Saturday 8/29/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 29

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NEW YORK (18 - 8) at CONNECTICUT (12 - 16) - 8/29/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 115-83 ATS (+23.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
NEW YORK is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in road games this season.
NEW YORK is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in August or September games this season.
NEW YORK is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) vs. division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-5 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 7-4 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (17 - 11) at ATLANTA (11 - 16) - 8/29/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
ATLANTA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-7 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 10-5 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA

Saturday, August 29

Trend Report

7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. ATLANTA
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Chicago

7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. CONNECTICUT
New York is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 6 games
Connecticut is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Connecticut's last 5 games when playing New York

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Saturday, August 29

Trend Report

1:07 PM
DETROIT vs. TORONTO
Detroit is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

4:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY METS
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games on the road
Boston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 5 games
NY Mets are 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Boston

4:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games on the road
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis

6:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TAMPA BAY
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City

7:05 PM
MIAMI vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games
Miami is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Miami

7:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 11 of San Diego's last 15 games
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:05 PM
COLORADO vs. PITTSBURGH
Colorado is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games

7:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Houston's last 22 games on the road
Houston is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
Minnesota is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Houston

7:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi White Sox's last 9 games
Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games

7:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games on the road
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Cleveland's last 25 games when playing at home against LA Angels

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 7 games
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cincinnati's last 11 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games on the road
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati

8:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TEXAS
Baltimore is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 8 games

8:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games on the road
Oakland is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing at home against Oakland

9:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. LA DODGERS
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Chi Cubs's last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
LA Dodgers are 16-6 SU in their last 22 games when playing Chi Cubs

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Saturday, August 29


St. Louis @ San Francisco

Game 951-952
August 29, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Lynn) 16.897
San Francisco
(Vogelsong) 15.378
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-115); Over

Miami @ Washington

Game 953-954
August 29, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Koehler) 13.685
Washington
(Zmmrmnn) 16.158
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-220
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-220); Over

Colorado @ Pittsburgh

Game 955-956
August 29, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Rusin) 15.205
Pittsburgh
(Happ) 14.154
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-240
8
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+200); Over

San Diego @ Philadelphia

Game 957-958
August 29, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Rea) 13.685
Philadelphia
(Morgan) 15.810
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+100); Over

Cincinnati @ Milwaukee

Game 959-960
August 29, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Sampson) 14.322
Milwaukee
(Garza) 13.243
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-140
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+120); Under

Chicago Cubs @ LA Dodgers

Game 961-962
August 29, 2015 @ 9:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 13.243
LA Dodgers
(Latos) 16.897
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 3 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-105); Over

Detroit @ Toronto

Game 963-964
August 29, 2015 @ 1:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Farmer) 11.220
Toronto
(Hutchson )18.053
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 7
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-230
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-230); Over

Kansas City @ Tampa Bay

Game 965-966
August 29, 2015 @ 6:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Medlen) 16.252
Tampa Bay
(Odorizzi) 18.446
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-115); Under

Houston @ Minnesota

Game 967-968
August 29, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Fiers) 16.446
Minnesota
(Pelfrey) 17.519
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+125); Under

Seattle @ Chicago White Sox

Game 969-970
August 29, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Iwakuma) 16.763
Chicago White Sox
(Samrdzja) 12.905
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 4
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-110
8
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-110); Over

LA Angels @ Cleveland

Game 971-972
August 29, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Richards) 14.050
Cleveland
(Kluber) 15.522
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
N/A

Baltimore @ Texas

Game 973-974
August 29, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Jimenez) 14.299
Texas
(Perez) 16.747
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-110
9
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-110); Over

Boston @ NY Mets

Game 975-976
August 29, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Kelly) 16.326
NY Mets
(deGrom) 15.208
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-210
7
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+180); Over

NY Yankees @ Atlanta

Game 977-978
August 29, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Sevrino) 13.199
Atlanta
(Wisler) 14.324
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-210
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+180); Under

Oakland @ Arizona

Game 979-980
August 29, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Doubront) 12.905
Arizona
(Chacin) 15.579
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 2 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-140
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-140); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Coach Fletcher’s Saturday Free Pick

Saturday, August 29

The Pick Kansas City Royals +105

Medlen Comes Back Strong After 2nd Tommy John Surgery

Kris Medlen is one of the few pitchers to have two Tommy John surgeries and return to the major leagues. Medlen’s return was a good one and it is just what the Royals were looking for. Even though they hvae a huge lead in the AL Central, the Royal rotation needed improvement. Acquiring Johnny Cueto from the Reds is a huge step. Kris Medlen may be the strong second part of the equation. Medlen’s surgery wiped out his entire 2014 season. His last start was his first since September 27, 2013.

