Saturday 5/14/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Saturday, May 14

Trend Report

1:05 PM
MIAMI vs. WASHINGTON
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Miami
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Miami

1:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Boston
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing at home against Houston

1:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Chi White Sox are 3-10 SU in their last 13 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games at home
NY Yankees are 11-2 SU in their last 13 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

2:20 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CHI CUBS
Pittsburgh is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Chi Cubs's last 11 games at home

4:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Minnesota is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland's last 11 games when playing at home against Minnesota

6:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. TAMPA BAY
Oakland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oakland
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

7:05 PM
DETROIT vs. BALTIMORE
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Detroit is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games

7:05 PM
MIAMI vs. WASHINGTON
Miami13-5-1 SU in its last 19 games
Miami is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games ,when playing on the road against Washington
Washington11-4-1 SU in its last 16 games at home
Washington5-1-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Miami

7:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Cincinnati is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games

7:15 PM
ATLANTA vs. KANSAS CITY
Atlanta is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Kansas City is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games

8:05 PM
TORONTO vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Toronto's last 16 games on the road
Toronto is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Texas is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games at home

8:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
San Francisco is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Arizona's last 13 games when playing San Francisco
Arizona is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:10 PM
NY METS vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games on the road
NY Mets are 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games at home

9:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. LA DODGERS
St. Louis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games

9:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. SEATTLE
LA Angels are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
Seattle is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Saturday, May 14


LA Angels @ Seattle

Game 977-978
May 14, 2016 @ 9:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Chacin) 15.250
Seattle
(Iwakma) 14.264
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-170
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+150); Over

San Diego @ Milwaukee

Game 957-958
May 14, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Prdomo) 13.766
Milwaukee
(Pralta) 17.369
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
N/A

Atlanta @ Kansas City

Game 979-980
May 14, 2016 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Fltynwcz) 13.689
Kansas City
(Gee) 15.118
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-180
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-180); Over

NY Mets @ Colorado

Game 959-960
May 14, 2016 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Verrett) 13.856
Colorado
(Butler) 14.771
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-120
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+100); Over

Miami @ Washington

Game 981-982
May 14, 2016 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Niclino) 14.465
Washington
(Strsburg) 15.877
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
N/A

San Francisco @ Arizona

Game 961-962
May 14, 2016 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Peavy) 16.411
Arizona
(Corbin) 12.845
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 3 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-140
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(+120); Under

St. Louis @ LA Dodgers

Game 963-964
May 14, 2016 @ 9:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Mrtinez) 17.254
LA Dodgers
(Kazmir) 13.676
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-115
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-115); Under

Chicago White Sox @ NY Yankees

Game 965-966
May 14, 2016 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Quntana) 17.172
NY Yankees
(Nova) 12.176
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 5
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
(-150)
8
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-150); Under

Houston @ Boston

Game 967-968
May 14, 2016 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(McHugh) 17.522
Boston
(Buchholz) 16.058
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-130
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+110); Over

Minnesota @ Cleveland

Game 969-970
May 14, 2016 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Santana) 15.645
Cleveland
(Kluber) 14.102
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-200
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+170); Over

Oakland @ Tampa Bay

Game 971-972
May 14, 2016 @ 6:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Grveman) 13.101
Tampa Bay
(Andriese) 14.557
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-145); Over

Pittsburgh @ Chicago Cubs

Game 951-952
May 14, 2016 @ 2:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Locke) 16.589
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 15.620
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-280
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+230); N/A

Detroit @ Baltimore

Game 973-974
May 14, 2016 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Sanchez) 14.160
Baltimore
(Wright) 15.633
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-125
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-125); Over

Miami @ Washington

Game 953-954
May 14, 2016 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Flores) 15.377
Washington
(Roark) 13.865
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
N/A

Toronto @ Texas

Game 975-976
May 14, 2016 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Estrada) 14.214
Texas
(Lewis) 15.725
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-140
9
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+120); Over

Cincinnati @ Philadelphia

Game 955-956
May 14, 2016 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Adelmn) 12.582
Philadelphia
(Nola) 15.731
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 3
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
-155
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-155); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PITTSBURGH (18 - 16) at CHICAGO CUBS (26 - 8) - 2:20 PM
JEFF LOCKE (L) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 45-53 (-18.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 127-78 (+26.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-2 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 127-78 (+26.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 15-2 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARRIETA is 34-9 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 34-9 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 46-34 (+18.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 116-81 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 116-81 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 93-63 (+19.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 808-765 (-160.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 793-822 (-148.6 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 722-793 (-180.9 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 4-0 (+4.3 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.3 Units)

JEFF LOCKE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LOCKE is 1-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.83 and a WHIP of 1.532.
His team's record is 3-6 (-5.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.7 units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
ARRIETA is 8-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.32 and a WHIP of 0.760.
His team's record is 10-1 (+9.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-7. (-4.2 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (18 - 16) at WASHINGTON (22 - 13) - 7:05 PM
KENDRY FLORES (R) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-4 (+0.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.0 Units)

KENDRY FLORES vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. MIAMI since 1997
STRASBURG is 11-7 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.138.
His team's record is 15-9 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-11. (-1.2 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CINCINNATI (14 - 21) at PHILADELPHIA (21 - 15) - 7:05 PM
TIM ADLEMAN (R) vs. AARON NOLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 77-120 (-38.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 32-62 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 77-120 (-38.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 96-144 (-42.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 58-89 (-28.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 38-71 (-24.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-15 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-15 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-9 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-7 (+9.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

TIM ADLEMAN vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

AARON NOLA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
NOLA is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.571.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN DIEGO (16 - 21) at MILWAUKEE (15 - 21) - 7:10 PM
LUIS PERDOMO (R) vs. WILY PERALTA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

LUIS PERDOMO vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

WILY PERALTA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
PERALTA is 1-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 7.45 and a WHIP of 1.863.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY METS (21 - 14) at COLORADO (17 - 18) - 8:10 PM
LOGAN VERRETT (R) vs. EDDIE BUTLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 397-414 (+32.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
COLORADO is 47-83 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

