Saturday 4/23/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Saturday
By Mike Dempsey

We head into the last weekend of the spring meeting at Keeneland, which concludes next Friday. Then will head back to New York to handicap the Belmont Park spring meeting and of course the Kentucky Oaks and Derby cards from Churchill Downs.

Mark Casse has the lead in the trainer’s race with seven winners from 37 starters. He has one starter on today card. Mike Maker has six winners from his 24 starters and can make up some ground today, sending out runners in four races this afternoon.

Todd Pletcher and Wesley Ward each have five winners and still have a shot of taking the training title over the next week. They each have starters in one race this afternoon.

Chad Brown is having a very tough meeting, and we have backed a few of his runners. He is just 1 for 19 with seven runner up finishes.

The jockey title looks as if it will go down to the final day of the meeting next Friday. Luis Saez and Javier Castellano each of 13 winners at the meet. Corey Lanerie is next, booting home 10 winners.

Saturday’s feature is the $250,000 Elkhorn (G2) which drew a solid field of turf marathoners who will go 1 ½ miles.

Kaigun is the 5-2 morning line favorite and is coming off a game win in the Pan American (G2) last out at Churchill Downs over good ground. Keeneland got some rain on Friday but the weather looks good for Saturday and we likely will have firm ground.


Here is today’s opener from Keeneland to get the day off to a good start:

KEE Race 1 Alw $16,000s (1:05 ET)
#5 Steel Cut 1-1
#4 Vanilla Score 6-1
#6 Fiddlelina 10-1
#2 Spoonfulofsugar 9-2

Analysis: Steel Cut just missed in the restricted Gold Coast at Delta Downs in a tough beat after beating $40,000 optional claimers two back at Oaklawn Park. He is well spotted here dropping into this starter allowance and he owns a solid pace profile throughout. He will be very tough if he runs back to his last three figs but his price is going to be short.

Vanilla Score goes poly to dirt here, beating Alw-1 optional claimers two back and running second at the same level last out. He does have a win on dirt but his numbers don't stack up to our top pick. Still looks better than the rest of this group.

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 7-5 or better.
EX: 4,5 / 2,4,5,6
TRI: 4,5 / 2,4,5,6 / 1,2,4,5,6

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Keeneland:

KEE Race 9 The Elkhorn G2 (5:30 ET)
#7 Kaigun 5-2
#1 Da Big Hoss 7-2
#6 Twilight Eclipse 3-1
#2 Up With the Birds 3-1

Analysis: Kaigun made a good late rally and battle on gamely to the wire to prevail by a head talking the Pan American (G2) last out at Gulfstream Park. The win snapped a nine race losing streak but he was in the mix in most of his trips including four straight runner up finishers before picking up his victory last out. He comes in here sharp and can handle any type of ground. The turf was listed as good yesterday but should be closer to firm today.

Da Big Hoss tracked the early pace and weakened to finish fifth last out in the Mac Diarmida (G2) last out at Gulfstream Park where our top pick landed second. He won the John Connally (G3) two back at Sam Houston going 1 1/2 miles. This guy has been a terrific claim, taken for $50,000 last June at Churchill Downs by the Maker barn.

Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 1,7 / 1,2,6,7
TRI: 1,7 / 1,2,6,7 / 1,2,6,7,8

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Keeneland
R1: #6 Fiddlelina 10-1
R2: #7 Harlan’s Howling 8-1
R3: #2 Squeeze 8-1
R3: #3 Boo 8-1
R4: #6 Sherwood Drive 10-1
R5: #2 Private Client 10-1
R7: #1 Dingdingdingding 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Saturday 4/23 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 1,8/3/4,7/1,2,5,7/5,7,8 = $9.60

EARLY PICK 4: 1,2,5,7/5,7,8/2,8,10/2,5 = $72

LATE PICK 4: 4,5,6/1,3,8/1,5/3,8 = $36

MEET STATS: 29 - 80 / $150.40 BEST BETS: 6 - 8 / $32.90

SPOT PLAYS: 0 - 8 / $0.00

Best Bet: MUSCIAL RHYTHM (2nd)

Spot Play: SOMEWHERE FANCY (7th)


Race 1

(1) BET YA faces easier and gets Lasix here. The three weeks off is a bit concerning, but this is a field she should handle if she is close to right. (8) JUSTABIT MEAN has been racing well and finishing fast. Look for her late. (5) WAR FILLY is better when making one late charge, a style she will likely revert to here.

Race 2

(3) MUSICAL RHYTHM goes for his 10th straight win here in the Don Mills series final and is hard to bet against. (6) MYSTERY BET motored up late for 2nd last time and seems to be back on track. If he stays on stride he is a good bet to complete the exacta. (2) GRANA PADANNO - stablemate to the choice - looks next best in this short field.

Race 3

(4) A ROD HALL is on a roll and has been trotting home powerfully each week. He can make it four straight here. (7) PISCEAN broke last time when facing better. She can contend here if she stays flat. (5) JETPEDIA shares in most of his races and can hit the ticket here too.

Race 4

(5) REGALLY READY flew down the lane last week but was nailed right on the line by a mare that was closing slightly faster. She is one of several that could do in a contentious Pick 4 opening leg. (2) MARQUISE DE SARAH was passed by the choice last week, despite closing in 27 1/5. She should be close here at the finish. (1) MAPLELEA was a win machine last year and looks well-prepped for her 2016 debut.

Race 5

(8) SHADES OF BAY went a big trip last week and was an unlucky loser when the winner slipped up the inside late. He is sharp and should be a top contender here. (7) WAZZUP WAZZUP drops to a class where his speed should carry farther. (3) PROVEN DESIRE had some pace last week but was too far back. If he leaves better and lands a spot near the front early he has a chance to upset.

Race 6

(10) THANKYOUKESSEL motored down the middle of the track last time to fall just short. He can take these if he lands a decent spot early. (2) ZORGIWIK ORCHID raced well off the claim last week and should be prominent here. (8) LEXUS ROCKY drops after a better effort and is a threat to go down the road here.

Race 7

(5) SOMEWHERE FANCY was flying at the wire two back in a similar class then stepped up too high. He should be a good price here; top call. (2) CROCADILE CANYON comes in off a much-improved effort and is one to fear here. (7) AVATARTIST followed strong fractions then slid up the rail for the win last week. He should get a similar spot near the front early and is dangerous.

Race 8

(5) IMKEEPNTHISGUY continues to motor home, should get a good pace to chase and will likely be overlooked in the wagering here; slight nod. (4) WAR N MUNN is another that should benefit from a strong early pace. (6) KOKANEE SEELSTER has been on a tear out west and will have to be caught here.

Race 9

(1) DAZZLE N DELIGHT drops to a class where she should be a top contender. Look for Zeron to move her earlier here. (3) TRUE REFLECTION is another that should excel in this class but notice her 2 for 41 record in the past two years. (8) SHOW SOME LEG made a strong first-over bid last week which is a sign of improvement; using.

Race 10

(5) NICKLE BAG is back at the top of his game which spells trouble for his five rivals here; top call. (1) NIRVANA SEELSTER wasn't far behind the choice last time and likes Mohawk. If there is going to be an upsetter, he's it. (6) BOOMBOOM BALLYKEEL looks next best.

Race 11

(8) HIS BOY ELROY didn't get the right trip last week but he will be a better price here and that tightener should help; slight nod. (3) DEETZY was like a new horse last week and is sure to be heavily bet here. He's a must-use in the Pick 4. (1) JINS SHARK was an easy winner for new connections last week and can take a big share here. (7) UFDRAGONS ROCKET debuts for Waxman and isn't out of this. (6) TIGHTEN UP is always around the money and should be closing late for a piece of the pie here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Saturday 4/23 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

MEET STATS: 158 - 537 / $928.40 (-$145.60) BEST BETS: 20 - 41 / $81.80 (-$.20)

Best Bet: ALWAYS AT MY PLACE (6th)

Spot Play: MEL MARA (3rd)


Race 1

(5) STORMIN RUSTLER has finally found the form that made him a winner of over $435k lifetime. Veteran campaigner moves up one notch on the claiming ladder but can keep rolling. (4) TALKTOMECOURAGE N has been closing well and should benefit by the addition of David Miller in the bike. (7) BACKDRAFT HANOVER scored at this level last time out. (8) AMPED OUT was too far back chasing somewhat soft fractions a week ago.