The Pitchers

Medlen, Royals

· Medlen’s first start since September of 2013 was a good one. He surrendered 3 runs in 6 innings, but it was the “other” things that made an impact. Medlen struck out 6 and walked no one. He threw 49 strikes in 69 pitches. His fastball average 91.7 mph which was higher than it was before his last Tommy John. He threw 59% fastballs in the strike zone which is above average. The o’s posted up 6, count ‘em 6, lefties against Medlen and he was able to place his fast place on or near the corners. Opponents went 2-13 with 2 K’s against Medlen’s fastball.



· Medlen used the accuracy of his fastball to get ahead in the counts then used his curveball (23%) and changeup (13%^).



· In his last full season in the bigs, Medlen was 15-12 with a 3.11 era for the Braves. In 2012, making 12 starts and 38 appearances in relief, Medlen was 10-1 with a 1.57 era.



Odorizzi, Rays

· 6-6, 3.02 era

· 3-2, 2.22 era home

· 0-0, 4.50 era last 3

· 1-0, 3.46 era last 7

· 3-4, 3.39 era last 15

· 2-1, 3.86 era July

· 0-0, 3.82 era August

· 1-1, 4.30 era post All-Star

· .225 against by LH

· .234 against by RH

Odorizzi is having an excellent season. He’s not a guy you relish going up against. Career-wise Jake is 17-21 with a 3.70 era. He’s been a little off in his last 3, but a solid performer. Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, Eric Hosmer, Omar Infante and Salvador Perez have all had success agains Odorizzi.

The Bullpens

· Royals - 2.45 era road Rays – 3.72 era home

The bullpen edge looms big in this game. We don’t expect Medlen to go past 6 and Odorizzi hasn’t gone past 6 but one time in his last 11 starts.

The Hitters

Royals Rays

· 4.4 runs per game 3.7 runs per game

· 4.1 runs per game road 3.7 runs per game home

· 4.7 runs per game vs RHP 3.5 runs per game vs RHP

· 5.3 runs per game last 7 3.6 runs per game last 7

· 4.1 runs per game night 3.9 runs per game night

It would be hard to find more convincing numbers than this in favor of the Royals.

· Plus 82 run differential (5th) Minus 19 run differential (18th MLB)

· 9.31 hits per game away (4th) 7.90 hits per game home (27th MLB)

· 0.87 HR per game road 0.95 HR per game

· 2.05 BB per game road (30th) 2.61 BB per game home

· 6.30 K’s per game road 7.95 K’s per game home

· 14.05 total bases per game rd 12.69 total bases per game home

· .271 batting average (2nd) .248 batting average (24th)

· .261 batting average away .246 batting average per game home

· .394 slugging % road .395 slugging % home

· .310 on base % road .310 on base % home

· .704 on base + Slugging road .705 on base + slugging home

It’s hard not to give a sizeable edge in hitting to the visitin Royals. The runs per game is particularly telling. When you have a subpar offense and your opponent has a strong bullpen, you are generally in real trouble.

Odds and Ends

Royals Rays

· 78-49 57-61

· Allow 3.7 runs per game Allow 3.9 runs per game

· 21-11 when total 7 or less 27-32 when total is 7 or less

· 11-11 when road dog (to +125) 13-11 when home fave (to -125)

· 33-28 road 31-31 home

· 17-8 August 12-11 August

· 53-35 at night 46-41 at night

· 0-0 in dome (5-2 last 3 yr) 32-32 in dome

· 1-3 on artificial turf (9-9 last 3) 36-35 on artificial turf

· 54-27 vs RHP 41-50 vs RHP

· 40-24 vs team w/losing record 27-22 vs team w/winning record

· 16-9 vs team w/losing rec 2nd ½ 9-8 vs team w/winning record 2nd half



· Royals are 14-3 vs Rays last 3 years



· Royals are 4-0 vs Rays this season



· Royals are 5-2 vs Tampa Bay in Tampa Bay last 3 years



Coach’s Conclusion

The Odds and Ends show some powerful numbers in the Royals’ favor. The overall records aren’t close. The Royals have a better record on the road than the Rays have at home. The Royals win 2 of every 3 starts against RHP. The Rays have a losing record against RHP. 14-3 over the last 3 years is strong medicine. Admittedly it may be crazy to play a pitcher who has had 1 start since Sept. 27, 2013. I won’t deny that. But Medlen’s return was a strong one and the Royals’ pen is one of baseball’s best. I’m going with the Royals here.