LOGAN VERRETT vs. COLORADO since 1997
VERRETT is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.13 and a WHIP of 0.625.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

EDDIE BUTLER vs. NY METS since 1997
BUTLER is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 13.50 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN FRANCISCO (20 - 18) at ARIZONA (17 - 21) - 8:10 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PEAVY is 9-23 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 8-21 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 2-14 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 205-183 (+37.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 29-14 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1089-916 (+116.9 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 116-87 (+25.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 13-22 (-16.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 5-14 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 1-7 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 5-14 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 559-507 (-69.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters since 1997.
ARIZONA is 60-109 (-38.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 4-2 (+3.3 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
PEAVY is 17-13 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.275.
His team's record is 19-16 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 14-20. (-9.4 units)

PAT CORBIN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
CORBIN is 4-4 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.41 and a WHIP of 1.078.
His team's record is 6-5 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.5 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST LOUIS (19 - 17) at LA DODGERS (19 - 17) - 9:10 PM
CARLOS MARTINEZ (R) vs. SCOTT KAZMIR (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KAZMIR is 35-17 (+17.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 121-81 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 121-81 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 84-53 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MARTINEZ is 26-9 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARTINEZ is 13-3 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARTINEZ is 26-9 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 113-90 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 7-17 (-12.0 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 110-88 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 81-71 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 109-100 (-25.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
KAZMIR is 15-24 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KAZMIR is 14-23 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KAZMIR is 6-16 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
MARTINEZ is 2-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.407.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.0 units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
KAZMIR is 1-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHI WHITE SOX (24 - 12) at NY YANKEES (14 - 20) - 1:05 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. IVAN NOVA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 24-12 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 14-7 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 21-7 (+15.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 16-7 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 27-17 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 135-121 (-69.1 Units) against the money line in home games in May games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
QUINTANA is 2-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.27 and a WHIP of 1.609.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

IVAN NOVA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
NOVA is 3-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.54 and a WHIP of 1.128.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSTON (15 - 22) at BOSTON (22 - 14) - 1:05 PM
COLLIN MCHUGH (R) vs. CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 15-22 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 40-62 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 229-279 (-70.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 15-22 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 2-12 (-13.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MCHUGH is 26-13 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCHUGH is 19-10 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 629-563 (-73.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 89-94 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 25-34 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 150-169 (-34.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 63-69 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 42-50 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
BUCHHOLZ is 21-32 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 8-20 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 16-30 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 4-11 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 6-15 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

COLLIN MCHUGH vs. BOSTON since 1997
MCHUGH is 2-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.43 and a WHIP of 1.791.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 3-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.35 and a WHIP of 0.861.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (8 - 26) at CLEVELAND (17 - 15) - 4:10 PM
ERVIN SANTANA (R) vs. COREY KLUBER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 8-26 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 2-16 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 2-14 (-12.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-26 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 7-21 (-14.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 4-21 (-16.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-17 (-14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-25 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 91-92 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 44-53 (-19.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KLUBER is 13-26 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 5-12 (-11.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 12-25 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 3-10 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-2 (+0.4 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.2 Units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SANTANA is 4-10 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.47 and a WHIP of 1.256.
His team's record is 6-13 (-9.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-6. (+6.4 units)

COREY KLUBER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
KLUBER is 6-4 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.64 and a WHIP of 1.142.
His team's record is 7-8 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-7. (+0.2 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OAKLAND (15 - 21) at TAMPA BAY (15 - 18) - 6:10 PM
KENDALL GRAVEMAN (R) vs. MATT ANDRIESE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 83-115 (-34.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 13-28 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 53-71 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 172-185 (-37.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 86-95 (-34.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 87-96 (-34.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 95-107 (-36.3 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 116-132 (-32.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 44-53 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 20-29 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

KENDALL GRAVEMAN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
GRAVEMAN is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.750.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

MATT ANDRIESE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (15 - 20) at BALTIMORE (22 - 12) - 7:05 PM
ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R) vs. MIKE WRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 152-228 (-58.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 81-100 (-27.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 22-12 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 15-5 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 21-10 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 12-3 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 17-8 (+9.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 38-21 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 32-14 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SANCHEZ is 2-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.09 and a WHIP of 1.348.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

MIKE WRIGHT vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (19 - 18) at TEXAS (20 - 16) - 8:05 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. COLBY LEWIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 110-93 (+37.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 25-17 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 19-13 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 16-10 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 69-57 (+22.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 49-42 (+15.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 52-35 (+31.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LEWIS is 19-11 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-1 (+2.4 Units) against TEXAS this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. TEXAS since 1997
ESTRADA is 2-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 1.48 and a WHIP of 0.781.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.4 units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. TORONTO since 1997
LEWIS is 3-6 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.71 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 4-7 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-6. (-1.8 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA ANGELS (14 - 21) at SEATTLE (21 - 14) - 9:10 PM
JHOULYS CHACIN (R) vs. HISASHI IWAKUMA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHACIN is 7-17 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in May games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 794-782 (+61.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 669-663 (+54.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
SEATTLE is 6-13 (-15.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 44-53 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 117-134 (-51.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 92-99 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 31-39 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 30-34 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 17-23 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
IWAKUMA is 3-9 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 0-6 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

HISASHI IWAKUMA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
IWAKUMA is 8-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.76 and a WHIP of 0.964.
His team's record is 10-4 (+8.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-8. (-3.5 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATLANTA (8 - 26) at KANSAS CITY (17 - 18) - 7:15 PM
MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ (R) vs. DILLON GEE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 8-26 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 8-26 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 81-122 (-39.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 76-98 (-33.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 123-90 (+25.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 68-36 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 38-20 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 119-84 (+26.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 50-28 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 86-60 (+21.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 4-12 (-18.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 102-147 (-49.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against ATLANTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