Race 2

(4) MOONLIGHT RANSOM was raced conservatively last week on the drop to this condition and never got involved. From my memory, he always does his best work near the front; let’s see speed tonight. (8) BIG JER came up with a strong effort last time out and the only negative I see is the outside post. (2) GARNET RIVER A seems like a must for the bottom of exotic bets.

Race 3

(7) MEL MARA was taken back and lost any chance despite roaring home in 25 2/5 last Saturday. As long as Callahan keeps him close, watch out! (4) ODDS ON EQUULEUS was his usual frustrating self last week while losing at 1-2. Figuring out when this guy is going to feel like showing up is frustrating. (5) JACKSRLUCKYTOO merits respect after beating #4 last week.

Race 4

I’ll be honest in saying that I really don’t like any horse in this race. (4) CAMWISER raced better in his second start for this barn and should be in close attendance to the leader. (7) GIDDYALLYOUGOT raced evenly while never getting into the race last time. Perhaps we’ll see some early speed this week? (6) MEDOLAND JATE has been racing reasonably well but hardly inspires confidence having lost photos in four of his last five starts.

Race 5

(1) WESTERN DYNASTY chased a really nice 3-year-old in his latest qualifier and kept up very nicely. There are some interesting youngsters signed on to this NW2, but I think the value could be with this Chris Ryder trainee. (4) MR D’S DRAGON qualified back sharply down in Florida and was Campbell’s choice. (3) ROLL AWAY JOE raced well in his debut; more now? (8) PACIFIC STRIDE moves into the Spagnola barn.

Race 6

(2) ALWAYS AT MY PLACE won for fun last time out and gets another free ride in the same class. (3) PANSFORMATIVE couldn’t sustain his rally on the rim last time out; better trip would help. (8) ALL WEEK is clearly sharp, but seems unlikely to win given the outside post.

Race 7

(3) WELL BRED flashed good speed at both ends of the mile in his second start for trainer Ron Burke. Tonight’s assignment is tougher but he seems up to the task. (9) COBALT MAN drops only one class level on paper but is actually getting immense class relief. It is hard to imagine him not racing well in this spot. (4) ASTOR handled the jump to this condition nicely last week; playing underneath. (6) TOTALLY DREAMY moves into the Russo barn.

Race 8

(8) ALLSTAR LEGEND is in very cheap this week. Seven-year-old may not be the horse he once was, but he has the class to get the job done against this group. (1) PIECE OF THE ROCK has been in good form all year. (6) CAPOZZO was the victim of a bad trip last Saturday, but that doesn’t change the fact that he wasn’t exactly in raging form prior to that start. I think he’ll be overbet here. (3) THAT’LL BE THE REI drops down and wouldn’t be a shock.

Race 9

There are some good-looking sophomores in this race. I’m leaning towards (5) WESTERN FAME off a solid 2016 debut win. Interesting that driver David Miller is rushing back from Yonkers where he is driving in race 7 to make it back for this son of Western Ideal. (1) STOLEN GLIMPSE raced very well in his career debut and there could be some talent here. (4) UNCLE COZ comes off a sharp 1:54 win at Philly, which puts him right there with this group. (8) LYONS SNYDER drifted a bit in his win last time but is hard to fault otherwise.

Race 10

(4) GLASS PRINCE was hung every step of the mile and kept chugging along to make it to the wire first last week. Veteran pacer is feeling good now and can string a couple together. (5) FOUR STARZZZ Z was in a tough spot last time. This seems like a good spot to get a bit more aggressive. (1) ATOCHIA continues to take baby steps forward. I’m not sure if it will be this week, but he should win one soon.

Race 11

(6) ROCKEYED OPTIMIST gets the narrow call from me due to his great form in a race that I’m honestly having trouble deciphering. The big question is whether (7) ALWAYS B MIKI is raced hard in his first start of 2016. On one hand every loss counts against him if he wants to have a Horse of the Year campaign, but there isn’t much to be gained by going a huge mile on Saturday; mixed feelings. (5) JK ENDOFANERA was handled conservatively to start his 5-year-old season, but I’d expect to see more this time around.

Race 12

(6) WILD SHOT HANOVER was stuck in a fast mile for this class last time out. In a race with no standouts, he can leave hard and perhaps take them all the way. (1) SPIRIT OF TRUTH has been closing well from outside posts and lured Zeron off my top pick. (3) CARD SHOCK hasn’t raced in four months but returns at a reduced level; tough call. (9) COPPER COAST A can pick off a few late for a minor check.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Saturday 4/23 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 132 - 393 / $712.80

BEST BETS: 17 - 33 / $60.00

Best Bet: CASIMIR JITTERBUG (3rd)

Spot Play: CAROLSIDEAL (6th)


Race 1

(5) SECOND WIND N was going nowhere in his last two starts from the eight hole; veteran fits with these and he's got as good a chance as any in this wide-open race. (6) DRUNKEN DESIRE A is back on five days rest after having no chance in a paceless race. (1) BETTER REASON N had good pace last out and now draws best.

Race 2

(4) CYCLONE KIWI N finished well last week but had too far to come; from this spot Tetrick should be firing early. (1) RURAL ART drops, draws best and is reunited with Sears; big threat. (2) ROGER MACH EM gets a better post and will be more involved.

Race 3

(1) CASIMIR JITTERBUG beat better than these four back as the odds-on favorite; O'Sullivan trainee looks like logical and reliable chalk tonight. (6) ALBERTO CONTADOR N has been hit-or-miss recently but with any sort of luck he can be second best. (2) AMERICAN RAGE lands another good post and can be close up throughout.

Race 4

(5) E Z NOAH has been solid in his four starts since returning locally but has come up just short in each of them; Allard trainee will break through sooner rather than later. (1) MATTAMERICAN faces tougher looking for two straight. (3) GALACTIC GALLEON N closed well at a big price last week and he could spice up the exotics again.

Race 5 – Levy eligibles

(1) FOILED AGAIN was hustled hard early to assume command but gave way late under pressure; oldtimer gets another crack at the rail and I have to give him one final chance. (4) TE KAWAU N closed well off live cover but probably should have had a touch more; recent import still seems to have some upside. (8) LETTUCEROCKTHEM A took the tote action and proved a solid, handy winner after brushing last week; this is a tough assignment tonight from the eight hole.

Race 6 – Matchmaker Consolation

(4) CAROLSIDEAL was uncovered into a well-rated frontrunner last week and held her ground decently late; Allard trainee is clearly back in top shape and will be close enough to strike from this spot. (2) ANNDROVETTE was used hard early last out after getting looped and gave way without much of a fight; classy triple millionaire is tough to trust at this point in the game. (6) GALLIE BYTHE BEACH was understandably turned away after a brief bid last week; with a halfway decent setup she can be a closing threat.

Race 7 – Matchmaker Final

(4) SELL A BIT N has done little wrong in all five legs of the Matchmaker. Tritton trainee lands a decent enough starting post and Stratton should be hustling hard early. (5) YAGONNAKISSMEORNOT has three wins in the series, all from off the pace. Allard trainee will be likely be stalking from midpack and promises to be gaining late. (2) LADY SHADOW has plenty of speed and lands the best post; mare figures on the lead or in the pocket but she'll need to show a bit more late.

