Monday 9/28/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

National League

Cardinals @ Pirates
Lynn is 1-1, 3.52 in his last three starts (over 3-1 last four).

Happ is 6-1, 1.73 in his last seven starts (under 7-2 last nine).

Pirates won eight of last nine games overall, scoring 47 runs (under 7-2 last nine); they won three of last four games with St Louis-- over is 6-2-1 in last nine. Cardinals won six of last nine games (over 4-1-1 last six).

Dodgers @ Giants
Greinke is 5-0, 1.53 in his last five starts (under 6-2 last eight).

Peavy is 3-0, 2.19 in his last four starts (over 4-1 last five).

Dodgers won their last four games with the Giants; over is 5-3-1 in last nine series games. LA lost seven of last nine games (over 5-2 last seven). Giants are 4-3 in last seven games, with last five going over total.

Reds @ Nationals
Finnegan is 1-1, 6.30 in his two MLB starts (over 1-1).

Scherzer is 1-1, 3.48 in his last five starts (over 5-2-3 in last ten).

Reds lost their last eight games (over 10-3 last thirteen); they won last five games with Washington-- seven of last nine stayed under. Nationals had a fight in their own dugout yesterday; they lost five of last six games- three of last four went over the total.


American League

Blue Jays @ Orioles
Estrada is 2-0, 2.67 in his last five starts; three of his last four went over.

Tillman is 1-4, 7.23 in his last seven starts (over 3-1-1 last five).

Toronto-Baltimore split last eight meetings (over 3-1 last four). Blue Jays won five of last six games (under 5-3-2 last ten). Orioles didn't score in three game series over the weekend in Boston; under is 4-1-1 in their last six games.

Red Sox @ Bronx
Porcello is 0-2, 6.23 in his last two starts (under 6-3 last nine).

Warren is 1-5, 7.31 in his last six starts (under 5-3 last eight).

Boston lost seven of last ten games with New York; four of last five stayed under the total. Red Sox won three in row, six of last nine games; their last six stayed under the total. Bronx won six of last nine games (under 4-1 last five).

Twins @ Indians
Hughes is 1-3, 7.02 in his last four starts.

Kluber is 0-3, 5.60 in his last five starts (over 6-3 last nine).

Twins won four of last five games with Cleveland (under 5-1 last six); Twins won five of last seven games overall (under 6-3 last eight). Indians won three of last four; four of their last six games stayed under the total.

Tigers @ Rangers
Verlander 1-0, 2.87 in his last two starts; four of his last five went ov er.

Lewis is 3-0, 1.71 in his last three starts (over 4-1 last five at home).

Detroit lost its last three games with Texas; last five series games went under the total. Tigers are 3-5 in last eight games (under 5-2 last seven). Texas won four of last six games (over 6-1-1 last eight).

A's @ Angels
Doubront is 0-2, 10.20 in his last three starts (over 6-1 in last seven).

Santiago is 2-0, 4.34 in his last four starts (under 3-1).

Angels trail Houston by half-game for last Wild Card spot; they're 6-4 in last 10 vs Oakland (over 6-3-1). Halos won last five games overall. A's lost seven of last eight games, with last six going over the total.

Astros @ Mariners
McCullers is 0-3, 3.48 in his last five starts (under 3-1 last four).

Elias is 1-1, 2.81 in his last three starts (over 3-1 last four at home).

Astros are 5-8 in their last thirteen games; over is 7-3-1 in their last eleven; they have a half-game lead for last Wild Card slot. Houston lost four of last six games against Seattle (over 9-0-1 in last ten). Mariners lost last five games (over 5-3 last eight). .


Interleague

Royals @ Cubs
Ventura is 2-1, 5.73 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Hendricks is 1-1, 5.74 in his last three starts (over 4-1 in last five)

Royals won three of last four games vs Chicago; KC is 4-5 in its last nine games, with seven of its last ten going over total. Cubs lost three of last four games; their last five all stayed under.


Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
StL-Pitt-- Lynn 16-13; Happ 14-15/7-2
LA-SF-- Greinke 22-8 (13-2 last 15); Peavy 9-8
Cin-Wsh-- Finnegan 1-1; Scherzer 16-15

Tor-Balt-- Estrada 15-11; Tillman 15-15 (3-0 last 3)
Bos-NY-- Porcello 12-14; Nova 6-9 (1-5 last 6)
Min-Cle-- Hughes 13-12; Kluber 11-20
Det-Tex-- Verlander 6-12; Lewis 16-15 (3-0 last 3)
A's-LAA-- Doubront 6-5/5-2; Santiago 16-14 (4-0 last 4)
Hst-Sea-- McCullers 8-12 (0-5 last 5); Elias 6-12

KC-Chi-- Ventura 15-11 (10-2 last 12); Hendricks 17-13


Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
StL-Pitt-- Lynn 10-29; Happ 10-29
LA-SF-- Greinke 7-30; Peavy 4-17
Cin-Wsh-- Finnegan 0-2; Scherzer 8-31

Tor-Balt-- Estrada 12-26; Tillman 6-30
Bos-NY-- Porcello 5-26; Nova 2-15
Min-Cle-- Hughes 8-25 (4 of last 5); Kluber 11-31
Det-Tex-- Verlander 3-18; Lewis 6-31
A's-LAA-- Doubront 5-11 (4 of last 5); Santiago 9-30
Hst-Sea-- McCullers 6-20; Elias 7-18

KC-Chi-- Ventura 6-26; Hendricks 7-30

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's six-pack

-- Phillies 12, Nationals 5-- Papelbon/Harper got into a fight in the Washington dugout, as the Nationals' season from hell winds down to a miserable conclusion.

-- Saints were 4th team since 2000 to be a double digit underdog, the week after they had been a double digit favorite.

-- Jets-Miami play in London next week, at 9:30 ET, 6:30am in Las Vegas. Oy.

-- Astros 4, Rangers 2-- Houston hits road with a half-game lead over the Angels for the second Wild Card slot.

-- Georgia opened (-1) vs Alabama; if that holds, it'll be first time in 73 games the Crimson Tide have been an underdog.

-- Today would be a good day to ask Jordan Spieth for a loan; he won $10M and the Fed Ex Cup championship.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Monday

REDS (Finnegan) @ NATIONALS (Scherzer) 3:05 PM

Take: REDS +185

There’s no handicapping here. On paper, Max Scherzer has a commanding edge over Brandon Finnegan. And in spite of their disappointing season in terms of falling short of expectations, the Nationals at home are still vastly superior the Reds anyplace.

But it’s also clear that there are problems that go well beyond the results for this Washington entry. I’m not going into an “I told you so” routine as far as the Jonathan Papelbon trade is concerned, even though I did. Long story short, I mentioned that in addition to the team not needing a closer, particularly one they’re now stuck with for big money in 2016, I thought Papelbon might well be a negative in the clubhouse. I will now rest my case.

I’m assuming most of you have now seen the video from yesterday’s Nationals game highlighting the dugout brawl between Papelbon and Bryce Harper. This team is an absolute train wreck right now. They have absolutely nothing to play for, the manager is pretty much a lame duck, and I don’t think there’s any question most of the Nats would probably like it best if the season ended yesterday and they could just call it a day.

The bad news is they have another week of games to play, whether they like it or not. I think you just throw out the stats on the Nats at this point and play against them. Value won’t be an issue as they’re still getting priced like they’re a good team. At this point, they’re anything but a good team. The Nats are a dumpster fire.

The Reds are horrible. They’re going to finish with the second worst record in the NL and the team has been miserable down the stretch. Nevertheless, if I can garner close to a 2:1 return with any team against the Nationals at this point, I think I’m willing to take the plunge. That’s the way I’ll play today, with the Reds getting a rare bet from me.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Bonus Play for Monday, Sept. 28 7:05 PM ET