DILLON GEE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
GEE is 6-5 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.227.
His team's record is 10-7 (+6.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-13. (-10.4 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (18 - 16) at WASHINGTON (22 - 13) - 2:05 PM
JUSTIN NICOLINO (L) vs. TANNER ROARK (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-4 (+0.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.0 Units)

JUSTIN NICOLINO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
NICOLINO is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 11.11 and a WHIP of 1.587.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

TANNER ROARK vs. MIAMI since 1997
ROARK is 2-5 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.30 and a WHIP of 1.348.
His team's record is 3-5 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.4 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Red Sox

GAME: Houston Astros (15-22) at Boston Red Sox (22-14)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Houston Astros fought fire with fire as they outslugged the high-octane Boston Red Sox to even their four-game series at one victory apiece. After keeping the white-hot Red Sox in single digits for the first time in five outings, the visiting Astros vie for their fifth win in seven contests on Saturday afternoon when the teams reconvene at Fenway Park.

George Springer followed a two-run double with a two-run blast in Houston's 7-6 win on Friday to improve to 6-for-13 with two homers, five RBIs and three runs scored in his last three games. Marwin Gonzalez added a pair of RBI singles for his fifth multi-hit performance in eight outings, but is just 3-for-12 with four strikeouts versus Saturday starter Clay Buchholz. Boston's Jackie Bradley Jr. continued his torrid stretch with two singles and a double to extend his hitting streak to a majors-best 19 games this season. The No. 9 hitter in the lineup, Bradley is a staggering 15-for-25 stretch (.600) with three homers and 15 RBIs in his last six contests and is 3-for-4 versus Saturday starter Collin McHugh.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS1, ROOT (Houston), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Collin McHugh (4-3, 5.50 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz (2-3, 5.90)

McHugh improved to 3-0 with a 3.57 ERA in his last three starts on Sunday after allowing one run on five hits in seven innings of a 5-1 triumph over Seattle. The 28-year-old has been taken deep four times in that stretch, however, and he was ripped for five runs on 10 hits in four frames in a 6-2 setback to Boston on April 22. McHugh has split four career decisions versus the Red Sox, although his .330 batting average against leaves plenty to be desired.

Buchholz is doing his best to rebound from a disastrous start by winning back-to-back contests, although Boston's potent offense aided in Monday's outing - a 14-7 victory over Oakland. The 31-year-old yielded four runs against the Athletics, marking the fifth time in seven outings that he has allowed at least that many. Buchholz was taken to task by the Astros on April 23, falling to 3-1 in his career versus the club after permitting five runs in 5 2/3 innings in an 8-3 setback.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston 1B Hanley Ramirez is riding an 11-game hitting streak at Fenway Park.

2. Houston 2B Jose Altuve is 11-for-25 (.440) with six runs scored during his six-game hitting streak.

3. Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts has collected a career-high five straight multi-hit performances.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Astros 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Yankees

GAME: Chicago White Sox (24-12) at New York Yankees (14-20)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

After shutting down the New York Yankees with one star left-hander, the Chicago White Sox will attempt to do it with another when they send Jose Quintana to the mound Saturday in the Bronx. Quintana enters leading the American League in ERA (1.38) -- just a shade better than teammate Chris Sale, who did his part to give the White Sox the win in the series opener Friday.

Sale scattered six hits and struck out six in a complete game 7-1 victory, lowering his ERA to 1.67 with a tidy 99-pitch effort. The win ended a two-game losing streak for first-place Chicago and gave the club just its second victory in the last 13 games at Yankee Stadium. New York will be hoping for some positive news on right-hander Luis Severino, who was pounded for all seven runs Friday night before departing with elbow soreness. The only positive on the night for the Yankees was the second homer in as many games for third baseman Chase Headley, who has put together a modest five-game hitting streak (6-for-17) and driven in at least one run in four straight games to help offset a miserable start at the plate.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (5-1, 1.38 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Ivan Nova (1-1, 4.34)

Quintana has been victorious in four consecutive starts while allowing just two runs in 28 innings. He followed up an eight-inning effort against Boston with seven stellar frames against Minnesota on Sunday and has finished at least six in six consecutive outings. The 27-year-old from Colombia has a 5.27 ERA in three career starts versus the Yankees but New York's starting lineup Friday night is a combined 3-for-31 against him.

Nova stepped into the rotation after CC Sabathia was placed on the disabled list and gave a solid performance in his first start Monday against Kansas City. The 29-year-old limited the Royals to a run in 4 2/3 innings, which left his ERA at home this year at 0.75. Nova has allowed one run in five of his six career starts against Chicago but will be wary of outfielders Austin Jackson and Melky Cabrera, who are a combined 15-for-26 versus the righty.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox RF Adam Eaton had three hits in the series opener and owns six multi-hit games since May 3.

2. Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury (hip) has missed seven straight games.

3. Chicago is averaging 6.5 runs over its last 11 road games and has an MLB-high 14 wins away from home.

PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Yankees 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Nationals

GAME: Miami Marlins (18-16) at Washington Nationals (22-13)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

With the possible exception of teammate Max Scherzer, who tossed a 20-strikeout gem on Wednesday, no pitcher in baseball enjoyed a better week than Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg. The former No. 1 overall draft pick will make his first start since signing a seven-year, $175 million contract extension in Game 1 of Saturday's day-night doubleheader versus the visiting Miami Marlins.

Strasburg is 5-0 on the season, including an overpowering win at Miami on April 19 that boosted his career mark against the Marlins to 11-7 -- his highest victory total against any opponent. Left-hander Tanner Roark will go in the nightcap for the Nationals, who received a tiebreaking two-run blast from Bryce Harper and a pair of pinch-hit homers in Friday's series-opening 5-3 victory. Miami will counter with left-hander Justin Nicolino and righty Kendry Flores, whose only career start came in 2015. All three Washington homers came against the bullpen of the Marlins, who lost for only the fifth time in 18 games and dropped to 10-6 on the road.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Justin Nicolino (2-0, 2.79 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (5-0, 2.76)

Although he has twice as many walks (six) as strikeouts (three), Nicolino has permitted only six earned runs over 19 1/3 innings spanning his first three starts. The 24-year-old Florida native did not factor in the decision versus Philadelphia on Sunday after giving up three runs (two earned) over six innings. Nicolino has excelled away from home with a 5-1 record and 2.70 ERA in seven road starts, but he was pounded for seven runs at Washington in the lone loss.