Race 8 – Levy Consolation

(7) WIGGLE IT JIGGLEIT needs no introduction. Teague trainee has been all the talk this week for both good and bad reasons, and the end result is that the gelding is in the consolation, where he will win at a short price. (4) EVENIN OF PLEASURE left hard last week to secure a good spot but was outfinished late. Early movement could be expected again. (3) DOMETHATAGAIN had some traffic issues last week. Last year's Levy champ could be a threat with smooth sailing.

Race 9 – Levy Final

(2) BIT OF A LEGEND N is perfect in the Levy, the clear points leader, looks for six straight and hasn't really even been used hard yet. Peter Tritton trainee lands a nice inside post and looks primed for a perfect stalking trip behind (1) TAKE IT BACK TERRY. The latter was nipped on the money last out then took a well-deserved week off. I can't envision a scenario where Brennan isn't cutting the mile here. (3) P H SUPERCAM was held at bay by a well-meant winner last week after sitting a winning trip; he may be uncovered from this spot into the top two and that can compromise his chances. The rest of the participants here are all legitimate talents who may be done in by the post draw.

Race 10

(8) MELADY'S MONET is clearly the best horse but this isn't necessarily the best spot tonight; classy trotter will have to work much harder tonight to get it done. (6) MAJOR ATHENS closed well last out after a fortunate ground-saving trip; Sears should be leaving hard tonight. (3) DOT DOT DOT DASH always closes well and if they mix it up early she'll be coming late.

Race 11

In a wide-open affair I'll stick with (2) MAH SISH N. Veteran quarter-moved and disposed of a decent field last week and he's assigned a generous starting spot tonight. (3) JENERAL PATTON returns locally and was in stellar form when last seen here. (1) MOONLITEONTHEBEACH will be close up throughout but will need more late to get it done versus these.

Race 12

(1) REUBEN BROGDEN N drops, draws best and should work out the winning trip. (3) FORTY FIVE RED was overmatched in the Levy but certainly didn't disgrace himself; Bucci trainee has plenty of speed at his disposal. (7) ROCK ON MOE gets Kakaley in the bike for his second return start and he could add value underneath.

Race 13

(2) OUTRAGEOUS ART changed tactics last week and raced well from off the pace; Allard trainee can sit a perfect stalking trip from this spot. (6) FAMEOUS WESTERN hasn't put in a bad effort in some time and the veteran seems like he's sharp enough to go with this type; consider at a price. (1) IDEALBEACH HANOVER will need much more late to hold off some of these.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (3rd) Greyjoy, 10-1
(9th) Constatine, 8-1


Charles Town (3rd) Run Real Quiet, 9-2
(13th) Mule Theory, 3-1


Emerald Downs (4th) Lady Diva, 7-2
(5th) Moby, 7-2


Evangeline Downs (1st) Gato Mojado, 7-2
(9th) Easy Crossing, 9-2


Finger Lakes (1st) Alcanudance, 9-2
(5th) Little Gidding, 7-2


Golden Gate Fields (3rd) Macalla, 7-2
(7th) With a Twist, 7-2


Gulfstream Park (6th) Richmond Street, 7-2
(10th) Patrioticandproud, 6-1


Hawthorne (3rd) Cooper's Keeper, 7-2
(8th) Dancing Rock, 5-1


Indiana Grand (2nd) Frontier Bones, 5-1
(6th) Spanish Justice, 4-1


Keeneland (9th) Up With the Birds, 3-1
(10th) Court the Storm, 8-1


Laurel (3rd) Queeb, 6-1
(9th) Tricky Lion, 3-1


Lone Star Park (5th) Robinwood, 9-2
(9th) Blingin' Rose, 10-1


Los Alamitos (2nd) Profound Visionary, 5-1
(8th) Lost Bus, 7-2


Mahoning Valley (3rd) Carolyn, 6-1
(7th) Ragtime, 6-1


Mountaineer (1st) Crescent, 6-1
(2nd) Papa's Paisley, 8-1


Parx Racing (1st) Forever Afleet, 9-2
(6th) Cosmic Destiny, 5-1


Penn National (1st) Hauler, 9-2
(4th) Sweeping West, 7-2


Sunland Park (7th) Bourbon Blue Bayou, 5-1
(9th) Cry Summation, 6-1


Tampa Bay Downs (7th) Napa Valley Rose, 8-1
(9th) Watusi, 9-2


Turf Paradise (6th) Easy Hit, 5-1
(8th) Mobiledixie, 3-1


Woodbine (3rd) Missin Maggie, 8-1
(6th) Silent Auction, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (7-8) at Yankees (5-9)

Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: April 23, 2016 1:05 PM EDT

By the time Blake Snell takes the mound Saturday for his major league debut against the New York Yankees in the Bronx, it might be the calmest point of the previous 36 hours of his life.

The 23-year-old with plenty of promise gets the ball for the Tampa Bay Rays in this matchup of AL East rivals.

Snell was slated to start for Triple-A Durham on Friday, but those plans changed when Saturday's scheduled starter - Erasmo Ramirez - was forced into relief duty in a 12-8 victory over Boston on Thursday. With the Rays (7-9) already stacking their rotation with left-handers for this series, manager Kevin Cash felt it was the perfect time to get a glimpse of who they hope is a potential future ace.

'I liked the sound of pitching tomorrow,' said Snell prior to Friday's series opener.

He went 1-1 with a 2.51 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings over three starts with the Bulls, showing his 2015 rise from Class A to AAA in which he went 15-4 with a 1.41 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 134 innings was no fluke.

Cash said he didn't expect the setting of Yankee Stadium to overwhelm Snell, adding, 'the anxiety and excitement of making your first major league start, everybody has that.'

"I got called up to pitch against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium," Snell told the league's official website. "If I'm not happy about that, I'm just not a happy person."

According to scouting reports, Snell features a fastball with late movement that tops out in the mid-90s and has a highly effective slider, while his change-up and curveball are still gaining traction. The seventh of 10 first-round picks for the Rays in the 2011 draft, Snell likely will return to Durham after this outing, but he could make another big-league cameo since Tampa Bay is not rushing Alex Cobb in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

"This young man has been talked about quite a bit," Cash said. "His stuff speaks for itself, obviously. It just seemed right. He's going to come up here and help us win a ballgame."

Cash's plan didn't pay any dividends Friday when the Yankees (6-9), who entered batting .220 against lefties, went 8 for 26 against Matt Moore in their 6-3 victory. Brian McCann hit a two-run homer, just New York's second when facing left-handed pitchers, and added a go-ahead RBI single in the sixth.

But it was Jacoby Ellsbury's straight steal of home - the first by a Yankees player since Derek Jeter in 2001 - that snapped the team from its doldrums. Ellsbury added a two-run double in the eighth to make sure New York avoided a fourth straight loss.

"It's a risk I was willing to take,' said Ellsbury, who is 6 for 11 in his last three games. "That's the ultimate adrenaline rush for a basestealer."

Masahiro Tanaka (1-0, 3.06 ERA) now gets the chance to help the Yankees win back-to-back games for only the third time. He's allowed two earned runs in each of his first three outings and picked up the win Sunday by limiting Seattle to three runs and six hits in seven innings of a 4-3 victory.

Tanaka is 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three starts against the Rays. The right-hander has fared well against Evan Longoria, holding the slugger to a double in eight at-bats. Logan Morrison is 1 for 9 with five strikeouts in their matchups.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (9-7) at Blue Jays (8-9)

Game: 2
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: April 23, 2016 1:07 PM EDT

The Oakland Athletics' rebuilding project appears well ahead of schedule.

Winners of six straight and still unbeaten on the road, the surprising A's look to extend the Toronto Blue Jays' unexpected early struggles when the teams continue a three-game series Saturday.

After reaching the playoffs in three straight seasons from 2012-14, Oakland (10-7) seemed far away from its next postseason trip after losing an AL-high 94 games in 2015 and dropping seven of 11 to begin this year. It's bounced back with its longest winning streak since July 2014 and is one away from its best run since winning nine straight from April 3-12, 2013.

