Saturday 8/22/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Saratoga Harness

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


Race 12 - Post: 10:45 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 88 - Purse:$8500 - NON-WINNERS $5,000 LAST 5 STARTS AE: NON-WINNERS 6 EXT PARI-MUTUEL RACES LIFE SARATOGA


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 REAL NICE 5/2


# 3 CLASSIC GENT 6/1


# 2 SASSY HANOVER 7/2

All signs point to REAL NICE for the pick. Could provide us a trip to the winner's circle based on great recent speed ratings - earning an avg of 91. The handicapping group gives this solid standardbred a competitive chance to come home a winner, class ratings are tops in the field. Aldrich will be looking to take the whole enchilada for this one, has been blazing hot within the recent past. Win statistic the past month is a sparkling 19. CLASSIC GENT - This nice horse has been making trips to the winner's circle on a regular basis, look for him to make another showing soon. Most definitely the class of the grouping with an average rating of 91. A nice play. SASSY HANOVER - Have to lean toward a fine animal coming out of the Saratoga Harness 2 position. The win figure is exemplary, way above normal. Overall statistics look very good. Can't throw him out of the picture

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fairmont Park

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


Race 6 - SO - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $6600 Class Rating: 85

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $3,200 OR LESS IN 2014 - 2015 OR OPTIONAL CLAIMING PRICE OF $4,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 22 ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 PRINCE NEFF 9/5


# 3 NAFIR'S BEST 7/2


# 6 HE'S SMASHED 2/1


PRINCE NEFF looks formidable to best this field. Reliable average Equibase speed figs in dirt route races make this pony a solid choice. I like the jock on this gelding - formidable chance to win the affair. He has to be given a shot given the solid speed numbers. NAFIR'S BEST - Could provide positive gains based on decent recent speed figures with an average of 74. Always good to invest in a conditioner with this kind of competitive win percentage - 19 percent - at this distance & surface. HE'S SMASHED - Mullins has him trained admirably to break swiftly out of the starting gate. Garnered a solid speed figure in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Thistledown

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


Race 7 - Allowance - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $34800 Class Rating: 77

FOR REGISTERED OHIO FOALS THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 22 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JUNE 22 ALLOWED 4 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 TRUE ALL ALONG 5/1


# 8 HE'S TAKEN 6/1


# 2 THREE SOCKS 12/1


TRUE ALL ALONG looks like the bet in here. Reason to like this colt as he has in the irons one of the best jocks using winning percentages over the last month.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Emerald Downs - Race #4 - Post: 3:25pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,900 Class Rating: 77

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 JUDY KAY (ML=3/1)


JUDY KAY - A pony coming back this promptly after a solid race is a good signal.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 TWELFTH FAN (ML=2/1), #5 JAZZ QUEEN (ML=5/2), #2 VELOCITA (ML=6/1),

TWELFTH FAN - Not likely that the fig she earned on Aug 8th will hold up in this clash. JAZZ QUEEN - A bit of a lackluster performance when this filly finished fifth. VELOCITA - Last ran on August 8th at Emerald Downs, finishing sixth. Unlikely to move up off of that performance in today's event.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #3 JUDY KAY to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
3 with 1

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Monmouth - Race #8 - Post: 4:15pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 80

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 KID GAVILAN (ML=6/1)
#6 PAPER STREET (ML=6/1)


KID GAVILAN - This horse is tops in earnings per race. He looks strong in today's affair. A win pct the likes of what Gudiel and Farro have achieved together is terrific. This gelding gets a weight break of -8 lbs from last race. Certainly could make the difference in this race. PAPER STREET - This animal obviously likes the conditions for today's race. Has registered the highest speed fig on the turf at the distance/surface. Have to give this gelding a shot. Ran a solid outing last out within the last month. This gelding's last speed rating recorded on Aug 7th is at the top in last race speed ratings. Horse has improved at least 2 Equibase speed figure points in last 2 races. I look for that to continue right here in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 POWERLINE (ML=5/2), #5 MR. CANADA (ML=3/1), #3 BEAU JANGLES (ML=4/1),

POWERLINE - Didn't meet expectations as the public's choice back to back. MR. CANADA - Should be difficult for this mount to beat this group off of that last speed fig. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's Equibase class figure, so put him on the likely underlays list. BEAU JANGLES - This gelding probably needs a better pace situation to make his closing move.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #1 KID GAVILAN to win if we can get at least 2/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #10 - 5:48 PM


The Alabama Stakes

10.0 FURLONGS DIRT GRADE I THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $600,000.00 PURSE

#3 LOVELY MARIA
#4 I'M A CHATTERBOX
#2 CURALINA
#7 SWEETGRASS

For you folks who enjoy a little Thoroughbred Racing History to accompany your handicapping efforts this afternoon ... this prestigious stakes race for 3-year-old fillies is one of the oldest races for females in the United States, with its first edition taking place in 1872 in a race won by August Belmont's Woodbine. The race was not precisely named in honor of the great state of Alabama; rather, it was named after William Cottrill of Mobile, Ala., who was too modest to have a race named for him personally and requested it be named after his home state. Cottrill, who came to the United States from England during the 1840's, was an owner and breeder whose Ascension finished 10th in the inaugural Kentucky Derby in 1875 and whose Buchanan won the "Run for the Roses" in 1884.

Here in lthe 135th renewal of this stakes test, #3 LOVELY MARIA, a 5-1 shot on top folks ... has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of her last five outings, hitting the board in four, including a trio of "POWER RUN WINS" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency. #4 I'M A CHATTERBOX has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in five straight, including a quarter of "POWER RUN WINS!"

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Saturday 8/22 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 9 - $20,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet: SHOOTIN TO KILL (1st)

Spot Play: M A SMASH ON (6th)


Race 1

(9) SHOOTIN TO KILL has yet to put it all together but has been knocking on the door against much better. (4) GOINDUNESIDE is in the same boat as the top choice; threat. (1) NASHMAN flashed a decent last quarter in Springfield and has room to improve second start on a big track.

Race 2

(6) THESLEAZYPRINCE pacer is on the verge of a breakthrough performance which could come against a soft bunch this week. (7) SILVER SAGE two-year-old also has been facing better and was the driver's choice. (5) BYSIDE TEQUILLA gets a good starting post with options in a field full of question marks.

Race 3

(6) DIXIE'S BOY sophomore pacer has trouble staying focused but can score a victory with a good setup. (2) DINKY DUNE just missed last out and will be on the lead or in the pocket. (5) EARNDAWG just held on last week and has been vulnerable in more than half his starts. The pacer is the horse to beat but will offer low value.

