Frazier has 39 home runs and 96 RBIs. Jose Abreu is hitting .297 with 97 RBIs, putting him well within reach of finishing the season with a .300-plus average and 100-plus RBIs.

"We know where we're at," Ventura said. "But there's still guys going out there that have a lot of pride. ... You have some things to play for. There are still important, I don't know if they are milestones, but there are numbers guys want to get to.

"They are going out and doing it in a professional way. It's not greedy. It's just going out and playing hard, and at the end of the year, you hope your numbers are where they are at."

White Sox right-hander James Shields will try to avoid another meltdown in a season that has been filled with them. The 34-year-old is 5-18 with a 5.98 ERA overall this season, and he is 0-6 with a 9.46 ERA in his past 10 starts. Since joining Chicago in a June trade with the San Diego Padres, he is 3-11 with a 7.11 ERA in 20 starts.

Shields will face the team that gave him his first opportunity in the big leagues. He went 87-73 with a 3.89 ERA in seven seasons with the Rays from 2006 through 2012.

Against the Rays, Shields is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two career starts. He has walked two and struck out 17.

The Rays slipped to a season-worst 25 games under .500 after a 3-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox in 10 innings on Sunday afternoon. Rays hitters struck out a franchise-record 23 times.

Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier left the Sunday game due to a bruised left hand. His status is uncertain for the series opener.

"Got some treatment on it and hopefully (I will) be ready to go tomorrow," Kiermaier told MLB.com on Sunday. "Hopefully the inflammation and swelling goes down and I'm good to go."

Smyly is 0-0 with a 4.73 ERA in 11 career appearances (four starts) against the White Sox. He has not faced Chicago since 2014.