The surge has mainly been led by a pitching staff that's posted a 2.25 ERA during the streak, though it was the bats that carried Oakland to an 8-5 victory in Friday's opener. Chris Coghlan hit a three-run homer in the second inning and Khris Davis added a key single that scored two in the ninth to help the A's move to 8-0 on the road for the first time since 1990.

"We're getting contributions throughout,' said manager Bob Melvin, whose team recorded season highs in runs and hits (14). 'That's what we envisioned to be the strength of our offense, the length of it.'

Oakland, 10-23 against the AL East last season, is 4-0 versus the division on a 10-game trip it opened with a sweep of the New York Yankees.

Toronto (8-10) has lost three straight and continues to receive inconsistent production from an offense that easily led the majors with 891 runs scored in 2015. Batting a collective .228, the unit was dealt another blow when first baseman Chris Colabello was suspended 80 games Friday for testing positive for an anabolic steroid.

'It's obviously a very difficult situation,' Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said. 'My initial reaction was empathy, extreme disappointment. The combination of the two because of what it means to our team and what it means to him.'

Reigning AL MVP Josh Donaldson is 3 for 18 over the last five games and Russell Martin is hitting .146 with 22 strikeouts in 48 at-bats. Martin exited Friday's game after five innings with neck spasms and Troy Tulowitzki - off to a 9 for 60 start - was held out of the lineup.

Toronto has received its money's worth from J.A. Happ (2-0, 1.89 ERA), who's delivered three solid starts in his return to the Blue Jays. Happ earned his second straight win by limiting Boston to a run and four hits over seven-plus innings on Monday.

Happ has had past success against Oakland, 1-3 against left-handed starters thus far. He is 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA in five starts and defeated the A's twice with Seattle last season.

Josh Reddick is 1 for 9 with four strikeouts against Happ but owns a .323 average with seven home runs in 17 games at Rogers Centre. Marcus Semien is 7 for 10 with a home run off Happ but just 3 for 26 on the road this season.

After halting a six-game skid in Toronto on Friday, Oakland hopes to give Chris Bassitt (0-0, 2.79) some additional support. The right-hander has yielded two earned runs and eight hits in 14 innings over two consecutive no-decisions in which the A's have scored three runs with him on the mound.

Bassitt held Kansas City to two runs through seven innings in Oakland's 3-2 win Sunday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (5-11) at Nationals (11-4)

Game: 2
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: April 23, 2016 1:05 PM EDT

The Minnesota Twins are a loss away from matching their worst road start since the franchise called the nation's capital home.

Washington's current resident is thriving at its home park.

The Nationals look to win a seventh straight home game and send the Twins to their first 1-9 road start in nearly 60 years Saturday.

Off to its best start since the 2012 team began 14-4, Washington (12-4) opened this series with Friday's 8-4 victory, jumping out to a 7-0 lead after three innings. Jayson Werth homered and robbed Byron Buxton of one in left field while Daniel Murphy had two more hits, raising his NL-leading average to .411.

Murphy is a key contributor to Washington's fast start at home, hitting safely in all seven games while batting .545.

Anthony Rendon also had two hits Friday and is batting .321 at home compared to .200 on the road.

The Twins (5-12) earned their first road victory of the season Thursday against Milwaukee, but dropped to 1-8 away from Minnesota for the first time since 2006 with Friday's defeat. The franchise hasn't had a worse road start since the 1957 Washington Senators opened 1-13.

The Twins have the wrong man taking the mound as the road has been unkind to Phil Hughes (1-2, 4.42 ERA).

Since the start of last season, Hughes is 2-7 with a 5.13 ERA in 12 road starts. His average of 1.85 homers allowed per nine innings on the road is the second worst among active players with at least 70 innings pitched since the start of 2015.

That doesn't bode well for facing a Nationals team that is second in the majors with 16 homers in 10 games since April 13.

Hughes, though, has won seven straight starts against NL teams behind a 2.89 ERA. The veteran right-hander was solid in his only start against Washington, yielding a run over six innings, but that was back in 2012.

"It's a little more challenging for hitters to face a guy for the first time," Twins manage Paul Molitor told MLB's official website. "They always say it's a little easier for pitchers in new matchups than hitters, so it takes a little while to get adjusted."

Hughes has recorded three quality starts in as many outings this season, allowing three earned runs in each while going six innings twice and 6 1/3 in the other. He issued his first two walks of 2016 while earning a complete game in Monday's 7-4 victory over the Brewers that was shortened to six innings because of rain.

The Nationals counter with Tanner Roark (1-2, 3.71), who has regularly been working with men on base, yielding 20 hits and eight walks over 17 innings in three starts. He's also struck out nine, giving him one of the majors' worst strikeout-to-walk ratios.

Roark ran into problems immediately in Miami on Monday, permitting three first-inning runs. He ended up giving up five runs in six innings of a 6-1 loss.

The righty has never faced the Twins but has pitched well against the AL, posting a 2.82 ERA while going 2-3 in eight interleague starts.

Minnesota's top three hitters - Eduardo Nunez, Brian Dozier and Joe Mauer - were a combined 2 for 14 on Friday, but cleanup hitter Miguel Sano connected for his third homer in five games. Sano is batting .455 with five walks during a six-game hitting streak.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians (6-7) at Tigers (8-6)

Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: April 23, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

Corey Kluber is off to another horrific start.

The former American League Cy Young Award winner again eyes his first win Saturday when the Indians continue their three-game series against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

After his breakout 2014, Kluber struggled out of the gates last season, losing his first five decisions en route to a 9-16 campaign. However, it wasn't all his fault, as Cleveland scored two or fewer runs in 18 of his 32 starts.

Run support has continued to be an issue thus far, with the Indians providing only three runs as Kluber (0-3, 6.16 ERA) has lost all three of his starts and surrendered 13 runs in 19 innings.

"You can't let those things get to you," Kluber said. "It's your job to go out there and put up zeros regardless of what happens."

He struggled against the New York Mets on Sunday, yielding six runs and nine hits over six innings of a 6-0 defeat. His defense failed to do him any favors, losing a pair of fly balls in the sun.

Kluber hasn't fared well against Detroit, going 2-6 with a 4.72 ERA in 12 starts and 13 lifetime appearances versus the Tigers. Miguel Cabrera has had his way with the right-hander, hitting .571 with five homers in their lifetime matchups, and Victor Martinez has hit three homers while going 9 for 25 against him.

Cabrera, who leads all active players with 40 home runs and 129 RBI against the Tribe, is struggling through a 2 for 21 slump over his last five games.

"Long haul, I'm not concerned about him," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus told the league's official website. "When a player -- even a player of Miggy's caliber -- goes through a little bit of a downturn, it always seems to move very slowlyas you're getting through it.

"But big picture is, he's going to get through it, so you try not to get too caught up in it. Just do what he's doing, taking the extra time to try to work through it faster."

Cleveland opened the series with a 2-1 victory, riding homers by Carlos Santana and Marlon Byrd off Justin Verlander to a victory as Josh Tomlin and three relievers limited Detroit to four hits.

"Everyone did a good job," manager Terry Francona said. "These are games we've lost in the past."

Detroit has lost five of its last seven.

Getting the call for the Tigers (8-7) is righty Anibal Sanchez (2-1, 4.60), who will be looking to bounce back after his first loss of the season. After winning his first two starts, Sanchez struggled against Houston on Sunday, yielding a pair of solo homers and five runs in eight hits in 110 pitches over five innings of a 5-4 defeat.

"It was difficult today, and I think three good contacts, two good homers and one bringing guys in, it's really tough," said Sanchez, who has yet to complete six innings. "The good thing is I feel really good, I feel healthy and no problems at allwith my body," he said. "I need to continue working. Even the first two (starts), even when I threw good games, it was a lot of pitches.

"It's something I need to work on, because I don't want to throw 100, 105, 110 pitches in five innings. If I have that pitch count, it gets complicated, throwing too many pitches (per) inning and I'm getting tired sooner in the game."