(955) TORONTO BLUE JAYS VS (956) BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Take: (955) TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Monday, September 28, 2015 is in the MLB scheduled contest between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles. The Blue Jays have won four straight and seven of their last 10 games. They have opened up a four game lead in the division over the Yankees. Toronto leads the major leagues in runs scored. The Jays finish the regular season on the road and at stake, besides the AL East crown, is home field advantage in the American League. The Jays are tied with the Royals for that spot right now. Toronto has beat up on Baltimore starter Chris Tillman, hitting .407 against him with nine home runs over their previous five meetings. Tillman has struggled overall too, posting a 0-4 mark with a 7.76 ERA in his previous six starts. Marco Estrada starts for the Jays. Estrada is 13-8 with a 3.13 ERA and is 3-1 with a 2.32 ERA in his last five away start. The Blue Jays have too many weapons and a big edge at pitcher. Your Bonus Play is on Toronto.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play MON Angels w/ Santiago -170

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Spreitzer

Houston Astros vs Seattle Mariners

Bonus Play Seattle Mariners

I'm recommending a play on the Mariners on Monday night. Houston won the final two games of their huge home series against the Rangers to remain a 1/2 game ahead of the Angels for the final wildcard spot in the AL. But now they're back on the road where they own a 29-46 record, the worst in the American League. In fact, Houston actually started the season with a 15-7 road mark, but have since won just 14 of 53 away from home. The Astros have enjoyed very little success when Lance McCullers toes the road rubber, losing each of his last nine road starts. McCullers has been tagged with a 5.12 ERA & 1.53 WHIP in those outings. The right-hander's lone start at SAFECO this summer did not go well. Seattle will counter with Roenis Elias tonight. The left-hander owns a 1.17 WHIP and .225 BAA in nine home appearances, including eight starts. He's also posted a sub-1.00 HR's per 9 IP ratio at SAFECO. I expect a strong effort against an Astros' lineup that ranks in the bottom-third in road team batting average and OBP this season. I'm recommending a play on the Mariners on Monday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CAPPERS ACCESS

Packers
Pirates

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAMBLERS DATA

Toronto -121

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

JOE WIZ

Over 8 runs Boston and Yanks

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Monday, September 28 is:

Cleveland (Kluber) over Minnesota (Hughes).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

JOHN RYAN

Two plays here as I like the Pittsburgh Pirates for a 10* play as graded by the SIM. Plus, a 10* graded play on the Boston Red Sox as they take on the NY Yankees in AL east action set to start at 7:05 PM ET. I also like taking Boston to win the series. The Yankee pen is making headlines as they have already broken the franchise record for strikeouts recorded by relievers and are just 12 away from the all-time record. It also reflects the overuse of a bullpen that is showing signs of fatigue as they approach the playoffs. The majority of the relievers are power pitchers looking to get K's in critical situations. However, fatigue can flatten pitches and reduce spin allowing any MLB hitter an opportunity to put the ball in play. Boston has been playing very well since the break and I do believe they want to make things as difficult as possible for the Yankees in this series. The rivalry alone is reason for the Red Sox to play focused and with intensity. Nova will start for the Yankees and he has ben highly inconsistent and will struggle against a strong hitting lineup like the Red Sox. He missed a start in September after going just 1 2/3 innings and allowing 6 ER on 7 hits against Toronto. Boston ranks third in runs scored with 720. Yankees are second at 741 and then their are the Blue Jays, who are in a league of their own with 853 runs scored. Take Boston.
For the past 48 days I had recommended an 'arbitrage' wager where I was selling the Yankees and buying the Blue Jays. The strategy started when the Yankees held a 6 1/2 game lead over the Blue Jays and was based on the premise that Toronto would catch and pass the NY Yankees. I had a target that Toronto would have a five game lead before the arbitrage trend would weaken.
For the 48 days I have recommended this strategy, it has made the $100 player a very nice $1933 and for the Dime Player a nice bonus of $19,330. So, combined with his premium plays the season profit is an outstanding $39,480 for the dime player or $3,948 for the $100 player.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, September 28


Detroit @ Texas

Game 961-962
September 28, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Verlander) 15.096
Texas
(Lewis) 13.654
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+110); Over

Oakland @ LA Angels

Game 963-964
September 28, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Doubront) 14.775
LA Angels
(Santiago) 17.836
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-170
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(-170); Over

Houston @ Seattle

Game 965-966
September 28, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(McCullers) 18.457
Seattle
(Elias) 17.019
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-130
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-130); Under

Kansas City @ Chicago Cubs

Game 967-968
September 28, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Ventura) 17.698
Chicago Cubs
(Hendricks) 14.516
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 3
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-120
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+100); N/A