Strasburg struck out 11 over seven innings but was victimized by a pair of two-run homers in a no-decision against the Detroit Tigers on Monday. It was the third double-digit strikeout game of the season for Strasburg, who fanned 10 over eight scoreless innings of three-hit against the Marlins last month. Strasburg has had his struggles against Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who is 14-for-35 with three homers, 10 RBIs and 12 strikeouts against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals OF Chris Heisey's third pinch-hit homer gave the Nationals six for the season -- one more than the team had in 2015.

2. Marlins CF Marcell Ozuna has hit safely in 12 consecutive games.

3. Nationals RHP Jonathan Papelbon earned his 359th career save Friday to move into 10th place on the all-time list.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Marlins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Cubs

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (18-16) at Chicago Cubs (26-8)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Chicago Cubs have won ace Jake Arrieta’s last 20 starts, and they’ve been perfect against the Pittsburgh Pirates so far this season. The first-place Cubs hope to continue both trends when they host the Pirates for the second of a three-game series Saturday.


Arrieta has been especially dominant against Pittsburgh, going 7-1 with a 1.50 ERA in 10 career starts against the Pirates. That includes seven scoreless innings of two-hit ball May 3 in Pittsburgh, and the reigning Cy Young Award winner isn’t concerned about facing the Pirates again in such short order. “I don’t mind,” Arrieta told reporters. “They’ve got the tape. They’ve had the tape. They’ve got plenty of tape. They’ve still got to hit it.” The Cubs haven’t had any trouble hitting scheduled Saturday starter Jeff Locke, who is 0-1 with an 8.31 ERA in four starts at Wrigley Field and has had difficulty with Anthony Rizzo (7-for-20, 3 HRs), Jason Heyward (7-for-19) and Dexter Fowler (4-for-9).
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), ABC 7 (Chicago)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Jeff Locke (1-2, 4.68 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (6-0, 1.13)
Locke was rocked for eight runs in three-plus innings April 20 at San Diego, but he has posted three straight quality starts since. The 28-year-old has just one win to show for it, though, and is coming off a no-decision at St. Louis despite holding the Cardinals to three runs over six innings. Locke has struggled to a 1-2 record and a 5.83 ERA in nine starts against the Cubs, who tagged him for 18 earned runs in 18 innings over four meetings last season.
Arrieta has not allowed more than three earned runs in his last 27 starts, the longest streak in the majors since 1893, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The 30-year-old suffered his first no-decision of the season last time out against Washington, allowing three runs (two earned) over five innings in a game the Cubs eventually won in 13 innings. Arrieta has won 17 straight decisions dating to July 25 last year.


WALK-OFFS
1. The Cubs are 4-0 against the Pirates this season and 14-2 against National League Central opponents.
2. Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen went 3-for-5 with a homer in Friday’s 9-4 loss and is 12-for-30 with two homers during a seven-game hitting streak.
3. Cubs SS Addison Russell hit his third homer of the season Friday and is 12-for-29 with 11 RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.


PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Pirates 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Indians

GAME: Minnesota Twins (8-26) at Cleveland Indians (17-15)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Minnesota Twins cannot buy a win, watching their losing streak reach eight games despite clubbing four home runs in the opener of a three-game series against the Cleveland Indians. Minnesota is tied for the worst record in the majors (8-26) and takes an ugly 2-16 mark away from home into Saturday's matchup in Cleveland.

"It’s testing everybody in here from our character to the way we play the game," Twins second baseman Brian Dozier said. "We have to dig deep and keep grinding.” Byung Ho Park belted a pair of homers Friday for Minnesota, which has been shredded for 63 runs during the eight-game skid. Marlon Byrd had only one RBI in nine games before driving in three Friday, including the go-ahead two-run double to lift the Indians to their seventh win in 10 games. Corey Kluber, the 2014 American League Cy Young Award winner for Cleveland, looks to bounce back from one of the worst starts of his career when he opposes fellow right-hander Ervin Santana.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FOX Sports 1, STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ervin Santana (0-2, 3.86 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (2-4, 4.14)

After missing 2 1/2 weeks due to a back strain, Santana struggled in his return by lasting only 3 1/3 innings and giving up three runs on seven hits in a loss to the Chicago White Sox. Santana's season debut was cut short by rain and he followed that up with three solid outings, giving up a total of seven earned runs. He owns a 4-10 record and 4.47 ERA in 19 starts versus the Indians and been hit hard by Mike Napoli, who is 7-for-19 with three homers and 10 RBIs.

Kluber is coming off the second-shortest outing of his career, taking the loss after giving up five runs on five hits and three walks in 2 2/3 innings at the Houston Astros. The clunker brought a screeching halt to a superb three-start stretch by Kluber, who permitted only three runs while registering 23 strikeouts over 24 innings. Kluber was 2-2 in five starts against the Twins in 2015 to push his career record to 6-4 with a 3.64 ERA in 15 appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians OF Michael Brantley (shoulder) sat out his third consecutive game.

2. Minnesota last hit four homers in a game on July 24 against the New York Yankees.

3. Cleveland placed OF Lonnie Chisenhall on the bereavement list due to a death in the family.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Twins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Rays

GAME: Oakland Athletics (15-21) at Tampa Bay Rays (15-18)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 6:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Oakland Athletics look to win back-to-back games for the first time since the last two days of April when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday night. The Athletics snapped a five-game losing streak with a 6-3 victory in the opener of a three-game set Friday as Danny Valencia belted a pair of homers after returning from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the previous two contests.

