Saturday 6/4/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hawthorne Harness: Saturday 6/4 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Best Bet (4 - 7 / $27.80): SLEAZY DUDE (2nd)

Spot Play: IMPRESSIVE ART (8th)


Race 1

(1) RED HOT ART has been knocking on the door against similar. The pacer is very talented and is starting to put it together. (3) BIG MOON RIZING is making his second start for a high percentage barn. (6) LYONS JIMMYDEAN is a well bred pacer that is consistent and faces weaker.

Race 2

(5) SLEAZY DUDE had no chance last week from a tough spot. The pacer picks up the top driver and will look for a breakout performance. (1) HASH-TAG SWAG fought gamely last week against a nice opponent; threat. (6) DAN P has room to improve and showed good closing ability in his most recent start.

Race 3

(10) MAKE IT WORK is as game as they come. The 10-year-old owns a good burst off the gate and drops down to the bottom level while put in for a tag; fires early. (6) BIG HARRY DEAL is probably best used underneath having not won a race in over two years. However the pacer can hit the board at a price with a good setup. (3) ANOTHER BEAUTY looked ready to take on this type of competition in the qualifier a month ago but has come up empty since.

Race 4

(4) WHY ASK WHY takes a huge drop in class and will be used aggressively. (7) REJOICEANDBEGLAD is more than capable of a good effort against this bunch. (1) ENDEAVORS KING gets the best post while dropping down a notch.

Race 5

(2) SHRAYRAY has always been very fast and looks to be getting more consistent. (1) SUMMER SHANDY probably has the most upside in the field. The pacer makes his second start back off a long layoff. (7) TWINKLE LIKE ASTAR looks terrible on paper but can jump up with a big one any week.

Race 6

(7) LUCKY CRUSADER drops down out of open type competition; versatile. (1) UNCLE BUD is sharp and comes off an easy win at this level last week. (8) PISTOPACKINPIPER looks to be just now back in racing shape and will offer good value.

Race 7

(6) KOLT POWER picks up a huge driver change against much softer. (7) BNGS EXPRESS should be a threat with some racing luck and a good setup. Tough to count the 4-year-old gelding (8) DINKY DUNE out after winning his first three starts in impressive fashion.

Race 8

(2) IMPRESSIVE ART might be one of the faster horses in the field and will offer a big price with the low percentage pilot. (1) GOINDUNESIDE has raced much better than his lines indicate; threat. (6) CAFFEINE KID loses the top driver to another horse which raises some red flags; command a price.

Race 9

(3) SIR MAMMO was close against better last week and will offer good value. (5) MYSTICAL WALTER was tremendous for a new barn last start; big chance. (8) FEELNLIKEAROCKSTAR doesn’t win often but faces much softer.

Race 10

(4) ROYALE ROSE has been primed for exactly this spot and is the horse to beat. (5) BS TYRRIFIC probably should have had a little more last week but it is tough to knock a victory. (8) IYQ YQR can prove he belongs with this bunch with another good showing.

Race 11

(9) BEST MAN HANOVER owns all the back class but does have a history of burning cash against soft competition; versatile. (8) COOL LIKE THAT will offer a monster price and was on the right track a few back. (10) DIXIE’S BOY is very one dimensional. A fast pace to close into makes him a threat to hit the ticket.

Race 12

(6) CAPELO has been competitive against similar and will offer value. (8) WINNING DREAM was really sharp in the victory last week; driver‘s choice. (7) DONTGETBYME owns multiple wins at this level.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Saturday 6/4 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 1,4,6/8/3,7/2,3,4/1,4,5,6,10 = $18

EARLY PICK 4: 2,3,4/1,4,5,6,10/2/5,7 = $30

LATE PICK 4: 3,4,9/4,5/1,3,4,7/3,8 = $48

MEET STATS: 104 - 325 / $590.20 BEST BETS: 18 - 31 / $65.60

SPOT PLAYS: 5 - 31 / $32.80

Best Bet: BETTING LINE (6th) Spot Play: HIGHLANDBEACHYCOVE (8th)


Race 1

(1) WAR N MUNN started up too late at London but returning to his favorite track he could get a great trip here and rebound at a much better price. (6) RACING HILL was only a nose short in his seasonal debut in a quick mile. It appears he is prepping for the upcoming North America Cup here and will be looking for a good result. (4) ASAP HANOVER has rebounded with several good miles this season after racing only once last year and should get a piece of this. (2) YORK SEELSTER has improved tremendously in his last two starts and is another that can contend for a good share here.

Race 2

(8) GOOD WILL HANOVER was a very impressive winner last week, easily beating last year’s 2-year-old champ. If she can produce anything close to that mile, she will be very tough to beat here. (2) THATSOVERYVERYNICE had an impossible trip last week and could make no headway while racing wide late. She should rebound moving to an inside post and could make things interesting. (5) LAY LADY LAY was a sharp third to the choice and has improved quite a bit this year. She should be in the exacta or tri. (1) LADY MARINA should be able to take a share off a following trip here.

Race 3

(7) L A DELIGHT couldn’t keep up to a filly that was in the process of setting a new season’s mark for sophomore pacing fillies. Last year’s champ should bounce back here with an improved effort. (3) MAYHEM SEELSTER displayed some serious speed both early and late in her mile last week and would be no surprise. (5) BRING ME DIAMONDS goes for five straight but gets an acid test here; minor award predicted. (6) TONIGHTIMLOVINGYOU lost two straight to the same hot filly and dodges her here, so she should improve and take a share.

Race 4

(4) SHAMBALLA comes off a season’s best mile and would be hard to beat here if he can reproduce that mile. He also should get a good setup for his traditional closing move. (2) STATE TREASURER was stopped dead in his tracks by a horse that pulled then went backwards in the Molson Pace. He is due for some better luck and has beaten most of these many times before. (3) NICKLE BAG has been a win machine this year and the extra week off could help this hard hitter. (8) EVENIN OF PLEASURE parlayed an excellent drive and great trip into Molson Pace glory last week, but has his work cut out here starting from the outermost post.

Race 5

(4) HONOR AND SERVE went a big first up trip last time and kept coming. He should bring a good price here and is worth a stab in a contentious field. (1) CRESCENT FASHION is another that raced tough first-over and is coming up to this race perfectly; using. (6) CANEPA HANOVER flew home last time and won the Simcoe stakes here last year. He is another contender that should be used in the Pick 4. (5) MUSICAL RHYTHM returns to his home base and isn’t out of this, but he is unlikely to be left alone up front for too long.

Race 6

(2) BETTING LINE has been very impressive in his two races leading up to the start of stakes season and should beat this group on his way to the North America Cup. (3) AMERICAN PASSPORT is one I have always liked and he could give the choice a scare if he behaves here. (7) MICHAELS VICTORY uncorked some serious speed late last week to upset a big favourite, but it’s dicey that he could get the same perfect trip here. (9) NVESTMENT BLUECHIP was victimized by a speed favoring surface last time and should improve here.

Race 7

(5) LISVINNIE has been on fire the past two starts and can take another here despite facing better if he produces similar speed. (7) IDEAL JET motored home last week and is on the improve; using. (8) SHIPPEN OUT has raced decently for Moreau and can take a share here. (9) CHEYENNE REIDER should be passing many of these down the lane and can make the tri or super.

Race 8

(9) HIGHLANDBEACHYCOVE has started his season impressively and has the speed to overcome the outside post here; upset special. (3) LYONS SNYDER comes off a big win in the slop at Pocono and is another with high speed that could take this. (4) CONTROL THE MOMENT – winner of 8 of 9 last year losing only in the Breeders Crown in his last start – is the one to beat, but is no lock here in his seasonal debut. (6) MAJOR HILL took a new life’s mark last week and is another that has been racing well and can contend here.

Race 9

(5) FREAKY FEET PETE went a long trip at Northfield and hung in there okay. He picks up Zeron here and will be formidable. (4) DUDES THE MAN started the season with a solid win. He is the main threat to the choice, if there is one. (6) ROCKIN IN HEAVEN should get a good spot near the front early and stick around for a share. (3) AMERICANPRIMETIME exits a quick mile where he was closing late and is another to consider for the exotics.

Race 10

(1) JINS SHARK was flying late last week and should get a decent pace to stalk here; slight nod. (4) ALEXAS JACKPOT is razor-sharp at the moment and was an easy winner last week; using. (7) WAZZUP WAZZUP left hard then took a shuffle last week. He could fare better here if he blasts early then accepts the pocket. (3) VELOCITY DRIVEN shows a rapid final 1/4 last time but often falls victim to pace and traffic issues; smaller share predicted.