The Pick Kansas City +105

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach

1* Free Pick on OVER 48 in Montana vs North Dakota State @ 3:30 ET Saturday, August 29th –

While it is true this is "only" an FCS match-up, the fact is it still the opening game of the College Football season and it truly does involve two of the most prominent teams in the FCS. The key to this play on the over Saturday is the changes each team has undertaken coming into the season coupled with the fact that the weather should be perfect for execution on offense as neither wind nor rain is expected to be a factor on a warm and sunny afternoon in Missoula, Montana. Back to those keys to the team changes for this season: North Dakota State's offense should be firing on all cylinders out of the gate but they return on four starters on defense as they enter this season. This is a big concern because the Bison are facing a Grizzlies team that is fully expected to push the tempo on offense with a new head coach at the helm. Bob Stitt makes his debut for Montana today and he's installed a fast-paced offense for the Grizzlies that is focused on running as many plays as possible in a game. Montana will play at a frenetic pace and they've got the wide receiver talent to do just that with some key returning stalwarts returning at the wideout positions and very excited to be a part of this new offense which will result in even more opportunities for them. The Grizzlies will couple the advantage of this new offense againt an inexperience defense to score plenty in this game. But of course the Bison are a two TD favorite in this one for a reason. They are led by star QB Carson Wentz and with all of the returning firepower he has, North Dakota State is going to be a very dangerous offense to contend with this season. The Bison are going for their 5th straight championship at the FCS level and Wentz and company will light up the scoreboard this afternoon

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CAPPERS ACCESS

Steelers
Vikings
49ers

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Blue Jays

GAME: Detroit Tigers (60-68) at Toronto Blue Jays (72-56)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 1:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: 210, -230 TOTAL: 9.5

The Toronto Blue Jays are demonstrating quite the power display as they vie for their first trip to the postseason since Joe Carter emphatically ended the 1993 World Series. After belting three homers in a 5-3 win in the opener, the host Blue Jays look to slug their way to a series victory when they continue their three-game set versus the tumbling Detroit Tigers on Saturday afternoon.

Toronto, which leads the the New York Yankees by 1 1/2 games in the American League East, has scored 60 runs and launched 14 homers en route to winning six of its last seven contests. Edwin Encarnacion added an RBI double to extend his career-high hitting streak to 23 games, but he'll receive his first look at Saturday starter Buck Farmer. While the Blue Jays have won 22 of their last 27, the Tigers have dropped seven of their last eight to fall behind a bevy of teams in the race for the second wild card. Ian Kinsler homered among his two hits in the opener to improve to 18-for-43 (.419) during his last 10 contests, but is just 2-for-10 in his career versus Saturday starter Drew Hutchinson.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Buck Farmer (0-2, 7.80 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Drew Hutchinson (12-2, 5.06)

Farmer's no-hit bid went by the boards on Monday as he allowed a pair of homers and three runs total to walk away with a no-decision versus Cincinnati. The 24-year-old has been taken deep eight times in nine appearances (30 innings) while allowing 27 runs on 39 hits. Farmer is still searching for his first major-league win despite making 13 appearances (six starts).

Due to three days off in its schedule, Toronto shuffled Hutchinson to Triple-A Buffalo with the intent of having the right-hander make one start before being recalled for Saturday's tilt. The 25-year-old has won his last three outings for the Blue Jays and improved to 4-0 in his last seven on Aug. 16 after allowing one run on three hits in 6 2/3 innings of a 3-1 triumph over the Yankees. Hutchinson has flourished at home, posting a 10-1 mark with a 1.08 WHIP while limiting the opposition to a .226 batting average.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto SS Troy Tulowitzki, who homered on Friday, has hit safely in eight of his last 10 games.

2. Blue Jays 3B Josh Donaldson also went deep, but is just 2-for-16 in his last four contests.

3. Detroit OF Anthony Gose belted a two-run homer against his former team on Friday to hit safely for the fourth time in five outings.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Tigers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Mets

GAME: Boston Red Sox (59-69) at New York Mets (71-57)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: 186, -203 TOTAL: 7

The New York Mets have a chance to put the National League East even deeper into their pocket with a homestand against a pair of last-place teams, but things did not get off to the best start. The Mets will try to rediscover the franchise record-setting power they displayed on the road and even the series when they host the Boston Red Sox in the second contest of a three-game interleague series on Saturday.

New York has already established a club record with 43 home runs in August and set a franchise mark with a total of 73 runs over the final seven games of their road trip – all wins – that helped extend the lead over the Washington Nationals in the East to 6 1/2 games. The Mets, who will welcome the Philadelphia Phillies to town after the Red Sox, failed to homer in Friday’s opener and dropped a 6-4 decision in 10 innings but managed to hang onto that 6 1/2–game cushion as Washington also lost. Boston, which sits at the bottom of the AL East, has not lost a series since dropping two games at Miami on Aug. 11-12. New York will try to find its power stroke against Boston right-hander Joe Kelly while Jacob deGrom goes for the Mets on Saturday.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1, NESN (Boston), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Joe Kelly (7-6, 5.18 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (12-6, 2.29)

Kelly is riding a five-start winning streak and has allowed two runs or fewer in each of the last four outings. The California native went a season-long 7 1/3 innings at the Chicago White Sox on Monday and surrendered two runs and five hits to pick up the win. Kelly is making his fourth career appearance against the Mets and is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in the previous three – one start.