Oakland gave up double-digit runs in four straight contests before Friday, but got their own offense in gear as Valencia, Billy Burns and Yonder Alonso all extended their hitting streaks to eight games. The Rays will send right-hander Matt Andriese to the mound Saturday to try and end a four-game losing streak after they won a season-high four in a row. Tampa Bay has been without its leadoff hitter Logan Forsythe (sore shoulder) for most of those four games and the second baseman could return to the lineup Saturday. Steve Pearce has appeared to seize the first base job from Logan Morrison for the Rays, going 10-for-28 with four homers and seven RBIs in the last seven contests.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Kendall Graveman (1-4, 5.74 ERA) vs. Rays RH Matt Andriese (1-0, 1.29)

Graveman has struggled in his last three starts after beginning the season with three solid outings in which he allowed four runs combined. The 25-year-old Mississippi State product has surrendered 16 runs and seven homers among 25 hits over his last three games. Graveman made two starts against Tampa Bay last season and went 1-0 while limiting the Rays to six hits over 12 scoreless innings.

Andriese was outstanding in his 2016 debut to earn a spot in the rotation, limiting the Los Angeles Angels to one run on four hits in seven innings. The 26-year-old Californian, who went 3-5 with a 4.11 ERA in 25 appearances (eight starts) last season, struck out three and walked three last Sunday. Andriese gave up two runs on four hits in 2/3 of an inning against the Athletics in one meeting in 2015.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays OF Brandon Guyer was hit by a pitch Friday for the 12th time this season, which leads the majors.

2. Oakland OF-DH Khris Davis is 6-for-18 with seven RBIs, including a homer Friday, in the last four games.

3. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria has 18 RBIs on the season, including nine in the last 11 contests.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Athletics 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Nationals

GAME: Miami Marlins (18-16) at Washington Nationals (22-13)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

With the possible exception of teammate Max Scherzer, who tossed a 20-strikeout gem on Wednesday, no pitcher in baseball enjoyed a better week than Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg. The former No. 1 overall draft pick will make his first start since signing a seven-year, $175 million contract extension in Game 1 of Saturday's day-night doubleheader versus the visiting Miami Marlins.

Strasburg is 5-0 on the season, including an overpowering win at Miami on April 19 that boosted his career mark against the Marlins to 11-7 -- his highest victory total against any opponent. Left-hander Tanner Roark will go in the nightcap for the Nationals, who received a tiebreaking two-run blast from Bryce Harper and a pair of pinch-hit homers in Friday's series-opening 5-3 victory. Miami will counter with left-hander Justin Nicolino and righty Kendry Flores, whose only career start came in 2015. All three Washington homers came against the bullpen of the Marlins, who lost for only the fifth time in 18 games and dropped to 10-6 on the road.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Kendry Flores (2015: 1-2, 4.97 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Tanner Roark (2-2, 2.03)

Flores will be recalled from Triple-A New Orleans to make his season debut and second career start. The 24-year-old Dominican made seven appearances in 2015, the last of which was his lone start, when he was tagged for five runs over five innings by Philadelphia. Flores has yielded a total of nine earned runs in his six starts with New Orleans, including one on four occasions, and pitched six innings of two-run ball on May 7 in his last outing.

Roark has been a feast-or-famine pitcher for Washington, giving up at least four runs on three occasions while not allowing an earned run in his other four starts. The 29-year-old Illinois native settled for his third consecutive no-decision last time out despite holding the Chicago Cubs to one unearned run on four hits over six innings. He was pounded for five runs on at Miami last month to fall to 2-6 with a 3.88 ERA in 14 appearances versus the Marlins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals OF Chris Heisey's third pinch-hit homer gave the Nationals six for the season -- one more than the team had in 2015.

2. Marlins CF Marcell Ozuna has hit safely in 12 consecutive games.

3. Nationals RHP Jonathan Papelbon earned his 359th career save Friday to move into 10th place on the all-time list.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Marlins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Orioles

GAME: Detroit Tigers (15-20) at Baltimore Orioles (22-12)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

After belting home runs at a dizzying pace, the Baltimore Orioles have made the most of Adam Jones' heroics to emerge victorious in the first two contests of their four-game series versus the Detroit Tigers. The host Orioles look to extend their winning streak to a season high-tying seven games on Saturday when they continue their set against the tumbling Tigers.

Jones provided the fireworks on Friday as his 200th career homer was all that Baltimore needed in its 1-0 triumph. The 30-year-old has gone deep three times in his last four contests and is 11-for-27 with eight RBIs and seven runs scored during his six-game hitting streak. While the Orioles' hot streak has them atop the American League East, Detroit was shut out for the fourth time this season to suffer its 10th loss in the last 11 games. Veteran Victor Martinez, however, has been making his presence felt at the plate with 11 singles in 17 at-bats over the last four games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Detroit, MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Anibal Sanchez (3-3, 5.89 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Mike Wright (1-3, 5.83)

Sanchez yielded four runs for the second straight outing and at least that many for the fourth time in five starts on Monday in a no-decision versus Washington. The 31-year-old Venezuelan continues to struggle with his control as he walked three batters versus the Nationals and 13 in his last three contests. Baltimore's Manny Machado has posted nine multi-hit performances in his last 14 games and is 3-for-6 in his career versus Sanchez.

Wright was blitzed for five runs on 10 hits in five-plus innings to suffer the loss in an 8-4 setback to Oakland last Saturday. The 26-year-old has surrendered 15 runs on 30 hits in 24 1/3 innings since picking up his lone victory in a 9-5 slugfest over Boston on April 12. Wright will be making his first start versus Detroit after pitching one scoreless inning of relief against the club.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore 1B Chris Davis is riding high by going 10-for-16 with five extra-base hits and six RBIs in his last four contests.

2. Detroit LF Justin Upton has struck out in all but two games in which he's appeared this season - including 15 times in his last seven contests.