Race 4

(2) CHAR N MARG filly pacer has been progressing each week beating a really nice horse last out. (4) LIKEAFIREBALLSHOT scored a huge win three starts ago at this track; fires early. (7) FOX VALLEY ADDISON well bred 2-year-old put it all together last week earning a hard-fought victory but will need more.

Race 5

(4) SHHRAYRAY set a lifetime mark last week and will be tough to beat with an easy early lead. (9) NITTY GRITTY mare faces the boys but has been racing gamely and should offer value. (6) DAKOTA ROADSTER has been very disappointing this year but drops in for a tag for the first time against significantly weaker.

Race 6

(3) M A SMASH ON freshman pacer gets sent out for proven connections coming off a nice effort. (2) WONDROUS SPORT gets a big post edge on his main rivals; fires early. (1) DB nice looking pacer has been very inconsistent but also owns big ability.

Race 7

(2) LUCKY CRUSADER drops in class and was the driver's choice of three. (5) TEA PARTY PATRIOT the pacer has had no racing luck for over a month. The 4-year-old will offer a big price and just needs fast fractions to close into. (1) LIL AL BUNDY could be the sleeper in the race should the top choice falter.

Race 8

(1) UNLOCKED four-year-old stallion isn't shipping in from out east for fun. The pacer will be used very aggressively. (3) ICE SCRAPER will look to go wire to wire again but unlike the last few weeks there's some serious closers in the race; vulnerable late. (7) A COOL CARD well bred pacer has been lights out for a new barn; threat.

Race 9

(6) ST ELMO HERO will look to make it three wins in six starts after just missing at this level in his last two; fires early. (7) ROCKIN THE HOUSE well bred pacer is razor sharp and will look to make it three straight. (8) LENNOX BLUE CHIP is always capable with a good setup; fires late.

Race 10

(4) OUR MISS LILY just won at this level two back and should offer a fair price. (7) FOX VALLEY CHARM was the driver's choice of four and is very fast when she stays pacing. (8) LOVE THIS PLACE mare has really lacked pop late; command a price.

Race 11

(1) JOYFUL GAME mare will look to score a big payday and has been knocking on the door in recent. (7) FOX VALLEY AUBRY could be sitting on a big mile at a price. (2) FINANCIAL EFFORT mare hasn't raced on the big track much this year, however this field came up very soft for the big purse; threat.

Race 12

(4) UNCLE BUD was the top driver's choice of four and takes a big dropdown in class. (1) PART TIME pacer has been sharp and will offer a nice price. (7) ENDEAVORS KING made very little effort last week as the heavy favorite but showed a big late burst; use underneath.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Saturday 8/22 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

1,3/1,2,4,10/1,2/4,5 = $32



LATE PICK 4: 2,10/1,5/1,4,5,7/1,4,7,8 = $64

MEET STATS: 240 - 791 / $1382.00 BEST BETS: 33 - 71 / $110.60

SPOT PLAYS: 9 - 68 / $73.10

Best Bet: CAMAES FELLOW (12th)

Spot Play: AMERICAN PASSPORT (10th)

Race 1

(1) MONEY MAVEN takes a class drop and gets a notable driver change. He should get put into the race earlier than he has been here; top call. (10) CANTABS FORTUNE has been disappointing but qualified well with the trotting hopples removed and could try to wire this. (6) CAL CHIPS BROTHER has yet to win in 2015 but came up with his best mile of the year last week; maybe.

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Race 2

(1) TALK SHOW was narrowly beaten in a fast mile at Tioga last time and should be tough to beat from the inside here. (2) VORACITY is only a nose away from being unbeaten and looks like the main threat here. (3) HEAVYMETAL HANOVER has a knack for finishing 2nd and could split the top two here as well.

Race 3

(3) THATSOVERYNICE broke before the start last time and was so far back that she was refunded. If she can stay pacing here the pace scenario should favor her closing style. (2) BLUE MOON STRIDE has reeled off 4 straight wins down south and is the filly to chase down here. (7) JK FANNIE is still a maiden but has early speed to offer and is likely to get sent hard from the outset by the leading driver. She has upset possibilities.

Race 4

(1) IDEAL ROCKY fires home quickly every week and starting from the inside only makes him tougher; top call. (3) MINDTRIP has been brought along slowly and escapes an ultra-tough unbeaten opponent that he faced every week prior to this. Stick this colt on your early pick 4 ticket. (5) THE CATAMOUNT KID has good late speed to offer and should be around for a share here.

Race 5

(2) CARRACCI HANOVER went a big mile uncovered last week and was only picked off late. He can take these if he can latch onto some cover. (4) ATOMIC MILLION AM hinted at a return to his best form last week and should be respected here. (1) PIERCE HANOVER has been facing sophomore bearcats most of the summer and this field of elders is probably easier; using.

Race 6

(1) A J CORBELLI vaulted up late last week off excess cover and figures prominently with the class drop here. (2) THINKING OUT LOUD has seen better days but may perk up with Waples returning to the bike; using. (Note: Top choice Thunder Steeler was scratched).

Race 7

(4) ODDS ON EQUULEUS was over-driven to some insane fractions on Hambletonian Day and understandably stopped in the stretch. He should be tough here. (5) MCWICKED has had two starts back this year after a super sophomore year in which he earned $1.4 million. He should start showing more very soon. (6) DUC DORLEANS was overmatched in the Dan Patch but can share here.

Race 8

(2) MILEYS BIG WORLD took a new life's mark last week displaying big speed early and enough pace late when she needed it. She can take another here. (10) D GS PESQUERO returns to Mohawk and drops in class. She should be a big threat, even from post 10. (7) MISS ALI MACH N showed improvement last week in this class and could pop here at a price.

Race 9

(1) DARLINONTHEBEACH closed sharply for third last time after missing a month. This well-bred filly should be tough here from the inside and possibly offer a square price. (5) L A DELIGHT has easily won all of her last 5 starts impressively but has yet to set or overcome a fast pace. She should get a stiffer challenge here. (7) SHOW TIME HILL took control of her last mile with a strong third 1/4. She isn't without a chance here.

Race 10

(7) AMERICAN PASSPORT roared home last time out in :26 flat and should get plenty of pace to chase here; upset special. (5) CONTROL THE MOMENT puts his unbeaten record on the line here and is obviously the one to knock off. (1) ROCK POWER displayed big improvement last time out and can't be discounted.