Cincinnati @ Washington

Game 969-970
September 28, 2015 @ 3:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Finnegan) 12.394
Washington
(Scherzer) 15.762
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 3 1/2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-200
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-200); Over

St. Louis @ Pittsburgh

Game 951-952
September 28, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Lynn) 16.292
Pittsburgh
(Happ) 13.741
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-135
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(+115); Under

LA Dodgers @ San Francisco

Game 953-954
September 28, 2015 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Greinke) 14.705
San Francisco
(Peavy) 15.681
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
N/A

Toronto @ Baltimore

Game 955-956
September 28, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Estrada) 18.228
Baltimore
(Tillman) 16.793
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-125); Over

Boston @ NY Yankees

Game 957-958
September 28, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Rodriguez) 14.244
NY Yankees
(Nova) 15.724
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-145
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-145); Under

Minnesota @ Cleveland

Game 959-960
September 28, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Hughes) 15.748
Cleveland
(Kluber) 17.588
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-165
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-165); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Monday, September 28

Trend Report

3:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Cincinnati's last 23 games when playing on the road against Washington
Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games when playing Cincinnati

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. BALTIMORE
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Toronto's last 18 games on the road
Baltimore is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Baltimore's last 9 games at home

7:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PITTSBURGH
St. Louis is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Pittsburgh
St. Louis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games

7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Boston's last 19 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Cleveland is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Minnesota

8:05 PM
DETROIT vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Texas
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 5 games when playing Detroit

8:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI CUBS
Kansas City is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games

10:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oakland's last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Oakland is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of LA Angels's last 17 games when playing Oakland
LA Angels are 11-4 SU in their last 15 games when playing at home against Oakland

10:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. SEATTLE
Houston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Houston
Seattle is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing Houston

LA DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
LA Dodgers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
LA Dodgers are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games
San Francisco is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games at home
San Francisco is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Nationals

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (63-92) at Washington Nationals (79-76)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 28 - 3:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Washington Nationals held a three-game lead in the National League East after Jonathan Papelbon’s first save for the club on July 30, but things have not gone as well for the team or its closer since. The Nationals will begin the final week with nothing left for which to play when they host the Cincinnati Reds in the makeup of a July 8 rainout on Monday afternoon.

Papelbon’s 3.04 ERA since joining the team is just one of several problems Washington dealt with in the second half, but a scene in the dugout on Sunday when the veteran closer appeared to attack star Bryce Harper only to be pulled away by teammates and then gave up a go-ahead homer in the ninth marked the low point. Harper, who remains the frontrunner for the NL MVP Award with league highs of 41 home runs and a .336 batting average, flied out in the eighth to end an 0-for-4 afternoon against the Philadelphia Phillies before exchanging words and getting his throat grabbed by the veteran closer. The Reds helped ensure Washington would be eliminated from contention by getting outscored 36-12 in a four-game home sweep against the New York Mets, and have dropped eight in a row to fall into last place in the NL Central. Cincinnati will send lefty Brandon Finnegan to the mound opposite Nationals righty Max Scherzer in the opener.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH Brandon Finnegan (4-1, 3.65 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (12-12, 2.98)

Finnegan is making his third straight start after beginning in the bullpen for Cincinnati, which acquired the LSU product from the Kansas City Royals in the Johnny Cueto trade. Finnegan won at Milwaukee on Sep. 18 but was knocked around for six runs on seven hits – three home runs – and a walk in five innings at St. Louis on Wednesday. The LSU product has 15 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings since joining the Reds.

Scherzer is another reason for Washington’s second-half slide at 2-5 with a 4.41 ERA since the All-Star break, and he is coming off a loss to Baltimore on Wednesday despite 12 strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old surrendered a pair of home runs in that outing and has yielded 17 in 13 second-half starts. Scherzer was reached for five runs and seven hits – one home run – over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Cincinnati on July 7.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red shut down rookie RHP Raisel Iglesias for the rest of the season.