3. The Orioles opened the season by winning their first seven games before dropping a 4-2 decision to Boston on April 13.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Tigers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Phillies

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (14-21) at Philadelphia Phillies (21-15)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Philadelphia Phillies are making the most of their modest offense to author one of baseball's feel-good stories in the early season. Winners of five of their last six overall and a majors-best 13 of 16 one-run decisions, the upstart Phillies look to continue their good fortune on Saturday as they vie for a series victory over the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

Light-hitting rookie Tyler Goeddel made amends for a gaffe in the outfield by ripping an RBI triple and coming around to score the eventual game-winning run in Philadelphia's 3-2 victory on Friday. While the Phillies moved six games over .500 for the first time since 2011, Cincinnati has dropped 12 of its last 17 overall and 11 of 13 road contests to plummet into the basement of the National League Central. Veteran Joey Votto failed to reach base for the first time in 19 games on Friday and went 0-for-3 versus Saturday starter Aaron Nola when the two met in the Reds' 3-2 season-opening win on April 6.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Tim Adleman (1-0, 2.45 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (2-2, 3.13)

Adleman has stepped up nicely with a pair of strong starts since being promoted from Triple-A Louisville. With left-hander John Lamb (thumb) now ailing, the 28-year-old looks to build off a no-decision in his major-league debut on May 1 before allowing just one run on four hits in five innings of a 5-1 triumph over Milwaukee five nights later. Adleman has been taken deep in both outings and issued five walks in 11 innings to drive up his pitch count.

Nola has rebounded from a shaky beginning to the season by recording four straight quality starts while keeping the ball in the park in each outing. The 22-year-old has gone 2-0 in that span, but settled for a no-decision despite yielding three runs on six hits in as many innings versus Miami on Sunday. Nola received the same fate versus Cincinnati on April 6 despite allowing one run on four hits and striking out eight.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati CF Billy Hamilton was placed on the bereavement list Friday and will miss at least two more games following a death in the family.

2. Philadelphia CF Odubel Herrera went 0-for-3 in the series opener, marking just the second time in his last 23 games that he was held without a hit.

3. Cincinnati's Ross Ohlendorf was suspended three games by Major League Baseball on Friday, but the RHP is appealing the decision and is available to pitch in the meantime.

PREDICTION: Phillies 2, Reds 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Brewers

GAME: San Diego Padres (16-21) at Milwaukee Brewers (15-21)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Ryan Braun cooled down for a contest but it didn't prevent the Milwaukee Brewers from collecting a victory. Braun had a 12-game hitting streak snapped and will look to start a new one when the Brewers host the San Diego Padres on Saturday in the third contest of the four-game set.

Braun, who is batting .367, was hitless in three at-bats during Friday's 1-0 victory but is still batting .407 with two homers and 10 RBIs over his last 13 games. Milwaukee first baseman Chris Carter is 0-for-20 over the past six contests but drove in the lone run with a sacrifice fly to halt the Padres' season-long three-game winning streak. San Diego left fielder Matt Kemp is hitless in eight at-bats in the series and is just 3-for-35 with no extra-base hits over the past nine contests. Rookie Luis Perdomo will start for the Padres after right-hander Andrew Cashner (hamstring) was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Friday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Luis Perdomo (1-0, 9.88 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Wily Peralta (2-4, 6.75)

The 23-year-old Perdomo will be making his first major-league start but did start 61 games in the minor leagues over the past five seasons in the St. Louis organization. He has been roughed up out of the bullpen for 26 hits in just 13 2/3 innings and opposing batters have a collective .413 average against him. The Padres acquired Perdomo from Colorado in the offseason after the Rockies selected him in the Rule 5 draft from the Cardinals.

Peralta lost to the Miami Marlins in his last outing when he gave up two runs and 10 hits in six innings. He was the club's opening day starter but has struggled most of the season with a 1.94 WHIP and a .372 batting average against. Peralta is 1-1 with a 7.45 ERA in two career starts against San Diego and has struggled to retire Jon Jay (10-for-30).

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres 1B Wil Myers, who typically bats second in front of Kemp, is just 5-for-39 over the past 10 games.

2. Milwaukee SS Jonathan Villar reached base three times on Friday and is 8-for-19 during a five-game hitting streak.

3. San Diego C Derek Norris (wrist) sat out Friday's game after being hit by a pitch one day earlier.

PREDICTION: Brewers 11, Padres 7

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Royals

GAME: Atlanta Braves (8-26) at Kansas City Royals (17-18)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Kansas City has found the road to defending its World Series title difficult during a tough start to the season, but the Royals are looking to reach .500 when they host the middle contest of a three-game set Saturday against the struggling Atlanta Braves. The Royals captured Friday’s series opener 5-1 -- their fourth victory in the past 11 games -- improving Kansas City’s record in interleague play since 2014 to a major-league best 31-15.

Kansas City shortstop Alcides Escobar recorded two hits in Friday’s victory, and is batting .333 while recording at least one hit in 10 of his last 12 games. The Braves have lost seven of their past eight, dropping eight of their 11 games in May while being outscored 47-27 and hitting .220 this month. Gordon Beckham recorded two hits in the loss, and is 5-for-10 with two doubles and three RBIs in his past three games for Atlanta. The Braves are 8-26, matching the 1911 Boston Braves for the worst start in franchise history through 34 games.

TV: 7:15 p.m., MLB Network, FSN South (Atlanta), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (0-1, 5.06 ERA) vs. Royals RH Dillon Gee (0-0, 2.61)

Foltynewicz made arguably the best start of his big-league career Sunday against Arizona, firing seven innings of two-run, five-hit ball with no walks and eight strikeouts in a no-decision. It was a big improvement from his first start of 2016 when Foltynewicz allowed three homers in 3 2/3 innings in a May 2 loss to the New York Mets – and it appears Atlanta will give the 24-year-old a chance to solidify a rotation spot. Foltynewicz went 1-2 with a 2.05 ERA in four starts for Triple-A Gwinnett in April.