Race 11

(4) IDEAL JET has powered home in :26 2/5 twice in a row, gets lots of early speed to chase and should be a good price; top call. (8) PRESCOTTS HOPE has proven his quick ascension from low claimers was no fluke and must be chased down late. (1) SOUTHWIND AMAZON made a threatening move last week then leveled off late. He is another that should be on late pick 4 tickets.

Race 12

(2) CAMAES FELLOW takes a big class plunge here and is very likely to go coast-to-coast. (3) COMPANY MAN was a good third last time now returns to a circuit where he has raced well in the past; beware. (4) TWANG TWANG was a huge winner off the claim and can't be discounted. (5) SUNNY BEACH DAY is typically competitive at this class and likely closes for a share here. (9) WAZZUP WAZZUP was sent hard on Tuesday here on the class drop and failed to last. This assignment is tougher.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pocono: Saturday 8/22 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Best Bet: WIGGLE IT JIGGLEIT (12th)

Spot Play: RUFO (4th)


Race 1

(5) OOH BAD SHARK has been sharp all year long and should enjoy the driver change to Morrill along with an improved post. (7) YAGONNAKISSMEORNOT bested the top choice last time and qualifies as one of the best mares in the sport; must use. (3) KRISPY APPLE has been firing on all cylinders at Yonkers but meets a slightly better group tonight. (2) CINAMONY is hard to completely toss having won 7 of 12 races this year.

Race 2

(5) SOUTHWIND ROULETTE has been getting caught in some fast miles of late. This looks like a spot where she can take charge. (2) INVEST IN ART has form and you have to like the switch to Tim Tetrick, but I fear she may be overbet. (7) WELL HELLO THERE was my selection before the re-draw moved her outside. Ron Burke trainee has a shot with a decent trip.

Race 3

(7) DONATOMITE is coming out of the Hambletonian, so this group is clearly easier. I’d rather a catch-driver in the bike, but Trond Smedshammer is capable of leaving strong and taking this field wire to wire. (5) MUSCLE DIAMOND is probably the most talented horse in this field. If he has a good day, he’ll likely win. (2) CRUZADO DELA NOCHE has made breaks in four consecutive starts but looks capable of competing with a clean line.

Race 4

(3) RUFO went down the road with Lasix added last week. The guy is sharp enough to win and finds a field he can handle. (7) DRAGON EDDY didn’t respond quite as nicely as the top one to Lasix, but sometimes it takes a start before the medication kicks in. Gelding has high early speed and figures to make some noise. (6) ROLLING RING AFIRE aimed too high versus Wiggle It Jiggleit last time in the Cane Pace. I’d expect a better effort this time.

Race 5

(2) WIND OF THE NORTH has absolutely no chance of closing from last in the Cashman final on Hambletonian Day. This guy has returned from Europe in fine form and seems very capable of the upset. (4) RESOLVE was super in his last start and only missed a neck to likely heavy favorite (5) JL CRUZE on July 18. The latter has a near perfect record this year, but he may have to drop four seconds from his recent qualifier to win on Saturday and hasn’t been in a real race in over a month. (3) NATURAL HERBIE is very capable of upsetting given the right scenario.

Race 6

(2) STORM POINT had no shot from post eight last time and her prior form is very good. She finds the perfect spot to leave for position and get the job done. (1) SINGLE ME has some ability but remains winless in 11 starts this year. (5) SERIOUS FILLY hasn’t been on top of her gamne lately, but she has still won half of her starts.

Race 7

Sometimes you have to ignore the post and put your faith in the horse. I’m not sure why (9) CENTURION ATM came up empty in his Hambletonian elimination, but he is far and away the best horse in this race and should score with any reasonable journey. (3) WHOM SHALL I FEAR beat up on lesser in the Ackerman and should be better for the experience. (6) ALDERBARAN EAGLE put his early speed on the backburner in the Hambo but should let in shine through tonight. (5) FASHION CREDITOR is a nice horse that could hit the exotics.

Race 8

(6) BADIOU HANOVER doesn’t exactly jump off the page, but his last win came in a similar spot back on July 4 at this track. (1) BLOOD BROTHER seems to be racing better of late and could be ready to realize some of his untapped potential. (2) ALLBEEF N NOBULL was overmatched in the Milstein; this is easier.

Race 9

(1) DAPPER DUDE hasn’t exactly put together the best year with just one win from 19 starts, but he draws well and gets a nice driver change to Gingras. (2) ALWAYS AT MY PLACE has won five straight and seems like a new horse since joining the Burke barn. Where is his bottom? (3) BANDOLITO has proven to be very fast and we get a catch-driver this week; respect.

Race 10

(5) THE SHOW RETURNS has proven capable of stepping up at times and this division always seems like a crapshoot. John Campbell, who has driven her very well this year, is back in the bike and the price should be big enough to warrant the selection. (4) BETTOR BE STEPPIN probably should have won last time and trainer Holloway will make a bridle change now. She has high speed and has raced well here. (6) MOONLIT DANCE is fun to watch as she has an explosive turn of foot; huge chance. (8) WICKED LITTLE MINX may have been unlucky that a scratch moves her into this race. She has a chance with a decent trip, but would have been the favorite in the consolation.

Race 11

(8) CANEPA HANOVER put in a disappointing effort in the Hambletonian and now trainer Jimmy Takter elects for a catch-driver in Campbell. I know the talent is there and so will the value. Hambletonian champion (2) PINKMAN is undoubtedly the one to beat, but the likely 3-5 price seems short against a pretty good field. (1) CRAZY WOW is fast enough to stay with these and he should be fresher having skipped the Hambletonian (ineligible).

Race 12

(1) WIGGLE IT JIGGLEIT got back on the right track in the Milstein Memorial at Northfield and seems difficult to pick against after another favorable draw. (7) WAKIZASHI HANOVER could be the value in the exacta. Gelding has the early speed to leave for position and only needs a reasonable trip to give the winner a tussle. (2) DUDE’S THE MAN has earned my respect in recent weeks. I wouldn’t be surprised if he won. (4) SPLIT THE HOUSE has ability but lacks seasoning; worth inclusion at the right price.

Race 13

(7) DREAMS BEACHBOY finds a very soft spot and should take care of business. (6) LYONS AGAIN has enough early speed to get involved. (1) REGGIANO picked up his game on the trainer change.