Race 11

(3) HIS BOY ELROY should be able to leave a bit better here, which gives him a chance to chase these down late. (8) ERLE DALE N was an impressive winner last time despite missing three weeks and looks like the main threat. (1) THUNDER STEELER moves in nine slots for his second start of the year and stands a much better chance here. (5) DUC DORLEANS just missed last week and should close for a share here now that he has reached his best form. (6) ST LADS LOTTO took a new life’s mark last week, has excelled here for trainer/driver Ryan and isn’t out of this.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Saturday 6/4 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

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 34 - 92 / $160.60 (-$23.40) BEST BETS: 4 - 8/ $9.90 (-6.10)

Best Bet: BLUE MOON STRIDE (4th)

Spot Play: RANCOUSY (5th)


Race 1

(4) STORMIN RUSTLER looks like his form has gone south with a couple of fifth-place finishes in this class, but he has actually been tackling fields where at least half of the horses were in for higher claiming tags. He gets back in a straight $7,500 claimer and should be handled aggressively. (2) RING WARRIOR lost any chance early in his most recent start at Pocono. He seems like a decent fit with this group. (1) KEYSTONE CAMARO ships in from Freehold in fine form and deserves some consideration.

Race 2

While my original thought was that (4) BOSTON RED ROCKS could be vulnerable in this spot, the more I stare at the PP page the more it seems that he’ll take charge of this abbreviated field and make good on short odds. (3) KATIES ROCKER should be sitting the pocket behind the top one and have every chance to score. (6) IDEAL ROCKY clearly has the talent to go a big mile but needs to mind his manners.

Race 3

(6) ROLLAROUNDTHEWORLD moves into a new barn and perhaps that is a good thing considering his secondittis this year. He draws inside his main rivals and can make some noise. (10) STOLEN GLIMPSE was super last out while rolling on the engine. If Gingras can get him to the top from post 10, watch out! (3) SPICEBOMB took all the tote action and got the job done despite leaning in a bit in the stretch. He’ll need to go straighter to step up against this tougher group. (8) TOM HILL seems to be improving and might be ready to pop a big mile soon.

Race 4

(6) BLUE MOON STRIDE has won as she pleased in the first two legs of Sire Stakes action and should roll to an easy win at 1-5 in the final. (7) ROCKNROLL VISION was locked in and finished willingly in her lone Sire Stakes start. Hopefully Gingras can fire her off the gate for position again. (1) JK FANNIE has been a steady performer so far and should get a piece.

Race 5

(3) RANCOUSY romped in his last start at Pocono and finds a very soft field in the Caramore series. Gelding doesn’t have the needed starts at Freehold or the proper earnings to fit this series on paper, but his last start (a win) doesn’t count towards the earnings. (9) MURDER HE WROTE has been facing better foes at Vernon in the Open ranks and may be able to overcome the bad post. (2) BJ’S RAMEAU shows some good lines here in this class. (10) GRATIAS DEO is stuck with an outside post but can take some air and live to tell about it. I wouldn’t be shocked if he got a nice piece at a price.

Race 6

(2) ALL THE TIME seems to be a step ahead of this group right now. She should get the job done as the odds-on choice. (4) WILDFLOWER won her 2016 debut with a nice stretch surge and picks up Tetrick for the driver assignment this week; interesting upset candidate. (1) NEW LEAF took plenty of air and kept fighting gamely last week. Nancy Johansson-trained filly seems to be progressing nicely. (3) HILLOSOPHICAL has been second in both legs of the Sire Stakes and could still offer some exotics value. (9) SOUTHWIND HOPE has done little wrong but draws outside and really hasn’t impressed me yet.

Race 7

(2) BUSHWACKER has been facing tough foes from outside posts at Philly and Pocono of late. Now he switches to the big track, draws a cozy inside post and was Tetrick’s choice over some good options. (6) MAJOR WAR went another sub 1:50 mile last time but faced foes that could go much faster. He should be more competitive this week if able to set reasonable fractions. (9) JACKSRLUCKYTOO finished a willing second in a 1:47 4/5 mile last week. (3) INTHEBLINKOFANEYE won back-to-back miles in under 1:50 when last seen but hasn’t raced in five weeks.

Race 8

(6) JACK VERNON almost overcame a tough trip to win last week. I’m not sure if he can beat (8) SOUTHWIND FRANK, but he has shown enough speed to compete and the price should be right. The latter won his only start of 2016 impressively and this spot is just a small stepping stone on the road to the Hambletonian. (3) MAVENS WAY came up with a huge mile in his first start of the year and is clearly dangerous.

Race 9

(8) PANSFORMATIVE seems to be in very soft this week as he drops down in class. (2) MEDOLAND JATE has been racing well and was Bongionro’s choice over my top pick. (3) I’M SUPERSONIC A reunites with Gingras, who just missed behind him two starts back. (1) CHARGER BLUE CHIP just won in 1:49 3/5.

Race 10

(8) MILLIONDOLLAR WAVE sprinted home in his qualifier and finished nicely again versus better and sharper foes than he faces tonight. If I knew he had early speed in his arsenal, he would be my best bet. (6) ROCKIN WIZARD drops down and adds Tetrick. (3) TWIN B WRANGLER gets away from higher class claimers at Yonkers and could show more.

Race 11

(6) ALWAYS B MIKI came back after being passed to win last time out. He should have plenty of options to choose his trip in this short field. (5) MEL MARA gave the top one quite a scare two starts back and was even in the fastest mile ever at Philly last time. (2) MELMERBY BEACH is feeling good now but will need a perfect trip to have a shot at the top spot.

Race 12

(7) THE POKESTER had pace when finally clear last week and could be ready to hit a form spree. (3) DR C’S Z TAM moves into a high percentage barn and is eligible to improve. (1) GREAT SOUL has a good post and form on his side.

Race 13

(3) TOATSMYGOATS was racing against better when at Philly and does pick up Callahan this week. I’ll take a shot here at what should be a decent price. (5) TYE SEELSTER & (7) CANBEC KINGKAZIMIR have earlier speed and hail from a good barn; very capable. (11) MOONLIGHT RANSOM comes off a nice win, but how will he handle the second tier starting spot?

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Arlington (4th) Curlinup, 9-2
(7th) Go Lady Jay, 10-1


Belmont Park (1st) Overcontrol, 4-1
(7th) Investigator, 4-1


Belterra Park (5th) Jacksontown, 7-2
(7th) Ocala Magic, 6-1


Canterbury (3rd) Vestibule, 6-1
(10th) Duty Proper, 4-1


Charles Town (1st) Cat Nuggets, 7-2
(8th) Quiet Canadian, 4-1


Churchill Downs (5th) Black Bear, 5-1
(9th) Rivers Run Deep, 5-1


Delaware Park (2nd) Fit for a Lady, 10-1
(7th) Done With Talent, 3-1


Emerald Downs (5th) Add Some Alcohol, 6-1
(9th) Magic Question, 7-2


Evangeline Downs (3rd) Westex, 5-1
(9th) Flatbellyfrank, 7-2


Finger Lakes (2nd) Danceteria, 3-1
(4th) Prince Ray, 3-1


Golden Gate Fields (3rd) Council Miss, 6-1
(6th) Giant Mark, 7-2


Gulfstream Park (5th) My Dear Venezuela, 4-1
(9th) Savingtime, 6-1


Hastings (5th) C. A. Miss, 7-2
(6th) Macho Babe, 7-2


Lone Star Park (1st) Cherishd Obsession, 9-2
(9th) My Sharp Misty, 10-1


Louisiana Downs (3rd) Jack in the Pops, 6-1
(4th) Dontsaymyname, 4-1


Monmouth Park (5th) Chubble Maker, 10-1
(11th) Going Abroad, 9-2


Mountaineer (6th) Kodiak Cutie, 7-2
(8th) Proust, 4-1


Parx Racing (1st) Flashy Miss, 6-1
(8th) Julerette, 9-2


Penn National (5th) Imperfect, 10-1
(9th) Edzactly, 7-2


Pimlico (1st) Golden Mila, 6-1
(4th) Uno Emayo, 3-1


Prairie Meadows (1st) Cherokee Charlie, 7-2
(9th) Four Reasons, 4-1


Santa Anita (1st) Warren's Honey Bee, 3-1
(3rd) Brother Solider, 7-2


Thistledown (1st) Coast Tothe Meadow, 5-1
(2nd) Miss Lily Mae, 6-1


Woodbine (2nd) Conquest Fleetfeet, 6-1
(7th) Virtadero, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

June Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

You know the saying, “May flowers bring June showers.”