DeGrom is coming off a forgettable outing at Philadelphia on Monday, when he was knocked around for seven runs (six earned) on eight hits – three home runs – and three walks in 2 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old was reportedly dealing with food poisoning during that turn, which snapped a string of seven straight starts allowing two or fewer earned runs. DeGrom is making his first career start against Boston and is 6-2 with a 1.46 ERA in 12 home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox LF Hanley Ramirez (right shoulder fatigue) sat out Friday and is day-to-day.

2. New York 3B David Wright has recorded multiple hits in three of four games since coming off the DL.

3. Boston DH David Ortiz (493) tied Lou Gehrig and Fred McGriff for 27th on the all-time home run list on Friday.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Red Sox 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Giants

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (82-46) at San Francisco Giants (69-59)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: -104, -104 TOTAL: 7

Kelby Tomlinson wasn’t highly ranked on any prospect lists before the season, but he’s suddenly become a key part of the San Francisco Giants’ playoff push. It always seems to work out that way for the fortuitous Giants, who bring a three-game winning streak into Saturday’s meeting against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals.

Tomlinson helped the Giants snap the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak with a walk-off single in Friday’s 5-4 series-opening victory as San Francisco remained 2 1/2 games behind the NL West-leading Dodgers. The 25-year-old rookie is batting .364 in 21 games while providing a surprising boost in place of All-Star Joe Panik, who has been out since Aug. 3 with lower back stiffness but could return in early September. St. Louis closer Trevor Rosenthal isn’t injured, but he’s unavailable this weekend due to the birth of his second child. The Cardinals, who lead the NL East by 3 1/2 games over Pittsburgh, recalled Sam Tuivailala from Triple-A Memphis to replace Rosenthal for the series.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Lance Lynn (10-8, 2.94 ERA) vs. Giants RH Ryan Vogelsong (9-9, 4.05)

Lynn is seeking his first win against San Francisco after going 0-4 with a 6.33 ERA in his previous four starts. The 28-year-old reached double digits in wins for the fourth straight season Monday after limiting Arizona to two runs over six frames. Buster Posey is 4-for-8 with a home run against Lynn, who yielded two runs and five walks over 6 2/3 innings against the Giants on Aug. 18.

Vogelsong looks to bounce back from a dismal outing against Pittsburgh on Sunday, when he allowed three runs and issued four walks over 3 1/3 innings. The 38-year-old has struggled against the Cardinals in the regular season, going 3-6 with a 5.65 ERA in 20 games (10 starts). Yadier Molina is 4-for-21 against Vogelsong, who held St. Louis to two hits over six scoreless innings in the Giants’ 2-0 victory at Busch Stadium on Aug. 18.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants placed RHP Matt Cain on the disabled list (elbow) and recalled RHP Chris Heston, who will start Sunday’s series finale.

2. St. Louis OF Jon Jay (wrist) is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

3. San Francisco has won 16 of its last 19 home games.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Giants 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Rays

GAME: Kansas City Royals (79-49) at Tampa Bay Rays (63-65)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 6:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: 102, -110 TOTAL: 7

Kris Medlen's first start with the Kansas City Royals offered up some hope that he could help bolster the rotation down the stretch. Medlen continues his comeback Saturday when he gets the ball in the second of three straight games at Tampa Bay.

The 29-year-old returned from his second Tommy John surgery earlier this season as a reliever before jumping into the rotation Monday against Baltimore, holding the Orioles to three runs and five hits in six innings. That was part of a four-game winning streak for the Royals that was snapped Wednesday, but they rebounded with two more victories, including a 3-2 triumph in the series opener Friday night. Kansas City owns a commanding 13-game lead in the American League Central while the Rays are 3 1/2 out of a wild-card spot. Medlen is opposed by Tampa Bay right-hander Jake Odorizzi on Saturday.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Kris Medlen (2-0, 3.10 ERA) vs. Rays RH Jake Odorizzi (6-6, 3.02)

Medlen also recorded six strikeouts against zero walks versus the Orioles and has 13 punchouts and one free pass overall this month. He is 31-13 with a 2.98 ERA in 62 career starts and owns a combined ERA of 1.77 between August and September. The California native has never faced the Rays.