Race 14

(6) DELI BEACH remains winless on the year but I’m willing to forgive much of her poor showings. She really should be able to handle this group. (7) BODACIOUS has been sharp since moving into the Elliott barn. (1) SHAKAI HANOVER finally gets a good post to work with this week.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Saturday 8/22 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 242 - 757 / $1390.60 BEST BETS: 33 - 60 / $113.10

Best Bet: RULES OF THE ROAD (2nd)

Spot Play: KIWI IDEAL N (10th)


Race 1

(2) DALLENBACH HANOVER is clearly feeling good again and the veteran will be right there throughout from this inside post. (1) MOONLITEONTHEBEACH is a talented gelding who fits with these, is a proven moneymaker but seems to lack the winning touch. (4) BREES CREEK gets a touch of post relief, returns to Brennan and could be more involved.

Race 2

(1) RULES OF THE ROAD followed up her game placing in the Hambo Oaks with a solid front-end score last week at Tioga; well-mannered filly is clearly the one to beat here. (3) BRIGHT BABY BLUES was third in the Oaks, holding gamely off a long uncovered trip; she looks clearly second best here. (4) SCENTED ROSES picks up Dube tonight for the solid Ake Svanstedt barn.

Race 3

(5) FLEM N EM N was a solid second best to Mcerlean last week; he needs to be aggressively handled early from this spot but he does look best. (1) CLASSIESISTAR N recovered from an early (uncharted) break leaving the gate last out to be second best; big threat from this rail spot. (3) LETTUCEROCKU A gets needed post relief and can land a share.

Race 4

(1) MARION MILLIONAIR will take these coast-to-coast as long as she behaves herself. (2) LADY WINONA could line up behind the top choice and stalk throughout as second best. (3) MURDERERS ROW finished willingly last out at Tioga and the Chuck Sylvester trainee should be gaining late.

Race 5

(1) HERE WE GO AGAIN gets another crack at this reduced level but this time he lands inside and won't have to be sacrificed first over; Bartlett can work out a winning trip tonight. (3) ASLAN also gets needed post relief and will be much more involved. (5) HANG TEN was aggressively handled last out from the eight hole at a big price and understandably flattened; maybe that was a sign of better things to come from this Burke trainee.

Race 6

(6) DYNAMIC YOUTH really had no chance in his debut for the Burke barn last week, but he did close with pace in a quick last quarter. This Open came up slightly softer tonight and I expect Brennan to get more aggressive. (1) TEXICAN N draws best and Carlson will be taking full advantage. (2) SAPPHIRE CITY also lands all the way back inside. Toss out last week's eight-hole effort where he took no money and had absolutely no chance.

Race 7

(1) FRANKIE'S DRAGON drops in class, draws best and is the default chalk selection based on those two important angles. (5) MR HASANI N is back at a level where he was very competitive last month. (4) BIG N BAD has raced well in all recent and certainly rates in the top three from this spot.

Race 8

(4) TOBER gets some needed post relief and while I think in reality he's a notch below the Open-caliber types there's no standouts in here and he's inside what he needs to beat; Bartlett's choice. (6) DEWYCOLORINTHELINE was uninvolved last week but he could be more forwardly placed tonight. (8) NOT AFRAID is assigned post eight and rightfully so but the Takter trainee will have his work cut out for him from this spot.

Race 9

(8) FORTY FIVE RED sizzled around the track last week en route to a record-tying time; I assume he will drive on early from this spot and if he makes the lead he can repeat. (1) BEST SAID steps up to this level but does draw best and may be fast enough to compete. (6) NATIONAL DEBT woke up in a big way with the barn change to Alagna and we'll see if he's capable of going even faster tonight.

Race 10

(5) KIWI IDEAL N needs a trip but he's razor-sharp right now for Cassar and deserves a long look versus these. (6) PANIC DISORDER has been no worse than third since shipping in and joining the Brandon Todd barn. (3) AMERICAN VENTURE has one big move in him but this seems like an ambitious step up in class.

Race 11

(5) NF HAPPENSTANCE has missed time but last month at this level she swept the field from post eight; maybe. (6) MARCH AWARENESS broke leaving last out; prior efforts were solid. (3) SOUL TRAIN was a strong winner versus lesser in an added-distance event upon shipping in from Ohio; he's triple-jumping in class tonight but Carlson sticks with him.

Race 12

(2) BULLET BOB drops in class, gets needed post relief and should be on or near the lead in this tough-to-figure finale. (5) ONE THROUGH TEN steps back up in class after finally getting a win and he should be leaving the gate again. (1) AMERICAN FLIGHT doesn't look like a win candidate but departing from the best post should make him a contender underneath.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Arlington Park (2nd) Tasseography, 5-1
(5th) Montana Kid, 7-2


Belterra Park (1st) Leisurely Stroll, 7-2
(6th) Moon Traveler, 3-1


Canterbury (2nd) Itsallaboutyou, 8-1
(6th) Ready Jett, 9-2


Charles Town (2nd) Hulacon, 4-1
(7th) Jax and Yoko, 9-2


Delaware Park (3rd) Resourceful, 9-2
(7th) Tiara Gold, 8-1


Del Mar (9th) Red Vine, 6-1
(10th) Mischief Clem, 5-1


Ellis Park (1st) Pastor Paige, 5-1
(4th), Nifty Fifty, 9-2


Emerald Downs (3rd) Knife River, 5-1
(7th) Teacra, 4-1


Evangeline Downs (5th) Rebel Heart, 5-1
(6th) Mr. Su Su, 6-1


Finger Lakes (3rd) Newfound Zapper, 7-2
(6th) Gramma G G, 9-2


Golden Gate Fields (1st) Guia, 7-2
(2nd) Secret Mark, 7-2


Gulfstream Park (6th) Legend Keeper, 5-1
(8th) Turnout, 8-1


Indiana Grand (4th) Sweet N Wicked, 5-1
(5th) Sunrise Countessa, 5-1


Laurel (2nd) I'm Mr. Blue, 7-2
(8th) Vielsalm, 9-2


Louisiana Downs (6th) Zarking, 4-1
(7th) Another Two Ex, 3-1


Monmouth Park (1st) Cassini, 3-1
(9th) Gombey Dancer, 6-1


Mountaineer (2nd) Oversized, 9-2
(5th) Pickherormiss, 8-1


Penn National (2nd) Chase Me Now, 9-2
(5th) Student Union, 9-2


Remington Park (3rd) Marlene's Love, 6-1
(9th) James and Company, 10-1


Retama Park (2nd) Su Elegancia, 5-1
(5th) Silver Doddge, 6-1


Saratoga (5th) Day of Fury, 5-1
(9th) Top Billing, 5-1


Thistledown (1st) Sister Josephine, 9-2
(8th) Cash Conversion, 10-1


Woodbine (1st) Tobruk, 3-1
(3rd) Reserve Love, 6-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants (66-56) at Pirates (72-48)

Game: 3
Venue: PNC Park
Date: August 22, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

Wins used to be easy to come by for Gerrit Cole, but suddenly Pittsburgh's ace can't buy one during a stretch in which his team hasn't lost very often.