2. Washington INF Yunel Escobar is 0-for-13 in the last three games.

3. Cincinnati claimed OF Tyler Holt off waivers from the Cleveland Indians on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Reds 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Orioles

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (90-65) at Baltimore Orioles (76-79)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 28 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Toronto Blue Jays are on the verge of clinching the American League East for the first time since 1993 while the Baltimore Orioles are gently sinking to the bottom. The Blue Jays will try to take advantage of the scuffling Orioles when they visit Baltimore for the opener of a four-game series on Monday.

The Orioles (76-79) entered the weekend with a .500 record and an outside shot at the second AL wild-card before they were shut out in three straight games at the Boston Red Sox. Baltimore managed 12 hits – 10 singles – and managed to advance only two runners as far as third base in the series. The Blue Jays (90-65) are winners of four in a row following MVP candidate Josh Donaldson’s walk-off homer against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday and have already clinched a postseason spot while sitting four games ahead of the New York Yankees in the East with seven games left in the regular season. Toronto will send Marco Estrada to the mound on Monday while the Orioles counter with struggling right-hander Chris Tillman.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNET (Toronto), MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (13-8, 3.13 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Chris Tillman (10-11, 5.16)

Estrada has put himself right behind David Price in a potential postseason rotation by allowing two or fewer earned runs in five of his last six starts. The 32-year-old followed up eight scoreless innings on Sept. 17 by holding the New York Yankees to two runs in 6 2/3 innings without factoring in the decision on Tuesday. Estrada is 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA in five games – three starts – against Baltimore this season.

Tillman ended a string of six straight winless starts by holding Washington to three runs and six hits over as many innings on Wednesday. That gave the 27-year-old his first quality start in his last six outings. Tillman was ripped for six runs on eight hits – three home runs – in three innings at Toronto on Sept. 6 and is 0-4 with a 15.50 ERA and nine home runs allowed in 18 total innings against the Blue Jays this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles LH Zach Britton (lat strain) appeared for the first time since Sept. 20 on Sunday and worked a scoreless inning.

2. Donaldson has scored eight runs in the last six games and is up to 121 runs scored on the season to go along with 122 RBIs.

3. Baltimore was shut out in three straight games for the first time since July 29-31, 1957.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 12, Orioles 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Yankees

GAME: Boston Red Sox (75-80) at New York Yankees (86-69)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 28 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The New York Yankees are on the verge of being eliminated from contention in the American League East race and the rival Boston Red Sox are waiting to push them over the edge. The Red Sox will try to post their fourth straight shutout win when they visit the Yankees in the opener of a four-game series on Monday.

New York sits four games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East with seven games left in the regular season, but remains a comfortable five games ahead of the Los Angeles Angels, who sit third in the AL wild-card standings. The Yankees put together two solid pitching performances of their own to earn a series win over Chicago this weekend, outscoring the White Sox 8-2 on Saturday and Sunday to inch closer to clinching the top wild-card. Boston clawed its way out of last place in the East by outscoring Baltimore 17-0 in a three-game sweep. The Red Sox will try to keep the line moving behind rookie left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez while New York sends Ivan Nova to the hill.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (9-6, 3.97 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Ivan Nova (6-9, 4.87)

Rodriguez allowed three runs on six hits and a pair of walks in six innings against Tampa Bay last Monday without factoring in the decision. That snapped a string of three straight outings of surrendering exactly one earned run, but marked the 16th time in 20 outings that the opposition failed to reach the 22-year-old Venezuelan for more than three earned runs. Rodriguez has limited New York to two or fewer runs in each of his three starts against the division rivals.

Nova is 1-5 in his last six starts, but held the mighty Blue Jays to one run and four hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 4-0 loss on Wednesday. The 28-year-old Dominican has completed seven innings only once in his 15 starts this season. Nova was reached for three runs in six innings at Boston on Aug. 31 to suffer a loss to fall to 3-5 with a 4.99 ERA in 11 career games – 10 starts – against the Red Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York’s magic number to clinch a postseason spot is three.

2. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts added two more hits on Sunday and needs 10 over the final seven games to reach 200.