For Major League Baseball pitchers hurling during the month of June, showers are hopefully not in their immediate plans. Instead, it’s the hope of all MLB starting pitchers to stay around long enough in their starts to avoid having to clean up and go home early.

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

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each June over the last three years. And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

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


GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 8-4 (6-2 A)

Only Clayton Kershaw has been in Arrieta's stratosphere since 2015. The right-hander is in the right organization which has allowed his abundant talents to flourish and this season opposing batters are hitting a mere .168 against him. His effortless delivery and mid-90's fastball causes a lot of swings and misses as does his breaking pitches.

Cole, Gerrit - 10-2 (6-0 A)

Cole is now the ace of the Pittsburgh staff and expertly commands a two and four-seam fastball in the mid to upper 90's which he can sink or have riding action. After a sluggish start to season, his ERA is down to close to 2.50 and expect him to have another fine month. Note: Cole’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during June.

*Colon, Bartolo - 10-5 (7-0 H)

The 43-year old right-hander just keeps churning along on staff that is very talented and youthful. Colon knows how and where to spot his fastball, which he tosses 70 or more percent of the time and blends in a quick slider that has excellent depth. The fact is Colon understands his craft and wins.

Lackey, John - 11-5 (6-1 H)

Remember for years no pitcher in his right mind would want to pitch at Wrigley Field, now they line up for the chance. Being a talented young team helps and Lackey is the right fit, with fastball he keeps low in the zone and sinker opposing hitters cannot elevate. Through two months, the batter's Lackey has faced are at a lowly .209 batting average and his WHIP is sick 0.97.

Sanchez, Anibal - 9-4 (8-3 H)

The Detroit hurler has gotten off to a rugged start with ERA over 6 as June began. Sanchez's problems revolve around lack of pitch placement, not even having 2-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio and giving up more than a hit an inning. Of the 58 hits allowed, 11 have left the yard and if the Tigers are going to be contenders in the AL Central, Sanchez will have to throw like previous June's.

*Scherzer, Max - 11-4 (6-2 A)

If you research Mad Max's numbers, many are at or below career norm, yet he begins this month with an ERA over 4. The problem is too many pitches right down the middle, which is why he on pace to give up 45 home runs (15 thru May). If Scherzer solves this, he will have a great rest of the year.

Tillman, Chris - 11-3 (4-1 A)

After an off year in 2015, the Orioles righty has come back in a big way. When he's at his best like he has been this year, Tillman works his low 90's heater at the knees on both sides of the dish and his curve and changeup have sharp downward motion. He starts this month with hitters at .203 batting average versus his tosses.

Volquez, Edinson - 11-5 (7-1 A)

The Royals right-hander is doing what he does best, as in nine of his 11 starts for Kansas City he has induced double digit groundball outs. Volquez is still thought to be a power pitcher and gets numerous weak swings with tilted curve and deluxe changeup he will throw on any count.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 12-5 (8-3 H)

After an unbelievable start, Zimmermann has drifted back to the previous career numbers. He pulled a groin late last month, but is expected to make start on June 3rd and continue from that point. His strengths include four pitches he trusts to throw for strikes and he has shown greater durability thus far in the AL.


BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Miller, Shelby - 6-12 (2-6 A)

After disastrous start with Arizona, having ERA over 7, maybe a trip to the DL with bad finger on throwing hand will settle Miller down, who looks like he is trying to throw a no-hitter on every pitch and is getting hammered. The talent has always been in place, just not the execution as this record shows. Note: Miller’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during June.

Verlander, Justin - 4-10 (2-5 H)

No longer equipped with high 90's fastball, Verlander tends to give up runs in bunches these days. He can be sailing along for three to five innings and then give up three or four runs in single inning. Without the necessary secondary pitches, he's become easier to hit a third time through the lineup.

Weaver, Jered - 5-10 (1-6 A)

It is sometimes tough to watch former aces who were among the best in the game, as their stuff is in decline and they are not close to what they used to be. This is the case of Weaver, whose fastball barely reaches 85 MPH, which makes his breaking ball and assortment of change-ups less effective. It is no accident at this juncture hitters are clocking him for .311 BA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Reds spoil Baker's return to Great American Ball Park
By The Sports Xchange

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Reds hit three home runs and spoiled Dusty Baker's return to Great American Ball Park with a 7-2 victory Friday night against the NL East-leading Washington Nationals. It was the third consecutive win for the Reds, and their fourth in the last five outings, while Washington saw its four-game winning streak come to an end.
Eugenio Suarez, Zack Cozart and Adam Duvall all hit home runs to back up the starting pitching of Brandon Finnegan , who allowed just one runner past second base in his 6 1/3 innings on the mound.
Baker was the Reds manager from 2008-13, and led the Reds to three postseason berths.

Blue Jays 5, Red Sox 2
BOSTON -- R.A. Dickey ended his drought against Boston and Edwin Encarnacion and Devon Travis hit two-run homers as Toronto won its fourth straight game.
Boston's Xander Bogaerts, representing the tying run, came up with two out and two on in the ninth inning and struck out against Roberto Osuna on a 3-2 pitch after being ahead 3-0 -- ending the game and his 26-game hitting streak.
Dickey, 4-0 in five starts against the Red Sox in 2014, had been 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA in nine starts since, opened with five hitless innings and allowed two hits and an unearned run in 6 2/3, sending the Red Sox to their third straight loss.
The win was also the first in four starts and only the second since his first turn of the season for Dickey (3-6). He walked five, struck out four and hit a batter with the only run scoring on a passed ball.

Mets 6, Marlins 2
MIAMI -- Noah Syndergaard won his fourth straight decision and James Loney hit a two-run, tiebreaking home run to lead New York over Miami.
Syndergaard struck out nine in seven innings, allowing two runs, six hits and one walk. For Loney, it was career home run No. 100 and his first with the Mets, who acquired him May 28 after starting first baseman Lucas Duda suffered a back injury.
Miami, which had its three-game win streak snapped, was led by Marcell Ozuna, who belted a solo home run and drove in both runs.

Indians 6, Royals 1
CLEVELAND -- Danny Salazar pitched eight innings, allowing one run and three hits, and rookie Tyler Naquin hit his first major league home run as Cleveland beat Kansas City at Progressive Field.
Yan Gomes also homered for the second-place Indians, who have won the first two games of the four-game series to move within 1/2 game of the first-place Royals in the AL Central.
Salazar gave up one run and three hits and had nine strikeouts and five walks.

Tigers 10, White Sox 3
DETROIT -- Victor Martinez and James McCann each had three hits, including solo home runs, to lead Detroit over Chicago at Comerica Park.
Martinez and McCann drove in two runs apiece for the Tigers, who had lost five of its last six. Ian Kinsler supplied two hits, two runs scored and two RBIs.
Jose Abreu had two hits and drove in a run for the White Sox.

Orioles 6, Yankees 5
BALTIMORE -- Hyun Soo Kim picked up another three hits, including a key single in the seventh inning that helped Baltimore rally past New York.
Orioles slugger Chris Davis hit his 11th home run of the season and first since May 20 -- a towering shot onto the flag court behind right field.
Orioles reliever Mychal Givens picked up the win by throwing 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Closer Zach Britton posted his 16th save of the season.
Carlos Beltran, Alex Rodriguez and Austin Romine homered for the Yankees, who have lost four of their past five games.

Phillies 6, Brewers 3
PHILADELPHIA -- Andres Blanco hit a three-run homer and Cameron Rupp added a solo shot as Philadelphia beat Milwaukee to snap a season-worst seven-game losing streak.
Andrew Bailey earned the victory by pitching 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of an ineffective Vince Velasquez.
Jeanmar Gomez, the last of five Philadelphia pitchers, worked a perfect ninth for his 18th save.
Jonathan Villar homered for Milwaukee, which saw an eight-game winning streak in Philadelphia end. The Brewers also lost for the first time in five road games.

Angels 9, Pirates 2
PITTSBURGH -- Kole Calhoun homered and drove in two runs and Johnny Giavotella's two-run single keyed a three-run first that started Los Angeles' victory over Pittsburgh.
Yunel Escobar, returning after sitting out three games with a sore left wrist, had two of the Angels' 15 hits, including a two-run single in the seventh. Every starter in the Angels lineup had at least one hit, except starting pitcher Jared Weaver.
In a matchup of veteran starting pitchers coming off four uneven starts apiece, Weaver easily outpitched Francisco Liriano, with the Angels right-hander giving up successive homers to Starling Marte and Jung Ho Kang in the second but no other scoring over six innings.