Odorizzi is winless in five August starts despite lasting at least six innings in each affair and limiting opponents to three runs or fewer in four of them. He held Oakland to two runs and three hits with four strikeouts in six frames Sunday, but wound up with another no-decision in an 8-2 loss. The 25-year-old, who has walked exactly one batter in each of his last six starts, is 0-2 with a 6.91 ERA in three career games (two starts) against Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals DH Kendrys Morales is 6-for-12 with two homers and four RBIs in his last four games.

2. Rays RF Daniel Nava had three of his team's seven hits Friday and is 6-for-12 with a home run during a three-game hitting streak.

3. Kansas City has won each of the five meetings this year.

PREDICTION: Royals 4, Rays 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Pirates

GAME: Colorado Rockies (51-75) at Pittsburgh Pirates (78-49)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: 230, -253 TOTAL: 7.5

Sitting 29 games over .500 for the first time since 1972, the Pittsburgh Pirates seek to continue their dominance against National League West Division opponents when they host the Colorado Rockies on Saturday in the second of a three-game series. Pittsburgh improved to 20-4 against the West and moved to 45-20 at home with Friday's 5-3 victory.

Right fielder Gregory Polanco has thrived at the top of the order for the Pirates, registering multiple hits in nine of his last 17 games. He augmented his latest three-hit game with his eighth and ninth assists of the season, including throwing out the potential go-ahead run at home plate Friday. Carlos Gonzalez continued his second-half home run binge for Colorado in the series opener, swatting his 10th in August and 21st since July 5 to take over the team lead with 31. Pittsburgh's J.A. Happ looks to win his third straight start when he faces Rockies left-hander Chris Rusin.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Chris Rusin (4-6, 4.97 ERA) vs. Pirates LH J.A. Happ (6-7, 4.21)

Rusin followed the best start of his career with his worst outing of the season, getting rocked by the New York Mets for 11 runs on 12 hits in two-plus innings. He tossed his first shutout in his previous turn, blanking San Diego on five hits to earn his first victory since June 21. Rusin is 1-2 with a 4.19 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates and has struggled against Pedro Alvarez (4-for-8).

A move to the National League has worked wonders for Happ, who has won his last two starts and permitted one run in 17 1/3 innings during the past three. The 32-year-old Happ blanked Miami on four hits over six innings last time out and tossed six scoreless innings while allowing only two hits against Arizona in his previous turn. Happ has made four appearances (three starts) versus the Rockies, logging a 1-0 record and 1.93 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Gonzalez has 37 RBIs in 36 games since the All-Star break.

2. Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen is 11-for-22 during a six-game hitting streak.

3. Rockies 1B Justin Morneau, out since mid-May with a concussion and cervical neck strain, began a rehab assignment Friday at Double-A New Britain.

PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Rockies 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Nationals

GAME: Miami Marlins (52-77) at Washington Nationals (64-63)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: 219, -240 TOTAL: 7.5

The margin of error to reach the postseason keeps getting slimmer for the Washington Nationals, who face an uphill climb with injuries taking a toll on their lineup. Trailing the first-place New York Mets by 6 1/2 games in the National League East, the Nationals attempt to rebound from a 4-3 defeat when their three-game series continues Saturday against the visiting Miami Marlins.

Washington endured a rough day on the injury front Friday when it was revealed the center fielder Denard Span will undergo season-ending surgery to repair the labrum in his left hip. Michael Taylor, who has been starting in Span's place, suffered a knee contusion Thursday and sat out the series opener along with third baseman Yunel Escobar (hand). Marlins third baseman Martin Prado belted a two-run homer Friday to improve to 14-for-41 against the Nationals this season. Right-hander Tom Koehler, who has lost six consecutive starts for Miami, opposes Jordan Zimmermann on Saturday.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Tom Koehler (8-12, 3.98 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (10-8, 3.54)

Koehler winless drought continued despite turning in his third quality quality start in four turns, limiting Pittsburgh to two runs on seven hits over six innings on Monday. The Marlins have scored two or fewer runs five times during Koehler's six-start skid, but he's allowed at least five runs in half those starts. He has lost two of three decisions versus the Nationals this season to fall to 3-5 lifetime against them.

After enduring a six-start winless drought, Zimmermann has won each of his last two outings despite giving up 10 runs and 17 hits over 11 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old Zimmermann is suddenly prone to the long ball, surrendering five homers in his last two starts and eight overall in five turns this month. Zimmermann is 0-1 in three starts against the Marlins this season despite allowing a total of six earned runs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins CF Marcell Ozuna has collected two hits in four of his last five games.

2. Nationals OF Bryce Harper is 14-for-33 during a nine-game hitting streak.

3. Marlins LF Christian Yelich missed his second straight game after aggravating a knee injury and may miss the rest of the series.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Marlins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Phillies

GAME: San Diego Padres (62-66) at Philadelphia Phillies (51-78)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: -113, 104 TOTAL: 8

Smiles have been few and far between for the struggling Philadelphia Phillies, but their meetings against the San Diego Padres this season have always resulted in one. The Phillies vie for their fifth victory in as many contests against the Padres when the clubs continue their three-game series at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday.