The Pirates have won 15 of 22 and will try to get Cole his elusive 15th victory on Saturday against Mike Leake and the visiting Giants.

Cole (14-7, 2.61 ERA) has three of Pittsburgh's six losses in August and has been stuck on 14 wins since July 26. He missed four chances to become baseball's first 15-game winner and will now try to tie the league's high-water mark.

Opponents are hitting .300 against Cole this month and he's posted a 4.70 ERA in four starts. That stretch without a win ties a career-worst drought set from April 15-May 2, 2014.

But there is good news.

Cole snapped last year's drought with a 4-3 home win over the Giants, a team he's 3-0 against with a 2.11 ERA in his first three years with the Pirates (72-48).

The right-hander held the Giants (66-56) to two unearned runs in seven innings of a 4-3 road win June 1.

That victory was part of six straight for Cole from May 22-June 18, and to get back to that level he'll have to come out of the gates better. Three of the first seven Diamondbacks he faced Monday drilled balls off the PNC Park wall for extra bases, accounting for a third of the hits he allowed over 6 2-3 innings in a 4-1 loss.

Batters are hitting .293 in the first inning off Cole and .238 after that.

"If you don't come out locating the ball early, they're going to punish you," Cole told MLB's official website.

This is the fourth time Cole and Leake (9-6, 3.52) have squared off this season, with Leake's team winning the first three. But the former Cincinnati right-hander will be wearing a different uniform for this one.

Leake is making just his second start for the Giants after spending the past two weeks on the shelf with a strained left hamstring. He gave up two runs in 6 1-3 innings of his San Francisco debut, a 2-1 loss at Texas on Aug. 2.

Leake is 2-0 with a 1.56 ERA in five starts against the Pirates since last season's All-Star break, and he's 3-0 with a 2.11 ERA in his last seven in Pittsburgh.

Three of the four hitters Leake has faced most in his career are Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez, who have combined to hit just three homers in 158 at-bats. Not far behind in terms of seeing Leake is Aramis Ramirez, who's 6 for 36.

Marlon Byrd homered in his first at-bat with the Giants on Friday night, then later singled and doubled in a 6-4 win that snapped San Francisco's four-game losing streak to the Pirates.

Much like Leake, the Pirates are familiar with Byrd from his days in Cincinnati and they can't like what they've seen. The outfielder is hitting .361 with six homers and 14 RBIs in 14 games against Pittsburgh this season. Two of those long balls came among his six hits in 11 at-bats against Cole.

'He probably wanted to make a good first impression,' San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said. 'He did more than that. It's something we need.'

Josh Harrison went 0 for 2 and was hit by a pitch in his first action for the Pirates since undergoing thumb surgery in early July.

Starting pitcher Chris Heston, second on the Giants with 11 wins, was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento to make room for Byrd. Bochy said the move "gives him a little breather" before the rookie gets called up when rosters expand Sept. 1.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (53-69) at Cubs (69-51)

Game: 3
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 22, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

By adding to the Atlanta Braves' misery on the road, the Chicago Cubs seem to have rebounded from a minor rough stretch.

After taking the first two of this four-game set, the Cubs look to hand the Braves a season-high eighth consecutive road defeat Saturday.

Chicago (69-51) dropped three straight, and allowed 25 runs with 40 hits while by being swept by Detroit in a two-game home set before holding offensively challenged Atlanta to four runs in the last two contests. Four Cubs relievers held the Braves (53-69) to one hit over four scoreless innings of Friday's comeback 5-3 victory as Chicago maintained its four-game lead over San Francisco for the NL's second wild card.

"Every single game is important at this point," said catcher Miguel Montero, who delivered a tiebreaking double in the sixth. "As long as we win, everything is going to be fine."

Chicago has taken advantage of the reeling Braves, the NL's lowest-scoring team that's dropped seven straight road games for the second time in less than two months. Atlanta has been held to three or fewer runs 19 times while losing 20 of the last 22 away from home.

"We're showing up," Shelby Miller told MLB's official website after his winless stretch reached 17 straight starts. "We're trying to win ballgames and we're obviously on a little rough streak right now. But hopefully we can turn that around."

Atlanta led 3-1 after a two-run double from Nick Markakis in the fourth Friday, but stranded nine men and went 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position.

Despite Atlanta's road struggles, Markakis ranks among the major league leaders with a .324 average away from home. He's hit .192 with a homer and two doubles in 26 at-bats against Dan Haren (8-8, 3.63 ERA), but last faced him in 2013.

Atlanta has clubbed a major league-low 74 home runs but Haren has allowed an NL-high 27, including six while going 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in three starts since Chicago acquired him at the trade deadline. The right-hander served up three in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the White Sox.

Haren gave up two homers and one other hit in seven innings of a 6-2 win at Atlanta for Miami on April 15.

Cameron Maybin hit one of those home runs, and is batting .358 in the last 14 contests.

Michael Bourn, however, is 4 for 39 with 11 strikeouts in 12 games since joining Atlanta from Cleveland earlier this month.

The Braves have dropped the last five starts by Williams Perez (4-4, 4.34), who fell to 0-4 with a 6.75 ERA during that stretch after allowing four runs, seven hits and walking four in 6 1-3 innings of Monday's 5-3 loss at San Diego. Despite that rough stretch, manager Fredi Gonzalez has been pleased with the rookie's effort this season.

"He's got a nice feel for pitching," Gonzalez told MLB's official website.

The right-hander gets his first look at the Cubs and should see Chris Coghlan, who has batted .444, hit four of his career-high 15 homers and drove in 10 runs over his last six contests. He's hitting .480 with two homers and 10 RBIs in his last seven against the Braves.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (53-70) at Nationals (60-61)

Game: 2
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: August 22, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Just as Washington welcomed one of baseball's top infield prospects to the majors, it may be without its veteran third baseman for the immediate future.

While Trea Turner continues to get situated in the majors, it's uncertain if Yunel Escobar will be available for the struggling Nationals on Saturday night against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers.