Cubs 6, Diamondbacks 0
CHICAGO -- Anthony Rizzo went 2-for-3 and doubled home the go-ahead run to break a scoreless tie in the sixth inning as Chicago beat Arizona.
Diamondbacks right-hander Archie Bradley and Cubs righty John Lackey each gave up little through nearly six scoreless innings in the opener of the weekend series at Wrigley Field. But neither finished the game, as Lackey picked up the win after working 6 2/3 innings. Bradley took the loss after a six-inning effort.
The victory was the third straight for the Cubs while the Diamondbacks lost their fourth in five games.

Giants 5, Cardinals 1
ST. LOUIS -- Overcoming unusual control trouble, Johnny Cueto won his sixth straight decision and upped his record to 9-1 with six solid innings as San Francisco stopped St. Louis.
Cueto gave up four hits and an unearned run, walking a season-high five and striking out a season-low one. Prior to this start, his career earned run average at Busch Stadium was 5.71.
Adam Wainwright absorbed the loss despite seven good innings. Wainwright gave up five hits and two runs, issuing a walk and whiffing six.

Rangers 7, Mariners 3
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Adrian Beltre powered Texas over Seattle in a matchup of teams that came into the game tied for first place in the American League West.
Beltre hit a three-run homer in the first inning and then lined a two-run double to right center in the third to put Texas up 5-1 in support of right-hander Yu Darvish.
Beltre finished 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. Darvish, who was making his second start since returning from Tommy John surgery, struck out five and allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings.

Rays 4, Twins 2
MINNEAPOLIS -- Tampa Bay got timely hitting from the bottom of the batting order, lifting it to a win over Minnesota.
The victory snapped a five-game losing streak for the Rays, who won for the first time since a 9-5 win over the New York Yankees last Saturday, and for just the second time in their last 10 games.
Erasmo Ramirez earned the win, working one inning of scoreless relief after right-hander Jake Odorizzi departed following six innings and a quality start.

Astros 12, A's 2
HOUSTON -- Backed by a seven-run first inning, Doug Fister worked six shutout innings as Houston cruised over Oakland at Minute Maid Park.
The Astros pounced on Athletics right-hander Jesse Hahn (2-3) to provide Fister (5-3) the cushion he needed to notch a fourth consecutive win. Houston won seven consecutive starts by Fister, who allowed four hits and two walks while recording three strikeouts.

Dodgers 4, Braves 2
Corey Seager homered three times, including the go-ahead home run, leading Los Angeles over Atlanta at Dodger Stadium.
Seager gave the Dodgers the lead with his second home run in the fourth inning off Braves starter Julio Teheran. He launched his third homer to lead off the eighth. He became the first Dodgers' hitter to homer three times in a game since Adrian Gonzalez did so on April 8, 2015, against the San Diego Padres.
Seager became the first rookie to accomplish the feat since Don Dementer, who homered three times in 1959.
Trayce Thompson also homered for the Dodgers, who ended a two-game skid. They have beaten the Braves six times in their last seven meetings at Dodger Stadium.

Padres 4, Rockies 0
SAN DIEGO -- Behind a tape-measure, three-run homer by Matt Kemp, a straight steal of home by Melvin Upton Jr. and seven shutout innings by starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz, San Diego defeated Colorado to help ease the pain of blowing a 10-run lead the previous night.
Pomeranz and relievers Ryan Buchter and Carlos Villanueva combined on a two-hit shutout.
Kemp's three-run shot to left in the first traveled 458 feet, equaling the longest home run in the 13-season history of Petco Park.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (24-33) at Cubs (38-15)

Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: June 04, 2016 2:20 PM EDT

Virtually the only thing to go wrong for the Chicago Cubs' rotation during a lengthy homestand is Jason Hammel's hamstring.

The right-hander will try to show that he's healthy while leading the Cubs to another win Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Cubs' starters, sporting an MLB-best 2.33 ERA, have posted a 0.98 mark and 0.80 WHIP through eight of their 10 consecutive home games. John Lackey went 6 2/3 innings in a 6-0 win in Friday's opener against the Diamondbacks and gave Chicago five starters with sub-3.00 ERAs.

"Every day, they come in and they give us a chance to win," first baseman Anthony Rizzo said. "They give us a chance to go out there and hit and not put pressure on ourselves. They don't get enough credit, but it's a good thing. Let them just keep doing their thing."

Chicago (38-15) scored five runs in the eighth while improving to 7-1 on its stay at Wrigley Field and 9-1 in its last 10 overall. Addison Russell and Javier Baez hit two-run doubles.

Hammel (6-1, 2.09 ERA) has pitched just two innings during the homestand after being forced to leave a 2-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday. The bullpen picked him up by tossing seven perfect innings.

"They made the right move. We're all stubborn when we're out there. We want to compete. The end game is staying healthy, and it doesn't do any good to push it out there," Hammel told MLB's official website.

Hammel yielded one run in six innings in his season debut April 8 in Arizona and got a no-decision in a 3-2 loss. That is the only win for the Diamondbacks (24-33) in five games against the Cubs this season.

Arizona has lost four straight at Wrigley, one shy of tying its longest skid there, and has dropped eight of 11 overall.

The Diamondbacks have also lost five of six on the road and could use a better performance from Edwin Escobar (0-1, 18.90) while attempting to break out of that funk. The left-hander was charged with eight runs and 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings in his first MLB start and third appearance Monday, an 8-3 loss to Houston.

Arizona has called upon Escobar with Shelby Miller and Rubby De La Rosa on the disabled list.

"We get four days of work before he starts again. We'll see what we can do to tighten it up a little bit," manager Chip Hale said. "I think he's going to help us, but it was a tough (start)."

Escobar will pitch against the Cubs for the first time, and Ben Zobrist is their only hitter to have faced him, doubling in his lone at-bat.

Hammel, 2-0 with a 1.83 ERA in four home starts this season, is 1-1 with a 2.33 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in his last four overall matchups against Arizona. Paul Goldschmidt, a career .361 hitter versus Chicago, is 4 for 11 with a home run and a double against him.

Jean Segura is 3 for 17 versus Hammel but went 2 for 3 with a double in April.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (25-30) at Phillies (27-28)

Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: June 04, 2016 3:05 PM EDT

It wasn't exactly an offensive explosion, but the Philadelphia Phillies are coming off a productive game at the plate that they desperately needed.

After halting two lengthy losing streaks by defeating Milwaukee's ace, the Phillies can show it was more than just a one-game outburst by beating a pitcher who has surprisingly become the Brewers' second-best starter as they face Junior Guerra on Saturday.

A 4-1 loss in Thursday's series opener was Philadelphia's eighth straight at home to Milwaukee, its longest slide to any opponent since Citizens Bank Park opened in 2004. It was the Phillies' seventh consecutive loss overall, failing to score more than three runs in any game.

They scored that many in two different innings Friday and both came against Jimmy Nelson, the Brewers' leader in virtually every starting pitching category. He was gone after allowing three runs in both the third and fourth, and Philadelphia hung on to win 6-3.

'Anytime we score six runs, it's a big deal around here,' manager Pete Mackanin said. 'I'm hoping it's going to loosen us up a little bit.'

Cameron Rupp and Andres Blanco went deep to give the Phillies (27-28) their first multihomer performance in 27 home games. It was their first home win over the Brewers (25-31) since June 2, 2013.

"We haven't lost a step," Rupp said. "We still have energy, we still come out playing every night hard."

Philadelphia had just seven hits but made them count for a change, going 4 for 7 with runners in scoring position following a 1-for-25 funk. One of those hits was an RBI single by Maikel Franco, hitting .476 with four homers and 10 RBIs in five games against Milwaukee this year.

None of the Phillies have faced Guerra (3-1, 3.47 ERA), a 31-year-old rookie whose only big-league experience before May was three relief appearances last June with the White Sox.

The Brewers won Guerra's first five starts after he was called up but didn't help him on offense or defense Monday en route to his first major league defeat, 6-0 to St. Louis. The right-hander was charged with four runs - three earned - in 6 1-3 innings with the Cardinals scoring three in the third after a throwing error, a double on a misjudged fly ball in the sun and a passed ball.

'Nothing can be perfect," Guerra said through an interpreter. "It's part of it, you play to win the game. Things aren't going to go perfect all the time.'

It was Guerra's third quality start in four outings, a span in which he has a 2.22 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 24 1-3 innings.

Counterpart Jeremy Hellickson (4-3, 3.68 ERA) also has been solid over his last four, posting an 0.81 WHIP with a 2.00 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 27 innings.

The offense never helps him much - he's had no more than three runs of support through 11 starts - and the bullpen let Hellickson down Monday. He was pulled for a pinch hitter after seven innings and just 79 pitches with a 2-1 lead, but the Phillies lost 4-3 to Washington.