Sanchez is 4-3 with a 2.73 ERA in nine lifetime games versus the Indians.

Cleveland has won four of its last six in Detroit after dropping seven of the previous eight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (10-6) at White Sox (10-6)

Game: 2
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: April 23, 2016 2:10 PM EDT

More solid pitching and an unorthodox triple play helped the Chicago White Sox cool off the visiting Texas Rangers in the opener of their weekend series.

While the White Sox look to end their struggles against Colby Lewis, they hope Carlos Rodon can rebound from the shortest start of his young career Saturday.

Texas (10-7) scored 24 runs during a four-game winning streak that ended Friday, when it managed five hits and was stymied over seven innings by Jose Quintana in a 5-0 defeat. The Rangers threatened in the seventh with the bases loaded when Mitch Moreland lined out to right fielder Adam Eaton, who threw to first to double off Ian Desmond. Prince Fielder was eventually caught in a rundown between third and home to complete the 9-3-2-6-2-5 triple play.

"Besides marrying my wife and the birth of my kid, that's high up there,' Eaton said, smiling. 'I've never had that much fun on a ballfield.'

While that play certainly helped its cause Friday, Chicago's early success has been keyed by a rotation that has a 2.69 ERA and a bullpen that's yielded eight runs over 46 1/3 innings.

Rodon (1-2, 4.73 ERA) gave up two runs and 10 hits in 13 innings over his first two starts, then allowed five runs, six hits and walked two in one-third of an inning in Monday's 7-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. It was the shortest non-injury related start for the White Sox (11-6) since Neal Cotts recorded one out Aug. 28, 2003.

'Just challenge guys. That's something I can learn from," Rodon told MLB's official website. "Just go up there and throw the ball. See if you can hit it. See how far you can hit this one, if you can hit it at all.

"You have to say, 'forget about it,' and just see what you are made out of and challenge those guys if your stuff is not working."

The left-hander walked six over two starts against the Rangers as a rookie in 2015, but was 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA.

Lewis (1-0, 4.00) has struck out 38 and walked four while posting a 1.22 ERA to win six straight starts against the White Sox. He allowed three runs on two homers in 15 innings of two meetings last season.

The right-hander, though, hopes to be more effective than last Saturday when he yielded four runs and 10 hits - three solo homers - in six innings while not earning a decision in an 8-4 victory over Baltimore.

"To kind of keep them at bay for six innings and keep it close, that's all I wanted to do," Lewis said.

Austin Jackson is 3 for 28 in his last 10 games but is batting .441 with a home run and three doubles in 34 at-bats, including the postseason, against Lewis. Jose Abreu is 4 for 10 against him but 2 for 30 with eight strikeouts in the last eight contests.

Texas' Adrian Beltre is 9 for 18 without a strikeout in the past five games, and he's fanned just three times this season.

Fielder is batting .365 in his last 14 games against Chicago.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (7-8) at Astros (5-11)

Game: 2
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: April 23, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

After showing signs of a turnaround in his last start, Clay Buchholz has a lot working in his favor in his next one.

Buchholz owns stellar career numbers against the Houston Astros, who enter Saturday's matchup with the Boston Red Sox having lost four straight and in an extended offensive rut.

A lack of clutch hitting has been an ongoing problem during Houston's disappointing 5-12 start, during which it's batting .171 with runners in scoring position. It was an issue again in Friday's opener of this three-game series, when the Astros finished 1 of 8 in a 6-2 defeat for their eighth loss in 10 games.

Houston was 4 for 30 in those situations in being swept in a three-game set at Texas prior to this series.

After being held to four hits and one unearned run through 6 1/3 innings by Steven Wright, the Astros draw Buchholz (0-1, 5.74 ERA) off by far the best of his three 2016 outings. The native Texan yielded six singles over 6 2/3 scoreless innings Monday against Toronto, though he was denied a win when the bullpen allowed four eighth-inning runs in Boston's 4-3 loss.

Buchholz surrendered 10 runs and walked six in nine innings over his previous two starts.

He's been magnificent in four prior matchups with the Astros, going 3-0 with a 1.38 ERA and throwing two complete games. One came at Fenway Park last July, a six-hit, eight-strikeout effort in a 6-1 victory.

Buchholz was even better in his lone Minute Maid Park start, striking out a career-high 12 in a three-hit shutout on July 13, 2014.

While Houston's offense remains slumping, the Red Sox are hitting .372 with 21 runs scored over a three-game stretch. They recorded 15 hits for a second straight game Friday, with Mookie Betts going 4 for 5 with two triples and three runs scored.

Boston (8-8) has produced 10 first-inning runs over its last three games and has outscored opponents 18-4 in the opening frame in its last 11. The Red Sox got two off Collin McHugh, with Betts' leadoff triple igniting the charge.

'I just come out swinging and try to make him uncomfortable at least,' said Betts, who's 8 for 14 with two homers and five RBIs over the last three games. 'We were able to put some good swings on some pitches and make him uncomfortable through those innings.'

The Astros are 1-7 when allowing the first run.

'We have to stop putting ourselves in a hole to get ourselves out of it,' manager A.J. Hinch said. 'We've gotten punched in the face a bit over these first couple of weeks, but we will respond.'

Mike Fiers (1-1, 6.48) has permitted three first-inning runs through three starts. He's also surrendered six homers in 16 2/3 innings, including three in 5 2/3 innings in Sunday's 5-4 home win over Detroit.

Fiers is 2-1 with a 2.79 ERA in six home starts since being acquired from Milwaukee last July.

He'll face a Boston lineup with several players who have hit Houston pitching well. Dustin Pedroia owns a .418 average in the series, the highest for an opponent in Astros history with at least 100 plate appearances. Hanley Ramirez is batting .368 against Houston and Betts is 14 for 30.

Pedroia and Ramirez each had two hits and an RBI on Friday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs (12-4) at Reds (8-8)

Game: 3
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: April 23, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

John Lackey has received plenty of run support while getting off to the best start of his career.

Looking to beat the Cincinnati Reds for the second time in 11 days, the right-hander hopes the offensive assistance continues while trying to help the visiting Chicago Cubs to a ninth consecutive win in the series Saturday night.

Chicago (13-4) has scored 28 runs in the first three games Lackey (3-0, 3.66 ERA) has pitched with his new team, with his run-support average of 10.98 the highest among major league starters.

Lackey overcame three walks and six hits by allowing two runs and striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings of a 9-2 rout of Cincinnati (8-9) on April 13. The 37-year-old was better Monday, giving up four hits and fanning 11 with a walk in seven innings of a 5-0 victory at St. Louis in his first meeting since leaving there to sign with the Cubs in December.

"We've got a pretty good team here, and expectations are high, and we're embracing those and we're shooting high," Lackey, who's 2-2 with a 2.34 ERA in his last five starts against the Reds, told MLB's official website.

"It's still early. Let's play some baseball and see what happens."

The Cubs have had their way while outscoring Cincinnati 46-7 to win the first five meetings of 2016. They've also batted .316 and averaged 8.2 runs during a six-game road winning streak against the Reds that's their longest since taking seven straight over the 1945-46 seasons.

'They have a nice club, and they do the type of things they have to do to get pitches to hit,' Cincinnati manager Bryan Price said. 'Give them credit.'

A night after Jake Arrieta became the first Cub to record a no-hitter in back-to-back seasons with Thursday's 16-0 rout, Jon Lester gave up a run over seven innings and benefited from another strong offensive backing in an 8-1 victory.

Anthony Rizzo homered for a third consecutive game and Javier Baez also went deep for the Cubs, who have hit 10 of their 22 home runs against Cincinnati.Rizzo is 4 for 13 with six RBIs in the last three games after going 2 for 31 with a home run for his only RBI in the previous nine.