Gee makes his first start of the season after seven relief appearances, taking Chris Young's spot in the rotation after he was placed on the disabled list (right forearm strain). Gee pitched a season-high 5 1/3 innings Monday against the New York Yankees, allowing one run on three hits. The 30-year-old is no stranger to facing Atlanta, going 6-5 with a 3.68 ERA in 17 starts for the Mets against the Braves from 2010-2015.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta LHP Hunter Cervenka gave up three runs in the eighth inning Friday, the first runs he’s allowed in 16 appearances.

2. Kansas City placed RHP Kris Medlen (a former Atlanta player who was Sunday’s scheduled starter) on the disabled list with right rotator cuff inflammation.

3. Royals LF Alex Gordon dropped a fly ball in the fourth inning Friday, snapping a 188-game streak without an error.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Royals 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Rangers

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (19-18) at Texas Rangers (20-16)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Toronto Blue Jays ended the Texas Rangers' 2015 season with a dramatic home run and they relied on the long ball to prevail in their first trip back to Arlington since winning the decisive Game 5 of the American League Division Series. Winners of seven of their last 10, Toronto continues its three-game series at Texas on Saturday night.

Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey tossed eight scoreless innings while a pair of slumping players, Edwin Encarnacion and Troy Tulowitzki, clubbed eighth-inning homers as the Blue Jays handed the Rangers their second loss in seven games. After amassing 46 runs during its previous six games, Texas managed just three hits Friday and was shut out for only the second time this season. The Rangers fortified their bullpen by calling up former No. 1 overall draft pick Matt Bush, a converted shortstop who spent 34 months in prison for nearly killing a motorcyclist while driving under the influence in 2012. The 30-year-old Bush, who was selected one spot in front of Justin Verlander in 2004, pitched a perfect ninth inning Friday in his major-league debut.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (1-2, 2.39 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Colby Lewis (2-0, 3.20)

Estrada is coming off his best outing since winning his season debut, but he remains winless over his last five starts due mainly to a punchless offense that has provided him with a total of nine runs in that span. The 32-year-old limited the Los Angeles Dodgers to one run on three hits while striking out eight in a no-decision on Sunday. Estrada held the Rangers to one run on two hits over six innings in another no-decision on May 3.

Lewis went seven innings for the third straight start last time out but did not factor in the decision after holding the Chicago White Sox to two runs and five hits. Lewis has surrendered nine homers, including a two-run blast to Encarnacion that cost him a victory in Toronto on May 4. Jose Bautista is 5-for-14 and has gone deep twice against Lewis, who is 3-6 with a 6.60 ERA and 16 homers allowed in 58 2/3 innings lifetime versus the Blue Jays.

WALK-OFFS

1. Encarnacion belted his 204th homer with Toronto to move past Joe Carter into fourth place on the franchise's all-time list.

2. The Rangers on Friday agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran free-agent RHP Kyle Lohse.

3. Tulowitzki, who hit his 200th career homer, has three RBIs in two of the past three games.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Rangers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Diamondbacks

GAME: San Francisco Giants (20-18) at Arizona Diamondbacks (17-21)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Arizona Diamondbacks expected to face a number of issues this season, but losing their home-field advantage wasn’t among them. The Diamondbacks have dropped five straight at home and are 5-14 at Chase Field entering Saturday’s game against the visiting San Francisco Giants, who have won three in a row.

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt is batting .225 after going 0-for-8 in the first two games of the series for Arizona, which has lost three straight following a five-game winning streak. Outfielder David Peralta has been out of the starting lineup for the past six games due to a sore right wrist but was available to pinch-hit in Friday’s 3-1 loss and hopes to avoid the disabled list. San Francisco received a boost Friday from left fielder Angel Pagan, who singled and scored a run in his return after missing the previous 10 games due to a strained left hamstring. The Giants hit into five double plays Friday and lead the majors with 39, but second baseman Joe Panik has homered in back-to-back games to help overcome the self-inflicted damage.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBC Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jake Peavy (1-4, 8.47 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (1-3, 4.12)

Peavy allowed three runs in five innings against Toronto last Monday and suffered his first loss at AT&T Park since last July 8, but the 34-year-old was encouraged after yielding a total of 13 runs in his previous two outings. “There's stuff I’m going to take away from this, in knowing I made good pitches to good hitters, and be stronger the next time out,” Peavy told reporters. Chris Owings is 5-for-12 against Peavy, who is 17-13 with a 4.56 ERA in 35 career starts against Arizona.

Corbin tossed seven scoreless innings last Sunday against Atlanta but emerged with a no-decision after the bullpen allowed three runs in the eighth. The strong outing marked another step forward for the 26-year-old, who missed much of the past two seasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Corbin is 4-4 with a 3.41 ERA in 11 career starts against the Giants, but he has struggled to contain Buster Posey (9-for-28) and Hunter Pence (10-for-21, three home runs).

WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona INF Jean Segura owns an 11-game hitting streak and has reached base safely in a career-high 20 games.

2. San Francisco starting pitchers have posted a 2.02 ERA over their past eight outings.

3. Owings is 12-for-29 in his last eight games against the Giants, including five multi-hit efforts.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Giants 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Rockies

GAME: New York Mets (21-14) at Colorado Rockies (17-18)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Colorado Rockies halted an 11-game losing streak against New York in the series opener and attempt to knock off the visiting Mets again Saturday in the second contest of a three-game set. Colorado's losing skid against New York dated to May 4, 2014, prior to posting a 5-2 victory in Friday's series opener.

Colorado center fielder Charlie Blackmon has recorded back-to-back three-hit games and is batting .410 during a 10-game hitting streak. Rockies left fielder Gerardo Parra also is swinging a hot bat and is hitting .405 over the past nine contests. New York third baseman David Wright is on the other side of the pendulum after striking out three times in four hitless at-bats in the opener to drop to 0-for-14 with nine strikeouts in his past four games. The Mets are 4-5 on an 11-game road trip and have scored a total of seven runs in the defeats.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WPIX (New York), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Logan Verrett (3-0, 1.27 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Eddie Butler (1-1, 3.86)

Verrett is making his third start of the season as the replacement for left-hander Steven Matz, who is missing Saturday's start because of forearm soreness. He tossed six shutout innings in each of his two other starts — allowing nine hits and striking out 10 — when he filled in for Jacob deGrom earlier this season. Verrett defeated the Rockies in a spot start last season (as a replacement for Matt Harvey) when he gave up one run and four hits in eight innings.