Hellickson won both of his starts against Milwaukee last season while with Arizona, yielding two runs in 12 innings, but the three current Brewers with which he's had the most trouble were on other teams. Kirk Nieuwenhuis has homered twice in three at-bats against Hellickson, Chris Carter is 3 for 5 with a homer and Aaron Hill is 3 for 6.

Carlos Ruiz has been Hellickson's personal catcher but is hitless in 21 at-bats since May 16. Rupp is batting .368 in that same span.

Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy is 12 for 24 in his last seven games. Jonathan Villar is batting .389 in his last 10 after homering in both games of this series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (30-26) at Red Sox (32-23)

Game: 2
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: June 04, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

Steven Wright is displaying an unusual amount of stamina for a guy in his first full season as a starter for the Boston Red Sox.

Most importantly, he's been efficient during those long outings.

The Toronto Blue Jays have come away with a victory in each of the first two times they've seen the knuckleballer, and they'll look to deal the Red Sox a season-high fourth consecutive defeat Saturday at Fenway Park.

Wright (5-4, 2.45 ERA) will be making his 11th start, matching the amount he made during brief stints with Boston (32-23) over the previous three years. He's shined in his opportunity to be in the rotation full-time and only seems to be getting stronger.

The right-hander threw a career-high 122 pitches in a four-hitter Monday, striking out seven and overcoming a season high-tying five walks to beat Baltimore 7-2. It was Wright's second complete game in three starts to tie him for the major league lead with three.

Prior to this season, he'd never thrown a complete game in the majors.

"To go nine innings against that lineup in this ballpark, an outstanding job," manager John Farrell said. "He was able to neutralize the top half of that lineup extremely well. â?¦ A good day for us, a big day for Steven."

Wright struggled a bit in the fifth, though, as he allowed both runs and three hits. He didn't panic, though.

"It's my (fourth) year doing it now," Wright said. "That's one thing we've really concentrated on, trying to stay with that delivery because it's all about staying relaxed and repeating that delivery."

Wright faced the Blue Jays (30-26) in his first two starts this season and lost both despite pitching well, giving up thee earned runs in 12 2/3 innings. The last on April 17 began a stretch where Toronto is 5-1 against the Red Sox after winning 5-2 on Friday.

Last Saturday's victory seemed unlikely after Marcus Stroman gave up seven runs - tying his career high set May 17 in a loss to Tampa Bay - and 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings before Toronto rallied for a 10-9 win over Boston.

Stroman (5-1, 4.46) originally was scheduled to start Friday's series opener but was switched with R.A. Dickey without any explanation from the Blue Jays. Stroman won each of his first four starts against the Red Sox with a 1.26 ERA, but he's given up 12 runs in 10 2/3 innings in two against them this season.

Both of those starts, though, came at home, where he's 1-1 with a 6.39 ERA. Pitching on the road in this one could help him get back on track, as Stroman is 4-0 with a 2.45 ERA in five starts outside of Toronto.

Xander Bogaerts is 4 for 6 with a homer off Stroman this season, and he'll be looking to start a new hitting streak after having his 26-game run snapped Friday. The high-powered Boston offense was held to fewer than five runs for the first time in eight games.

The Red Sox's five hits were their fewest since having four on May 3. They've been limited to fewer than six just four times, with the Blue Jays doing it twice.

Toronto, meanwhile, is on a roll, having won four straight to improve to 11-3 since May 19. Edwin Encarnacion homered off former teammate David Price on Friday and is batting .364 during a six-game hitting streak.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels (25-29) at Pirates (29-25)

Game: 2
Venue: PNC Park
Date: June 04, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

Jeff Locke has had his share of ups and downs in his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he never felt as good as he did after his last outing.

Coming off his first career shutout, the left-hander will try to play the role of stopper for the struggling Pirates as he looks to win a career-high fourth consecutive start Saturday against the visiting Los Angeles Angels.

It seems like Locke has been pitching to keep his rotation spot for much of his career. This season has been no different as speculation has grown as to when Pittsburgh will promote prospects Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow.

Locke (4-3, 4.33 ERA) was a sure candidate to be replaced with a 5.45 ERA after allowing six runs in 5 1/3 innings in an 8-2 loss at Wrigley Field on May 14. However, he's since solidified his footing with three straight wins.

Locke has posted a 2.42 ERA over that span after tossing a three-hitter Monday in a 10-0 win at Miami. He only struck out one but never threw more than 16 pitches in an inning and coaxed the Marlins into 13 groundouts.

"He's throwing every pitch with conviction," catcher Francisco Cervelli told the league's official website. "You have to know what kind of guy you are, what kind of pitcher you are, and you can have success like he did."

Cervelli won't start in this one after being drilled on the foot Thursday.

Locke looks to continue his efficient approach and keep the ball down as he tries to help the Pirates (29-25) avoid their first five-game slide since May 2015. They lost for the sixth time in their last seven in Friday's 9-2 defeat.

Entering the series, the Angels (25-29) led the majors by grounding into 53 double plays and had hit among the most ground balls in the AL with 697.

That wasn't a problem in the opener as Yunel Escobar, Kole Calhoun and Johnny Giavotella each finished with two hits and two RBIs. Los Angeles has won three of its past four games and is averaging 6.2 runs over its last five.

"We're not going to score nine runs every night, but it's more along the lines of what we were seeing coming out of spring training," manager Mike Scioscia said.

Scioscia will give the ball to Jhoulys Chacin after scheduled starter Nick Tropeano was scratched due to an undisclosed ailment. He'll work on regular rest thanks to Thursday's off day after he allowed one run and struck out a season-high 10 in a complete-game 5-1 victory over Detroit on Monday.

The right-hander, who went the distance for the first time since 2011, is 1-1 with a 3.42 ERA in four starts since coming over from Atlanta on May 11.

"I feel healthy, I feel like my arm is just getting stronger every time," he said. "Hopefully it just stays that way the whole season."

Chacin (2-3, 4.42) has gone 2-3 with a 5.34 ERA in five starts against the Pirates, but he hasn't faced them since August 2013. Andrew McCutchen has seen him the most, going 4 for 12 with a home run.

Pittsburgh has totaled eight runs while batting .162 during the losing streak, though Starling Marte was 3 for 4 with his fifth home run on Friday and Jung Ho Kang went 2 for 4 with his seventh homer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (33-22) at Reds (20-35)

Game: 2
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: June 04, 2016 4:10 PM EDT

After setting a handful of Washington Nationals records in his latest start, Stephen Strasburg could be sitting atop the major leagues with his next.

The hard-throwing right-hander looks to notch baseball's best record with his 10th win Saturday when the visiting Nationals continue a series against the Cincinnati Reds.

NL East-leading Washington (33-22) seemed to have found a groove with four straight wins entering Friday's series opener against Cincinnati (20-35), which has won six of the last seven meetings.

The Reds pulled out a 7-2 victory and spoiled Nationals manager Dusty Baker's homecoming after Eugenio Suarez hit his third homer in two games with the help of a call overturned on replay.

Strasburg will try to even the set by extending a pair of club records. The Nats have won his last 15 starts after Sunday's 10-2 victory over St. Louis, and Strasburg (9-0, 2.69 ERA) also became the first Washington pitcher to win 12 straight decisions.

His six strong innings, allowing six hits and one run, helped him match the Chicago Cubs' Jake Arrieta for the best record in baseball at 9-0 - a mark no pitcher in franchise history had previously achieved.

"Stras certainly earned his money," Baker told MLB's official website. "This is big for him and us. ... He has the stuff to be a big winner. Success breeds confidence. I'm sure this guy is at an all-time high in confidence and concentration."

Arrieta's no-decision on Tuesday opened the door for Strasburg to become the first in the majors to reach 10 victories, though White Sox ace Chris Sale will also go for his 10th win Saturday against Detroit.

Washington hasn't lost one of his starts since Sept. 9, but his dominance dates back even further. Since coming off the disabled list June 23, his 2.20 ERA is topped only by Arrieta (1.14) and Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw (1.35).

The final start Strasburg made before that DL stint was his last against Cincinnati. He gave up a solo homer and recorded just three outs before exiting with neck tightness.

Strasburg has struggled in four outings against the Reds, building a 5.68 ERA with only 16 strikeouts in 19 innings. Billy Hamilton (2 for 3), Jay Bruce (3 for 7, double), Brandon Phillips (3 for 10, triple) and Joey Votto (2 for 7, homer) have seen him well.

Cincinnati won its third straight game Friday and will turn to Dan Straily to try and grab the club's longest winning streak of the season.