The Reds managed a Zack Cozart homer and four other hits after being dominated in the series opener. Joey Votto singled for his only hit in 20 at-bats over the last six games.

Former Cub Dan Straily (0-0, 2.70) looks to build on his first 2016 start after giving up one run and two hits in five innings of a 5-1 loss to Colorado on Monday. The right-hander made three appearances before joining the rotation.

"He's been very efficient for us out of the bullpen and very durable," Price said. "He'll have a little bit more room to accumulate pitches and innings his next start."

Straily, who went 0-1 with an 11.85 ERA over seven games - one start - for the Cubs in 2014, allowed two runs, two hits and two walks in 2 1/3 innings against them April 13.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (7-7) at Braves (4-11)

Game: 2
Venue: Turner Field
Date: April 23, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

New York left-hander Steven Matz tries to follow up one of the best starts of his young career Saturday night when the Mets play the middle test of their three-game series with the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.

Matz (1-1, 7.27 ERA) gave up seven runs and could not get out of the second inning in his first start versus Miami on April 11, but bounced back nicely his second time out in Cleveland, scattering three hits and striking out nine over seven innings in a 6-0 win.

"Honestly, I didn't feel any different," said Matz, who shaved more than 30 runs off his ERA from 37.80. "Last time, I felt really good out of the gate. Today, I felt good out of the gate. I was just able to carry it onto the field."

Matz beat the Braves the only time he faced them, yielding a run over five innings in his fourth career start Sept. 11.

The Mets (8-7) rolled to their fourth win in five games Friday, as Curtis Granderson homered twice, including a grand slam, to drive in five runs and Matt Harvey got his first win of the season in a 6-3 triumph.

Granderson is batting .346 with four homers, two doubles and eight RBIs in his last six games.

"I'm just trying to go ahead and get pitches you can put a good swing on and I was able to do that on a few of the at-bats there," Granderson said.

New York, which homered twice in its first eight games, has now hit 21 in its last seven - the most in a seven-game span in franchise history.

Atlanta (4-12), meanwhile, failed to homer for the 11th straight game, its longest drought since going 13 games without a home run in May 1983. The Braves, who have lost three in a row, are last in the majors with only three homers and no player has more than one.

"We just haven't been able to get anybody on base and string anything together," Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski is 5 for 7 in the last two games and is now one hit away from 2,000 for his career.

The news was not all great for the Mets, though, as Yoenis Cespedes aggravated the bruise on his right leg while sliding into second base. He did not return for the Mets following a 56-minute rain delay.

Getting the call for Atlanta on Saturday will be right-hander Jhoulys Chacin (0-0, 2.38), who has been one of the few bright spots in the early going for the hapless Braves.

Chacin pitched six scoreless innings in a no-decision versus Washington to start the year and followed that up with another no-decision in Miami, as he allowed three runs and four hits in 5 1/3 innings of Sunday's 6-5 win.

Chacin is 1-2 with a 3.00 ERA in four starts versus the Mets, last facing them in 2014.

New York, which has won six of eight on the road, has won its last five at Turner Field. It hasn't won six in a row in Atlanta since a seven-game run spanning the 1985 and '86 seasons.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (7-9) at Brewers (7-9)

Game: 2
Venue: Miller Park
Date: April 23, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

Maikel Franco ended his recent woes in emphatic fashion and allowed the Philadelphia Phillies to surpass last season's win total against the Milwaukee Brewers in just one game.

Charlie Morton seeks to double that with another proficient outing Saturday night at Miller Park while Franco and the Phillies attempt to provide him with more ample run support.

Franco hit a pair of home runs Friday in a 5-2 victory that snapped Philadelphia's seven-game skid against the Brewers (7-10) from 2015. Aaron Nola also yielded one run in seven innings in the Phillies' third straight road win, putting them one shy of matching last season's longest streak there.

Franco also singled while ending a 3-for-29 slump.

"We talked to him before the game about pulling the ball," manager Pete Mackanin said. "A lot of guys work so much on going to the opposite field. If you think about pulling the ball, then you stay back a little more."

Morton (1-1, 3.86 ERA) will try to get Philadelphia (8-9) to that victory with his third consecutive quality start. The right-hander gave up one run in six innings Sunday against Washington, but the Phillies needed 10 innings for a 3-2 victory.

"That's some of the best stuff I've seen from him in the couple of years that I have faced him," Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper said.

Morton fanned seven in 6 2/3 innings in a 3-0 win over San Diego on April 12 and has struck out 13 in his past two games.

He went 2-1 with a 2.79 ERA in his three starts against Milwaukee last season while with Pittsburgh but wasn't his sharpest in his lone outing at Miller Park. He gave up four runs in six innings in a 4-1 loss July 17 and is 1-3 with a 5.05 ERA in six lifetime starts there.

Chase Anderson (1-1, 2.25) had contrasting performances in his two matchups against Philadelphia in 2015 while with Arizona. He gave up one run and three hits in 5 1-3 innings in a 4-3 loss May 15 and was tagged for five runs and nine hits in five-plus innings in a 7-6 defeat Aug. 12.

The right-hander gave up five runs and a career-high 11 hits in a 7-4 loss in Minnesota on Monday after yielding three unearned runs over 11 innings in his first two starts.

"I just didn't have any command from the get-go," Anderson told MLB's official website. "I felt decent in my bullpen, and coming into the game I couldn't get everything synced up. When you can't locate the fastball, it's usually a long night for most starting pitchers."

Ryan Braun will try to aid Anderson in this outing by adding to his .348 career average against Morton. Kirk Nieuwenhuis is 3 for 5 with a home run while Aaron Hill and Martin Maldonado are both 4 for 7.

Jonathan Lucroy is at the other end of the spectrum at 1 for 16, and only his 0-for-17 showing against Clayton Kershaw is worse against pitchers he's faced at least 15 times.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (10-4) at Royals (10-5)

Game: 2
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: April 23, 2016 7:15 PM EDT

Manny Machado extended his lengthy season-opening hit streak in Baltimore's opener against Kansas City, but Mike Moustakas overshadowed him with another stellar performance against the Orioles.

Moustakas will try to stay hot Saturday night while leading the Royals to another win in this early matchup of division leaders.

Machado's sixth-inning homer gave him a career-best 15-game hit streak, but Moustakas also went deep while registering a pair of doubles in a 4-2 victory. The third baseman has four of his six home runs in the past seven games and is 7 for 12 in his last three.

"I'm just seeing the ball good right now, just trying to get good pitches to hit and putting good swings on good pitches," he said.

Moustakas is also batting .469 with five homers, four doubles and 21 RBIs in his last eight matchups with the Orioles (10-5) after driving in three runs Friday. He had a franchise-record nine RBIs in a 14-6 victory in Baltimore on Sept. 12, and Moustakas' nine homers versus Baltimore since the beginning of the 2013 season - including the playoffs - are his most against any opponent.

"I don't know what it is about that," he told MLB's official website. "Baseball is a funny game. Sometimes things like that happen."

Machado, batting .397 with six homers, will try for the Orioles' longest season-opening hit streak since Davey Johnson's 17-gamer in 1971. The last major leaguer to produce a 16-game streak or longer to begin a campaign was the Chicago White Sox's Alexei Ramirez, who hit safely in 17 straight in 2014.

Machado is batting .319 in his last 12 games against the Royals (11-5) and has hit three homers in his past six. He has one double in three lifetime at-bats against Kris Medlen, Saturday's starter for Kansas City.

The right-hander gave up two runs and two hits in 6 1/3 innings Sunday in Oakland but didn't get enough support to earn his second consecutive win as the Royals lost 3-2. Medlen (1-0, 2.38 ERA) allowed two runs in five innings and fanned seven in his season debut, a 3-2 victory in Houston on April 12.

Medlen has issued four walks in each of his first two games but didn't give up one in his only start against Baltimore, an 8-3 victory Aug. 24. He allowed three runs and five hits in six innings, including Adam Jones' two-run homer in the first.