Cameron Rupp extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a homer to highlight his four-RBI performance in Philadelphia's 7-1 triumph in the opener, but he'll face a virtual unknown in right-hander Colin Rea on Saturday. Aaron Altherr, who had an RBI triple on Friday, has begun his career with seven extra-base hits in eight games. On the flip side, a punchless offense continues to plague the Padres, who have mustered just five hits in their last two contests and 15 runs while dropping four of five following a five-game winning streak. Melvin Upton Jr. has struggled mightily of late, going 1-for-16 with five strikeouts in his last five contests.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, WCAU (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Colin Rea (2-1, 5.52 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Adam Morgan (4-4, 4.43)

After allowing five runs total in his first two major-league starts, Rea permitted that same number over four innings en route to a 10-3 setback to St. Louis on Sunday. The 25-year-old came under fire early versus the Cardinals, surrendering four runs in the first inning. Rea, who will be making his first career start away from Petco Park, has struck out four in all three of his outings while issuing four walks in 14 2/3 frames.

Morgan was fortunate to walk away with a no-decision on Monday despite allowing four homers and five runs total in 3 2/3 innings against the New York Mets. The 25-year-old looks to rebound versus San Diego, which he limited to two runs (one earned) on six hits in as many frames to pick up the win on Aug. 8. Morgan hasn't issued a walk in his last three outings after yielding six in his previous three.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia RF Jeff Francoeur has rebounded from an 0-for-10 stretch to go 4-for-7 with four RBIs and a run scored in his last three contests.

2. San Diego OF Matt Kemp has missed two straight games with a sore left shoulder, but is listed as day-to-day.

3. The Phillies announced RHP Alec Asher, who was acquired from Texas in the Cole Hamels deal on July 31, will be recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start Sunday's game.

PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Padres 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Brewers

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (52-75) at Milwaukee Brewers (54-74)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: 123, -133 TOTAL: 8.5

The Cincinnati Reds attempt to halt their losing streak when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Cincinnati saw its skid reach four games as it suffered its second consecutive shutout loss in the series opener.

The Reds managed only five singles in the 5-0 defeat - their 13th in 14 contests - and have scored a total of five runs in their last five setbacks. Adam Lind recorded two hits and drove in a pair of runs as the Brewers put an end to their four-game slide. The performance halted a six-game RBI drought for Lind, who has gone 13 contests without a home run. Milwaukee is 6-5 in the season series against Cincinnati but has won each of the last five meetings.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Keyvius Sampson (2-2, 5.55 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Matt Garza (6-14, 5.26)

Sampson will be making his sixth major-league start after escaping with a no-decision against Detroit on Monday when he surrendered five runs and nine hits in four innings. The 24-year-old Floridian has yielded nine runs and 18 hits over just 7 1/3 frames in his last two outings after giving up a total of six runs over 16 innings in his first three turns. Sampson, who will be facing Milwaukee for the first time, is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in two home starts.

Garza had been pounded in each of his last two starts, including a loss at Washington on Sunday in which he was tagged for seven runs on eight hits and six walks over 4 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old Californian did record seven strikeouts in the outing, his highest total since fanning seven Nationals at home on June 11. Garza improved to 4-3 lifetime against the Reds on April 29, when he allowed two runs over 6 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Reds have tied the modern club record by using eight rookie starting pitchers this season and will extend their major-league mark of consecutive games started by a rookie to 30 on Saturday.

2. Milwaukee LF Khris Davis has hit 10 of the team's last 23 home runs.

3. Lind has belted only two home runs in his last 37 games.

PREDICTION: Brewers 7, Reds 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at Braves

GAME: New York Yankees (70-57) at Atlanta Braves (54-74)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: -190, 174 TOTAL: 7.5

Luis Severino has lived up to the billing so far since being promoted to pitch in a pennant race for the New York Yankees, while Matt Wisler has experienced his share of ups-and-downs in his rookie campaign with the rebuilding Atlanta Braves. The two talented right-handers, among the most promising debut pitchers in 2015, meet Saturday as the Braves host the Yankees.