Straily (3-2, 3.43) allowed more than three runs for the first time in his ninth start Monday, surrendering five and eight hits in six innings of a 11-8 loss at Colorado. The right-hander gave up four runs in the third inning but earned the win after tossing three straight scoreless frames while giving up two hits.

Straily even drew a key walk during the Reds' five-run fourth inning, which took him off the hook for the loss. Straily is 0 for 15 at the plate this season with 11 strikeouts and two walks, dropping him to 0 for 63 in his career.

"I'm not even joking. It turned out to be a game-changer for us," Straily said. "It's no secret that my at-bats haven't exactly been competitive. And I've been working really hard at trying to go up there and offer more to the team in that aspect."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (30-23) at Marlins (29-26)

Game: 2
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: June 04, 2016 4:10 PM EDT

Though he turned the ripe age of 43 prior to his last outing, Bartolo Colon has pitched more like a young ace in his last two.

Now that some personal issues and control problems seem to be behind him, Colon will try to resume his success against the Miami Marlins on Saturday when the banged-up New York Mets look to win the first two on a 10-game trip.

As his velocity has decreased in his later years, Colon's ability to command the strike zone has been a key as he's continued to produce well into his 40s.

After striking out 36 and walking four in his first seven starts, Colon (4-3, 3.39 ERA) issued five free passes for the first time since April 2005 in a 7-1 loss to Washington on May 18. He hinted at some personal troubles that he had been dealing with while allowing eight runs over 9 2/3 innings in consecutive defeats which included that performance.

"When I'm here doing my job, nothing else affects me, thank God," the former All-Star told the league's official website at that time. "I don't really care to talk about my personal stuff."

Colon appeared to have turned the corner when he allowed one run over seven innings in a 7-1 win over the Nationals on May 23. He gave up two runs and only walked one over six innings in Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Now Colon hopes to stay sharp facing a Miami team against which he's pitched well in recent years. He's gone 5-2 with a 2.29 ERA, 25 strikeouts and one walk in his last seven meetings dating to September 2014. His only shutout in two-plus seasons with the Mets came in his last start in Miami, a 7-0 win Sept. 5.

Giancarlo Stanton has gone 5 for 11 with two home runs and a double off him. The All-Star slugger, though, is 4 for 38 with 24 strikeouts over his last 11 games after fanning three more times in Friday's 6-2 series-opening defeat.

Christian Yelich had two hits and Marcell Ozuna hit his 11th home run, but the Marlins (29-26) have totaled 23 runs and hit .217 in their last eight games. Yelich has been a bright spot, going 8 for 17 over his past four.

Miami's Justin Nicolino (2-3, 4.50) has gone 0-3 with a 6.10 ERA over his last four starts. The left-hander pitched better Monday when he allowed three runs over five innings in a 10-0 home loss to Pittsburgh.

"I felt like I had good command of my fastball, in and out," he said. "Two-seamers and four-seamers, in and out, were the best it's been all year."

In his only career start against the Mets (30-23) last September, Nicolino surrendered three runs over six innings in a 4-3 loss at Citi Field. Travis d'Arnaud went 2 for 3 with a home run off him, but he's on the disabled list along with fellow starters Lucas Duda and captain David Wright.

James Loney, filling in for Duda, broke a 2-all tie with a two-run homer Friday for the Mets, who had lost four of five. Rene Rivera, filling in for d'Arnaud, also hit a two-run homer and Wilmer Flores, filling in for Wright, had two hits and drove in a run.

'We have the ability to pick one another up," Friday's winning pitcher Noah Syndergaard said. "I feel like we're really going to take off from here.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (23-30) at Twins (16-38)

Game: 3
Venue: Target Field
Date: June 04, 2016 4:10 PM EDT

With their longest slide of the season in the past, the Tampa Bay Rays hope to start stringing together some victories.

The visiting Rays look to win back-to-back games for the first time in two weeks Saturday against the Minnesota Twins.

Mired in a five-game skid, Tampa Bay (23-30) overcame a 2-1 deficit to even this four-game set with Friday's 4-2 victory. Evan Longoria and Logan Morrison each hit solo homers and Brad Miller delivered a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning to help give the Rays just their third victory in 14 contests.

"We haven't been playing exceptionally well but (Friday) we did enough to get the W," Morrison said. "That's all that really matters."

Tampa Bay last won consecutive games during a four-game winning streak May 16-20.

Rays starters posted a 9.60 ERA in the previous three games before Jake Odorizzi gave up both runs in six innings Friday.

Tampa Bay's Matt Andriese (3-0, 2.36 ERA) hopes to follow with another solid outing of his own after giving up one earned run over seven innings of a 6-2 loss at Kansas City on Monday.

'That's what we focus on as a staff, to go deep and give our team a chance to win,' Andriese said. 'You've got to look up at the scoreboard at the end of the day, but collectively if we're all going deep in the game, then more times than not we're going to come away with the win."

The right-hander has completed at least six innings in four of his five starts since making his 2016 debut May 8. He's given up fewer than two earned runs in three of those efforts.

'I've always believed in myself," he said.

Andriese's only previous appearance against the Twins (16-38) came when he yielded five runs over three innings of relief in an 11-7 loss Aug. 25.

Brian Dozier homered off Andriese in that contest and has nine RBIs while hitting safely in eight straight games against the Rays.

A loser in four of five, Minnesota hands the ball to Ervin Santana (1-4, 4.13).

The right-hander has allowed three or fewer earned runs in all but one of his nine starts, but his teammates have scored more than two with him on the mound just once. That was again the case Monday, when Santana gave up three runs in seven innings of a 3-2 loss at Oakland.

"There's not much to complain about with the effort we got from (Santana)," manager Paul Molitor told MLB's official website.

Santana had little reason to be pleased about his performance Aug. 25, when he allowed five runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 innings against Tampa Bay.

Longoria is 7 for 17 with two homers against Santana, and he's hit .444 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in the last seven games.

Morrison is batting .426 with four homers and 13 RBIs in his last 18 games after hitting .119 with no RBIs in his first 28.

"It's a process," Morrison said. "You just come to the field every day, put your head down and continue to work."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (29-26) at Tigers (26-28)

Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: June 04, 2016 4:10 PM EDT

After bouncing back from his roughest outing of the season, Chris Sale will try for a third time to become the majors' first 10-game winner.

The visiting White Sox look to avoid a third straight defeat in the left-hander's starts Saturday against the Detroit Tigers.

Sale (9-1, 2.29 ERA) allowed six runs in 3 1/3 innings of a 6-2 home loss to Cleveland on May 24. He looked much better giving up two in the first of seven he lasted before Chicago's bullpen blew a one-run lead in Sunday's 5-4 loss at Kansas City.

"I just feel bad for Sale," reliever Nate Jones said. "He worked his tail off for seven innings."

After giving up 14 runs in 6 1/3 innings over three days in Kansas City, the White Sox's bullpen tossed 13 scoreless innings in taking two of three against the New York Mets. However, the Tigers (26-28) scored six runs off relievers Tommy Kahnle and Matt Purke in Friday's 10-3 defeat.

Trying to beat Washington's Stephen Strasburg in the race to become the first 10-game winner Saturday, Sale usually has a good chance to go the distance with three complete games already under his best in 2016. He's also 2-0 during a four-start stretch at Comerica Park, and has a 1.37 ERA in his last three there.

Victor Martinez, though, is 16 for 34 with four homers and three doubles against Sale. Homering for one of his three hits, Martinez is batting .396 with four home runs, 12 RBIs and a slugging percentage of .688.

Teammate Miguel Cabrera went 1 for 3 with a RBI on Friday and should be ready despite leaving the series opener with tightness in his lower back.

"He told us it tightened up on a swing in the fifth, and they worked on it, but it got worse in the seventh," said manager Brad Ausmus, whose team has won two of three since a four-game skid. "I'll check with him in the morning, but I expect him to play."

Trying an 11th time to earn his first win with Detroit, Mike Pelfrey (0-5, 4.96) is 0-9 with a 5.50 ERA in 18 starts since winning Aug. 12. He allowed three unearned runs in a sixth inning he came one out from completing in Sunday's 4-2 loss at Oakland.

The right-hander has completed at least six innings once in six starts.

"The one thing that bothers me more than anything is the sixth inning," Pelfrey said. "For some reason I'm having trouble getting through the sixth inning. That bugs me."

Winless in eight career starts opposite the White Sox (29-26), Pelfrey went 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in three against them last year with Minnesota.

Former Tiger Avisail Garcia is 6 for 15 with a double against Pelfrey, and had a RBI single Friday.