Tyler Wilson (0-0, 1.13) will try to get the Orioles back on track in his first start this season after three relief appearances and sixth of his career.

"He's not too far removed (from starting)," manager Buck Showalter said. "He had two innings, 40'ish pitches and two days off. He's right where he needs to be. Physically, he's in as good as shape as anybody. So, we'd like to get him out (there)."

The right-hander went 1-2 with a 4.32 ERA in his five starts in 2015 and will make his first appearance against Kansas City.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five to Follow MLB Betting: Saturday, April 23, 2016, Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

On Thursday's Opening Line Report , I threw it out there that it wouldn't surprise me if a former NL Cy Young winner threw a no-hitter that day against one of the expected worst teams in the National League. Alas, I went with Clayton Kershaw against Atlanta. While Kershaw was very good against the Braves, on Thursday night in Cincinnati reigning NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta of the Cubs threw the first no-hitter of the season and his second in his past 11 regular-season starts. What Arrieta has done since last July, which was his last loss (and the Cubs were no-hit in that game!), is just unfathomable. I'll go more into some Arrieta numbers next week ahead of his next start. But he did become only the second pitcher to be unbeaten between no-hitters. The other of course is Johnny Vander Meer, who threw consecutive no-hitters.


A's at Blue Jays (-158, 9)

A 1:07 p.m. ET start. Oakland has lost starting third baseman Danny Valencia to the 15-day DL with a left hamstring strain. He suffered the injury popping out of a slide after getting thrown out at home plate in the fourth inning of Wednesday's game against the Yankees. Valencia was second on the team with a .294 average. Oakland starts Chris Bassitt (0-0, 2.79) here, and he has been a nice surprise. Bassitt has gone seven innings in each of his past two starts and allowed two total earned runs but obviously got no-decisions in each. Bassitt has never faced Toronto. Josh Donaldson has seen him, going 1-for-3 with a double. It's lefty J.A. Happ (2-0, 1.89) for the Jays. He has yet to allow more than two earned runs in three starts with 18 hits in 19 innings. Happ didn't face Oakland in 2015. Marcus Semien eats him alive, going 7-for-10 with a homer and four RBIs. Billy Butler is 6-for-19 with two RBIs.

Key trends: The A's are 1-5 in Bassitt's past six on the road. The "over/under" is 6-2-2 in Oakland's past 10 vs. a lefty.

Early lean: Jays and over.

Indians at Tigers (+100, 7.5)

Another early start at 1:10 p.m. ET. What the heck is going on with 2014 Cy Young winner Corey Kluber? Did I think he was a one-year fluke then? Yes and no. Yes in that I didn't expect him to win another Cy Young but no in that I believed he would remain an upper-echelon starter in the American League. But Kluber is 0-3 with a 6.16 ERA. He was knocked around for six runs and nine hits last weekend against the Mets. He is 9-19 since winning the Cy Young. Kluber was 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA in two starts last year vs. the Tigers. Miguel Cabrera absolutely destroys the guy, going 19-for-35 with five homers and 10 RBIs. Detroit goes with Anibal Sanchez (2-1, 4.60). He struggled last time out, allowing five runs and eight hits over five innings in a loss at Houston. Sanchez has yet to complete six innings. He somehow managed to not face Cleveland in 2015. Yan Gomes is 4-for-9 off him with a homer and three RBIs.

Key trends: The Indians are 3-12 in Kluber's past 15 vs. the AL Central. The Tigers are 8-0 in Sanchez's past eight at home. The over is 5-1 in Kluber's past six vs. Detroit.

Early lean: Tigers, any Cabrera hitting prop and over.

Rangers at White Sox (-128, 8.5)

Another matinee at 2:10 p.m. ET. Pale Hose second-year lefty Carlos Rodon (1-2, 4.73) has the talent to be one of the AL's best pitchers, and he was in the first two outings of this season. But he's still young and prone to an occasional blow-up start. That's what happened Monday as Rodon got just one out against the Angels, allowing five runs and six hits while walking two. It was the shortest outing for a White Sox starter unrelated to injury since Neal Cotts also went one-third of an inning in 2003. Rodon was 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two starts vs. Texas as a rookie. Elvis Andrus is 0-for-4 off him. Prince Fielder (who by the way was named after late pop icon Prince, I just found out following the singer's death Thursday) is 2-for-6 with an RBI. It's Colby Lewis (1-0, 4.00) for the Rangers. He allowed four runs and 10 hits over six innings last time vs. Baltimore. Lewis was 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA vs. Chicago last year. Austin Jackson is a career .419 hitter of him in 31 at-bats. Brett Lawrie is 1-for-14 with seven strikeouts.

Key trends: The Rangers are 7-3 in Lewis' past 10 on the road. The Sox are 4-1 in Rodon's past five at home. The under is 5-2-1 in Lewis' past eight vs. the White Sox.

Early lean: White Sox and under.

Dodgers at Rockies (+138, 10.5)

Barring weather or injury, this should be the first-ever regular-season matchup between two early NL Rookie of the Year candidates in Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda and Rockies shortstop Trevor Story. Maeda (2-0, 0.47) has been better than the Dodgers could have ever imagined, allowing one run in 19 innings and only 14 hits. The Dodgers have had some fair pitchers in their history, and Maeda became the first in team history to begin his career with three straight appearances of six innings and one or fewer runs allowed. Maybe Story faced him in the Cactus League. Tyler Chatwood (2-1, 2.79) goes for Colorado. He dominated the Cubs in Wrigley last time out, shutting them out on two hits over seven innings with seven strikeouts. Chatwood didn't pitch in the majors last year. The Dodgers' Adrian Gonzalez is 4-for-15 career off him with a homer.

Key trends: The Dodgers are 6-2 in their past eight in Game 2 of a series. The Rockies are 2-9 in their past 11 Saturday games. The over is 5-2 in Chatwood's past seven at home.

Early lean: Rockies -- welcome to the thin air of Denver, Mr. Maeda -- and over.

Marlins at Giants (+109, 7)

The story of this series doesn't involve the active players but the return to San Francisco of Marlins hitting coach Barry Bonds, meaning he will sit in the visitors' dugout at AT&T Park for the first time. Despite not having played since 2007, Bonds still holds the record with 35 "splash hits" into China Basin body of water beyond right field at AT&T Park. It's Jose Fernandez (1-1, 3.78) for Miami here. After an iffy first start, Fernandez has allowed one earned and three hits in each of his past two. He made one start in 2015 vs. the Giants and allowed three runs over six innings in a win. Joe Panik is 2-for-3 with a double of him. It's Jake Peavy (0-1, 9.00) for San Francisco, and he has allowed at least four runs in all three starts and hasn't lasted more than five innings. Peavy didn't face the Marlins in 2015. Giancarlo Stanton has never faced Peavy. Dee Gordon is 0-for-6.

Key trends: The Marlins are 10-1 in Fernandez's past 11 vs. the NL West. The Giants are 9-1 in Peavy's past 10 at home. The over is 5-2 in Fernandez's past seven on the road. The over is 6-2 in Peavy's past eight.

Early lean: Marlins and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Saturday's games

National League games

Mets @ Braves
Matz is 1-1, 7.27 in two starts this month (over 1-1).

Chacin is 0-0, 2.38 in two starts this month (over 1-1).

Mets won four of last five games; six of their last seven went over. Atlanta lost their last three games; over is 10-3-1 in their last 14 games.

Cubs @ Reds
Lackey is 3-0, 3.66 in three starts this month (over 2-1); Cubs scored 28 runs in the three games.

Straily allowed one run in five IP (76 PT) in his first '16 start, vs Colorado.

Cubs won 10 of their last 13 games; their last three games went over total. Cincinnati lost eight of last eleven games; eight of their last 11 games went over the total.

Phillies @ Brewers
Morton is 1-0, 0.71 in his last two starts (under 2-1 this year).