Turner went 0 for 2 after coming off the bench for his much-anticipated debut in Friday's 10-3 defeat. However, it was overshadowed by a rough night from Washington's pitchers and an injury to Escobar.

Batting .305, Escobar was injured when he ran into a railing and a fan's chest while chasing a foul ball in the first inning. His injury is the latest setback for the Nationals (60-61), who have dropped eight of the last 10 and are five games behind the first-place New York Mets in the NL East.

"Try to come back and get ready for them (Saturday)," losing pitcher Gio Gonzalez said.

Unlikely to play third, Turner was at shortstop Friday and could see time at second base. He batted .322 with eight home runs and 54 RBIs in 116 games between Double-A and Triple-A this season. Though Washington has been held to three or fewer runs in six of the last 10, it doesn't expect Turner to provide an instant fix.

"We're not expecting him to be the savior of the offense or the savior of the ballclub," general manager Mike Rizzo said. "We just want him to do what he does best.'

Bryce Harper's 31st homer Friday was the second in his last 21 games, and third while batting .545 in his last seven against the Brewers (53-70), who moved out of last place in the NL Central.

Joe Ross (3-5, 3.86 ERA) allowed two runs and struck out eight in a season-high eight innings of a 7-2 victory at Milwaukee in his second career start July 13.

The right-hander went 1-0 with a 2.19 ERA in his first two starts of August, but is 0-2 with a 9.35 ERA in the last two. He failed to complete five innings in both of those outings.

Jonathan Lucroy went 2 for 4 against Ross, and had three of the Brewers' 14 hits Friday as they won for the fifth time in the last seven contests. Lucroy is batting .350 in the last six games, and .340 in 13 at Washington.

While the Brewers managed one hit against Max Scherzer on June 14, rookie Taylor Jungmann (7-4, 2.23) allowed two runs in five innings of a 4-0 defeat to the Nationals in his second career start.

One of the few bright spots for Milwaukee since debuting June 9, Jungmann has allowed more than two earned runs once in his 13 starts. He gave up three hits and struck out a season-high nine over 6 1-3 scoreless innings of Sunday's 6-1 win over Philadelphia.

That came one start after the right-hander yielded four runs in 2 2-3 innings of a 6-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

"I was confident he was going to bounce back," manager Craig Counsell told MLB's official website. "There's going to be blips in the road, and he came back and pitched a really nice game."

Jungmann has gone eight straight starts spanning 51 2-3 innings since allowing a home run.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (61-61) at Orioles (62-59)

Game: 3
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: August 22, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

One of the best bullpens in the majors is coming apart at the wrong time for the Baltimore Orioles.

The Minnesota Twins have taken advantage, and they'll look to take the first three of this crucial four-game set Saturday night at Camden Yards.

Baltimore's relievers entered this series with a 2.68 ERA that ranked second in the AL and fourth in baseball, but it surrendered a season-worst eight runs in four innings of Thursday's 15-2 loss to the Twins.

Gerardo Parra hit a three-run homer and Wei-Yin Chen pitched six solid innings Friday before All-Star reliever Darren O'Day allowed three runs and four hits in two-thirds of an inning in the eighth as Minnesota rallied for a 4-3 victory.

O'Day hadn't allowed a run in his previous 11 appearances, and the Orioles (62-59) had won 51 of their previous 52 when leading after seven. Texas beat Detroit to pull even with Baltimore behind the Los Angeles Angels for the AL's second wild card.

"The baseball gods aren't always kind to you," manager Buck Showalter said. "You wear it and try to come back and know tomorrow you have a chance to have a different feeling."

Chris Tillman (9-7, 4.54 ERA) hopes to keep the bullpen's work to a minimum in this contest. Tillman has come on strong since June 28, going 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA while giving up two runs or fewer seven times in eight starts.

He bounced back from a rough outing against Seattle on Aug. 11 - his first start after skipping his turn in the rotation because of a sore left ankle - and allowed a pair of solo homers through seven innings of Monday's 4-2 win over Oakland.

"I feel like right now as long as our starters are giving the team a chance to win and get deep into the game, set up the bullpen how it needs to be set up, I think we will be ready," Tillman said after his last outing.

The right-hander, though, is 0-3 with a 5.06 ERA in five career starts against the Twins and has lasted a combined 9 1-3 innings over the last three. He'll try to prevent Minnesota from winning three straight for the first time since a four-game run July 10-17.

Kurt Suzuki's two-run single put the Twins ahead for good Friday, and he's driven in seven while batting .429 during a five-game hitting streak. He's 8 for 17 in four games against the Orioles, who have dropped all five meetings this season.

The Twins (61-61) are 1 1/2 games behind the Orioles and Rangers in the wild-card race.

"It's a big victory because we're playing a team that's pretty good and they're ahead of us right now, and we're trying to get in that wild card," outfielder Torii Hunter said.

The Twins look to keep rolling behind Kyle Gibson (8-9, 3.99), who has continued to struggle since the All-Star break.

Gibson had a 2.85 ERA while allowing at least five earned runs twice through his first 18 starts, including an 8-3 win over Baltimore on July 7 when he struck out seven in six innings. He's gone 0-3 with a 7.91 ERA in his last six, though.

The right-hander allowed at least six runs for the fourth time in that stretch in Baltimore's 8-7, 10-inning loss to the New York Yankees.

Minnesota is seeking a third straight road victory for the time since a season-best four-game run April 25-May 9.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (60-61) at Reds (51-69)

Game: 3
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: August 22, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Paul Goldschmidt's slump has him losing ground in the NL batting chase, but A.J. Pollock's torrid stretch has turned him into a contender.

Pollock looks to continue pounding the last-place Cincinnati Reds as the Arizona Diamondbacks try to deal them an eighth straight loss Saturday night.

Goldschmidt entered August with a league-leading .349 average and seemed to be on his way to becoming the first Diamondback to win a batting crown. That prospect has become murky with his average dropping to .326 while he's hitting .208 in 19 games - 2 for 25 in the past six.

Pollock, however, has entered the race thanks to his .438 average over the past 15 games, increasing his season mark 19 points to .321.

Both Goldschmidt and Pollock are chasing Miami's Dee Gordon (.338) for the league lead.

Pollock has matched his career high with four hits in each of the first two of this series, coming a triple shy of the cycle in Friday's 6-3 victory.

The center fielder is a career .465 hitter in 13 games against the Reds, going 10 for 18 in five at Cincinnati. Goldschmidt, however, is 1 for 17 in his last four games there.