3. New York CF Jacoby Ellsbury has recorded multiple hits in five of his last eight games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Yankees 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Pirates

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (98-58) at Pittsburgh Pirates (95-61)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 28 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

If the Pittsburgh Pirates hope to overtake the St. Louis Cardinals for the National League Central title, sweeping the three-game series that begins Monday at PNC Park is imperative. The Pirates enter the showdown, which kicks off their season-ending six-game homestand, three games behind the Cardinals after suffering a 4-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday night that halted their eight-game winning streak.

Pittsburgh still has a firm hold on the top NL wild card as it sits 4 1/2 games ahead of Chicago for the spot. The Cardinals' magic number to claim their third straight division crown was reduced to four by virtue of Pittsburgh's loss, but it could have been three had they not blown a ninth-inning lead against Milwaukee and dropped an 8-4 decision in their home finale Sunday. They can slice the number in half with a win in the opener at PNC Park, where the Pirates are 31-10 when playing in front of a crowd of 33,000 or more. St. Louis still owns the best record in the major leagues and is two victories away from reaching the century mark.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN2, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Lance Lynn (12-10, 3.16 ERA) vs. Pirates LH J.A. Happ (10-8, 3.88)

Lynn halted his three-game winless streak in strong fashion Wednesday, scattering three hits over six scoreless innings against Cincinnati. The 28-year-old native of Indiana went 0-2 during his skid, yielding a total of 12 runs while failing to last four frames on two occasions. Lynn fell to 5-5 lifetime against Pittsburgh on Aug. 13, when he was tagged for seven runs — three earned — and six hits while retiring only two batters.

Happ is coming off a victory at Colorado on Tuesday in which he struck out eight while allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings. The 32-year-old from Illinois is 6-2 in nine outings since being acquired from Seattle, winning six of his last seven turns while giving up more than two runs only once in that span. Happ's only loss in that stretch came against Chicago on Sept. 15, when he yielded two runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 frames to fall to 1-4 in six career starts versus the Cubs.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cardinals are 86-1 when leading after eight innings.

2. Pittsburgh RF Gregory Blanco recorded his team's lone hit Sunday, giving him at least one in six of his last seven games.

3. St. Louis RHP Trevor Rosenthal needs one save to eclipse the franchise single-season record of 47 he currently shares with Lee Smith (1991) and Jason Isringhausen (2004).

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Pirates 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Indians

GAME: Minnesota Twins (80-75) at Cleveland Indians (77-77)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 28 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Minnesota Twins continue their pursuit of an American League wild-card spot when they visit the Cleveland Indians on Monday. Minnesota is 1 1/2 games behind Houston for the second berth with seven contests remaining and also must overtake the Los Angeles Angels to claim the spot.

The four-game series also has importance for the Indians, who still hold postseason aspirations as they sit four games behind the Astros. Cleveland has won three of its last four contests and is beginning a seven-game homestand with Corey Kluber, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner who looks to avoid his AL-worst 16th defeat. Michael Brantley, who is batting .312 with 15 home runs and 84 RBIs, returned to the Indians' lineup Sunday after missing four games with a shoulder injury and will play again on Monday. Minnesota has won five of its last seven games as it looks to reach the postseason for the first time since 2010.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Phil Hughes (11-9, 4.43 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (8-15, 3.55)

Hughes tossed five scoreless innings against the Indians on Wednesday, when he allowed four hits en route to his first victory since returning from back issues. He has served up 29 homers in 154 1/3 frames this season after surrendering just 16 in 209 2/3 innings in 2014. Hughes is 6-3 with a 3.95 ERA in 11 career starts against Cleveland and has enjoyed success against Carlos Santana (3-for-21).

Kluber was ineffective when matched up against Hughes on Wednesday, allowing four runs and five hits in 3 2/3 innings while losing his third straight decision. He hasn't won since beating the Twins in back-to-back complete-game efforts in August, when he gave up two runs and four hits while striking out 17. Kluber is 6-3 with a 3.49 ERA in 14 career starts against Minnesota and typically shuts down Brian Dozier (4-for-30) and Torii Hunter (3-for-22).

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins 3B Trevor Plouffe missed Sunday's game against Detroit due to illness after going 0-for-11 over his previous three contests.

2. Cleveland 2B Jason Kipnis has recorded five multi-hit performances in nine games after struggling over the first half of the month.

3. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer is 2-for-14 over his last four games while his .264 average is the lowest of his 12 major-league campaigns.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Twins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Rangers

GAME: Detroit Tigers (72-83) at Texas Rangers (84-71)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 28 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Texas Rangers are closing in on a surprise division crown, and they look to take another step toward clinching the American League West when they host the Detroit Tigers on Monday. The Rangers were an abysmal 67-95 in 2014 before this season's stunning turnaround, which has them leading Houston by 2 1/2 games with seven contests remaining.

Texas allowed the AL West race to tighten up by losing two straight to Houston while the red-hot Los Angeles Angels sit three games back. Texas hosts the Angels in a season-ending four-game set and would like to clinch the division while they have the disappointing Tigers in town for three contests. Detroit was outscored 13-3 while losing its last two games to Minnesota and is out of the playoff mix after four straight appearances. Tigers star Miguel Cabrera is set to win his fourth career batting title, but his string of consecutive 100-RBI campaigns will end at 11.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (4-8, 3.49 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Colby Lewis (17-8, 4.36)

Verlander allowed three runs and five runs in seven innings while defeating the Chicago White Sox in his last turn. He has won three of his last six starts after capturing just one of his first 12 in an injury-shortened season. Verlander is 8-5 with a 2.99 ERA in 15 career outings against Texas and has struck out Shin-Soo Choo 23 times in 55 at-bats (.236, two home runs).

Lewis has won three consecutive starts, giving up just four runs in 21 innings during the streak. The 36-year-old is 8-2 at home in 15 outings despite posting a mediocre 4.48 ERA. Lewis scattered six hits over seven scoreless frames to defeat the Tigers on Aug. 21 and is 4-3 with a 5.20 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts) versus Detroit.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers SS Elvis Andrus is 2-for-13 over his last four games.

2. Detroit 2B Ian Kinsler is batting .404 and slugging .702 in 47 at-bats against Texas since the Rangers traded him to the Tigers following the 2013 season.

3. Texas 3B Adrian Beltre has recorded 10 multi-hit performances in his last 15 games and is hitting .313 this month.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Tigers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Cubs

GAME: Kansas City Royals (90-65) at Chicago Cubs (90-65)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 28 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Chicago Cubs are hoping Monday's interleague game against the visiting Kansas City Royals is a preview of what's to come in October. Chicago, which will be one of the National League's two wild-card teams, plays its final regular-season home contest versus the American League Central champion Royals in the makeup of a rainout May 30.

The Cubs have a chance to host the wild-card game as they sit 4 1/2 games behind Pittsburgh with seven contests remaining after Sunday night's 4-0 triumph over the Pirates. Kansas City wrapped up the home portion of its schedule Sunday, when it posted a 3-0 victory over Cleveland to salvage the finale of their three-game series. The Royals clinched the Central with a triumph over Seattle on Friday but have gone just 10-15 this month. Kansas City is hoping to make its second consecutive World Series appearance after a 29-year postseason drought as it closes out the regular season with a seven-game road trip.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Yordano Ventura (12-8, 4.40 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (7-7, 4.23)

Ventura settled for a no-decision against Seattle on Wednesday after allowing three runs and six hits in six innings. The 24-year-old Dominican has gone 8-1 in his last 12 outings, giving up three runs or fewer on eight occasions. Ventura made his only career start against the Cubs in Chicago on May 31, when he yielded one run and four hits in seven frames but did not factor in the decision.

Hendricks is coming off a loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday in which he gave up three runs and four hits in six innings. The 25-year-old Californian has won only one of his last eight outings, surrendering three or more runs in all but one of those turns. Hendricks, who is 2-3 with a 3.63 ERA in 14 home starts this season, will be facing Kansas City for the first time in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals are tied with Toronto for the best record in the AL, with the Blue Jays owning the tiebreaker for home-field advantage throughout the AL postseason by virtue of going 4-3 in the season series.

2. Chicago SS/2B Starlin Castro has recorded four multi-hit performances over his last nine games.

3. Kansas City joined the 1919-25 Philadelphia A's as the only teams in major-league history to finish with improved records in six straight seasons.

PREDICTION: Royals 6, Cubs 4