Melky Cabrera went 4 for 8 last season against Pelfrey, but won't get the chance to continue that success while missing this series after being placed on the family emergency leave list.

"Something like this happens, the guys feel for him and want him back, but they understand why he's gone," manager Robin Ventura told MLB's official website. "There wasn't even a hesitation. He needed to go and we'll do this without him."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (25-30) at Astros (26-30)

Game: 2
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: June 04, 2016 4:10 PM EDT

Amid their own surge, the Houston Astros managed to cool off the Oakland Athletics.

After snapping the Athletics' five-game winning streak, the Astros won't have to face Rich Hill while trying to win for the 10th time in 12 games Saturday at Minute Maid Park.

Evan Gattis homered for one of his four hits to help Houston (26-30) to a 12-2 victory Friday. A day after their own five-game win streak ended with a 3-0 loss to Arizona, the Astros pounded out a season-high 16 hits against the A's (25-30).

Gattis has homered in two of three games for Houston, which has scored at least eight runs four times in six contests.

"For us to continue to really just hit the ball all over the ballpark and take whatever the game gives you is a sign of good offense," manager A.J. Hinch said.

The Astros' bats were hardly potent May 1, but the two runs they managed off Hill were enough in the 2-1 road victory.

The left-hander, who has blossomed into Oakland's ace while going 8-3 with 2.25 ERA, must wait for the chance to win a sixth consecutive start after being skipped because of discomfort in his groin. Hill left Sunday's start after 6 1/3 innings because of that problem.

"There's still some issues going on with the groin, but we're going to figure it out and see how we progress from there," Hill told MLB's official website.

Moved up a day, Kendall Graveman (2-6, 5.09 ERA) has allowed two runs in each of his last three starts. He lasted six innings of Monday's 3-2 victory over Minnesota.

"It's time for guys like myself to step up and get some wins and go deep in ballgames," said Graveman, who failed to complete six innings in each of his four previous starts. "I think I put a little bit on myself to say 'Hey, right now, the next three to four weeks are huge for our ball club.' To go deep into games and get wins is something we really need to do right now."

The right-hander pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings of a 4-0 victory at Houston in April 2015, then yielded six runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 frames of a 9-3 home loss to the Astros later that month.

Houston counters with Collin McHugh (5-4, 4.82), who posted a 6.59 ERA while splitting his first six starts but is 2-1 with a decent 3.41 ERA in five that followed. He recorded his first career complete game Monday, allowing three runs and striking out eight in the 8-3 victory at Arizona.

"He's using his four-seam fastball a little bit more, his changeup is now part of his arsenal, the curveball he can land at any time," Hinch said. "I think he's becoming more of a complete pitcher as a major leaguer after the 19-win season. I think at the beginning of the season, he was pitching a little tentative and a little careful, and he's made the adjustment to be the aggressor."

The right-hander has allowed three runs and struck out 26 in 22 1/3 innings while winning all three home starts against the A's.

Marcus Semien, 5 for 9 with two doubles off McHugh, is batting .360 with three homers in his last eight against Houston.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants (35-22) at Cardinals (28-27)

Game: 2
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: June 04, 2016 7:15 PM EDT

Jeff Samardzija says he doesn't have any excuses for a rare poor performance that he called "puzzling." The truth is, the San Francisco Giants' rotation is allowed to have a less than stellar effort every so often.

"The Shark" looks to bounce back and lead the Giants to their sixth victory in nine games on their road swing Saturday when the St. Louis Cardinals try to avoid their first four-game home losing streak in 11 months.

Samardzija has had a friendly competition with Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto as they try to top each other during each turn in the rotation. He's certainly held his own with the two co-aces, matching Bumgarner in wins and trailing Cueto by two while all three own ERAs under three.

After going 4-1 with a 1.41 ERA while pitching into the seventh inning in each of his first five May starts, Samardzija took a step back Monday when he allowed five runs over a season-low five innings in a 5-3 loss at Atlanta.

"Everything isn't always ideal. So you have to find a way to overcome it and play a little better," the right-hander explained to MLB's official website. "You can't make excuses in this game. Otherwise, there's too many to find."

Samardzija's subpar showing is one of only two outings that San Francisco starters have allowed more than three runs during a 26-game stretch in which they've posted a 1.73 ERA. Cueto allowed one unearned run over six innings in Friday's 5-1 win in the opener of this three-game series.

"I think every team will tell you that the pitching sets the tone, especially the starters,' manager Bruce Bochy said.

Samardzija (7-3, 2.84 ERA) owns a 2.12 ERA in his last five starts against the Cardinals, though he hasn't faced them since 2014 while with the Cubs.

Matt Adams is 4 for 7 with two doubles and Yadier Molina is 10 for 20 off him, but Matt Holliday and Matt Carpenter are a combined 7 for 36 (.194).

Adams has gone 12 for 24 with three home runs and nine RBIs in his last eight home games, while Carpenter is 10 for 17 over his past four overall.

St. Louis (28-27) has averaged 7.8 runs and hit .294 in victories and totaled five runs and hit .190 in losses while splitting its last eight games. The club now hopes to avoid its longest home slide since June 30-July 3.

Right-hander Michael Wacha (2-6, 4.99) hasn't earned a victory since April 23, though he showed signs of improvement Sunday when he allowed three runs and four hits over six innings in a 10-2 loss at Washington.

Wacha had gone 0-3 with a 10.00 ERA over his previous four starts.

"He had the (three-run fourth inning)," manager Mike Matheny said. "After and before he was extremely good. I thought it was one of his best."

Wacha has been extremely good against the NL West-leading Giants (35-22), going 1-0 with an 0.47 ERA and 19 strikeouts in three meetings.

Brandon Crawford is 2 for 3 with a double off him, though Brandon Belt (1 for 6), Denard Span (1 for 7) and Gregor Blanco (1 for 8) have struggled.

Crawford went 2 for 3 with an RBI in the opener, leaving him 7 for 13 with four RBIs over his last four games at Busch Stadium.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (30-24) at Indians (29-24)

Game: 3
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: June 04, 2016 7:15 PM EDT

Josh Tomlin's win-loss record is a bit deceiving considering he's been downright mediocre in nearly half his outings.

The Cleveland Indians are happy he's at least regularly given them a chance to win.

That wasn't the case the last time he took the mound, though, and he'll look to bounce back by helping the Indians win a fourth straight game when he faces the visiting Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

Tomlin (7-1, 3.79 ERA) of course has had some solid starts to boost his record, but he's given up at least four runs in four of his nine outings. That includes Monday, when he gave up a career high-tying eight in 3 2/3 innings of a 9-2 loss to Texas.

Only four of those runs were earned, but he didn't give the Indians (29-24) much of a chance after the Rangers took a two-run lead two batters into the game, and Cleveland lost for the first time with him on the mound this season.

"I just didn't execute the pitches when I needed to execute them and put our team in a bad spot early on," Tomlin said. "Once they kind of tasted blood, they just kept piling it on."

The right-hander didn't fare much better May 8 against the Royals (30-24), who touched him up for four runs in six innings before Tomlin got enough run support to pick up a 5-4 win.

Salvador Perez has had the most success against Tomlin, going 11 for 17 with a homer and five doubles in their matchups. Perez has been out since last Saturday with a quad contusion, but manager Ned Yost suggested Perez could see the field at some point this weekend.

"We're hoping to have him available to pinch hit or at least be an emergency (catcher) by the end of this series," Yost said. "We'll see how it progresses."

Drew Butera filled in for Perez again Friday and homered, but Kansas City finished with only three hits and fell 6-1, losing back-to-back games for the first time since a three-game skid May 8-10. Lorenzo Cain went 0 for 4 to snap a six-game hitting streak during which he batted .462 with two homers.

The Royals had won six straight prior to Thursday's loss in the series opener and will look to bounce back with Ian Kennedy on the mound.

Kennedy (4-3, 3.03) was great against the Indians on May 7, allowing four hits in seven innings of a 7-0 victory in his first start against them in five years.

The right-hander was a bit erratic Monday against Tampa Bay, walking a season-high five in six innings. Kennedy didn't let that get to him, though, and allowed only three singles and an unearned run in a 6-2 victory.

"I was just missing off the plate a little bit," Kennedy said. "Got into a lot of deep counts, a lot of pitches. I couldn't quite make the adjustment to get it back on the corners."

Kennedy has given up two earned runs or fewer in eight of his 10 outings, and he'll try to shut down a Cleveland lineup that has totaled 16 runs during a three-game winning streak. Yan Gomes and Tyler Naquin - the Nos. 8 and 9 hitters - both hit solo homers Friday, with Naquin's being his first in the majors.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (25-29) at Orioles (31-22)

Game: 2
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: June 04, 2016 7:15 PM EDT

That 10-game offensive slump the Baltimore Orioles endured late last month has been quickly forgotten.