"I think he'll probably be in the lineup (Saturday)," manager Chip Hale deadpanned about Pollock's availability.

The Diamondbacks (60-61) are giving Randall Delgado (4-3, 2.70 ERA) his first start of the season after Jeremy Hellickson went on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring Thursday. The right-hander is 11-19 with a 4.23 ERA in 47 career starts over the past four years with Arizona and Atlanta.

"With his velocity and repertoire of pitches that he has, I think (senior vice president and general manager Dave Stewart) wants to get an idea if this guy can be a starter for us in the future, so he wants to give him a shot," Hale told MLB's official website. "He's got good stuff, he's started in the past. He's still a young guy. He's 25 years old, so let's see what he's got."

Delgado is 0-3 with a 4.70 ERA in four career starts against the Reds, losing both in Cincinnati with a 7.15 ERA.

These Reds (51-69) aren't exactly an intimidating presence, though. They're in the midst of a 3-13 stretch that's dropped them into the NL Central cellar.

Anthony DeSclafani (7-8, 3.72) will try to help dig them out and become the first Reds rookie to win eight games since Mike Leake in 2010.

The right-hander has fallen short in the last two attempts, going 0-1 while allowing five runs and 16 hits in 12 innings. That includes yielding three runs and 10 hits in six innings of a 4-3 loss in 10 at Arizona on Aug. 9. DeSclafani had won his two previous outings with a 1.38 ERA.

He's struggled with Goldschmidt, who is 3 for 3 with two doubles off him.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (48-74) at Marlins (50-72)

Game: 3
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: August 22, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Philadelphia Phillies' rebuilding effort was fully on display in the second game of this series, with the eight starters other than Ryan Howard combining for 573 fewer major league games played than the Miami Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki, who had 879 more under his belt than Howard.

Philadelphia's young lineup has continued to produce sans Chase Utley, though, and it looks to do the same for 37-year-old Aaron Harang against the host Marlins on Saturday night.

Utley played his last game for the Phillies (48-74) against Toronto on Tuesday before he was dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers the following night. That left Howard and veteran catcher Carlos Ruiz as the only players remaining from Philadelphia's 2009 club that won the World Series.

The Phillies have scored seven runs in each of their first three games without Utley in the lineup after Friday's 7-1 win over the Marlins (50-72). Howard had three doubles, rookie Odubel Herrera had two hits and starting pitcher Jerad Eickhoff - acquired in the non-waiver deadline trade that sent Cole Hamels to Texas - pitched six scoreless innings while adding a two-run single in his major league debut.

"There's so many people that help you get here, and it's just a testament of what they do," Eickhoff said. "A lot of it is on them and the guys in this locker room. It's just unbelievable.'

Harang (5-14, 4.79 ERA), meanwhile, is in the twilight of his career and has pitched like it recently. He hasn't recorded an out in the sixth inning in four of his last five starts, posting a 9.72 ERA in that stretch while allowing at least six runs three times. His last four outings have come after a nearly month-long stay on the disabled list because of plantar fasciitis.

The right-hander, who leads the majors in losses, pitched at least 5 2-3 innings in all of his first 16 outings.

"I was getting guys out," Harang said after allowing five of his six runs in the fifth inning of Sunday's 6-1 loss to Milwaukee. "It just spiraled out of control really quick."

Harang went 0-3 with a 6.15 ERA in six starts against the Marlins last season and is 1-4 with an 8.12 ERA in nine career outings at Miami. Marcell Ozuna is 6 for 15 with two homers and a double off Harang.

Suzuki, Dee Gordon and Justin Bour had two hits apiece Friday, but Derek Dietrich's homer in the seventh accounted for the Marlins' only run. Gordon is batting .520 during a six-game hitting streak and leads the majors with a .338 average for Miami, which had won four of its previous five after taking the opener of this four-game series 9-7 on Thursday.

Gordon is hitting .448 in seven games against the Phillies this season.

Justin Nicolino (2-1, 4.24) takes the mound for his fifth career start and third since being recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Aug. 11. He allowed two runs in 6 2-3 innings of Monday's 6-2 win over Milwaukee.

"I'm not an overpowering guy. I'm not going to punch out many people," said Nicolino, who has seven strikeouts in 23 1-3 innings. 'I had better command of (off-speed pitches) than my last couple of starts. For me, whenever I have command of those pitches, it is easier for me to go out there and get those outs.'

The left-hander gets his first look at the Phillies, who have won five of the last six meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (73-48) at Red Sox (56-66)

Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: August 22, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Kansas City Royals have been producing little offense against the Boston Red Sox, and the latest letdown came against a rookie pitcher who entered with an ERA over six.

The good news is the AL Central leaders will get another shot at exploiting similar numbers from another of Boston's youth Saturday night at Fenway Park, but if the lineup again fails, a win might require a new level of consistency from Yordano Ventura.

The Royals (73-48) have three runs and 10 hits in the first two games of the series after scoring one in eight innings against 23-year-old Henry Owens in Friday's 7-2 loss.

Lorenzo Cain is 0 for 7 in the series, has hit .091 in his last five games overall and is hitless in 18 at-bats over his last five at Fenway.

But with two errors and 14 hits allowed Friday, the Royals' problems ran deeper.

"No aspect of our game was tremendously good tonight," manager Ned Yost said. "It's rare when it happens, but it happens."

Matt Barnes is next in line and can give the Red Sox (56-66) their first five-game win streak this year, as well as an 11th win in 13 games against Kansas City since the start of last season. At Fenway, they've won five straight in the series and could get to fewer than 10 games under .500 this late in a season for the first time since the end of 2013.

Barnes (3-3, 6.59 ERA) gave up six runs and six hits with three walks and seven strikeouts in five innings of his first major league start - an 8-2 home loss to Cleveland on Monday. A five-run fourth spoiled what interim manager Torey Lovullo and Barnes himself thought was an otherwise promising outing after his first 26 appearances came in relief.

"I felt really good out there. I felt like I had really good command of all three pitches," Barnes told MLB's official website. "The fastball, when I missed, it was around the zone. Curveball I felt really good with and I was able to use the changeup."

Fenway has so far been his undoing with a 9.17 ERA and six home runs allowed in 17 2-3 innings compared to a 2.89 mark in 18 2-3 on the road.

Ventura (7-7, 4.82) has a shot at going three straight starts without allowing four runs for the first time this season, as well as six straight without a loss for the first time in his career.

The erratic right-hander surrendered two runs and five hits in seven innings of Sunday's 4-3 home win over the Los Angeles Angels but didn't earn the decision.