Butler also is making his third start of the campaign and he was terrific in his last turn. He blanked San Francisco on four hits over six innings to pick up his fifth career victory. Butler lost to the Mets in his lone career start against them when he allowed six runs and seven hits — including five doubles and Curtis Granderson's homer — in four innings last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies SS Jose Reyes was suspended through May 31 without pay — retroactive to Feb. 23 — for violating MLB's domestic violence policy due to an incident in October that involved his wife.

2. New York CF Yoenis Cespedes has gone four straight games without an RBI after having 28 over his previous 19 contests.

3. Colorado SS Trevor Story doubled twice in Friday's game and 23 of his 39 hits — including 11 homers — have gone for extra bases.

PREDICTION: Mets 6, Rockies 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Dodgers

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (19-17) at Los Angeles Dodgers (19-17)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 9:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Los Angeles right fielder Yasiel Puig emerged from a funk with three hits — including a home run — in the series opener against St. Louis and the Dodgers hope increased production is on the horizon as they enter Saturday's contest against the visiting Cardinals. Puig was just 3-for-24 over the previous seven games before Friday's breakout performance as Los Angeles continues to wait for him to approach his 2013 form.

Puig is batting .244 with just four homers and 14 RBIs and his stellar effort came hours after manager Dave Roberts addressed his issues with reporters. "I think all hitters go through struggles; this might be a little more accentuated or whatever," Roberts told reporters. "And when hitters struggle, I think they're going out of the strike zone. I think we've seen in three years that he's been hot and he's been cold. But, yeah, I think he can be better and he can be more patient outside the zone." Puig fueled the 8-4 victory that marked the fifth in seven games for the Dodgers, while St. Louis lost for the first time on a six-game road trip after opening it with a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels. Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday had two singles Friday and is 9-for-19 with three homers, five RBIs and five runs scored over the past four games.

TV: 9:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (4-2, 2.61 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Scott Kazmir (2-3, 5.54)

Martinez is making his first start since May 6 after being pushed back in the rotation because of a bout with the flu. He left his last outing against the Pirates after 3 1/3 innings due to the illness and has lost two straight starts after winning his first four. Martinez is 2-1 with a 2.89 ERA in six career appearances (five starts) against Los Angeles and has struggled with Puig (3-for-5) while handcuffing Adrian Gonzalez (1-for-10).

Kazmir has lost three of his last four decisions, including falling to the New York Mets in his last outing. He allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in 5 2/3 innings against New York and has given up fewer than three earned runs in just two of his seven starts. Kazmir is 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in two career starts against St. Louis and has experienced difficulties retiring Holliday (4-for-9, two homers).

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals SS Aledmys Diaz is 12-for-31 over the past eight contests but he had more errors (three) than hits (two, including his sixth homer of the year) in the series opener.

2. Gonzalez has gone 19 consecutive games without hitting a home run.

3. St. Louis C Yadier Molina has two or more hits in four straight games and is 10-for-20 during a five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 3, Dodgers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Mariners

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (14-21) at Seattle Mariners (21-14)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 14 - 9:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Jhoulys Chacin makes his Los Angeles Angels debut Saturday as the right-hander takes the mound against the host Seattle Mariners, who had their four-game winning streak come to an end with Friday’s 7-6 loss. Chacin was acquired from Atlanta last Thursday to bolster the Angels’ rotation, which has been decimated by injuries this season.

The Angels’ injury woes continued Friday as infielder Cliff Pennington (hamstring) joined shortstop Andrelton Simmons, left fielder Craig Gentry and pitchers Garrett Richards, Andrew Heaney, C.J. Wilson, Tyler Skaggs and Huston Street on the disabled list. “You just have to keep going,” manager Mike Scioscia told reporters. “We definitely don't feel sorry for ourselves. We’re up here every day coming out with the right mindframe of winning a ballgame. The guys that are filling in are going to get an opportunity to bring what they can do into a game.” They did enough Friday to snap a six-game losing skid and slow down the surging Mariners, who lost for the first time in 17 games this season when leading after eight innings. Seattle second baseman Robinson Cano is riding a 12-game hitting streak during which he has gone 23-for-54 (.426) with four home runs and nine RBIs.

TV: 9:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jhoulys Chacin (1-2, 5.40 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (1-4, 4.19)

Chacin had a 27-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 26 2/3 innings over five starts for the Braves, who signed him as a free agent last December. “He’s an experienced guy that has, I think, gotten his stuff back to where he can pitch well in the big leagues,” Scioscia told reporters. “We’ll give him his chance. Hopefully, he’s going to give us what we need to fill out our rotation.” Nori Aoki is 4-for-11 with three home runs against the 28-year-old, who has never faced the Mariners.

Iwakuma recorded a season-high eight strikeouts but allowed three runs over five frames in a 5-1 loss to Houston last Sunday. The 35-year-old is 8-3 with a 2.67 ERA in 15 career games (14 starts) against the Angels, including 6-1 with a 1.71 ERA in eight starts at Safeco Field. Albert Pujols has been held to six hits in 42 at-bats against Iwakuma, who allowed two solo home runs over eight innings against Los Angeles on April 22 at Angel Stadium.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels 3B Yunel Escobar missed Friday’s game due to a thumb injury and is listed as day-to-day.

2. Seattle DH Nelson Cruz has 31 career homers against the Angels, the most against any team.

3. The Angels designated RHP Javy Guerra for assignment and recalled infielders Gregorio Petit and Jefry Marte from Triple-A Salt Lake.

PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Angels 4