New York routed Atlanta 15-4 in the series opener on Friday and remain 1 1/2 games behind first-place Toronto in the American League East. The Yankees offense finished 6-for-10 with runners in scoring position, a needed jolt after going 0-for-14 in those situations in three games against Houston earlier this week. Brian McCann drove in four runs and scored three times in the former Braves catcher's first game as a visitor in Atlanta, and is 6-for-17 with four runs scored, five RBIs and four walks in his past five contests. Atlanta has lost 10 of its past 11 and its pitching staff continues getting pounded, seeing its August ERA rise to 5.79 after allowing a season high in runs Friday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (1-2, 2.74 ERA) vs. Braves RH Matt Wisler (5-4, 5.43)

The 21-year-old Severino, who struck out seven Red Sox in five innings during a much ballyhooed debut on Aug. 5, earned his first big-league victory in his last outing Aug. 22 at Cleveland. He gave up one run on three hits in six innings with six strikeouts against the Indians, the third time in four outings Severino has fanned six or more hitters. Severino went 2-2 in eight starts for Double-A Trenton before going 7-0 with a 1.91 ERA in 11 starts for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Wisler’s impact on the Braves has come in measured doses through 12 starts, ranging from eight innings of one-run pitching in the debut to surrendering seven runs in 2 2/3 innings Sunday against the Cubs. That outing, the shortest of his career, continued a difficult August in which the 22-year-old is 0-3 with a 9.13 ERA and eight homers allowed in 22 2/3 innings. Wisler, who went 4-0 in July with a 3.30 ERA, is 3-0 in four home starts with a 3.65 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees SS Didi Gregorius went 4-for-5 with a career-high six RBIs in the opener, becoming the first New York shortstop not named Derek Jeter to drive in five or more runs in a game since Roy Smalley in 1982.

2. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis extended his hitting streak to nine games Friday, and is batting .337 in August.

3. New York P Bryan Mitchell, struck in the forehead by a line drive Aug. 17 against the Twins, pitched 1 1/3 innings in his return Friday.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Braves 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at White Sox

GAME: Seattle Mariners (60-69) at Chicago White Sox (60-67)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: -104, -104 TOTAL: 7.5

Jeff Samardzija aims to halt a five-start losing streak on Saturday, when he and the Chicago White Sox host the Seattle Mariners in the third contest of their four-game series. Samardzija has posted a 9.00 ERA during the skid while surrendering 39 hits in 28 innings.

The teams split the first two games of the series, with Seattle posting a 2-0 victory on Friday after firing general manager Jack Zduriencik earlier in the day. Mariners slugger Nelson Cruz was hitless in five at-bats in the win, ending his career-best streak of reaching base in 37 consecutive games. Seattle's Franklin Gutierrez homered in his third straight contest and is 9-for-17 with three walks over his last five games. The White Sox have been blanked in two of their last three contests and have scored 13 runs during a five-game stretch after scoring 23 in a three-game weekend set in Seattle.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (5-3, 4.29 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Jeff Samardzija (8-10, 4.75)

Iwakuma won three consecutive starts - including a no-hitter against Baltimore - before being torched for seven runs and seven hits over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Oakland in his last turn. He gave up just 14 hits in 31 2/3 frames over a four-start span before the poor outing against the Athletics. Iwakuma is 1-0 with a 1.61 ERA in five career appearances (three starts) against the White Sox and has fared well against both Alexei Ramirez (1-for-11) and Gordon Beckham (0-for-10).

Samardzija has served up seven homers during his slide and has given up five or more runs four times during the stretch. He lost to Boston in his last turn, when he surrendered five runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. Samardzija is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in two career outings against Seattle and has been reached for two homers by Logan Morrison (4-for-12).

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 3B Kyle Seager went 3-for-4 with a homer on Friday, one day after being held out of the starting lineup due to a month-long slump.

2. Chicago LF Melky Cabrera recorded two hits on Friday and is 7-for-16 over his last four games.

3. Seattle demoted the light-hitting Mike Zunino (.174) to Triple-A Tacoma and recalled fellow C John Hicks from the same club.

PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Mariners 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Indians

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (65-63) at Cleveland Indians (61-66)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Los Angeles Angels are cycling through problems as they attempt to stay in the American League wild card race, and offense is the latest issue. The Angels will try to pick up the bats and even the series when they visit the Cleveland Indians for the second of a three-game series on Saturday.

Los Angeles dropped the series opener 3-1 on Friday, marking the sixth time in the last nine games the team failed to score more than two runs. The Angels have dropped six of those nine games to fall 1 1/2 games behind the Texas Rangers for the second AL wild card, and reigning MVP Mike Trout’s .200 batting average, one home run and six RBIs in August are not helping things. The Indians have taken the first three games of their homestand and seven of the last eight in front of their own fans to improve to 27-34 at home. Cleveland will throw another tough test at the Los Angeles offense when Corey Kluber takes the mound opposite Angels righty Garrett Richards.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Garrett Richards (12-10, 3.80 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (8-13, 3.43)

Richards had a string of three straight quality starts come to an abrupt halt last time out, when he was reached for nine runs (seven earned) and 10 hits in five innings against Toronto. The 27-year-old surrendered a pair of home runs in that outing after keeping the ball in the park in his previous two turns. Richards faced Cleveland on Aug. 3 and allowed four runs on as many hits and three walks while matching a career high with 11 strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings to earn the win.