The 24-year-old is 1-0 with two runs and seven hits allowed over 13 innings in his last two outings, but he's walked seven in that time.

Both of his career starts against Boston have ended in defeats with a 7.15 ERA and .421 opponent on-base percentage. Mookie Betts and Brock Holt are 2 for 3 against Ventura.

Offensively, Boston seems more than capable of again causing him problems. Over a 6-2 span, the Red Sox are averaging 9.1 runs and batting .366.

Travis Shaw is batting .471 with four home runs in his last eight games, and Betts is hitting .382 in his last seven. Blake Swihart was 4 for 4 Friday and is 10 for 16 with four doubles and seven RBIs in his last four games.

"He's a great student of the game," Lovullo said. "He pays attention, and we feel like it's a really good sign of things to come."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (67-54) at Astros (67-56)

Game: 2
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: August 22, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Dodgers have relied heavily on Zack Greinke to bounce back from defeats. Now they need him to help rebound from a no-hitter.

Greinke will try to end the Dodgers' three-game slide by extending the longest single-season winning streak of his career Saturday night against the Houston Astros.

Owner of the lowest ERA in the majors, Greinke (13-2, 1.58) is on his way to the NL Cy Young Award. He may also garner some MVP consideration since he's 7-0 with a 1.21 ERA in 12 starts following a loss, helping the Dodgers go 10-2 in those games.

Los Angeles (67-54) is in need of another gem from Greinke after Mike Fiers tossed a no-hitter to lead Houston to a 3-0 win Friday in the opener of this three-game set.

Greinke is 8-0 with a 1.16 ERA over his last 11 starts, two shy of a career-best winning streak that spanned 13 starts from 2014-15.

He has the lowest ERA in team history after 24 starts since Burleigh Grimes posted a 1.55 mark in 1918, when the franchise was known as the Brooklyn Robins.

Greinke is tied for the club's single-season record set by Rube Marquard in 1916 and his ERA is also the lowest in the majors since Greg Maddux's 1.56 with Atlanta in 1994.

"With his stuff, if he's able to execute a pitch and put it where he wants, it's going to be a long day for the other side," teammate Andre Ethier said. "And he's done that all year, for the most part."

The right-hander certainly did that Sunday, allowing one run with eight strikeouts in seven innings of a 2-1 win over Cincinnati.

He's also been a threat at the plate, going 4 for 6 with two homers over his last three games, but he'll give way to a designated hitter in an AL park.

Greinke is 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA in six career starts against the Astros, but he last faced them three years ago with Milwaukee.

Los Angeles may have Yasiel Puig (right hamstring) back for the first time in three games after manager Don Mattingly said he should return in this series. Puig was hitting .333 with two homers and six RBIs in seven games before getting hurt, and he owns a .360 average in 18 road games during interleague play.

The Astros (67-56) are looking for Scott Kazmir (6-8, 2.43) to draw some inspiration from Fiers in order to bounce back from his worst performance since joining the club.

The left-hander matched his season highs with six runs and nine hits allowed in 5 1-3 innings of Monday's 9-2 loss to Tampa Bay.

He's lost three straight starts with a 4.86 ERA after going 2-0 and allowing one earned run in 34 innings over five starts with Houston and Oakland.

"I really don't feel like (I'm) off," said Kazmir, who has made five starts since being acquired in a trade with the A's. "I think it's just a matter of being completely sharp. I feel great. My fastball feels like it's where it needs to be. It's just a matter of executing. That's something when it comes to crucial times I didn't do it."

He's 1-1 with a 6.14 ERA in three career starts against the Dodgers, but this is his first since 2010.

Jake Marisnick had a two-run homer and a double Friday, snapping out of a 3-for-24 slump over his previous 16 games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (65-56) at Rockies (49-71)

Game: 2
Venue: Coors Field
Date: August 22, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

A deadline day trade delivered Yoenis Cespedes to the New York Mets, giving them the much-needed bona fide big bat in the middle of the lineup.

He's making that look like an excellent decision.

Cespedes looks to build on the best performance of his career as the NL East-leading Mets try to continue their dominance of the Colorado Rockies on Saturday night.

New York (65-56) may be last in the majors with a .238 average, but its offense has been much better since getting Cespedes from Detroit last month.

The Mets are 12-6 since the deal, averaging 5.33 runs with 29 homers to rank among the best in the majors during that stretch.

Cespedes hit three of New York's five homers Friday, connecting for a grand slam, a two-run shot and a solo blast while going 5 for 6 with seven RBIs and five runs in a 14-9 win. His 15 total bases were one shy of the franchise record set by Edgardo Alfonzo on Aug. 30, 1999.

"Good hitters find a night where they can lock themselves in and they won't miss a ball," Cespedes said through an interpreter. "They will hit it hard. I had that kind of night. This was the best night I have ever had."

Cespedes is hitting .316 with five homers and 15 RBIs with the Mets, including a .390 average while knocking in 12 in nine road games.

He's 8 for 15 with four homers, two doubles and nine RBIs his last three matchups with Colorado.

"Tough to keep him down for long," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "He's got big-time power. We saw it on display. It's just a matter of time before he gets rolling over there and he certainly did."

New York has won all five meetings with Colorado (49-71) this season and nine in a row dating to last year.

Jonathon Niese (7-9, 3.50 ERA) will try to push that streak to 10 as he seeks to win a third straight decision. He is 2-0 with a 2.42 ERA in his last four starts and has allowed one run and 12 hits over 22 2-3 innings while going 2-0 in his past three road outings.

The left-hander, though, has a 6.75 ERA in three career starts at Coors Field. He limited the Rockies to two runs in seven innings of a 4-2 win Aug. 10 at Citi Field.

The Rockies have dropped nine of their last 11 games, including those five defeats to New York. They're batting .199 and averaging 1.9 runs over the last nine matchups despite getting 13 hits Friday - eight for extra bases.

Nolan Arenado hit his 30th homer and also had a pair of doubles in the loss. He's batting .414 with nine RBIs in his last seven games.

Chris Rusin (4-5, 3.99) experienced Colorado's offensive woes against New York on Aug. 11, when he allowed one run in six innings of a 4-0 loss.

The left-hander, however, didn't need much help five days later when he tossed a five-hitter in a 5-0 win over San Diego for his first career complete game.

"I knew I had good location and I was able to hit my spots," Rusin said. "I just used that to my advantage and tried to do that the entire game."

Rusin is 3-1 with a 3.13 ERA in seven home starts.