No player is more responsible for that than Mark Trumbo, who looks to continue his hot hitting and lead the Orioles to a fourth straight win Saturday night against the New York Yankees.

Baltimore's potent offense was held to 3.2 runs per game and a .216 average during a 3-7 stretch that closed May. Those struggles ended in emphatic fashion with a 13-9 victory over Boston on Wednesday before Trumbo hit two of the Orioles' season-high seven homers in a 12-7 win the next night.

Trumbo had three hits and scored two runs in a come-from-behind 6-5 win over the Yankees in Friday's series opener.

He's tied for the major league lead with 17 homers and batting .359 with four home runs, 11 RBIs, four doubles and nine runs in the last 10 games.

Trumbo could be poised for more production against scheduled starter Ivan Nova. He's 9 for 16 with two homers in their matchups.

Also swinging a hot bat for Baltimore (31-22) is Hyun Soo Kim. The Korean rookie has played himself into an everyday role after appearing in just nine games through May 13. He had three hits Friday and is batting .400 during a nine-game stretch.

'He's been right in the middle of just about everything for us, it seems,' manager Buck Showalter said.

The Yankees (25-29) were unable to hold a 5-2 lead and lost for the eighth time in nine games against the Orioles. New York got back-to-back home runs from Carlos Beltran and Alex Rodriguez in the fourth inning, but is batting .194 during a 3-7 stretch.

Rodriguez's homer was his 34th at Camden Yards, the most of any opposing player.

Mark Teixeira, mired in a 3-for-43 slump, left in the third inning with right knee discomfort.

'We have not heard anything from a doctor,' manager Joe Girardi said. 'It's something he's dealt with before. For whatever reason, it started locking up tonight. We'll get it checked out and we'll know soon.'

Brian McCann was held out of the starting lineup with a hyperextended left elbow. He's 1 for his last 23.

Nova (3-3, 3.98 ERA) tries to rebound from losses in consecutive starts. After going 2-0 with a 1.65 ERA in his first three starts since replacing Luis Severino in the rotation, Nova has allowed eight runs and 15 hits over 12 2/3 innings in his past two.

He yielded four runs and eight hits in six-plus innings of a 4-2 defeat at Toronto on Monday.

Since throwing back-to-back complete games against the Orioles in 2013, Nova is 1-2 with a 7.59 ERA in his last four meetings.

Matt Wieters (12 for 35 with four homers) and Chris Davis (9 for 29 with three homers) have both fared well in this matchup.

Tyler Wilson (2-4, 3.83) has provided the Orioles with a steady presence in the rotation, pitching at least six innings in five straight outings and allowing more than three earned runs just once in his seven starts.

He does, however, enter this game 0-3 with a 5.30 ERA in his past three starts. The right-hander gave up three runs and a season-high eight hits over 6 2/3 innings in a 7-2 loss to Boston on Monday.

One of Wilson's four quality starts this season came in a 7-0 loss to the Yankees on May 4. He surrendered three runs and four hits in six innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (31-23) at Rangers (32-22)

Game: 2
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: June 04, 2016 9:05 PM EDT

The back-and-forth race for the top spot in the AL West is about to see another interesting chapter.

In order for the Texas Rangers' Martin Perez to keep his roll in Arlington alive, he will have to end the longest career unbeaten streak of the Seattle Mariners' Nathan Karns on Saturday night.

Texas (32-22) regained the West's top spot with Friday's 7-3 victory, its fourth over Seattle (31-23) in the first seven games of this season series.

Adrian Beltre homered, doubled and drove in five runs to help the Rangers to their fifth win in six games. These two teams play six times in 10 days, capped by a three-game set in Seattle June 10-12.

Karns' first season in Seattle has been mostly strong since he lost his debut. Karns (5-1, 3.43 ERA) is 5-0 with a 3.08 ERA in nine starts since, logging his fifth quality start in Monday's 9-3 win over San Diego.

The right-hander held the Padres to two runs in 6 2/3 innings while walking one and striking out six. It was his longest start since April 26, and he extended his career-long unbeaten streak to nine starts.

'I thought one of the best games he's pitched for us all year,' Seattle manager Scott Servais said. 'Aggressive. Went after and finished hitters. He knew he needed to get deep in the game, we talked about it beforehand and he did and was efficient with his pitches.'

Karns has yet to face the Rangers this year, but he went 1-0 against them last year with a 3.09 ERA in two meetings with Tampa Bay. He struck out 13 in those games while holding Texas to a .154 batting average, though he walked seven.

Perez is 3-1 with a 2.23 ERA in six starts in Arlington, and he is 6-1 with a 2.15 ERA in his last 11 home starts dating to Aug. 2.

Perez (3-4, 3.12) picked up his first two wins of May in his final two starts of the month, allowing two runs in 12 innings of a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels on May 24 and Sunday's 6-2 victory over Pittsburgh.

The left-hander had been 0-2 for the month despite a 2.59 ERA in four starts, and he dropped that number to 2.23. Perez's run support average of 2.85 is one of the lowest in baseball.

Perez has a history of getting rattled in jams, though he escaped an inning with a runner at third and no outs in each of his final two May starts.

'Now I'm more comfortable with runners on base and no outs,' said Perez. 'I just need to throw my pitch where I want and not try to do too much.'

Perez has held left-handed hitters to a .152 average, and opponents are hitting .188 off him with runners in scoring position.

He held the Mariners to two hits and two runs in six innings of a 10-2 loss in his opening start on April 5.

Kyle Seager is 10 for 22 with three homers against Perez, while Nelson Cruz is 3 for 4 with a home run.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (16-38) at Dodgers (29-27)

Game: 2
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: June 04, 2016 10:10 PM EDT

The only reason Clayton Kershaw doesn't have a chance to win his seventh straight start Saturday night is because Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a decision that backfired.

It was a valuable lesson for both pitcher and boss, with Kershaw forced to control his disappointment and Roberts learning to trust his ace until he gives him a reason otherwise.

Kershaw has been stellar against the Atlanta Braves in recent years, and he'll look to shut down the worst team in the NL again at Dodger Stadium.

After giving up four hits and striking out 10 through 7 2/3 innings Sunday night against the New York Mets, Kershaw (7-1, 1.56 ERA) was visibly frustrated when Roberts asked for the ball with a runner on first and the Dodgers (29-27) clinging to a one-run lead.

The next batter tied the game with a double and left Kershaw with a no-decision before Los Angeles pulled out a 4-2 victory.

'It's a tough situation. That's why I'm not the manager,' said Kershaw, who threw 114 pitches. 'I think managers appreciate when you don't want to come out of the game and obviously I didn't want to and never really do. But you know what? He's making the decisions and you've just got to respect it."

That's what comes with being a rookie manager, but Roberts might want to be careful when deciding to remove Kershaw in close games again. The left-hander, who has won three Cy Youngs and an MVP, has struck out 100 while walking only five, making for the best ratio for any major league pitcher when he reached 100 strikeouts in a season.

Kershaw, who finished 5-0 with a 0.91 ERA in six May starts, fanned 10 against the Braves (16-38) on April 21 and allowed only one run despite giving up a season-high 10 hits in eight innings before the Dodgers won 2-1 in 10.

He's 3-0 with an 0.73 ERA in his last five starts against Atlanta, including two outings in the 2013 NLDS, and has never lost in nine starts versus the Braves.

Mike Foltynewicz (2-2, 3.51) starts for Atlanta after back-to-back solid outings, giving up one run in 5 2/3 innings against Milwaukee on May 25 before allowing a run in six innings of Monday's 5-3 win over San Francisco.

The 24-year-old right-hander mixed in some offspeed stuff with a fastball that often registers high on the gun.

'It's nice to know I don't have to throw 97 all the time,' Foltynewicz said.

Interim manager Brian Snitker was impressed, saying Foltynewicz's most recent outing was even better than when he pitched eight scoreless innings against defending World Series champion Kansas City on May 14.

'Probably the best total package I've seen out of him,' Snitker said.

Foltynewicz has never faced the Dodgers, who placed Yasiel Puig on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring prior to Friday's contest. They activated utility man Scott Van Slyke from the DL in a corresponding move.

Los Angeles didn't need Puig in Friday's series opener as Corey Seager homered three times in a 4-2 win. Seager's roommate, Trayce Thompson, homered and had the Dodgers' other two hits as they bounced back from dropping three of four at Wrigley Field.

Atlanta has lost four of six and lost for the sixth time in seven tries at Dodger Stadium.