Kluber was roughed up for six runs in as many innings at Boston on Aug. 19 but bounced back with 11 strikeouts and one run allowed in 7 2/3 frames at the Chicago Cubs on Monday. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner has yielded one run in four of his last six turns. Kluber went up against Richards on Aug. 3 and surrendered five runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings to suffer the loss.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians 2B Jason Kipnis is 6-for-13 with six RBIs and five runs scored in the last three games.

2. Cleveland 3B/1B Chris Johnson (infected finger) began a rehab assignment at Double-A Akron on Friday and went 0-for-3 while serving as DH.

3. Los Angeles is 3-14 in its last 17 road games.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Angels 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Twins

GAME: Houston Astros (71-58) at Minnesota Twins (66-62)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: -133, 123 TOTAL: 8

Mike Fiers has quite a performance to follow up after throwing his first career no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last turn. The Houston right-hander attempts to weave another strong performance when the Astros visit the Minnesota Twins on Saturday for the second contest of their three-game series.

Fiers will be observed closely after throwing a career-high 134 pitches in the no-hitter, which also represented his first complete game in 59 career starts. Houston lost Friday's series opener 3-0 - just its third defeat in 10 games - while playing without rookie shortstop Carlos Correa due to a hamstring injury. The Astros allowed more than two runs for the first time in 10 contests as their lead over second-place Texas in the American League West was reduced to four games. Minnesota has won seven of its last eight contests and sits one-half game behind the Rangers in the battle for the second wild-card spot.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Mike Fiers (6-9, 3.63 ERA) vs. Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (6-7, 3.69)

Fiers was winless in his first three starts after being acquired from Milwaukee before his historic effort. He has allowed just one run - a solo homer - in 21 innings over his last three outings. Fiers is 1-1 with a 1.69 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against Minnesota.

Pelfrey is 1-0 with five no-decisions over his last six starts and allowed fewer than two runs in three of the outings. He received a no-decision against Baltimore in his last turn, when he gave up three runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. Pelfrey is 3-2 with a 3.35 ERA in six career starts against the Astros.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins 3B Miguel Sano (hamstring) sat out Friday's game but could serve as the designated hitter on Saturday.

2. Houston C Jason Castro (quadriceps) departed after hitting a double in the fifth inning and is uncertain for Saturday's tilt.

3. Minnesota LHP Glen Perkins (back) pitched in the series opener for the first time since Sunday and struck out two of the three batters he faced in the seventh inning.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Twins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Rangers

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (63-65) at Texas Rangers (66-61)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 29 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: -108, 100 TOTAL: 9

The Texas Rangers look to strengthen their slim lead for the second wild-card spot in the American League when they vie for a series victory over the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Saturday. Shin-Soo Choo belted a solo homer in Friday's 4-1 triumph for his fourth blast and sixth run scored in the season series as Texas defeated Baltimore for the fourth time in five contests.

Choo has reached base safely in 32 straight starts but is just 1-for-9 - albeit a homer - in his career versus Saturday starter Ubaldo Jimenez. While the Rangers hold a one-half game lead over Minnesota, the Orioles have dropped 3 1/2 back after losing eight of their last nine contests. A sputtering offense hasn't helped matters as Baltimore has recorded three runs or fewer eight times in that span. Slugger Chris Davis is 2-for-25 with 14 strikeouts in his last seven games and 1-for-5 versus Saturday starter Martin Perez.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MLBN, MASN2 (Baltimore), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Ubaldo Jimenez (9-8, 4.26 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (1-3, 5.30)

Jimenez fell to 3-6 on the road after yielding seven runs and 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings of an 8-3 setback to Kansas City. The second half of the season hasn't treated the 31-year-old Dominican well as he permitted six-plus runs for the fourth time in eight starts. Jimenez has struggled to keep the ball in the park of late, as he has been taken deep in each of the last three games and nine times in eight outings.

Pitching on an extra three days' rest, Perez allowed three runs for the third straight start before exiting after five innings in a 4-0 setback to Detroit on Aug. 20. The 24-year-old Venezuelan struggled with his control and issued three walks after surrendering just two in his previous four outings (21 1/3). Perez has yet to allow a homer in seven starts this season as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas CF Delino DeShields has recorded three multi-hit performances in his last four contests.

2. Baltimore OF Adam Jones notched one of his team's three hits in the opener but is just 1-for-13 in his last four games.

3. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre is 9-for-22 with one homer and four RBIs in his last six contests.

PREDICTION: Orioles 5, Rangers 3