Anderson is 1-1, 4.50 in three starts this month (over 2-0-1).

Philly won its last three road games (over 5-2 in last seven overall). Brewers lost five of their last seven games (over 4-2-1).

Dodgers @ Rockies
Maeda is 2-0, .0.47 in his first three MLB starts (under 2-0-1). .

Chatwood is 2-1, 3.26 in three starts this month (under 3-0).

Dodgers won six of their last nine games; over is 3-1-1 in their last five road contests. Colorado won four of its last five home games; over is 5-2 in their home games.

Pirates @ Diamondbacks
Nicasio is 2-1, 4.80 in three starts this month (over 2-1).

De la Rosa is 0-2, 11.25 in two starts this month (over 2-0).

Pirates lost five of last eight road games; ten of their last eleven games went over the total. Arizona won six of its last eight games.

Marlins @ Giants
Fernandez is 1-0, 1.64 in his last two starts (under 2-1).

Peavy is 0-1, 9.00 in three starts this month (over 3-0).

Giants lost eight of their last ten games (over 6-3-1). Miami lost seven of its last nine games (under 3-1-1 in last five).

Cardinals @ Padres
Wacha is 1-0, 2.25 in his last two starts (over 2-1).

Vargas is making his MLB debut; he is 0-0, 1.42 in two AA starts this year, allowing five hits in 12.2 IP in the Texas League.

Cardinals lost three of their last four games; four of their last six road games went over. San Diego won four of its last six games (over 5-1).


American League games

Rays @ Bronx
Top prospect Snell is making his MLB debut here; he is 1-1, 2.51 in three starts for AAA Durham this year. .

Tanaka is 1-0, 3.57 in three starts this month (under 2-1).

Bronx lost seven of last nine games; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight. Tampa Bay won four of its last six games; under is 9-4-1 in their last 14 games.

A's @ Blue Jays
Bassitt is 0-0, 1.93 in his last two starts (under 2-1).

Happ is 2-0, 1.89 in three starts this month (over 1-1-1).

Oakland won its last six games; they're 7-0 on road- under is 11-4 in their last 15 games. Toronto lost its last three games; eight of their last nine games overall stayed under the total.

Indians @ Tigers
Kluber is 0-3, 6.16 in three starts this month (under 2-1).

Sanchez is 2-1, 5.17 in three starts this month (over 2-0-1).

Cleveland lost three of its last five games; their last four road games stayed under the total. Detroit lost four of last five- three of their last four at home went over total.

Rangers @ White Sox
Lewis is 1-0, 4.00 in three starts this month (over 3-0).

Rodon is 1-2, 4.73 in three starts this month (under 3-0). .

Texas won five of its last seven games; seven of its last ten games went over. White Sox won three of their last four games; ten of their last 11 games stayed under.

Red Sox @ Astros
Buchholz is 0-1, 5.74 in three starts this month (over 2-1).

Fiers is 1-1, 5.94 in three starts this month (over 1-1-1) .

Red Sox lost four of their last six games; four of their six road games went over the total. Houston lost eight of its last ten games.

Orioles @ Royals
Worley 1-0, 6.75 in two starts this month (over 1-1). .

Medlen is 1-0, 3.09 in two starts this month (under 2-0).

Orioles are off to a 10-5 start; over is 5-1-1 in their road games. Kansas City won ten of its last 14 games; under is 8-1 in Royal home games.

Mariners @ Angels
Hernandez is 1-1, 2.00 in three starts this month (under 3-0)- he was scratched from Friday's start with an illness

Santiago is 1-0, 2.45 in his last two starts (under 2-1).

Seattle won seven of its last nine road games; five of its last six games stayed under the total. Angels lost six of last eight games; under is 12-4 in their last sixteen games.


Interleague

Twins @ Nationals
Hughes is 1-2, 4.91 in three starts this month (under 2-0-1).

Roark is 1-2, 4.76 in three starts this month (under 2-1).

Twins won five of their last eight games after an 0-9 start but they're 1-8 on road; over is 6-1-1 in their last eight games. Washington won its last six home games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six games overall.


Teams won-lost records when this pitcher starts:

NY-Atl: Matz 1-1; Chacin 1-1
Chi-Cin: Lackey 3-0; Straily 0-1
Phil-Mil: Morton 2-1; Anderson 2-1
LA-Colo: Madea 2-1; Chatwood 2-1
Pitt-Az: Nicasio 2-1; De la Rosa 0-2
Mia-SF: Fernandez 2-1; Peavy 1-2
StL-SD: Wacha 2-1; Vargas 0-0

TB-NY: Snell 0-0; Tanaka 2-1
A's-Tor: Bassitt 2-1; Happ 2-1
Clev-Det: Kluber 0-3; Sanchez 2-1
Tex-Chi: Lewis 2-1; Rodon 1-2
Bos-Hst: Buchholz 0-3; Fiers 1-2
Blt-KC: Worley 2-0; Medlen 1-1
Sea-LAA: Hernandez 1-2; Santiago 3-0

Minn-Wsh: Hughes 1-2; Roark 1-2

Starting pitchers allowing 1+ runs in first inning:
NY-Atl: Matz 0-2; Chacin 0-2
Chi-Cin: Lackey 2-3; Straily 0-1
Phil-Mil: Morton 0-3; Anderson 1-3
LA-Colo: Madea 0-3; Chatwood 0-3
Pitt-Az: Nicasio 1-3; De la Rosa 0-2
Mia-SF: Fernandez 1-3; Peavy 2-3
StL-SD: Wacha 1-3; Vargas 0-0

TB-NY: Snell 0-0; Tanaka 1-3
A's-Tor: Bassitt 0-3; Happ 0-3
Clev-Det: Kluber 1-3; Sanchez 1-3
Tex-Chi: Lewis 3-3; Rodon 2-3
Bos-Hst: Buchholz 1-3; Fiers 1-3
Blt-KC: Worley 0-2; Medlen 1-2
Sea-LAA: Hernandez 1-2; Santiago 2-3

Minn-Wsh: Hughes 1-3; Roark 1-3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'On the diamond'

NY Mets at Atlanta Braves April 23, 7:05 EST

Atlanta Braves and New York Mets meet in the second of a three-game series at Turner Field Saturday night. According opening betting odds the Mets are -$1.40 to -$1.50 road favorites depending on locale.

Jhoulys Chacin (0-0, 2.38 ERA) toes the rubber for Atlanta. The right-hander is winless despite allowing allowing 3 runs, no walks with fourteen K's over 11 1/3 innings of work. Mets will trot out left-hander Steven Matz (1-1, 7.27 ERA) who had a disasterous start opening the campaign but a gem in his second trip to the mound tossing seven scoreless innings in 6-0 victory over Cleveland Indians.

Taking a road favorite can be a perilous road in baseball betting. But, the fact Steven Matz is a portsider is bad news for the Braves, since Atlanta is just 6-14 vs a left-handed starter including 0-3 facing a Metropolitan southpaw. Additionally, Mets are a solid 5-1 on the road with Matz including a win in Atlanta.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday's six-pack

Some more pointspreads on NFL games this season.........

Week 2-- Colts @ Broncos (-5)-- You laying 5 without knowing who is playing QB for Denver this season?

Week 3-- Cardinals (-2.5) @ Bills-- Big break for Arizona, getting the Buffalo trip in September and not December.

Week 4-- Saints @ Chargers (-3)-- Drew Brees against his old team.

Week 7-- Giants vs Rams (even)-- London game has 9:30 AM ET kickoff. Oy.

Week 11-- Texans vs Raiders (-2) (Mexico City)-- Monday night game in Mexico.

Week 14-- Raiders @ Chiefs (-4.5) Long trip east on short week for Oakland.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor's Free Pick for Saturday, April 23, 2016, MLB. 4/23 7:10 PM

(903) NEW YORK METS VS (904) ATLANTA BRAVES (J CHACIN - R)

Play Atlanta.